The climbing road trip, whether it’s during a long weekend or an extended multi-week affair, is an almost mandatory rite of passage for every climber. Not only do you get to spend time climbing, but you also get to go camping in beautiful locations with amazing vistas, while hanging out with like-minded friends. In fact, visiting and camping in these incredible areas is often just as rewarding and memorable as the actual climbing.

Outfitting yourself for these road trips can seem daunting. After all, you not only need your climbing gear, but also all the camping equipment that will allow you to enjoy these wonderful areas when you’re not on the rock. Thankfully, the iconic Canadian outdoor retailer, MEC, has got your back. With their knowledgeable staff and vast product selection, MEC can supply you with both the knowledge and gear you’ll need to make the most of your climbing road trip.

MEC has always been more than just a retailer of outdoor gear. From its very beginning, the company has been a values-led organization that always focused on delivering experience-based advice, providing an exceptional selection of outdoor products, and supporting outdoor communities across Canada. It’s not surprising that it has become such a beloved Canadian institution.

You can sense this commitment the moment you enter an MEC store. Beginning with the staff, MEC employees are chosen because they’re genuinely passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Their goal is to provide real-world advice and ensure you get the right gear that provides true long-term value, regardless of your experience level or budget.

From a product perspective, MEC embraces a similar approach by featuring one of the largest selections of top outdoor brands of any outdoor retailer in Canada. You can find gear from companies like Black Diamond, Petzl, Edelrid, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Evolv, and its own MEC Label, which address the needs of both new and experienced outdoors enthusiasts

Finally, MEC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting outdoor communities across Canada. Whether it’s through funding national projects, providing support for local organizations, or offering special gear or workshop opportunities, MEC has always distinguished itself as a community hub.

It’s the combination of all these factors that has made frequenting MEC feel like you’re participating in something more significant than a conventional shopping experience. It’s also why, for many Canadians, all outdoor adventures and climbing road trips start at MEC.

So, with that out of the way, let’s look at how you can get yourself outfitted for your climbing road trip at MEC.

Tents

If you’re planning on summiting a remote backcountry peak, it makes sense to save weight by choosing a small, lightweight tent. If, however, you’re camping and cragging, consider a tent with not only more floor space, but also more headroom. You’ll appreciate the extra space if you have to wait out a storm or when you are getting dressed.

MEC Volt LT 2-Person Tent: A light, roomy, and surprisingly versatile tent. Best for climbers seeking a high-quality tent with additional interior space.

Time to put away that claustrophobic summit tent and get a shelter that’s more suitable for typical camping situations. With its generous floor space (2.18 m x 1.35 m) and 1.02 m interior height, the Volt LT 2-Person Tent is spacious enough to easily accommodate two climbers. The tent feels even bigger thanks to its unique pole design, which creates almost vertical sidewalls that allow for more usable internal space. Speaking of usable space, the tent also has two generous vestibules that offer plenty of storage for boots and other gear.

MEC has also wisely spec’d two doors, which ensure you can heed nature’s call without disturbing your climbing partner. Still not convinced? Then consider the relatively light 1.7 kg weight, the large mesh walls that improve breathability and the centre-hub pole design that simplifies set-up. Seriously, the Volt offers incredible value for anyone seeking a light, roomy and well-made three-season tent. Find it here. ($339.96 – until June 25, 2025)

Sleeping Pads

Modern sleeping pads not only offer incredible comfort and insulation from the cold ground, but they also ensure you get a full night’s sleep and are properly rested and ready to tackle your next climbing project. As an added bonus, many of the new sleeping pads are also surprisingly light and compact.

Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad: An innovative and supremely comfortable sleeping pad. Best for climbers seeking a very comfortable, light and compact sleeping pad. If you are looking for an incredibly comfortable sleeping pad but want to avoid the bulk and weight of traditional pads, then look no further than the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft. The pad features a number of unique construction details that result in some impressive dimensions and performance.

The pad is 11.7 cm thick with a 4.8 R-value, yet it packs down to a size that is slightly larger than a 1-litre Nalgene bottle and only weighs between 710 g and 910 g, depending on the size. In essence, you get the comfort and plushness of a car-camping pad that’s light and small enough for general backpacking. Therm-a-Rest includes a pump sack, which simplifies inflation and also adds a repair kit so you’re not left sleeping on the ground. Find it here. ($324.95 – $339.95)

Sleeping Bag

A proper sleeping bag with appropriate insulation and an accurate temperature rating can mean the difference between a cozy night’s sleep and a shivering evening of Type 2 fun.

MEC Draco/Centaurus -9 C Sleeping Bag: A warm down-filled three-season sleeping bag. Best for climbers seeking all the benefits of down bags at an affordable price.

Down-filled sleeping bags have historically been highly desirable due to their low weight and low bulk (they are highly compressible) relative to their warmth. Unfortunately, high-quality down bags have also historically been very expensive. With the Draco and Centaurus, MEC has completely changed this situation. Constructed with 650 fill power duck down (Responsible Down Standard certified) and sporting a recycled nylon shell with a PFAS-free water-repellent finish, these sleeping bags deliver exceptional value without compromising performance.

Both bags are lined with a soft, recycled woven nylon and also feature vertical baffles at the chest to help minimise cold spots. The women’s version (Centaurus) is shorter, has additional space around the hips, is narrower at the shoulders to prevent heat loss, and has extra insulation at the chest and feet. Finally, the bags have gone through EN standard testing, ensuring that the temperature ratings are accurate. Seriously, I genuinely don’t think you can find a better deal for a high-quality down bag. Find the Draco here, and Delph($269.96/$239.96 until June 25, 2025)

The Kitchen

One of the highlights of any climbing road trip is the meal at the end of the day. It explains why many climbers, when possible, will ditch the tiny stoves and gram-shaving pots for larger multi-burner stoves and more elaborate cookware. This allows you to have more conventional and delicious group meals, whether in the morning when you’re gearing up for the day or in the evening after a successful day of climbing.

GSI Selkirk 540 + Camp Stove: A modern two-burner stove. Best for climbers seeking high heat and excellent temperature control. With its dual 14,000 BTU burners and precise temperature control, the GSI Selkirk 540 + Camp Stove is perfect for creating delicious camp meals.

The stove’s surface can accommodate two 10” pots simultaneously, allowing you to sauté ingredients on one burner while cooking the pasta on the other. Built-in windscreens help maintain heating efficiency in breezy conditions, and the piezo-electric starter means you don’t have to constantly search for a lighter or matches when you want to cook. Find it here. ($189.95)

MSR Flex 4 System Cook Set: A complete four-person cookset. Best for groups or climbers with families.

Sure, you could probably cobble together all the items in this cook set from the gear you already have in your kitchen, and for those on a very tight budget, this is a viable option. You would, however, be trading off the incredible packability that this cook set offers. You see, inside the 5.3L hard-anodized pot, you can fit a 3.2L non-stick Duralite DX pot, two aluminum strainer lids, a pot handle, four deep plates, and four insulated mugs. That’s a lot of cookware in such a small space, and you can even add spices and other utensils in the mugs when you’re packing. And as an added bonus, the whole kit can remain packed and ready for deployment on your next trip. Find it here. ($245.95)

Yeti Rambler 177ml Stackable Espresso Mug – 2 Pack: Elegant insulated espresso mugs. Best for climbers seeking to elevate their morning caffeine ritual.

These elegant and beautifully constructed espresso mugs are just the ticket for enjoying your morning caffeine fix. The insulated double wall construction ensures your espresso remains warm, while the bonded ceramic lining prevents staining. Finally, their stackable design minimizes wasted space when packing. Find it here. ($45.00)

Sea To Summit Clean Up Kit: A compact wash kit for cookware and dishes. Best for climbers seeking a self-contained kitchen cleaning system.

The post-climbing meal was a success, and everyone is praising your cooking skills. Unfortunately, the pots and dishes still need to be cleaned. Thankfully, the Sea To Summit Clean Up Kit has got your back. Consisting of a 10L polyurethane-coated nylon sink, a pot scrubber, a 50ml bottle of Wilderness Wash Soap, a washcloth, and a drying towel, the kit will help make quick work of any stack of dirty dishes. Find it here. ($59.95)

Must-Have Clothing and Accessories

Whether it’s around camp or when you’re climbing, here are some items that will help make life a bit more comfortable and enjoyable.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock Print: A simple two-person hammock. Best for climbers looking to unwind at camp.

Hammocks at the crag are a no-no, but hammocks at your campsite are a yes-yes. The ENO DoubleNest hammock features a colourful print, can accommodate two people (maximum 400lbs total weight), and can easily be stuffed into a small integrated pocket for storage. Find it here. ($114.95)

Black Diamond Orbiter 650 Lantern: A bright and colourful camp lantern. Best for climbers seeking a versatile LED lantern for camp.

Headlamps are great on the trail, but around camp, a lantern is more practical and also less likely to blind your friends when you’re sitting around the table. For these in-camp situations, consider the Black Diamond Orbiter 650 Lantern. Boasting 650 lumens of light at the maximum setting, the Orbiter is plenty bright for having dinner and planning the next day’s climbing itinerary. Black Diamond has spec’d a 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery that can be charged via a USB-C port, and the addition of a USB-A port allows you to use the lantern as a power bank to charge small electronics. The lantern also has multiple brightness and colour settings, making it ideal for creating the right atmosphere for celebrating your climbing accomplishments. Find it here. ($79.95)

Black Diamond Technician Joggers: Comfortable and stylish jogger pants. Best for climbers seeking versatile pants for cragging, bouldering, and lounging.

Constructed with a durable nylon fabric with a hint of spandex, the Technician Joggers are ideal for any cragging or bouldering situation. The joggers’ flattering, flat-knit waist fits easily under a harness and won’t impede movement during challenging crux sequences. BD has also spec’d articulated knees and a gusseted crotch, further ensuring you won’t be held back as you are racing to the anchors. Finally, because not every minute can be spent climbing, these joggers are sufficiently stylish and comfortable for lounging in camp or venturing into more urban centres. Find them here. ($129.95)

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie: A technical hoody with UPF protection. Best for climbers seeking lightweight warmth and sun protection.

The Echo Hoodie is the ideal layer whether you’re belaying in cool sunny conditions or hanging out at camp after the sun sets. Constructed with a stretchy, wicking recycled polyester, the Echo hoody will keep you comfortable during uphill approaches and can also be used as a mid-layer for additional warmth. Notable details include thumb-hole wrist cuffs to prevent drafts and keep the sleeves from shifting, while the women’s version sports a ponytail port to accommodate those with long hair. Finally, the hoodie’s fabric blocks approximately 93 per cent of the sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays. Women’s here and men’s here. ($89.95)

Arc’teryx Kragg Approach Shoes: A slip-on approach/belay shoe. Best for climbers seeking comfortable belaying footwear or when lounging at camp.

With their stretchy, breathable mesh upper and collapsible heel, the Kragg approach shoe is perfect for belaying at any frontcountry crag. Yet, unlike some belay slippers, the Kragg’s grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole and moulded toe cap, provide sufficient grip and protection, allowing them to be used as genuine approach shoes on shorter, less extreme trails. When you return to camp, the Kragg can also serve double-duty as a super-comfy recovery slide. Grab a pair for your next road trip, you won’t regret it. Women’s here and men’s here. ($190)

Metolius Light Rail Hangboard: A portable minimalist hangboard. Best for warming up your fingers at the crag before difficult climbing.

One of the biggest challenges many climbers face, whether they are bouldering or climbing routes, is adequately warming up their fingers before attempting their project. This becomes more of a problem in areas that lack a sufficient number of easier routes. Thankfully, the Metolius Light Rail Hangboard offers the perfect solution to this dilemma. Featuring a reversible design, the Light Rail offers four different grip positions, allowing you to fully warm up your fingers before jumping on your project. The board’s minimalist shape makes it easy to carry into the crag, while the rope suspension system allows you to hang it off a bolt or tree. Mandatory kit for any road trip. Find it here. ($53.95)

Black Diamond Ethos Shorts: Versatile organic cotton climbing shorts. Best for climbers looking for cotton shorts for climbing and urban use.

Constructed with an organically grown cotton that includes a touch of spandex (two per cent), the Ethos Shorts are equally at home sending hard routes and boulder problems as well as when you are enjoying an apres climbing adult beverage at camp or in the city. The low-profile elastic waistband and webbing belt provide a secure fit that won’t interfere with a harness, and BD has added a gusseted crotch to allow for easy movement. Find it here. ($99.95)

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