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Gearing Up For Spring Riding

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Gearing Up For Spring Riding

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Spring is just around the corner and that means that spring riding too! Bring on the longer days, sunshine, and Booterville sessions. But with the change in seasons, comes the need to change up your gear. Trust us. Wearing your usual winter attire can lead to excessive sweating, improper lenses, and even sunburns. So with a little planning, you can make the most of what’s left of the remaining season and spring riding.

Backpack

Hot one minute, cold the next. With the arrival of springtime, also comes varying temperatures. Ride with a backpack and be prepared to layer up or layer down at any point of the day. Your pack can also act as place to hold your sunscreen, shades, and of course, snacks!

Sunscreen

You can burn at any point of the year but obviously, when the sun is out the risk of getting a sunburn is higher. Protect your face with some SPF before hitting the slopes. It’s recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher for better protection and also, don’t skip out on the lip sunscreen either. Remember to reapply a couple of times during the day.

Gloves

Ditch the heavy duty gloves. There’s no need for them when the temperatures hover above zero as they will be too warm. Instead, opt for a lightweight glove that allows for dexterity and breathability. Light gloves will also provide just the right amount of protection from that sometimes sharp spring snow.

Sunglasses

Yup, we said it. Sunglasses! Throw a pair in your backpack for when you’re hanging out with buddies or getting to and from the hill. They will even come in handy during an impromptu après session or dance party at Glacier Lodge.

Action Cam

From parties on the hill to park sessions to après, you’re really going to want to capture all that can go down during a spring day on the mountain. Check out the new GoPro Hero 8 with HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization, perfect for whatever ends up happening.

Goggles

It’s time trade in your cloudy, low light lenses for something better fitted for bright sun. Not only will this allow you to see, this lens change can also protect your eyes against squinting and the extra UV rays.

All time, springtime is coming in hot and we can’t wait for this part of the season. Be prepared for those Peak Parties, longer days, and beaming sunshine by spending a little time re-organizing your riding attire. For any questions, come stop into McCoo’s. Otherwise, happy spring shredding!

5 Essentials You Need For Spring Mountain Biking

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5 Essentials You Need For Spring Mountain Biking

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It’s mountain bike season! The dirt is prime and the weather is inviting you to get out for a ride. Many of the trails have recently been worked on and you might not find as good of conditions at any other point of the year. Alongside the new season, comes many unique variables. Mud, sun, rain, and hero dirt can all be found in a single ride. With such a range, it pays to be well-prepared and well-versed in what to expect. To help you make the most of your early season riding, here are 5 essentials you’ll need while on the trail during spring.

Light Jacket

Stop wind and rain right in their tracks with a light jacket. Both these weather conditions can come at any time. What’s more, temperatures are known to change as you ascend and then descend. Grab a Loose Riders Jacket which is both wind-proof and water-proof to protect against a variety of conditions… and at a great price point too!

Gloves

Slippery hands can be dangerous when you’re going mach ten down a jump trail. Unfortunately, this can be a common occurrence, especially during the spring when light rain is a high possibility. Avoid going OTB by investing in a good pair of gloves like Oakley cycling gloves.

Performance Glasses

Seeing the trail is key to riding safely. In spring, muddy areas can lead to dirt flying everywhere, especially when you ride through. Consequently, getting dirt in your eyes happens more often than we’d like to think. Protect your eyes and enjoy the ride even more with a pair of Smith Performance Glasses.

Socks

Pedaling is a sweaty pursuit. And this includes your feet. Not only can sweaty feet lead to the obvious, stinky feet, it can also contribute to how warm your body is on a ride. Grab a pair of Mons Royale riding socks to wick away moisture and prevent the seemingly inevitable stinky feet situation.

Adequate Protection

Sure, wearing pads while mountain biking seems like the obvious thing to do but we’d like to take this chance to reaffirm its importance. Spring is the time when there’s more likely to be slippery woodwork, wet rocks, and even dry, marble-like dirt. In a nutshell, trail conditions can change on a dime. This means that having proper knee, elbow, and head protection like the gear from POC, could be the difference between a close call and a season ender. Wear your pads! Spring riding is a time when we all meet again on the trails after a long winter to enjoy the epic conditions. With that, comes unexpected weather, temperatures, and even changing trails. To maximize your fun while minimizing your discomfort, these 5 essentials will keep you safe and happy on your spring ride. For anything and everything else gear related, come into the store and speak to our friendly staff!

Why You Should Be Stoked For Spring Activities

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Why You Should Be Stoked For Spring Activities

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There’s no denying it any longer. Spring is officially here. We’re not going to lie, while winter is awesome,  the warmer weather and sunshine is always welcome. What’s more, with the change in seasons, comes a whole new set of exciting outdoor activities. From hiking to spending time on a patio, here’s a ton of reasons why you should be stoked for spring activities. We promise after reading this, you won’t be as sad putting your skis or snowboard away until next year.

Hiking

Hiking to get to the top of a rideable line can now be replaced with hiking to get to an epic view. As the snow melts, the hiking trails appear from underneath. Be prepared for the slushy conditions and changes in weather that come along with spring.

Must-Have Gear Item: A Mons Royale base layer that will wick away sweat while keeping you warm in the cool spring temperatures. 

Camping

The temperature is above zero and for many, that’s as good as any reason to break out the camping equipment. Bring on campfires, smores, and uncomfortable sleep!

Must-Have Gear Item: It’s not quite time to retire your toque. Bring a Coal Headwear beanie for those cool nights around the campfire.

Patios

Patio season! There’s nothing quite like enjoying a beer on a patio as the sun goes down. And now that the days are longer, there’s no excuse not to hit up your favourite after work spot.

Must-Have Gear Item: Layers are key in spring. Bring a RipCurl Sweater to bundle up in when the sun goes down. 

Mountain Biking

Trade the adrenaline rush of being on the hill for being on the trails. Mountain biking is always an exciting part of spring and a welcome change in activity. To make sure you get on the trails as soon as you can, check out TrailForks for the latest intel on what’s clear of snow.

Must-Have Gear Item: POC Joint VPD 2.0 Knee Pads for those variable conditions that make the risk of injury that much higher.

There’s plenty of reasons to be excited about spring. So when you find yourself packing up all your winter gear and putting it into storage, remember all the activities you can do outside. As with every change in season, there’s a change in what you’ll need to adventure and be comfortable while you’re at it. Come in and talk to our friendly staff about gearing up for your spring adventures.

Gearing Up For Spring Adventures

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Gearing Up For Spring Adventures

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March is upon us which means spring is right around the corner. And what sits right in from of us, is some of the best adventure time of the whole year. After being cooped up all winter, the longer days, warmer temperatures and sunshine make it all too inviting to get out and enjoy mother nature. To help you get stoked on what’s to come, here is what you should be looking forward to. Get ready to gear up for spring adventures!

Spring Skiing And Snowboarding

Sunscreen and t-shirts are in your future! Spring is all about hitting the slopes with friends and living it up on the mountain. That being said, make sure you’re dressed for the sunshine. This means wearing gear that protects you against the suns rays.

Must Have Item: SMITH Chromapop sunglasses and goggles offer 100% UV protection.

Hiking

As the snow melts, hiking trails emerge. Trekking through a spring forest is the stuff dreams are made of. Don’t be fooled by the sun and melting snow, the conditions can change on a dime. Be prepared by layering.

Must Have Item: The RipCurl Anti-Series protects against wind and rain. 

Camping

For some, it might be considered a bit too cold to venture out for an overnight trip; While for others, as soon as the temperatures hover above zero, it’s time to pack up the sleeping bag and tent. Don’t miss a beat by making sure you have enough power for Snapchat and Instagram.

Must Have Item: Outdoor Tech’s Kodiak Ultra is a waterproof, dust & dirt resistant, rugged power bank for your electronic devices.

Stargazing

The clear skies found during the springtime make it an ideal time for stargazing and for that reason, this time of year is also well-known for the Aurora Borealis being highly visible. Throw on come cozy clothes and hit up your favourite stargazing spot.

Must Have Item: A Coal Toque to keep your hair at bay and your ears warm. 

Spring in Whistler is incredible but who are we kidding, every season in the mountains is worth experiencing. For even more gear, stop by McCoo’s, your one-stop-shop for adventure.

4 Epic Spring Camp Spots

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4 Epic Spring Camp Spots

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It’s adventure season! And with that comes hiking, biking, road trips, and of course, camping. While it can be a little chilly during the springtime, it’s nothing that a blazing campfire can’t solve. Choosing where to get your camp on for the first time this year can depend on a number of factors; The snow line and campground opening dates are just to name a few. Luckily, we’ve got the intel on epic spring camp spots located right outside Whistler.

Cal-Cheak

This recreation site lies just south of town. Due to its location, it’s one of the first areas to be free of snow. The campground officially opens on May 1st, or when it’s snow-free. Campsites are on a first come, first served basis, no reservation system exists. It’s heavily treed which means it can get cold, so pack layers! Firewood is for sale from the Site Operator when a campfire ban is not in place.

Fun Activity To Do While There: Hike

Wedge Mountain

Situated north of Whistler, right past Green Lake, there is another recreation site. At the base of Wedge Mountain, lining the river lies some informal campsites. The river is stunning and it’s rushing waters give the illusion that you’re deep in the forest. Be careful not to park your tent to close, the waters can change with the weather.

Fun Activity To Do While There: Bike

Lillooet Lake

A short drive from Whistler lies Lillooet Lake. It’s often free of snow early in the year. This is a popular recreation area as noted by the several inexpensive campgrounds that line the shore. The sandy beaches that are found at the Twin Lakes and Strawberry Point sites are a big hit with many of the locals. But don’t be fooled by the inviting clear blue waters- it’s actually really cold!

Fun Activity To Do While There: Fish

Callaghan Lake

This campground is often one of the last to be free of snow but if the temperatures are warm, you can expect for it to be open much earlier than normal. The area to camp hugs the stunning and picturesque Callaghan Lake. It’s dark surroundings, free from light pollution make this spot prime for when a solar storm is occurring and the Northern Lights are visible.

Fun Activity To Do While There: Stargaze

Grab your portable stereo, action cam, and something to bundle up in for when the sun goes down and get camping!

How To Après Like A Boss

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How To Après Like A Boss

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Après goes hand in hand with ski season but there really is something special about enjoying a pint in the spring sun after a day on the hill.  Connecting with your buds and reliving the best moments of your ski day are all part of the mountain experience. And so is ending up dancing in your ski boots at 2am. So get ready to laugh, let loose a little and après like a boss with these tips!

Pick Your Poison

Pick what you’re drinking and stick with it.  Drinking from the early afternoon into wee hours of the following morning leave a lot of room for options but those options might make you miss a day of skiing. Also, stay away from the shot ski…no one ever regrets that the next day!

Eating Is Definitely Not Cheating

Fun fact: Skiing is hard work and burns a ton of calories. Replacing those calories is crucial in order for you to hit the slopes hard again the next day. And, it also enables you to party well into the evening. Grab a quick bite to eat on your way to the bar or even order a round of world-famous nachos while hanging on the patio.

Don’t Forget To Sleep

If there’s snow in the forecast, it warrants skipping the night out to get a good sleep so you’re ready for the first chair. Après is an awesome tradition, but fresh tracks and face shots will always take priority. Even if there’s no new snow, starting to après right after a day on the hill means it’s okay to call the night early. That’s the secret to being able to do it day in and day out.

Alternate Drinks With Water

Beer, water, beer, water. If you want to feel good the next day and make it back on to the hill, hydrate like you’ve never hydrated before. Sure, you might be hitting the washroom more often but when everyone else is complaining of a hangover and you’re not…it will be worth those few extra trips.

Dress For Success

Nail the après-ski style. And no, that doesn’t mean wheeling out your best cashmere, cat-eye sunglasses and colourful faux fur. It means being able to comfortably transition from being on the mountain to being in a bar. Try layering peices like a plaid shirt and a tee. Also, don’t forget a hat to cover up that helmet hair. To gain more insight into the world of après-ski style, stop by McCoo’s for some real advice.

Buying The Perfect Hat

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Buying The Perfect Hat

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We can almost see summer from where we stand and it’s looking HOT! Many if the experts suggest covering up to reduce sun exposure and we have to agree but for a different reason. Not only are hats pretty much one of the greatest ways to protect against the weather, but they make one hell of an accessory too. You may be reading this and shaking your head,”Hats? Not my jam.” If you have designated yourself as “not a hat person” then you aren’t aware of how to buy the perfect hat. That’s where McCoo’s comes in.

Buy A Shape That Fits Your Face

Everyone’s facial structure is different but for the purpose of haircuts, make-up, and hats, four facial types have been created. There are a ton of resources out there to help you determine your face shape but a quick way is to draw the following shapes on a picture and see how the angles of your bone structure line up.

DIAMOND FACE SHAPE: A moderate to wide brim is best for you!

OBLONG FACE SHAPE: Try hats with a brim like a baseball hat, or a cap like newsboys hat.

ROUND FACE: You can rock angular hat and asymmetrical shapes.

SQUARE FACE: Look for softer designs.

Buy A Hat That’s The Right Size

For the best results, grab a tape measure and have someone else measure your head. The tape measure should be placed around the widest part of the head, just above the eyebrows and the ears. It should wrap around the widest part of the back of the head and all the way back to the front And BAM, you have your hat size, use it wisely!

Head Size (cm)

Hat Size

53

XS

54-55

S

56-57

M

58-59

L

60-61

XL

62-63

XXL

Buy A Hat That Suits Your Coloring

Neon yellow may look sweet but chances are, it won’t bring out your eyes unless you’re a cat, werewolf or vampire. There are specific colors that will though:

BEST HAT COLOUR FOR YOUR COMPLEXION:

Ruddy: Brown, Blue, Gray

Dark: Brown

Darker Olive: Brown or Green

Pale: Dark Blue, Gray

BEST HAT COLOR FOR YOUR HAIR COLOR:

Auburn, Red: Brown, Green, Blue

Blonde: Brown, Green, Gray

Brown: Gray, Green

Gray Hair: Green, Gray

Buy A Hat That Fits Your Needs

Your life could change with the right hat. Well maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement but a new hat could make your life a bit easier and more enjoyable. You see, when outdoor activities are a big part of your day to day, a hat can ward off the sun, cover up helmet hair, and act as a mosquito swatter, all in one go.

With these great tips for buying the perfect hat, you will be able to find one that changes your life or adds to it (depending on how you want to look at it). You really can’t go wrong by making a hat part of your everyday apparel. And for all your other Whistler apparel needs, visit McCoo’s!

How To Build A Whistler Wardrobe You Can Be Proud Of

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How To Build A Whistler Wardrobe You Can Be Proud Of

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Many of us find ourselves on numerous occasions (ladies, we are talking to you!) staring into our closet and feeling like we have nothing to wear. The irony is, in Whistler, you probably have too many clothes. Where are they all, you ask? Most of them are most likely activity specific and right under your nose. We aren’t saying these activity specific items of clothing are fashion faux-pas (everyone knows a toque can be worn all year long and at a fine dining restaurant in Whistler). In fact, we are here to help you build a Whistler wardrobe you can be proud of that includes your beloved toque and ski jacket!

Build a foundation

In addition to the essentials that you find yourself living in (Jacket, aforementioned toque, and your base layer), there are a few key items that you should be sure to have available. These pieces should be practical and classic. Our spring RVCA line contains many items that you will want to have around for the next 5 years.

KEY PIECE: A classic dress that you can dress up or dress down such as the RVCA Jean Dress.

Look for functionality

Ask yourself this question when you are looking to purchase a piece of clothing,”Will I look good in this camping as well as the bar?” If the answer is no, put that back where you found it! Now if the answer is yes, ring it up! Clothing that can withstand Whistler activities and be part of your everyday fashion choices are precisely what you should be filling your closet up with!

KEY PIECE: RVCA Bomber Jacket. This piece will keep you warm, cozy both around the fire and before you heat up on the dance floor!

Aim for versatility

One of the problems with living in Whistler and having a wardrobe that can take you from the slopes to work and then to the bar is just that- the need for your clothing to withstand a whole day of activities. Aim for pieces that can be either casual or dressy and that can be paired with other items in your closet.

KEY PIECE: A RipCurl Flannel. Button this bad boy up for a more conservative look or wear it around the waist as a quick fix for a chill on a cool spring afternoon.

Quality over quantity

Purchase clothing that meets all of the above criteria and you won’t spend a minute more than you should, searching through a multitude of clothing in your closet. Think less is more.

KEY PIECE: MyPakage Underwear are durable and breathable so as long as you have a few pairs to not need to do laundry every day…you’re good!

Come by McCoo’s for one of our staff members to help you pick out a Whistler wardrobe you would be proud of!

 

 

Inside Your Beach Bag

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Inside Your Beach Bag

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In Whistler, a lot of hours are logged at one of the many lakes. BBQ’s, sun tanning, docks, rope swings and even outdoor movie nights become part of your every day. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing and not in the getting beach bod ready way! Here is what you need in your beach bag to have the best time lakeside!

Battery Pack

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Don’t be caught with no battery so you can’t find out where the party is! The Outdoor tech battery pack has 6000 milliamps of power and can even charge a tablet, which is basically unheard of in the battery pack world. Oh yeah, did we mention it’s water proof?

 Swim Suit

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There is clothing optional beaches in Whistler but for all those other ones, your going to need a some thing to cover yours bits and pieces. Ripcurl swim suits come in all shapes and sizes to show off as much or a little skin as you’d like.

Sandals

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With only a few lakes in Whistler located right by a parking lot, your going to find yourself walking and bare feet are’t going to cut it on the trails. Grab a pair of Reef Sandals and be prepared to trek to the wildest locations to find rope swings and secret docks. Isn’t that what summer is about?

Towel & Sunscreen

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This is an obvious but often over looked necessity. SunBum sunscreen is formulated to protect those that live in the sun and therefore, fits our Whistler mentality of forever being outside. Tested, approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation so you can lather up and feel really good about it.

Sun Hat

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Hats are so right now. Oh and they protect you from the sun but we are focusing more on how good they look! From wide brimmed sun hats to caps, we have all of them!

Make your lake time the best time by being prepared. You can knock everything off your list in one swoop here at McCoo’s; After all, we are your one stop shop!