Whistler Outerwear, Lifestyle Clothing & Adventure Gear

 
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The Art Of Layering

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The Art Of Layering

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Layering isn’t particular to any part of the winter season. In fact, it’s crucial at all points, early winter, deep winter, and spring. This is because you’re dealing with temperature changes as long as your doing an activity. A basic layering system features three key pieces: a base layer, a mid layer and an outer layer. The base layer is worn closest to your skin. It should have a snug fit and be made of fabric that wicks perspiration away from your body. The next layer is the mid layer. This layer is your insulation And lastly, the outer layer protects against the elements like wind, rain and snow. With this information and what’s below, you should be able to layer like a pro!

Materials:

One of the most important components of your layers is the material that they are made of. The material is the technology behind what will keep you cool or warm, wet or dry.

Base Layer:

Merino wool has one of the best warmth ranges of any fabric. It works by trapping air in tiny pockets, which warms up fast from body heat.

Body-mapped base layers use a construction that places different weights of fabric across the garment. Heavier materials go where you require more insulation, like your torso, while lighter materials go where you sweat, like your back and underarms.

Synthetic fleece is usually made of polyester. It’s highly breathable and dries fast.

Mid-Layer:

Down comes from a bird’s body and is the fluffy stuff under the feathers. It’s incredible for warmth as it creates tons of pockets of air.

Synthetic insulation is composed of man-made threads that are spin to create pockets of air, mimicking down. It’s not down but it has its own benefits such as being warm when wet, drying quickly and comes at a fraction of the price.

Outer Layer:

Waterproof/breathable shells (like GORE-TEX) often use a three-layer model: The interior liner wicks sweat off your skin through a membrane, and the face fabric repels moisture.

Performance waterproof/breathable shells let sweat escape and repel moisture.

Exercise Type:

How you layer also depends on what kind of exercising you’re doing. If you’re riding resort and will be spending time on the chair lift, you’ll probably want a warmer mid-layer. While those that are touring might pay more attention to their base layer and the material it is made of to ensure it’s properly wicking away sweat.

Types Of Layers:

Here are a few varieties of layers to help you start planning.

Base: Mid-weight polyester long underwear top and bottom.

Mid-Layer: Down insulated jackets or polyester insulated jackets.

Outer Layer: Performance shells and waterproof shells. 

Layering is an art form and can take a few tries to get perfect. Come by McCoo’s and we’ll help you get outfitted so that you don’t have to leave anything to trial and error.

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!

Buying The Perfect Gift

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Buying The Perfect Gift

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Tis’ the season for gift giving! And if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to find the perfect something for that perfect someone. You can just go ahead and ask what they want, and if you’re really lucky, they’ll tell you exactly what that is then you can go buy it, but that takes all the romance out of the event. Then there’s the easy route of grabbing a gift card, however, that is pretty impersonal. So without asking, how does one buy the perfect gift? We’ve got the ultimate gift giving guide to make both you and your special someone happy!

  1. Decide what your budget is.
  2. Think about what’s happening in the persons life. Did they just move? Are they starting a new job?
  3. Ask yourself, what does the person dislike? It’s just as important to be able to rule out lots of things that they don’t like as it is to know what they DO like.
  4. Make a list of all the things the person is interested in and things that define who they are. Now, you’ve got to make this list long—spend at least two full minutes writing down as many things as you can. Once you’re done, brainstorm something to go with every item on that list, small or big.
  5. Does the person like objects or experiences? Experiences such as a Ziptrek zip line adventure or tickets to a DJ are generally more memorable than objects. But don’t forget that some objects such as goggles, a GoPro or a Herschel backpack can also be appreciated.
  6. If you’re opting for something wearable, take some ideas from what they wear if you can – as this will tell you a lot about what they like.
  7. Give something that both of you can share in, like an adventure. This shows that you want to spend more time with the person, and also provides you with the perfect excuse to treat yourself!
  8. Write a nice card and take the time to wrap your gift. It makes it more special.
  9. Do some stalking. If all else fails, stalk. Most people have a wish list, and they’ll be pretty surprised and delighted if you somehow found just the thing they wanted without even asking.

Now remember, ultimately it’s not the gift, but the thought that counts, so think about your gift carefully and you really can’t go wrong. If you’re still struggling to find the perfect gift, stop McCoo’s, our expert staff can help you out!

The Best Gear For Early Season

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The Best Gear For Early Season

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Early season in the mountains can mean anything and that’s exactly why you should be prepared as possible. Variable temperatures, changing snow conditions, and fluctuating weather are all par for the course. Despite the knowledge of what early season entails, many riders go out expecting similar conditions to deep winter while also expecting their gear to pick up the slack where necessary. Well, we’re here to help you navigate early season and nail down the best gear for the job!

Soft Shell

The temperatures can go from cold, to colder, to even warm when you start working up a sweat. To save yourself from sweating excessively, opt for a soft shell. Soft shell jackets provide water resistance with good temperature regulation, making them prime for early season conditions.

GEAR MUST HAVE: Oakley Silver Fox Soft Shell

Gor-Tex

In addition to temperature changes, early season skiers and snowboarders might also contend with wet snow. To make sure you stay dry while on the hill, it’s best to wear outerwear made of Gor-Tex. Not only has GORE–TEX product technologies been the waterproof gold standard, they are also known for being wind proof, breathable, and light weight.

Layers

You might encounter epic winter conditions at the top of the mountain, and warm late fall conditions at the bottom. To help you regulate your temperature and stay dry, layer up! This means having a good quality base, mid, and outer layer as well as back pack to take off or put on clothing as necessary.

GEAR MUST HAVE: Rip Curl Fall Hooded Anti Series Jacket

Merino Wool

Merino Wool is one of the best materials out there for base layers. It is finer than regular wool, which means it won’t itch and will stay comfortable against your skin all day long. It can also absorb up to 30% of its own weight in water before it starts to feel wet, making it crucial for changing conditions.

GEAR MUST HAVE: Mons Royale Base Layers

Leather

Another wonder fabric is leather. It is one of the few materials used to make gloves. Leather can be waterproofed, break in nicely, provide a good level of dexterity, even in a thick, severe cold weather style glove. Leather also lasts the test of time.

We’ve been waiting for the start of the winter season since it closed for summer but that doesn’t mean we’re going to get ahead of ourselves. Being prepared for early season conditions will just lead to more enjoyment in the long run. If you want some help gearing up for early season, just come by McCoo’s.

 

Everything You Need To Know About Ski Socks

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Everything You Need To Know About Ski Socks

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It’s common knowledge to invest in a visit to the boot fitter to make sure that your ski boots fit perfectly. What’s not given much attention in terms of ski apparel, is socks. Wearing appropriate socks can be the difference between cold feet and toasty toes that can last the day and keep you on the slope. So what do you need to keep in mind when purchasing the layer between you and your boots? Here’s everything you need to know about ski socks.

Material

Ski socks are made from special materials that can aid in wicking away moisture while holding heat in. It’s also important that they are anti-microbial which helps to reduce bacteria that can lead to smelly feet. Materials commonly used include polyester, nylon, lycra, acrylics, or double-spun merino wool.

Fit

There’s no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to ski socks. Socks that are too big can bunch, cause blisters, and have reduced warmness. Socks that are too tight can cause a decrease in circulation which can in turn, can result in cold feet. You want your ski socks to fit snuggly, have no extra material, and allow for free movement of your toes. Some socks on the market are designed with fabric that causes the sock to stay snug and move with the foot.

Breathability

This could be one of the most important aspects of choosing sock. The key to warm and happy feet is keeping them dry. Most performance socks keep this in mind and are made with fabrics that promote breathability while not sacrificing warmth. The fabric works by pulling moisture away from the foot to the exterior of the sock so that it is not trapped between your skin and the inside of the sock. This allows sweat to easily evaporate.

Durability

Your socks are logging the same vertical as you are and with just as much force. Ensuring that your socks will last the season or more is also part of the selection process.

Technology

Length, cushioning, reinforcements, padding, and flat seams and are just a few of the modifications out there that can help with warmness, comfort and of course, performance. A thicker sock doesn’t always mean warmer. Advancements in fabric technology have improved the thickness-to-warmth ratio, enabling skiers and snowboarders alike to get thinner socks.

Have more questions on what ski sock will work the best for you? Stop by McCoo’s. We can help outfit you from head to toe.

Do I Need Cycling Socks?

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Do I Need Cycling Socks?

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There’s a number of pieces of gear that are obvious when it comes to mountain biking: Knee pads, elbow pads, helmet, and goggles. In addition to these, us mountain bikers usually gravitate towards clothes that allow us to move. But what about what we’re putting on our feet? Many of us don’t think that we need cycling specific socks, and if you don’t, you’re right. However, cycling specific socks have a number of details that can make your foot all that more comfortable when you’re riding. Here’s what you might be missing out on.

Wick Away Sweat

It’s no secret that mountain biking is a sweaty sport. You’re pushing yourself hard, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months when temperatures are high. As a result, your feet, among other body parts, are going to sweat. Wearing socks that are made of a moisture wicking fabric can help keep your feet dry. As an added benefit, these fabrics are often anti-microbial, meaning they are less prone to being smelly!

Tight Fit

There’s no room for loose garments in cycling. Loose clothing can be a hazard. It can get caught on bars, your seat or even worse, your chain. Tight socks are not only safer, they are healthier for your feet. The tight fit can support your arch and act as a compression sleeve.

Sock Height

The height of your cycling socks is a matter of preference. That being said, most mountain bikers opt for a sock that is higher than ankle height. This feature can act as a barrier between you and possible hazards. These hazards include your pedals, bugs, rocks, and plants that could be a skin irritant.

Breathability

The fabric that cycling and performance socks are made of boosts breathability and comfort. Breathability is important as it can prevent chaffing which in turn can lead to blisters. The fabrics commonly used are synthetic materials like nylon or polyester or natural fibers such as merino wool. Additionally, this feature helps keep your feet cool, dry, and not to mention, less smelly.

McCoo’s has a wide selection of cycling specific socks. If you’re still not sold on why socks should be part of your mountain biking kit, come on into the store to see the variety of socks we have in stock. Once you add this into what you’re wearing when you ride your bike, you won’t go back. We can put our foot on it!

Adventuring In The Rain

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Adventuring In The Rain

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April showers bring May flowers. Unfortunately, we are only going into April and not May. This time of year is known for being rainy but don’t let this hamper your springtime adventure plans. Adventuring in the rain can be just as much fun, you just have to be prepared. This can mean having a plan on what you’re going to do and having the gear to stay dry as well as warm. But there’s more to adventuring when the weather isn’t ideal. Here are some tips for adventuring in the rain.

Make A Plan

Trust us. A trick to making the rain more bearable is determining where you’re going to go and how long you will be out in it. With an end in sight, it won’t matter how wet you’ll get while on your adventure. This is because a warm fire place and dry clothes are waiting for you in the near future.

Bring A Pack

Another trick to playing in the rain is bringing a backpack with extra clothes in it. If a chill starts to creep in, just add a layer or take off the most wet item and replace it. Backpacks are also great for holding snacks, music, and other essentials that make braving the cooler weather that much easier.

It’s In The Socks

Performance socks will help make your rainy day activity that much more enjoyable by keeping your feet toasty warm. They won’t entirely be able to keep them from getting wet but they can help with how much moisture is sitting next to your skin. Check out anything from Mons Royale or Stance.

Wear A Waterproof Jacket

This might seem like an obvious solution but it can be overlooked. Where ever there is moisture, Gortex is the answer. Gortex is a special fabric that is the gold standard for waterproofing. Gortex works by having micro pores in the fabric that let sweat out and block water from getting in.

Bring A Warm Drink

Huddle under a tree and relax for a few minutes over a hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Any of the above can be stored in a thermos and brought in a back pack. You’ll be thankful for the warm up from in the inside out.

Rainy weather doesn’t have to mean that an adventure needs to be called off. Just follow the tips we mentioned and you’re sure to have a good time. For more information on what gear you might need for adventuring in the rain, come stop by McCoo’s.

 

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.

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.

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.