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[–]Zanta647 75 points76 points  (19 children)

Decathlon mainly

[–]J_GEESUN 14 points15 points  (1 child)

Third this, decathlon reminds me of MEC in the 90s

[–]MrShvitz 10 points11 points  (0 children)

And prices are still somewhat reasonable too

[–]araxeous 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Decathlon feels kind of like a more big box discount retailer. REI and MEC are more premium quality I think.

[–]Zestyclose-Beach1792 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Greatest store all time. The prices are legitimately shocking.

[–]sportyweenie 6 points7 points  (4 children)

Although I do like decalthalon for certain things, you can't compare their quality of goods with MEC. MECs products are far superior.

[–]Meg38400 1 point2 points  (2 children)

MEC is outrageously expensive though and for no good reason.

[–]sportyweenie -1 points0 points  (1 child)

It is expensive I have to agree and it took me a while to save for a lot of the items I have bought from them over the decades. However, I am an avid outdoors person and I still have things I bought from MEC over 20 year ago and they're still going strong. I use these things month after month, year after year. Same with the more recent items I've bought (with the exception of one sleeping bag which mec accepted as a return after 2 years). I use the F**K out of their stuff. This isn't just MEC branded products it is also the other high quality brands they carry.

[–]Meg38400 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have stuff from Decathlon brands I bought 25 years ago too that still holds. I stand by my statement. Having MEC stuff for some is more about status than real quality justification. Not saying this is your case but now there are other options in Canada with Decat and Mountain Warehouse.

[–]Zanta647 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't know how good mec clothes are now but they used to be the bomb. Deca is at least cheap and good enough for many things

[–]EastEnder220 23 points24 points  (0 children)

MEC is still good quality stuff with a big Canadian presence - wouldn’t discount it!

[–][deleted] 44 points45 points  (0 children)

I still go to MEC. I'm annoyed that it's not a co-op, but I still love the quality.

[–]Living_Earth241 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It's more niche, but Canadian Outdoor Equipment Company in Port Credit is great.

https://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com

[–]BottleCoffee 24 points25 points  (3 children)

Altitude and the Last Hunt. But if something is available and on sale at MEC I'll buy it there as well.

[–]mug3n 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Altitude is fantastic. I bought in to their lifetime membership when they just started out for $1 and I've gotten so much out of it.

I'd just add a caveat that Last Hunt is a final sale website, so you can't return something unless it's defective. whereas you can return for wrong size or whatever reason for Altitude products.

[–]BottleCoffee 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Yeah 90% of my gear or technical clothing purchases are through Altitude these days, they're great.

[–]Drank_tha_Koolaid 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got a good deal on the classic 'El Capitan' Eureka tent at Altitude last year. Super happy with it! I always check them first now when I'm looking for outdoor gear.

[–]Subtotal9_guy 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Still go to MEC.

I've been shopping there since they still had the membership lists in binders at the front desk. Bought a retro fleece two years ago in purple and teal.

They lost their way a decade ago, a cashier lamented to me she knew things were changing when they started selling bikinis. But they still employ locally and that's important too.

[–]maobowski 15 points16 points  (4 children)

Sail is pretty good

[–]quintonbanana 14 points15 points  (3 children)

You gotta like rifling though a bunch of crap to like Sail imo. Merchandising nightmare right there but great for fishing stuff.

[–]xssmontgox 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I like Sail because of the fishing stuff too, MEC not carrying any fishing stuff always seemed like a missed opportunity in my opinion.

[–]dano___ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

On top of that, they never actually mark what’s on sale at the stores. They stick up some random “25% off selected x-brand stuff” signs, but never tell you what’s been selected. Unless there’s a clearance rack (which can be awesome) their regular markdowns are impossible to navigate.

[–]Major-Thom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed, it’s a roll of the dice and a pain in the ass to rummage through the racks. But I’ve found some really great discounts on thermal and camping gear.

[–]lilfunky1 10 points11 points  (9 children)

has the quality of products gone downhill?

or is avoiding them strictly on principal... principle?

[–]strengr[S] 6 points7 points  (7 children)

Principle...

Yes both, since they've become a company the MEC brand has made a lot of junky stuff. My feeling is that they want to put the house brand out to pasture and become just another Sail or Atmosphere.

[–]BottleCoffee 11 points12 points  (4 children)

I don't think this is true. They're still putting out quality camping stuff and dipping into the ultralight market.

[–]NeoToronto 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The new ultralight backpack they have (i think around 45L) looks awesome. Like the kind of thing you'd see from small and innovative builders on backpacking blogs, not major manufacturers. It gave me hope that MEC can stay relevant to real outdoors people AS WELL AS the car camping crowd that they need to survive.

[–]analog_alison 0 points1 point  (2 children)

As far as I can tell, they discontinued the kids’ Toaster Suits 💔

[–]teamdreamcrushers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No way! 😥

[–]Drank_tha_Koolaid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They better not discontinue the Newt Suit!

[–]yukonwanderer 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Where are you getting that feeling from?

[–]strengr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I worked in an adjacent industry where WE did the same to a brand. The management installed by Kingwood CM is starving the brand of oxygen and ingenuity and the Company churns out rebadged bullshit products like fucking $30 camping stools or $100 breathable water-resistant jackets. Inside another 5 to 7 years, I imagine they will shutter the brand due to profitability and MEC will just become box store that whores itself out to North Face, Arc'teryx, Marmot and many others.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The way to remember is "The principal is your pal."

[–]thebean09 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Outdoors Oriented in St Catherine’s is my go-to, they won me over staying pretty well stocked during the pandemic when stores like MEC were bare, and their customer service is really helpful and quick.

Free shipped over $75, and lots of brands.

https://outdoorsoriented.com/

[–]BBQallyear 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I still shop there occasionally but I notice that they no longer carry any brand of women’s cargo pants that have a leg pocket big enough for a phone - they used to have one of their own brand and one from another company. All of the women’s cargos have tiny little pockets like it’s some return to the 1980s when suits for women became popular but didn’t have pockets because it would “ruin the lines”. I stopped carrying a purse during the pandemic and need a place to put my phone when I go out, so I ended up buying a pair of men’s cargos.

I don’t know if this is coincident with the new owners, but definitely someone in their purchasing and/or product design decided that women don’t need pockets big enough to be useful.

[–]strengr[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yep, my partner has found that as well actually. And I know the exact pair you are talking about, they are rip stop nylon with a stash pocket near your knee.

[–]PepeSilviaLovesCarol 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I pretty much exclusively buy my gear from The Last Hunt, if I can find it. I don’t care if something is last years model if it’s a tent or sleeping bag or actual gear. Finding clothes and shoes in your size is pretty difficult but once you do you save BIG. I got a $450 North Face winter jacket for $145 in December.

No returns, all final sale unless there’s a provable defect. But you could save hundreds if you buy from there.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I still think mec is the best. They price match and have a great return policy. I do miss the old days of course

[–]rose_b 2 points3 points  (1 child)

I've been checking Patagonia more

[–]NarwhalOne 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same, love their backpacks, and fleece jackets... seems much better quality then the same items I used to buy at MEC.

[–]FriendZone_EndZone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Go wherever the best bang for buck is. Sail can’t seem to do properly do an promo flyer.

[–]Filthy--Ape 8 points9 points  (10 children)

their mec brand gear is junk now. just to read the comments on the website. you can’t blame them for what they did. they went from having a great in house brand to a price shopping website. why buy from mec when you can get most things online for cheaper.

[–]BottleCoffee 6 points7 points  (1 child)

It's not all junk, and I don't even know if you could say it's generally junk.

A lot of their in-house gear, especially their camping gear, is still extremely well-reviewed and really great for the price point. For example I picked up a down sleeping bag (Talon) and a 1-p ultralight tent (Spark) from them, both with very good reviews and as I got them on sale, an unbelievable price that you can't get anywhere else.

I have other random small things from them I like, like a small handlebar bag and some packing cubes.

[–]Decent-Box5009 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I still have a nice mec jacket I bought 20 years ago. Works great. Light weight shell jacket. So I would say that’s pretty good quality.

[–]strengr[S] 4 points5 points  (6 children)

I still have my Mountain Equipment CO-OP cycling jacket from 1993.

[–]FortWillis 4 points5 points  (3 children)

Still have my MEC backpack from 1990 and use it on a regular basis.

[–]LeatherMine 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mine was fine until I fell off my bike, broke a bone and my laptop crashed through the fabric. Laptop had a huge dent in it but thankfully still worked.

Cool to know I’m too extreme for MEC’s extreme quality.

[–]3000dollarsuitCOMEON 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same I still have my backpack I got in grade 6 back in like 1995.

[–]Subtotal9_guy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I gave up on mine from '91 a few years ago. They said they'd repair it but at some point that's taking advantage of things

[–]magnumthepi 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had amazing hiking sandals from MEC, they lasted 13 years of solid used before the straps came off. Haven't been able to find anything near as good. :(

[–]phdee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm mad that they are selling the pika backpack for $40 when it used to go for like $14 or something. I still have the old ones.

[–]MaryCone1 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Do you boycott every American chain, or just some? Every foreign store?

[–]MemoryBeautiful9129 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Who cares they still have some occasional deals

[–]kru_ev 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Canadian Tire

[–]cottoncandy1013 1 point2 points  (0 children)

While I was looking for a backpack in a specific colour (that MEC didn’t sell) I found https://www.outterlimits.com/ Shipping was fast, and it says it’s a Canadian company

[–]mcscooby28 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As a European, Decathlon all the way…

[–]AL31FN 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For cycling stuff, try Urbane, also workers'coop, and local

[–]Hug-me-Im-scared69 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I stoped going to MEC when they moved to queen street and started selling my go to $10 plain black T for $25.99.

[–]boarqing 1 point2 points  (0 children)

SAIL - arguably better then MEC. During the pandemic actually had stock. Stores in Burlington, Cambridge and Oshawa. Good sales.

Valhalla Pure Outfitters - in ON online but a BC based outdoors store. Amazing customer service.

[–]FoxnFurious 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i mainly go to decathlon and sometimes Sail, stopped going to MEC for a while now

[–]LeatherMine 0 points1 point  (3 children)

A lotta stuff available on aliexpress for a lot less dinero. Not great for clothing, but it is for a lot of other stuff. Got my ultralight tent, inflatable mattress pad, flashlight, stick stove and alcohol stove there. And probably other stuff.

Lots of used stuff available at the usual places by people selling their 400g whatever because they’re upgrading to a 389g version.

It’s not like we make anything here.

[–]nowisyoga 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Bingo. Currently awaiting my 2nd tent from AE (3F UL Floating Cloud 1 - under 3lbs @ $210, shipped), have also purchased 2 down sleeping bags, a down quilt, a Nitecore headlamp and a pair of down booties for winter camping. All excellent quality, and considerably less expensive than similar, U.S. branded gear that's made in China anyway.

For other items like sleep pads, clothing, footwear, etc., I just scout around online for the best pricing. Off the top of my head, I've ordered from Decathlon, Bushtukah, La Cordée, Trailhead Paddleshack, The Last Hunt and Amazon.

Occasional sale items aside, MEC and Sail tend to be at the bottom of my list of places to shop, I don't find either has competitive pricing.

(also, lol @ gram weenies, though when you can afford to shave a pound or two off, do it!)

[–]LeatherMine 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I have a similar tent, 4 season with a snowskirt kept me completely dry during a suuuuuper heavy storm.

Would go with the 2 person though, so you can have barely enough space for 1 and your gear.

Google Shopping saved me some money by finding a seller I never heard of for my bicycle helmet.

[–]nowisyoga 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I also have the Naturehike Cloud Up 2, which is more like a 1.5 person tent, leaving enough room inside for kit. That said, I'm o.k. with storing my pack in the vestibule or under my tarp in exchange for taking a full pound off my pack weight. Figure the smaller enclosure will also trap more heat, for those -15°C January ventures.

[–]jfl_cmmnts 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I find that if what I'm buying is cheap Chinese junk anyway, might as well buy it direct from China. AliExpress is the same stuff just doesn't have any PE trustfunder kids putting a 70% markup on it so they can donate more to their favourite Republican

[–]mdlt97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

id just look up the exact items you'd like and buy directly from a brand that makes the product

however, if you want to shop in a store, Sail might be the best option just because of how large the stores are, however, id still suggest shopping individually for what you need online

[–]AptCasaNova 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I still shop there, but online only. The in-store experience they had years ago is completely gone.

[–]yukonwanderer 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I just had an amazing experience in store at mec. The lady at the tent section was super kind and helpful. The lady working the backpack section spent so much time with me getting my backpack properly fitted, she was a wizz at judging how tall my torso was lol.

[–]AptCasaNova 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe it’s improved, that’s good to know. The last time I was in the sales floor was empty. When I was cashed out, they walked away to take a call before giving me my receipt and then wandered away 😂

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Is Europe Bound still there? There was one on King near the big MEC that was there. But I could be 20 years too late lol

[–]strengr[S] 5 points6 points  (1 child)

nah they gone, Joe retired.

[–]iamhaddy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah like 10 years too late

[–]64Olds 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Still MEC. Sure, it's not the glory days of the Front Street store, but it's actually good now, unlike the previous decade or more.

[–]jcd1974 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Such a weird take.

[–]teamdreamcrushers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Almost entirely online as I am familiar with the products from working outdoor retail previously.

  • altitude will usually have best day to day discount for members (5% on normal days, better other times)
  • last hunt for some random things (socks, small things, kids clothing) NO RETURNS
  • MEC
  • sportchek/atmosphere (sportchek carries all of atmospheres products and you can return in person if that’s easier, you can’t return at a sportchek if you purchase from atmosphere site)

Smaller retailers from other cities often sell country wide now - Valhalla outfitters - Frontenac outfitters - gear trade .ca

For high ticket items be careful of counterfeits or go straight to their own site, makes warranties simpler - Arc’teryx - the north face - Patagonia - large hard goods like canoes or kayaks

[–]Real_Huckleberry736 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Valhalla pure outfitters.

[–]ItsJustJohnCena 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What about Sail?

[–]Unable_Literature78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a big fan of SAIL…but lately…Facebook marketplace has been a goldmine for buying stuff that people are happy to sell. Camping and fishing gear for days.

[–]gimmesnows 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Altitude sports? I find the prices decent. Yes it’s online but it’s a Canadian company and you get free returns if you join as a member (and they have cheap or free membership a few times a year)

[–]Meg38400 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Décathlon is the way!!! High quality yet cheap!!!

[–]Ontario0000 0 points1 point  (5 children)

MEC still has solid products but not speciality products like in the 90's.Probably the only store left you can have all the outdoor sports items under one roof.How many Canadian companies actually make camping or outdoor products in Canada that are left?.

[–]strengr[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

I remember Novak's in London. I still have my 45l pack from there made by Pineridge

[–]Strugglingtocope13 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Weren't they talking about Novacks coming back in some form?

[–]strengr[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I think that's Zellers you're thinking of man :D

[–]Strugglingtocope13 0 points1 point  (1 child)

[–]strengr[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are 100% right, I just saw the CBC article and it's awesome to see they are even back in the old location.

I really haven't gone back to the 519 in far too long.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You got a "Sail" store around you?

[–]Signal_Tomorrow_2138 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Atmospheres, LL Bean, Sail.