Whistler Outerwear, Lifestyle Clothing & Adventure Gear

 
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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.

Everything You Need For A Lit Fall

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Everything You Need For A Lit Fall

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Summer has come and gone but we’re okay with that. You know why? Because fall in the mountains is AH-MA-ZING! You really can’t go wrong with some of the best biking and hiking of the whole year. And did we mention the weather? The sun and the crisp fall air is enough to inspire anyone to get out and adventure. Here’s our list of what you need to have the most lit fall yet.

RipCurl Flannel

Fall is all about layering. Stay warm against the unpredictable temperatures with a flannel. And when the sun is shining, it’s easy to take off to soak up those rays.

Herschel Backpack

The days are getting shorter and we can bet you’re going from work to an outdoor activity, maximizing the daylights hours. Don’t miss a beat by packing everything you need in a classy, timeless Herschel backpack.

S’well Water Bottle

You might not think so, but even as the days get colder, your body is loosing just as much water through the day as in summer. Stay hydrated and decrease your carbon footprint by investing in a S’well Water Bottle. These beautiful bottles were created to encourage people to stop buying disposable bottles.

Coal Beanie

It’s the moment all us Whistler locals have been waiting for. It’s beanie season. Yes, as soon as fall comes around, it’s perfectly acceptable to pull out that beanie that you retired to the closet during the summer months. In fact, it’s more than acceptable to go out and get a fresh one in this year’s colours.

Oakley Sunglasses

That autumn sun can be extra bright, especially with the reds, yellows, and oranges taking over the mountainside. Protect your eyes and even see more with a pair of Oakley sunglasses. Their PRIZM technology helps to maximize contrast, enhancing nature’s stunning fall colour scheme.

So, get out an adventure while you can. After all, autumn is short lived and the snow will be falling soon. If you need help outfitting yourself with the best gear for fall, come stop by McCoo’s. We’ve got you covered.

Everything You Need For A Lit Day In The Park

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Everything You Need For A Lit Day In The Park

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Jump, berm, drop, repeat! Bike park season is going strong and chances are, you’re making the most of it. While it may seem like there’s endless riding, all good things do come to an end and winter is just around the corner. Don’t waste one minute shredding the gnar in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. To make the most of each and every day, go in kitted out in the best gear for the job. We’ve got everything you need for a lit day in the park!

POC Helmet

Your noggin needs protecting. Aside from the obvious, you can’t actually ride in the Bike Park without a helmet. We recommend a breathable POC helmet. State of the art technology combined with progressive design has resulted in one of the most breathable and safe helmets on the market.

Mons Royal Tee

Speaking of breathability, you’re going to want this feature in you’re cycling clothing. Sweat is no stranger but with Mons Royal, it can become more of an acquaintance. Using the latest German knitting and spinning equipment, the apparel helps to regulate your temperature, dries quickly and doesn’t stink. You’ll still probably want to change before hitting the GLC patio.

Stance Socks

Sure, black socks might seem like the go-to option for biking. With Stance socks, what’s covering your feet becomes a fashion statement. Get a few pairs and let what peeks out of your shoe do the talking each day. And just a heads up, when you’re sending the Canadian Open step-down under the chair, you can totally see your socks.

Oakley PRIZM Goggles

Years and years of research led to Oakley PRIZM technology. These goggles control light transmission resulting in colours so tuned, they maximize contrast and enhance visibility. No more glare or light distortions, you’ll see everything. Well, maybe not that bear hiding in the woods, but everything on the trail!

GoPro

Get the best POV with a GoPro HERO 6. You can make edits, post your big hits on social, or just relive the crash moments over and over again.

Much to our dismay, Whistler Mountain Bike Park season doesn’t last forever. Enjoy the hero dirt while you can and be comfortable in the latest and best gear from McCoo’s.

GEAR FEATURE: Slowtide Beach Towels

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GEAR FEATURE: Slowtide Beach Towels

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Drying off is not something many of us give much thought to. It’s just something you do, but a group of individuals saw an opening in the market for a product that would serve as much more than just an afterthought.  Slowtide beach towels came to be in 2015, when Kyle Spencer, Dario Phillips & Wylie Von Tempsky of California, saw that towels were uninspiring and mundane. Their first attempt yielded a functional, new medium for art on a premium 100% cotton towel, and so Slowtide towels came to be.

Functionality

All of the Slowtide products meet the strict guidelines set by the The STANDARD 100 by OEKO–TEX® . This is a worldwide consistent, independent testing and certification system for raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products. Having this certification means that consumers can have peace of mind that their product is free of harmful chemicals. In addition to this certification, Slowtide features products that are made with 100% super soft & absorbent cotton as well as velour. Some of their travel products are even made with 100% recycled materials. The materials are all selected for their feel as well as absorbancy.

Art

Slowtide towels are not just towels. They’re art. The brainchild of three friends that saw an opportunity for a new medium. The prints seen on the towels are created by tie-dye, mixed paints, manipulated pixels, and so much more. It’s also not unusual for collaborations with artists and photographers to occur and the results are woven, tactile, travel-able artwork. Some of the collaborations are also forms of giving back and proceeds from the sales are donated to charitable organizations.

So next time you’re drying off, think of Slowtide. This brand has taken an object that is often overlooked and changed it into artwork, transforming it entirely. And they didn’t stop there. Their goal is to make the daily ritual of drying off an art form too.

GEAR FEATURE: POC Cycling Helmets And Apparel

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GEAR FEATURE: POC Cycling Helmets And Apparel

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Here at McCoo’s, we look to offer the best gear for all your Whistler adventures. What makes it the best is extensive research into what is needed to perform and play at all levels. We look for gear that lasts, performs in all conditions and of course, is safe. With all things considered, POC cycling helmets and apparel fit what we look to offer to our customers.

POC is a Swedish company on a mission to produce helmets and apparel that save lives and can reduce the consequences of accidents for gravity sports athletes and cyclists. The company was founded in 2005 and initially, they broke into the ski racing market. POC’s new ideas and solutions to improve alpine safety, by reducing the force transmitted to the brain and body in case of a crash, gained a lot of attention. The need for such products quickly transferred into another industry: cycling. This led to the evolution and development of protection for different categories with each sport including freeskiing, snowboarding and mountain bike disciplines. Consequently, POC has become a highly desired brand by athletes and enthusiasts alike of both sports.

The concepts, technologies, and materials used and implemented by POC for the helmets and body armor are highly researched in the state of the art POC Lab. Throughout the research process and during testing, the equipment is scrutinized by POC’s scientific forum that consists of some of the world’s foremost sports medicine experts, brain scientists, and specialists in spinal cord injuries. As result, the products created by POC are scientifically proved to help reduce the severity of injuries in action sports.

In addition to protecting the user and decreasing the undesired results of crashing, POC has set themselves apart with their designs. Eye-catching colors and progressive structures have made their products distinguishable from competitors. What’s more, the aesthetics are an addition to a high-level of comfort. Vents and padding have been put in the perfect places so that users can focus on the task at hand and not their gear.

We hope you enjoyed this gear feature. As always, if you have more questions regarding the best gear for you and your sport, stop by McCoo’s. We’d be stoked to lend our expertise. Stay tuned for more gear features!

How To Spring Clean Your Gear

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How To Spring Clean Your Gear

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Spring is in the air. With the warmer weather comes an increase in activity and that means more sweat, more dirt, and more frequent cleanings. The frequent cleaning should be in place to keep germs, mildew, and other gross stuff under control. Not mention, prevent your gear smelling like a locker room. What’s more, not cleaning your equiptment regularly can actually decrease its performance.  Even if you’re regularly cleaning your gear, and you should be doing that, here’s a quick guide to making sure you’re keeping your equipment clean the right way.

Head Phones/ Ear Buds

Dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and wipe it across the speakers of your earbuds. This works best for in-earbud that can gather wax as they nestle in your ear canal. The rubbing alcohol should take the wax right out, making your music instantly sound more clear. You only need to do this if you notice gunk buildup, or if the audio is noticeably quieter in one bud.

Backpack

Backpacks collect so much more than what you put inside them. First vacuum out dirt and debris. Then, add a delicate detergent to warm water and use a sponge or cloth to wipe the pack down. Some pack manufacturers also recommending avoiding hot water or spot removers, as these can damage the fabric. As you clean your pack, examine the zippers, which can fail if they’re jammed with dirt and debris. You can vacuum out the dirt, or scrub zippers with a soft nylon brush (like a toothbrush) and cold water. After you wash the bag, don’t put it in the dryer. A good way to dry your pack is to stuff it with newspapers and hang it in the shade.

Water Bottle

Hopefully, you’re not waiting until spring to clean your water bottle but just in case…pick your cleaning solution and get it ready. White vinegar is probably best for the job because it’s an excellent stain remover. Dilute 1-2 tablespoons of the vinegar with a cup of water. Pour the solution into your water bottle and let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse. Voila!

Sunglasses

Forget using your breath to remove streaks and residue. Rinse your sunglasses under warm water- not too hot, not too cold. Use a mild dishwashing soap to wash all over your frames, working it in with your fingers. If necessary, use a microfiber cloth to dislodge heavier grime. Concentrate on areas that are heavily exposed to your skin – the nose bridge and the ends of your stems. A soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for cracks and crannies, especially the groove where the lens sits, as build-up is prone to occur there. Rinse off all the soap, dirt, and dust. Watch it swish satisfactorily down the drain. Dry your sunglasses thoroughly using a microfiber or lint-free cloth. If you use a towel, you may end up with lenses covered in towel fuzz.

Clean your gear to prolong its lifespan and also to stay fresh while adventuring. If you have any questions about how to clean any of your other gear, don’t ask Mom, ask McCoo’s.

Heated Clothing

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Heated Clothing

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The cold. Most of our winter gear is designed to combat its effects. Gortex, layers, breathability. These terms might sound familiar and don’t get us wrong, they do work. Despite the technologies improving drastically, there still stands a chance of the sub-arctic temps winning and leaving you out in the cold…no pun intended. Presently, there are a number of brands that have lead the way in creating clothing that keeps you warm no matter what conditions are on the outside. They rely on generating heat from an external source, most of them powered. We’ve got the low down on some of the current heated clothing technologies now available at McCoo’s.

Flexwarm Jackets

Flexwarm has spent over the last five years researching and developing patented new technologies that have enabled them to create a completely unique, flexible heating element that is so thin (0.5mm) it can be printed directly onto fabric. Because Flexwarm can be printed, it can then be layered directly onto fabric which enables 8K Heated Apparel to be ultra-lightweight, durable and washable (without the need for adding additional heavy and bulky insulation materials). You can expect upwards of 13 hours of heat from your jacket and when it’s out, just recharge the battery. To adjust the temperature, connect your phone to your jacket via Bluetooth and input your desired level of toastiness! And finally, topping it all off, these jackets are splash resistant, so you don’t have to worry if mother nature decides to change her mind from snow to rain.

Therm-ic Socks

Therm-ic have designed high-end socks that can offer up to 29 hours of heat. The heat is generated from an easily rechargeable battery that sits at top of the sock. The technology allows for even distribution of heat, easy attachment of batteries to the sock, and optimized integration of the heating elements for a guaranteed long life. What’s more, Therm-ic products connect to your smartphone! With the batteries’ Bluetooth function and the Thermic mobile app, you can adjust the heat setting for your sock at the touch of a screen. Now, that’s going to come in handy for turning it up a notch while on the chair lift.

Staying warm while on the hill no longer has to be a battle. With heated clothing technologies advancing, it can be easy to set a temperature and stay there, no matter what the weather is doing. If you have any questions regarding the heated gear currently on the market, come stop by McCoo’s– guarenteed a few of our staff members are probably wearing them right then and there!

Buying The Right Ski Or Snowboard Helmet

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Buying The Right Ski Or Snowboard Helmet

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Skiing and snowboarding can be full of hazards. You have your airtime, trees, cliffs, and of course, other mountain revelers. While many of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about how to protect ourselves from these risks, it should be more than food for thought. Head and facial injuries are just some of the consequences of not wearing the proper equipment when on the hill. Even if you consider yourself a conservative rider, all skiers and riders can enjoy the benefits and warmth that a helmet provides. But where to start? Here are some tips for buying the right helmet.

Ski And Snowboard Helmet Components

Inner liner: This is typically made from EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam, the material that looks like Styrofoam®. It’s designed to absorb impact. A helmet is considered no good after a direct blow to it.

Shell: The shell, or outer layer of the helmet, is a rigid surface (typically high-impact plastic) that can help protect the head against sharp objects, knocks, and abrasions. It also helps spread impact energy over a larger portion of the helmet during a fall.

Certification: There’s a new buzzword in the helmet world, MIPS.  MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and it is the current gold standard for helmets.

Ski / Snowboard Helmet Sizing and Fit

Measuring for your size: You can find your correct size by measuring your using a tape measure or come on down to the store and have one of our staff help you. To do it yourself, position the tape measure just above the ears and about 1″ above your eyebrows. Measure around the largest part of your head to determine the circumference of your head. The measurement will help you select from extra small, small, medium and large helmets.

Checking the fit: A good helmet should feel snug but not tight. If the helmet can rock back and forth, the fit is too loose. Shake your head from side-to-side. If the helmet shifts, try a smaller size, adjust the sizing mechanism or use thicker sizing pads. Push up the front and back edges. If they move, tighten the straps.

The helmet should be positioned low enough in the front to protect your forehead. It should sit level with its front edge no more than 1″ above the eyebrows. Finally, check to make sure there are no gaps between your head and the helmet lining. If there ae gaps, pads can be used to decrease them.

Chinstrap/buckle: The chinstrap needs to fit comfortably against the throat to reduce the chance it will come off. The strap should fit snugly but loose enough for you to not feel choked. Make sure to always fasten the strap before riding.

Now that you have your helmet picked out, you can add extra features such as audio, camera mounts, and warmer liners. There’s really no excuse for not protecting yo’ head!

Is There Such Thing As Too Much Powder?

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Is There Such Thing As Too Much Powder?

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Whistler has received 191cms in the past 7 days.

Yes, you did read that right. That’s a lot of powder and for many, it spells ideal snow conditions. We’re talking waist deep, light, and fluffy pow pow just waiting for tracks to be laid into it. Now, as each day passes and the centimeters keep accumulating, you might be thinking, “I need a rest day!” So is there such thing as too much powder? As the ski legend, Doug Coombs would say, “there is never such thing as too much snow.” But in case you’re starting to feel the effects of being a full-time powder-hound, here are some tips to get through the heaviest of storms.

Eat Right

Snow sports require a lot of physical exertion and when you add in pushing through a meter of fresh snow, you’ve just increased your work load even further. To keep up with the demands placed on your body and recover afterward, nutrition is key. First step: A proper breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks that include all the food groups

Sleep Well

This is a hard concept to take in but here we go…Pow > après. You see, après will be there all time during the season but the elusive powder, it can come and go. So get it while it’s hot and get a good night sleep to be in optimal condition for shredding the duration that the mountain is open.

Hydrate

You can feel like a million bucks until a dehydration headaches set in. If you’re having difficulty staying hydrated while you’re riding, load up a backpack and drink on the lifts or make sure to drink a lot after a day on the hill.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Stretch

If this is your third day in a row, your legs are going to be screaming as soon as you make a few turns. Combat the lactic acid and decrease your recovery time by performing a thorough stretch both before riding and after. Not only does stretching help you recover faster, but it can also help you decrease the risk of injuries.

Take Care Of Your Gear

Not only is your body taking a beating when you are riding every. single. day, but your gear is also maxing out its capabilities. No matter how tired you are, take the time to properly dry out your equipment. When you’re getting all the goods, your future self will be thanking your past self’s actions!

Powder days are the gold of skiing and you have to get out there while the getting’s good. Take care of yourself and your gear to make the most out of the best days of the season.

10 New Year’s Resolutions To Improve Your Skiing

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10 New Year’s Resolutions To Improve Your Skiing

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January 1st marks the first day of the year, and that’s a natural reason for committing to new beginnings. Rather than the usual attempt to save money or cut back on drinking, why not use this time to really make some self-improvements. From stretching after a day on the hill to eating properly – our suggested resolutions are ideal for anyone looking to improve their skiing or snowboarding.

Stretch

It’s simple, yoga can decrease your chances of injury. Even a short stretch routine can aid in prevention. So find a class or search for a video online, there’s really no excuses.

Improve Your Gear

At one point, your gear is going to be the limiting factor. Don’t fall victim to having to leave the mountain because you’re wet or goggles are fogged. Get gear that works and works for you all day long.

Take A Lesson

Yeah, yeah, we get it. Lessons aren’t really where you want to spend your free time. But if you are serious about improving your ski game, then taking a lesson is a sure fire way to get tips that will have you moving in a forward direction (literally). Bottom line, there’s no substitute for the impartial advice of someone who knows what they’re talking about.

Wake Up Early

After a night out, this is the last thing you probably want to hear. Waking up early will allow you to ride longer, get in more laps and get the best snow. No brainer right?

Eat Your Greens

A steady diet of Kraft Dinner isn’t going to provide enough (or any) nutrition for you to ride day in and day out. Think about adding some broccoli or spinach to that pasta dish.

Challenge Yourself

Now, we don’t mean go out and take risks but do go out and ride with better riders and on more challenging terrain.

Have Friends On A Pow Day

Keep your friends close and your ski buddies closer. Having a good friend that is always down to ride, even if it’s just groomers will help you log more hours and more days than if you are always flying solo.

Get Your Hike On

Not only can you access some incredible terrain but hiking or touring is a great way to get in shape. The better shape you’re in, the better your overall riding will be.

Tune Your Equipment

The last thing you want is to deal with a broken binding or rough edges on a powder day. Schedule in those regular tunes and perform regular maintenance!

Educate Yourself

Every one of us can learn more and should focus on learning something new every day. Take another avalanche course, learn how to tune your own skis, or get certified in first aid.