Looking for reliable warmth in the backcountry, without bulk or overheating? Check the MEC Couloir GORE-TEX Insulated Jacket. Words :: Erin Moroz // photos :: Scott Thumlert.
It’s been a funny winter, we can all attest: Very mild temps, sparse snowfall and hazardous avalanche conditions have made backcountry turns few and far between. However, one day in February we were finally gifted a fresh layer in the Rockies and I was fortunate to head into the backcountry with an expert: ACMG Ski Guide Scott Thumlert—aka Dr. Snowflake.
Thumlert is a certified ACMG member and holds a PhD in applied avalanche research—not many people are better equipped to analyze conditions on a snowy day in the mountains.
Every backcountry adventure starts with a checklist of must-haves for the day: from safety gear like probes and transceivers to a repair kit and chocolate-filled trail mix—reliable gear and supplies are key to the day’s success. And, that day in February, I added the MEC Couloir GORE-TEX Insulated Jacket to my list of necessities.
The MEC Couloir GORE-TEX Insulated Jacket (for women or men) has made several of my winter layers obsolete with its multi-sport versatility. Its flexible GORE-TEX shell repels wind and water while its Primaloft Gold insulation ensures warmth without bulkiness—so you can skip the extra layer on a milder winter outing. And it’s all topped by a helmet-compatible hood.
Digging an avalanche pit is sweaty work on a mild day, as is skinning up 1,400 metres. The breathability of the jacket’s two-layer shell meant I could crank open the pit zips and keep plugging away without the clammy feeling of being stuck inside a plastic bag.
For the descent, I was able to add a layer thanks to the thoughtfully roomy tailoring. The drawstring hem enabled me to cinch in the body heat and pull the jacket down over my butt. An oft-overlooked feature that MEC nailed in the design of the jacket is the collar: tall enough to shelter my nose from windchill, yet flexible meaning it doesn’t interfere with comfort—no stiff neck or wet zipper rub distracting me while shredding.
When wearing the MEC Couloir Jacket (whether climbing or skiing) users can take solace in knowing they’re detectable by mountain safety professionals by the built-in RECCO Rescue System reflector. This tiny device allows rescue teams to detect and locate the jacket—and the person in it—in case of an avalanche burial, offering some peace of mind in the wild. (Backcountry travellers should by no means rely solely on the RECCO reflector: a transceiver is essential for a safer trip.)
As we carved our way down the mountain, the jacket’s performance remained consistent, providing warmth, flexibility, and protection from the elements. The day’s experience was not just a testament to the beauty of communing with nature, but also to the advanced technology and thoughtful design of the jacket. It has moved to top spot in my jacket lineup—my new go-to tool for adventure, and a reliable companion to experience the unpredictable beauty of the backcountry.
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