A successful winter getaway hinges not just on a spirit of adventure, but also on thorough preparation. Alongside your essential supplies like water, snacks, a headlamp, matches, and a first aid kit, ensure you’ve packed sufficient layers to accommodate the anticipated weather (which you should verify ahead of time). Here’s a rundown of vital winter gear for you and your family.
All equipment provided by Mountain Equipment Co-op (mec.ca).
1. MEC Spicy Hoodie: This exceptionally warm hoodie is filled with 850 fill-power down (from grey and white geese) yet remains incredibly lightweight and portable. When zipped into its hand pocket, it occupies minimal space and weighs a mere 250 grams (9 oz).
2. MEC Whirlwind Jacket: Designed for kids, this jacket is adorable and extremely warm. Constructed from soft Sherpa high-loft polyester fleece, it’s not only cuddly but also easy to maintain (safe for machine washing and drying).
3. Zippo Hand Warmer: Offering portable comfort during chilly days, this warmer eliminates the hassle of disposable options. It emits radiant heat—smokeless and odorless—producing ten times the warmth of disposable models, giving an edge to the refillable option.
4. GSI Vortex Blender: Ideal for the proactive winter host or adventurer, this hand-cranked, lightweight (2.15 kg/4.5 lb) blender is easy to pack and can whip up drinks and snacks for your ice fishing companions.
5. SPIbelt Small Personal Item Belt: This belt is perfect for carrying crucial small items you can’t afford to forget. Super light and compact, it has ample room for essentials like your phone, keys, ID, cash, credit cards, and even a passport.
6. Ambler Canuck Earflap Hat: This charming hat is handcrafted in Nepal from 100% wool and features a soft fleece headband, created by women in a charitable initiative aimed at supporting survivors of human trafficking in achieving economic independence.
7. MEC Escapade Backpack: Designed specifically for children, this backpack is packed with features such as an internal sleeve, hanger, and hydration hose port, plus it has adjustable options for growth and ergonomic design for safe load carrying.
