Weathering the Sidelines With Mountain Equipment Company

08/23/2024

As a hockey mom, I spent 10 long years in cold arenas, thinking those chilly temperatures were the worst of my weather woes. Then, I discovered the joys of football weather, where you can experience everything from 35 degrees in blazing sun to zero degrees in freezing rain—all within one season!

Thanks to Mountain Equipment Company, I can ‘tackle’ (see what I did there?!) the sidelines, no matter the weather. Here are 4 of my favourite items from MEC that make cheering from the sidelines a lot more fun.

 1. Igloo EcoCool Latitude 30QT Cooler

Our first must-have item is a reliable cooler like the Igloo EcoCool Latitude 30QT Cooler. It’s the perfect size for picnics, beach days, and especially for tailgating at my son’s football games. When you’re spending hours outside, keeping snacks and drinks cold is a must. I love that it’s made from recycled materials, so I’m making an eco-friendly choice. It keeps everything cold for hours, even on hot days, and the sturdy design means it can handle being tossed in the car or even being used as an impromptu chair. The built-in cup holders and ergonomic handle make it super convenient.

2. Waste-Less Camp Poncho

I first bought my Waste-Less Camp Poncho back in 2019, and it’s become an indispensable part of my outdoor gear. It’s been my trusty companion through countless football seasons, keeping me warm and dry while I cheer on my son. I love that it doubles as a cozy blanket when the wind picks up, when I’m sitting on wet bleachers, or when we have an impromptu tailgate party.  The poncho design is perfect for layering, easily sliding over even my puffiest winter coat for added warmth. The roomy fit means I can stay dry without feeling restricted. It has a toasty hood and a big front pocket to keep my hands warm and my phone dry. Once I’m done, I can pack it into the front pocket for easy storage, where it doubles as a pillow for the long car ride home from away games!

3. MEC Ultra-Lite Chair

Stadium seating can be unpredictable when traveling to different cities, so having a compact folding chair is essential for any outdoor sport. With a 1.5-hour pre-game warm-up and a 2-hour game, you need a comfortable place to sit! I love this MEC Ultra-Lite Chair because it’s incredibly lightweight and compact, making it super easy to carry and set up anywhere. Despite its minimal weight, it’s surprisingly sturdy and comfortable—perfect for long days outside. The chair folds down small enough to have a permanent place in the trunk of my car, right next to its friend, the poncho. This photo was taken during tailgating and then also when my friend realized that the stadium wouldn’t allow her to bring her dog inside, we set her up on the other side of the fence so she wouldn’t miss a moment of the action!

4. MEC Aquanator Rain Jacket

Wind squalls in July? Welcome to unpredictable football weather! Another go-to item stored in my truck is my MEC Aquanator Rain Jacket. This jacket is designed with waterproof and windproof material, making it perfect for everything from hiking trips to everyday wear. The lightweight fabric is easy to pack and doesn’t weigh me down, while the breathable design ensures I don’t overheat.

Having the right gear from MEC has transformed my experience as a football mom, making those long hours on the sidelines much more enjoyable. Whether it’s staying dry with the Waste-Less Camp Poncho, keeping snacks cool with the Igloo EcoCool Latitude 30QT Cooler, finding comfort with the Ultra-Lite Chair, or braving unpredictable weather with the Aquanator Rain Jacket, these items are essential for any outdoor event. They’ve proven to be reliable, practical, and versatile, allowing me to fully enjoy every game and outing, no matter what Mother Nature ‘throws’ (see, I did it again!) our way.