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Choosing The Right Ski Goggles For You

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Choosing The Right Ski Goggles For You

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Goggles are arguably one of the most important pieces of gear you could have. They can easily make or break a day on the hill and can cause dire consequences if malfunctioning. If they are so important, how come so many of us sacrifice for the ones that look the best or have the best price tag? This is often because the time when you need goggles usually means you’re about to go up the hill. Consequently, you’re in a rush. Take it from the staff at McCoo’s, shopping for goggles can be fun and pay off in the long run when you have the visibility you need, in varied conditions. To help you on your journey, here are some tips for choosing the right ski goggles.

Ask Questions

There are so many different products and features out there that it can be hard to choose on your own. Ask our staff as many questions as you need so that you know what goggles have the technology that you’re looking for.

Choose The Lenses That Work For You

Before going into the store, think about where you usually ski or ride: Are you hitting the park? Touring? Lapping groomers or shredding moguls? Also, consider what time of day you usually ride and if you are interested in switching lenses depending on the light.

Asking yourself these questions will help you determine what tint will provide a good combination of colour definition, contrast, depth perception and eye fatigue protection, all with the right visible light transmission (VLT) for your specific needs.

Learn About The Technology

Ah, good ol’ science. It’s helping many brands develop styles and technology that help to maintain visibility in even the most terrible conditions. Before you come to the store, nerd out a bit on what features brands are currently offering. Or, be prepared to get your very own science lesson when you come in. Upgrades in scratch-resistant coating, anti-fogging, colour contrast and even built-in GPS are just a few of the developments being seen in models on the market.

Try Them On

Goggles are like a pair of shoes: they might look good but they might not fit how you want them to. Don’t be shy, try on every pair. Bring your helmet and take the time to adjust the strap. Make sure that the goggles fit snuggly on your cheek bones and don’t inhibit your peripheral vision.

If you have any questions, which, we’re sure you do, come on down and let our staff help you find the best goggle for you.

Luxury Adventure Gear For That Someone Who Is Extra

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Luxury Adventure Gear For That Someone Who Is Extra

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Maybe you’ve given someone a sideways glance as they’ve pulled out the latest goggles or perhaps you are the owner of a brand new GoPro Hero 7. Whatever your choice in adventure gear, there’s always room for luxury items. After all, when in nature, a little bit more goes a long way. Maybe you’re racing to the stores to get the newest gadgets, or perhaps, you’re already rocking next seasons colours, just how extra are you when it comes to luxury adventure gear?

If it just came out, you probably already own it.

Everyone is raving about the latest gear announcement. But let’s face it, that’s already old news in your eyes. You know a guy, that knows a guy, that got the brand new gear item to you before it was released to stores. Obviously.

Luxury Item: GoPro Hero 7

New technology? Time for an IMMEDIATE upgrade.

“That is so last season,” might be one of your favourite sayings. As soon as there is a technology advancement, you have to have it. Of course, it doesn’t matter if the old one worked fine and was only a few months old, it’s a matter of principle, people!

Luxury Item: Spyoptic ACE EC, featuring electrochromic ONE Lens™ technology.

3 in 1, does it all? It’s in your backpack.

Ugh. No one has time for fumbling through a bag, looking for that single item to do that specific task. As if. No, your items do it all. Battery pack and a flashlight, all-in-one? That’s right, it’s in your bag.

Luxury Item: Outdoor Tech Kodiak Mini Ultra

You’re always the warmest on the mountain.

You can brave all the elements because you have whatever it takes to be in your own self contained, temperature controlled climate. Heated boots, CHECK! Merino wool base layer, CHECK! If it keeps you toasty, you’re buying it in doubles, no, even triples.

Luxury Item: Mons Royale Merino Wool base layer and socks. 

Skincare is a must.

Goggle tan? Not for you. Chapped skin? That’s not in your vocabulary. You like to take the initiave and prevent your skin from suffering from the conditions. That way, you always look good.

Luxury Item: X-Treme Organics Winter Balm

If you can relate to all of the above, chances are, you’re extra when it comes to your adventure gear. Don’t worry, our friendly staff at McCoo’s can help you stay on top and always be rockin’ the most luxurious gear on the market.

The Best Gift For Every Zodiac Sign

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The Best Gift For Every Zodiac Sign

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Aries ♈

Aries is daring, active, courageous and energetic. Help them have the best season ever by getting them a tool that will facilitate the raddest adventures of all. Hestra gloves, Mons Royale base layers and Rip Curl outerwear are just to name a few.

Taurus ♉

The Taurus sign is known for having an eye for beauty. Get them an action cam such as the GoPro Hero 7 so that they can capture all of the breathtaking moments when out in nature.

Gemini ♊

Gemini’s are sociable, communicative and ready for fun. The perfect gift is one of our signature Shot Skis. This product is guaranteed to help them get the party started!

Cancer ♋

Cancer’s are the most nurturing signs of the zodiac. Get them something that can share and grow future relationships such as a S’well water bottle or tumbler. “Anyone need a drink,” will be their favorite catchphrase after they open your gift.

Leo ♌

Leo’s are warm, action-oriented and driven by the desire to be loved and admired. Grab an Oakley t-shirt or Ripcurl sweater to help them stand out in a crowd.

Virgo ♍

Virgo’s are intelligent, patient, and humble. They’ll want something they know is researched and the best technology out there. Spy Goggles with a Happy Lens or Oakley PRIZM goggles will help them see clearly, even if that means metaphorically.

Libra ♎

Their ruling planet is Venus which means that Libra’s are extremely romantic people. Let them pucker up with a HURRAW lip chap in any one of their delicious flavors.

Scorpio ♏

Scorpio’s are crazy observant and they’re constantly noticing things that others miss. A pair of Stance socks is just the attention to detail that a Scorpio loves.

Sagittarius ♐

Sagittarius is one of the biggest travelers among all zodiac signs. A Herschel backpack will allow them to carry all their belongings no matter where in the world or what adventure they are on.

Capricorn ♑

Capricorns are always forgetting to buy the practical items for themselves. Set them up for the year with a pair of Saxx Underwear or our newest addition to the McCoo’s line up, Mai Underwear.

Aquarius ♒

Aquarius is unpredictable, intelligent, social, independent and an excellent communicator. They will love anything that will keep them warm and allow them to change alongside the variable conditions. A Coal Toque is the perfect gift or stocking stuff for this star sign.

Pisces ♓

Certainly, this water sign will love a RipCurl MYBIKINI or a set of Mai Underwear from their deluxe line which also doubles as swimwear.

Gearing Up For Opening Weekend

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Gearing Up For Opening Weekend

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We’ve been waiting long and hard for the start of the season. Counting down the days in fact. Our gear has been sitting beside the door ready to go. Has yours? Gearing up last minute can lead to missing key pieces and ultimately put a kink in enjoying the first few days fo the season. Ride with ease and eliminate any unnecessary stress by gearing up with our handy Opening Weekend Checklist.

Goggles

You don’t want to leave this item behind. Sunny, windy, you name it. You’re going to need to see through every type of conditions, making goggles extremely important.

McCoo’s Recommendation: The Spy Ace Snow Goggle with the Happy Lens.

Action Cam

You’ll want to catch every first. First bails, first face shots, first après! Make sure your action cam is on your helmet or on a handheld gimble and ready to capture all the moments.

McCoo’s Recommendation: GoPro Hero 7.

Gloves

It’s no secret that ski gloves might be one of the most essential pieces of equipment in your pack. If you leave yours at home, you might as well not even go up the gondola. Well-fitted gloves provide greater dexterity, warmth, and comfort allowing you to ride all day long.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Hestra Army Leather Patrol Mittens.

Base Layer

The real secret to staying warm is having the right base layer. Forget wearing yesterdays sweatpants or even just your unmentionables. Believe it or not, you need fabric that can wick away sweat and breathe. That’s where Merino Wool comes in.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Mons Royale Merino Wool Yotei Tech LS Jersey

Outer Wear

It’s tough to leave these key pieces of your gear at home but never say never. If you did, you might just have left the house without pants. Stay warm and dry with the right outer wear. It’s also a bonus if you look good and can go right from the hill to après.

McCoo’s Recommendation: RipCurl Rebound Fancy Jacket and Pants. 

Battery Pack

Losing your riding buddy right before après is the worst! Don’t miss a beat because your phone is dead. Make sure your battery pack is charged and ready to keep you connected.

McCoo’s Recommendation: Outdoor Technology Kodak Ultra Battery Pack.

We’ve been ready for this weekend since closing day last year. You’ll be ready too with our handy Opening Weekend Checklist. If you left gear on the kitchen table, pop by the shop. We’ve got what you need to gear up for any Opening Day adventure.

5 Gear Upgrades You Need To Do This Winter

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5 Gear Upgrades You Need To Do This Winter

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We know how much a beloved piece of gear makes you feel. It’s trustworthy, reliable, and worked in. That stinky old base layer that you’ve been holding onto since you first moved to Whistler. That shirt has kept you warm through countless pow days and après. You know the one we’re talking about. Its lifespan has been reached, possibly even exceeded. Do yourself a favor and upgrade it to newer technology for the best ski season yet. While you’re at it, here are 5 more gear upgrades you definitely need to do this winter.

Gloves

Your gloves see a ton of action. Through all the strapping in, and doing up ski boots, they can lose some of their durability. Retire last seasons gloves to the status of ‘back-up’ and grab a new pair of Hestra Gloves. The design and material choice of Hestra gloves will even see you into next season and beyond.

Socks

Socks are one of the most washed parts of your winter gear. This means that over time, the fabric weakens and their adaptability to changing temperature conditions can be altered. Invest in a decent pair and it can make a huge difference to your experience on the mountain.

Goggles

Goggle technology is always improving. There’s no need to suffer through fogging and light distortion issues associated with many of the older models.  Ditch what you’ve got and check out the Oakley PRIZM Snow Goggles. The lenses enhance contrast and visibility over a wide range of light conditions.

Action Cam

GoPro has recently released the GoPro Hero 7 and a Hero 5 just won’t do the trick anymore after you hear about the new features. On the Hero 7, you’ll find improved audio, live-streaming to sites like Facebook, and a new time-lapse mode. All necessities when it comes to making edits of your latest mountain antics an getting them on social ASAP.

Beanie

If you’re anything like the average Whistler local, you’re most likely wearing your beanie day in and day out. At work, the bar, and of course on the hill, it’s just part of your mountain wardrobe. Freshen up your look with this year’s colors and styles by snagging one of the latest COAL headwear toques, found at both of our locations.

We at McCoo’s know how important it is it to have gear that you love. Why not make the gear you love, also the latest technology by upgrading some of the essentials this winter?

GEAR FEATURE: Hestra Gloves

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GEAR FEATURE: Hestra Gloves

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It’s that time of the year when you start to think about your winter gear. What shape is it in and what’s missing are often the most common questions that begin to pop up. One of the more frequent new purchases is gloves. Keeping a set together is always a challenge and since your hands are required to do up boots and manipulate gear, gloves take their fair share of wear and tear. Hestra offers high-quality gloves in over 400 styles. While McCoo’s focuses primarily on the Hestra gloves required for sports, it’s no secret across all their lines why we continue to stay dedicated to their brand.

History

Hestra Gloves was started by two brothers, Claes and Svante Magnusson in Sweden in 1936. They begin developing gloves for everyone from mountaineers all the way to lumberjacks. Warmth, protection, and finger tip sensitivity were important in many of these fields and so the associated technology began to appear in the Hestra designs. The company is still run currently by third and fourth generation family members.

Technology

Glove making is considered a craft by Hestra. Having mastered the art of glove cutting, which is a skill possessed only by a few hundred in the world, Hestra starts with durable leather and then finishes the gloves by hand sewing them together. They continue to choose leather as it has both insulating and protecting properties, ideal for keeping hands warm as well as helping them maintain dexterity. Elk from either Sweden or Finland is a popular source of the leather used. Polyester is also introduced into the gloves for its wind proof nature.

Design

According to Hestra, the biggest source of their inspiration is nature. Simple and clean lines lend a classic look to many of their gloves. The timeless nature of their designs continue to keep them relevant year after year. Well placed inseams and additional features are found on all their gloves, making them well equip for whatever task they are meant to tackle.

Gloves are an essential part of your winter gear. Cold hands can turn the best day into the worst very quickly. For keeping out the conditions, maintaining use of your hands, and reliability, Hestra is a brand we at McCoo’s have grown to trust and be proud to offer. If you have any questions about what style of glove is best for your sport, come stop by the store where our knowledgable staff will help you choose the gloves right for you.

Everything You Need For A Lit Crankworx

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Everything You Need For A Lit Crankworx

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Crankworx is coming to Whistler and to maximize your fun, you’re going to want to be prepared. No, we’re not talking scheduling in what events you need to catch and what after parties you can’t miss- we’re talking about all the nitty gritty stuff, like your bike park kit, water bottle, and of course, beach gear. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’ve got everything you need right here for lit Crankworx.

Bike Park Kit

Crankworx is the time to be seen. There are riders from all over the world showing off their skills but they don’t know about the double on Samari Pizza Cat or the sneaky lines on Dirt Merchant. Stand out in a Loose Riders Whistler Chapter kit. Colorful, functional, and oh so snazzy, you’re sure to get WHOOPS and YEAH BOSS’ while riding Family Cross.

Socks

Okay, so socks might not seem like a priority but trust us, they are. Reping some Stance socks in the bike park is just as important as having the newest Santa Cruz Nomad.

Water Bottle

Hello, #HEATWAVE2018. It’s almost as ridiculous to walk around without a water bottle as it is to be wearing pants in this weather. Grab a S’well Water Bottle that matches your look and keeps your beverage cool for up to 24 hours. The perks don’t stop there. These water bottles are eco-friendly.

Action Cam

Imagine this: A first-time trick gets thrown down at Redbull Joy Ride and you can’t believe your eyes. Was it a triple or a quadruple? Don’t settle for waiting for the rerun, watch it instantaneously on your GoPro. Then, let the cheering commence!

Beach Gear

Everyone knows that the place to go to cool down after watching Speed and Style or Fox Air DH is the lake. Show up with all the right gear. Hat, check, RipCurl My Bikini, check, Smith sunnies, check! Who knows, maybe you’ll chat your way into a wrist band or two for just one of the killer Crankworx parties.

Portable Battery Pack

Effectively hopping from after party to after party requires a tremendous amount of battery power. Make sure you aren’t caught with a dead phone by having an Outdoor Technology portable battery pack. Capable of multiple charges, you can graciously lend it to a buddy…if you please.

Crankworx is the festival of the summer season. Make sure you’re prepared to maximize fun for the most lit event of the season yet. Pop into McCoo’s and let us outfit you in everything you’ll need for the gravity-fed action!

 

 

The Different Types Of Fun

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The Different Types Of Fun

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Fun. It’s universal. We all love it, search it out, and aim to have more of it. But even though we spend much of our lives seeking out experiences that provide good times, fun can come in many different forms; Some of which could be perceived as crazy, painful, and possibly, not even enjoyable at all. So if your hiking straight up a mountain, wondering what you were thinking when you embarked on this challenging adventure, then perhaps, you needed to be reminded of the different types of fun.

Type 1 Fun

Type 1 is the most obvious kind of enjoyment. It’s laughing, being present, and feeling pleasure. Skiing powder, biking your favorite trail or lounging at the lake. All of these activities are so obviously entertaining, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you that you’re probably having a good time.

Gear necessary for Type 1 Fun: An Outdoor Technology Bluetooth Speaker to keep the party going or a RipCurl Bikini to get the party started. 

Type 2 Fun

Type 2 is the kind of fun that exists after the task, activity, or adventure is complete. Looking back at our hiking analogy, hating every step while you’re in the moment somehow seems like it was a good time when you look back on it. We would like to venture that Type 2 is the most common type of entertainment in Whistler. Think sub-zero temperatures, massive climbs, hikes for days, and earning your pow turns.

Gear necessary for Type 2 Fun: For activities involving Type 2 Fun, you should always have an action cam on hand. This way, you’ll be able to reflect on how much fun it actually was even though it might not have seemed like it at the time. 

Type 3 Fun

We don’t really understand this type of merriment but believe it or not, it exists. To sum it up, the word “sufferfest” comes to mind. You see, Type 3 is the variety that doesn’t become more enjoyable at any point. Even afterward, the situation doesn’t look any better, and quite possibly, even grimmer. Yet, for some reason, some of us chase this type as demonstrated by marathons, failed expeditions, and any other physically exhausting pursuit.

Gear necessary for Type 3 Fun: Oakley or Smith Sunglasses to hide your tears. 

It’s very possible in Whistler to find all of these types of fun. We’re guessing that’s probably one of the reasons you’re even here. So to make sure you can keep chasing activities that you love and enjoy, come to McCoo’s, your one-stop shop for all your adventures needs.

GEAR FEATURE: Outdoor Technology

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GEAR FEATURE: Outdoor Technology

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Let’s face it. Most of our experience with music technology lies in headphones being tangled, getting lost, or just plain breaking. But what if we told you there was a brand that made a goal of blending a modern lifestyle in the age of technology with the drive to be outdoors? Outdoor Technology does just that. They make products that last through all your adventures, letting the song carry on till the very end. Do you see what we did there?

Design

Outdoor Technology’s purpose is to create music products that serve real needs. This means their headphones, Bluetooth speakers, helmet audio, and earbuds fit active lifestyles. The design, style, and creation aims for comfort and durability.

Specs

Waterproofing/Water Resistance

Since Outdoor Technology aims to provide products that can endure all of your adventures, they possess some impressive specs. Many of the products vary in the level of water resistance, rated to at least IPX3 or better. That being said, most of the products are rated IPX6. For clarification, the IPX# refers to a products water resistance and waterproofing level, with IPX8 being the magic number and meaning the device can be submerged in water over 3 feet.

Bluetooth

Pretty much all of the Outdoor Technology devices come with Bluetooth technology. According to their website, if you own a laptop, desktop, crop top, carrottop, phone, bone, loan, tablet, phablet, or whatever else has Bluetooth, then it will connect. This is a great spec as no one wants to use their dirty hands to fumble with a button and that playlist you have for hiking, biking, shredding the gnar… it can be played no problem on whatever device!

Warranty

Outdoor Technology products come with a great warranty.  It entitles you, the original purchaser of the products, to normal use and/or operate as intended for a period of one year from the original purchase date and for goods to be free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is limited and is not applicable to damage caused by misuse or negligence, so don’t be throwing it off any cliffs and hoping it will still work!

We at McCoo’s pride ourselves on providing gear that you can adventure with and Outdoor Technology is perfect for all your Whistler activities. If you have any questions, come by the store and we’ll make sure we find you exactly what you need to play the background music to your most rad life.

5 Ways Music Makes A Summer

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5 Ways Music Makes A Summer

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Summer is about the sun, long days, even longer nights, and music! While the latter might not seem like an important part, we can assure you that without it, summer just wouldn’t be the same. Listening to beats while on an adventure or while lazily hanging around the lake can set the perfect tone. It’s also an integral part of some of your warm-weather events. Here are 5 ways music makes a summer!

Festivals

Attending a music festival is a definite highlight of summer. Listening to the sweet melodies of music you’ve never heard before and making golden memories you can keep with you for the rest of your life will connect you with everyone in the crowd.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Outdoor Tech Tags 2.0 Wireless Earbuds so you don’t miss any phone calls and can re-live some of your favorite songs right after they play live.

A Song For Summer

When the snow is falling and you’re struggling to adjust to the sub-zero temperatures, just put on a song that reminds you of summer. You’ll instantly be whisked right back into warmer days.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Crusher Wireless Headphones to block out the bleak winter and bask in your sunny summer nostalgia.

Background Music For Your Perfect Adventure

Sure, the sound of sweet nature is important to take note of but sometimes, you just need a little more to set the mood. Having music playing while you’re griding through a hike or enjoying a drink with friends by the water will make the experience all that much better.

Must-Have Music Accessory: Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell 3.0 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker to carry with you as you hike to Black Tusk or chill hard at Lakeside Park.

Shred Music

No matter what the season, biking, skiing, snowboarding- they all demand a playlist to shred too!

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Method Sport Headphones will keep the tunes flowing while you shred the gnar. 

Tunes For Chillin’ On The Patio And BBQing

Summer is undoubtedly patio season. Whole days can be spent outside on a balcony or at your local spot on the patio, relishing in the summer sun. We also can’t forget the countless BBQ’s that come with the season. They just wouldn’t be the same without tunes!

Must-Have Music Accessory: Skull Candy Barricade XL BT Speaker for your backyard BBQ.

We at McCoo’s are die-hard music fans and can help connect you to your own must- have music accessory to make your summer one to remember.