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#MECstaffer Elliott shares some of his top footwear picks for day hikes, rugged approaches, multi-day treks, and everything in between 🏔️

1️⃣ @salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex → A bomber multi-day hiking boot built to last for years of hard use. Waterproof, stable on rough terrain, and light enough that it doesn't feel like a traditional heavy boot.
🌟 Best for: multi-day backpacking and serious trail hiking

2️⃣ @thenorthface Hedgehog 3 → A classic hiking shoe with 5mm more cushioning than the previous version, waterproof protection, and a rugged outsole made with recycled rubber.
🌟 Best for: day hikes and casual trail use where comfort and value matter.

3️⃣ @keen Targhee Apex Mid → A light, waterproof trail shoe with a roomy toe box, high-rebound foam that keeps your legs fresher on long ascents, and a grippy outsole for rocky and rooty terrain. All the comfort of your favourite hikers, without the bulk.
🌟 Best for: fast day hikes and long approaches where you want to move efficiently.

4️⃣ @hoka Speedgoat 7 → Maximum cushioning, aggressive grip, and a breathable upper built for high mileage on technical trail. Your legs will thank you on the long ones.
🌟 Best for: trail running and long days on rocky, rooty singletrack.

5️⃣ @arcteryx Konseal Gore-Tex → Built for the section of your approach where the trail runs out. Stiff enough for a loaded pack, grippy enough for wet rock and scree, precise enough for technical moves.
🌟 Best for: mountain approaches, scrambling, and alpine days.

All five available at MEC. Try them on in-store or check them out online at the link in bio 🏔️

Out-of-office turned on, cell service shut off, adventure mode on. This is what long weekends are for.

Out-of-office turned on, cell service shut off, adventure mode on. This is what long weekends are for.

Out-of-office turned on, cell service shut off, adventure mode on. This is what long weekends are for.

Out-of-office turned on, cell service shut off, adventure mode on. This is what long weekends are for.

Out-of-office turned on, cell service shut off, adventure mode on. This is what long weekends are for.

Out-of-office turned on, cell service shut off, adventure mode on. This is what long weekends are for.

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Giveaway with @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister 🥾⛺️ how to enter:

1) Follow @mec @garminoutdoor and @danimarielister
2) Tag a friend in the comments
3) Every comment is a separate entry

Giveaway closes on Sunday May 24.
Winner is selected & announced on Monday May 25

@danimarielister and @mec are the only Instagram accounts that this contest falls under. Please do not respond or interact with other accounts. They are fake accounts
Open to Canadian residents only 🇨🇦
Get the full contest terms and conditions at the link in @mec bio

Pre-long weekend rituals ✨ P.S. We just had mountains of deals drop to celebrate. Pop into your local MEC, wander the aisles, and gear up.

For Member Month, we're introducing you to MEC member @morgan.tien: a filmmaker and backcountry skier whose office is often wherever the most serious mountains are. A few weeks back, he took some MEC gear with him on a big project that has inspired us to think bigger:

"People don't often think about the Himalayas when India comes up. But they should. Complex and dramatic, the terrain lures the imagination to its boldest lines, and then humbles you immediately. Even tapped in with local guides, there's very little beta. Few established routes, zero rescue infrastructure, no margin.

I was approached last year to document a team of Indian women on a backcountry ski adventure through this range. I'd never been to India, never met the crew, but was inspired by the challenge.

Above 5000 meters, every step is a negotiation between time spent and energy saved. The overhead hazard looms above each move. There's nowhere to hide, and that illuminates exactly where your strengths are and where you need to come back stronger.

The environment strips your kit down fast. Carrying ~40 pounds of camera gear is part of the job, so everything else needs to earn its place. Thankfully, the MEC TGV 2 pulled its own weight at high camp. Fast setup, solid ventilation for cooking, pockets that kept gear organized, and a strong floor. Worth every gram.

At the end of it, I'm overcome with gratitude. Humbled by earth. I’ll keep pushing for those I bring with me."

For Member Month, we're introducing you to MEC member @morgan.tien: a filmmaker and backcountry skier whose office is often wherever the most serious mountains are. A few weeks back, he took some MEC gear with him on a big project that has inspired us to think bigger:

"People don't often think about the Himalayas when India comes up. But they should. Complex and dramatic, the terrain lures the imagination to its boldest lines, and then humbles you immediately. Even tapped in with local guides, there's very little beta. Few established routes, zero rescue infrastructure, no margin.

I was approached last year to document a team of Indian women on a backcountry ski adventure through this range. I'd never been to India, never met the crew, but was inspired by the challenge.

Above 5000 meters, every step is a negotiation between time spent and energy saved. The overhead hazard looms above each move. There's nowhere to hide, and that illuminates exactly where your strengths are and where you need to come back stronger.

The environment strips your kit down fast. Carrying ~40 pounds of camera gear is part of the job, so everything else needs to earn its place. Thankfully, the MEC TGV 2 pulled its own weight at high camp. Fast setup, solid ventilation for cooking, pockets that kept gear organized, and a strong floor. Worth every gram.

At the end of it, I'm overcome with gratitude. Humbled by earth. I’ll keep pushing for those I bring with me."

For Member Month, we're introducing you to MEC member @morgan.tien: a filmmaker and backcountry skier whose office is often wherever the most serious mountains are. A few weeks back, he took some MEC gear with him on a big project that has inspired us to think bigger:

"People don't often think about the Himalayas when India comes up. But they should. Complex and dramatic, the terrain lures the imagination to its boldest lines, and then humbles you immediately. Even tapped in with local guides, there's very little beta. Few established routes, zero rescue infrastructure, no margin.

I was approached last year to document a team of Indian women on a backcountry ski adventure through this range. I'd never been to India, never met the crew, but was inspired by the challenge.

Above 5000 meters, every step is a negotiation between time spent and energy saved. The overhead hazard looms above each move. There's nowhere to hide, and that illuminates exactly where your strengths are and where you need to come back stronger.

The environment strips your kit down fast. Carrying ~40 pounds of camera gear is part of the job, so everything else needs to earn its place. Thankfully, the MEC TGV 2 pulled its own weight at high camp. Fast setup, solid ventilation for cooking, pockets that kept gear organized, and a strong floor. Worth every gram.

At the end of it, I'm overcome with gratitude. Humbled by earth. I’ll keep pushing for those I bring with me."

For Member Month, we're introducing you to MEC member @morgan.tien: a filmmaker and backcountry skier whose office is often wherever the most serious mountains are. A few weeks back, he took some MEC gear with him on a big project that has inspired us to think bigger:

"People don't often think about the Himalayas when India comes up. But they should. Complex and dramatic, the terrain lures the imagination to its boldest lines, and then humbles you immediately. Even tapped in with local guides, there's very little beta. Few established routes, zero rescue infrastructure, no margin.

I was approached last year to document a team of Indian women on a backcountry ski adventure through this range. I'd never been to India, never met the crew, but was inspired by the challenge.

Above 5000 meters, every step is a negotiation between time spent and energy saved. The overhead hazard looms above each move. There's nowhere to hide, and that illuminates exactly where your strengths are and where you need to come back stronger.

The environment strips your kit down fast. Carrying ~40 pounds of camera gear is part of the job, so everything else needs to earn its place. Thankfully, the MEC TGV 2 pulled its own weight at high camp. Fast setup, solid ventilation for cooking, pockets that kept gear organized, and a strong floor. Worth every gram.

At the end of it, I'm overcome with gratitude. Humbled by earth. I’ll keep pushing for those I bring with me."

For Member Month, we're introducing you to MEC member @morgan.tien: a filmmaker and backcountry skier whose office is often wherever the most serious mountains are. A few weeks back, he took some MEC gear with him on a big project that has inspired us to think bigger:

"People don't often think about the Himalayas when India comes up. But they should. Complex and dramatic, the terrain lures the imagination to its boldest lines, and then humbles you immediately. Even tapped in with local guides, there's very little beta. Few established routes, zero rescue infrastructure, no margin.

I was approached last year to document a team of Indian women on a backcountry ski adventure through this range. I'd never been to India, never met the crew, but was inspired by the challenge.

Above 5000 meters, every step is a negotiation between time spent and energy saved. The overhead hazard looms above each move. There's nowhere to hide, and that illuminates exactly where your strengths are and where you need to come back stronger.

The environment strips your kit down fast. Carrying ~40 pounds of camera gear is part of the job, so everything else needs to earn its place. Thankfully, the MEC TGV 2 pulled its own weight at high camp. Fast setup, solid ventilation for cooking, pockets that kept gear organized, and a strong floor. Worth every gram.

At the end of it, I'm overcome with gratitude. Humbled by earth. I’ll keep pushing for those I bring with me."

For Member Month, we're introducing you to MEC member @morgan.tien: a filmmaker and backcountry skier whose office is often wherever the most serious mountains are. A few weeks back, he took some MEC gear with him on a big project that has inspired us to think bigger:

"People don't often think about the Himalayas when India comes up. But they should. Complex and dramatic, the terrain lures the imagination to its boldest lines, and then humbles you immediately. Even tapped in with local guides, there's very little beta. Few established routes, zero rescue infrastructure, no margin.

I was approached last year to document a team of Indian women on a backcountry ski adventure through this range. I'd never been to India, never met the crew, but was inspired by the challenge.

Above 5000 meters, every step is a negotiation between time spent and energy saved. The overhead hazard looms above each move. There's nowhere to hide, and that illuminates exactly where your strengths are and where you need to come back stronger.

The environment strips your kit down fast. Carrying ~40 pounds of camera gear is part of the job, so everything else needs to earn its place. Thankfully, the MEC TGV 2 pulled its own weight at high camp. Fast setup, solid ventilation for cooking, pockets that kept gear organized, and a strong floor. Worth every gram.

At the end of it, I'm overcome with gratitude. Humbled by earth. I’ll keep pushing for those I bring with me."

For Member Month, we're introducing you to MEC member @morgan.tien: a filmmaker and backcountry skier whose office is often wherever the most serious mountains are. A few weeks back, he took some MEC gear with him on a big project that has inspired us to think bigger:

"People don't often think about the Himalayas when India comes up. But they should. Complex and dramatic, the terrain lures the imagination to its boldest lines, and then humbles you immediately. Even tapped in with local guides, there's very little beta. Few established routes, zero rescue infrastructure, no margin.

I was approached last year to document a team of Indian women on a backcountry ski adventure through this range. I'd never been to India, never met the crew, but was inspired by the challenge.

Above 5000 meters, every step is a negotiation between time spent and energy saved. The overhead hazard looms above each move. There's nowhere to hide, and that illuminates exactly where your strengths are and where you need to come back stronger.

The environment strips your kit down fast. Carrying ~40 pounds of camera gear is part of the job, so everything else needs to earn its place. Thankfully, the MEC TGV 2 pulled its own weight at high camp. Fast setup, solid ventilation for cooking, pockets that kept gear organized, and a strong floor. Worth every gram.

At the end of it, I'm overcome with gratitude. Humbled by earth. I’ll keep pushing for those I bring with me."

For Member Month, we're introducing you to MEC member @morgan.tien: a filmmaker and backcountry skier whose office is often wherever the most serious mountains are. A few weeks back, he took some MEC gear with him on a big project that has inspired us to think bigger:

"People don't often think about the Himalayas when India comes up. But they should. Complex and dramatic, the terrain lures the imagination to its boldest lines, and then humbles you immediately. Even tapped in with local guides, there's very little beta. Few established routes, zero rescue infrastructure, no margin.

I was approached last year to document a team of Indian women on a backcountry ski adventure through this range. I'd never been to India, never met the crew, but was inspired by the challenge.

Above 5000 meters, every step is a negotiation between time spent and energy saved. The overhead hazard looms above each move. There's nowhere to hide, and that illuminates exactly where your strengths are and where you need to come back stronger.

The environment strips your kit down fast. Carrying ~40 pounds of camera gear is part of the job, so everything else needs to earn its place. Thankfully, the MEC TGV 2 pulled its own weight at high camp. Fast setup, solid ventilation for cooking, pockets that kept gear organized, and a strong floor. Worth every gram.

At the end of it, I'm overcome with gratitude. Humbled by earth. I’ll keep pushing for those I bring with me."

Stuff hanging off your pack? #MECstaffer Bruce has some thoughts on that.

Bruce breaks down how to actually pack a backpack:
→ the three zones that make your load more comfortable
→ why heavy gear belongs close to your spine
→ tips for pack organization

Small tweaks, big difference on trail 🎒 Shop packs at MEC via the link in bio.

This summer, we’re looking forward to more weekends like this: off the grid and unplugged. 🌿

This summer, we’re looking forward to more weekends like this: off the grid and unplugged. 🌿

This summer, we’re looking forward to more weekends like this: off the grid and unplugged. 🌿

This summer, we’re looking forward to more weekends like this: off the grid and unplugged. 🌿

This summer, we’re looking forward to more weekends like this: off the grid and unplugged. 🌿

This summer, we’re looking forward to more weekends like this: off the grid and unplugged. 🌿

This summer, we’re looking forward to more weekends like this: off the grid and unplugged. 🌿

What an epic kickoff to Member Month at MEC. Last weekend, members from across the country showed up to test the latest outdoor gear, re-home old favourites, and connect with fellow outdoor folks in their communities.

Missed it? No worries, Gear Swap and Demo Days are heading to more stores this weekend. Now’s your chance to get your old gear ready and reserve a table, or stop by to shop secondhand finds, explore brand activations, win prizes worth up to $1200, and chat with experts.

Link in bio to reserve a table and find a store near you. See you there?

For Member Month, #MECstaffer Lindsay wanted to introduce us to someone special... her dad. An outdoorsman since childhood and MEC member since 1977, Ivan’s been using his laminated membership card to gear up for all kinds of adventures in the Rocky Mountains and beyond for nearly 50 years.

What's kept him coming back? The quality, the value, and the staffers who actually love the outdoors. None of that, he says, has changed. Here’s to 50+ years with MEC, and to a lifetime outdoors 🍁

Because your pup deserves top-notch gear too. With @ruffwear, your four-legged adventure buddy stays warm, dry, and protected from the same harsh conditions you gear up for, while looking pretty cute too. Just like #MECstaffer Hannah's new puppy, Penny.

Stop by any MEC with your pup to grab a Ruffwear jacket and hit the trails together, ready for anything.

Link in bio to shop Ruffwear.

It’s not every day you get to ask your idol anything, but #MECstaffers Amika and Josh got the chance to chat all things climbing with @tommycaldwell at MEC’s Mountain Speaker Series with @edelrid_sport.

We’re still thinking about “chip drink” and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the climbing world through one of the vertical world’s most respected voices.

Missed Tommy, but have some burning climbing questions of your own? Join us for the next Mountain Speaker Series with Canadian climbing legend @sonnietrotter, where he’ll explore @patagonia’s new Free Wall Kit, share stories and you’ll get a chance to win some sweet prizes.

📅 MEC Vancouver → May 6 // MEC Calgary → May 12
🚪 Doors open at 7:30PM, event runs 8–10PM
🎟️ Tickets: $20 (all proceeds go to Take Me Outside and Squamish Access Society)

This is one you don’t want to miss, link in bio to grab your tickets.

Gravel, pavement, and whatever's in between. #MECstaffer Khris put the @salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL to the test and if your runs rarely stick to one surface, this shoe is worth knowing about. It sits right between a road shoe and a trail shoe with deep cushioning for the long efforts, enough grip to handle gravel and wet surfaces, and a fit that actually stays dialed through the whole mission.

KEY FEATURES:
👟 Hybrid outsole → Gravel contaGRIP® rubber handles pavement, gravel, and wet surfaces without feeling aggressive on road
👟 optiFOAM² midsole → Cushioned enough for long efforts, responsive enough that it doesn't feel dead underfoot
👟 Quicklace NEO system → One pull, tuck it in, done. No knots, no mid-run adjustments
👟 Seamless upper → Reduces friction on back-to-back training days and longer efforts
👟 Reverse Camber geometry → Smooth heel-to-toe transition that keeps your stride flowing on mixed surfaces
👟 Chevron lugs → Dig in when it gets muddy or loose without feeling clunky on pavement

Link in bio to shop Salomon.