A day at the M-E-C
As an avid outdoors-person, I have always heard of Mountain Equipment Co-Op. Often touted as the preppy, and snobbish, or the “M.E.C. Crowd” with a certain look, etc.
After doing a few days research, I recently decided I wanted a set of unusual hiking shoes called “Vibram Five Fingers” http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ as part of my birthday present from me mum. Checking the Vibram Five Fingers website, the closest dealer was in Toronto.
Although I was quite ill from some kind of virus I caught, I had booked off today as it is my birthday and on the morning of May 21st I headed up to Toronto to pay my first visit to the M-E-C. We found the store quite easily from the directions on the website http://www.mec.ca
Parking in the underground lot, we headed up the lift to the store. I must admit I was impressed. This was the big-box stores of the outdoor world. 10,000sqft of incredible outdoor supplies. This store had everything. Canoes, Kayaks, Rock climbing and Rappelling gear, tents, shoes, shirts, trousers, and everything else you could possibly imagine other than scuba gear (although they did sell dry suits for kayakers).
The moment one of the knowledgeable staff saw me looking around she said “is there something I can help you with?” I kind of sheepishly said that I was seeking the Vibram Five Fingers shoes as shown in eXplore Magasine, and touted as the editors top pick of shoes for the 2008 season. Without even blinking or laughing at their unusual design, she pointed me in the direction of the shoes, and helped me find my size and the color I desired.
I spent some time afterword browsing the amazing selection of gear and clothes that the store had to offer. The quality of gear was very high. All the trousers and footwear, even the t-shirts were of great quality and excellent prices.
Then came the surprise. In order to purchase something from the store I had to become a “member of the co-op” which cost an additional five dollars for a lifetime membership. Although I think this is a bit unusual, it is a one-time fee. Unfortunately it’s per person, and not per couple or family.
I came home to dozens of notes on my Facebook and MySpace page from friends wishing me happy birthday, it was really great of everyone.
14 thoughts on “A day at the MEC”
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As soon as I detected this site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them. I love MEC
I found your website through research engine a few moment ago, and luckily, this can be the only info I was searching for the last hours
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i came to “return the favor”. I’m trying to find things to improve my site! I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
MEC is one of the best places in Canada to buy outdoor gear.
MEC looks like a great store!
Hey Wolf…Was at MEC yesterday..picked up a few things there. Love this light new sling pack I picked up. Anyway mate..cheers..your site is looking better everyday.
I could totally spend a thousand dollars in a place like that.
I have nothing like this in Molvania.
MEC seems pretty awesome. Here in the U.K. we have Mountain Warehouse which is similar to MEC.
Pretty awesome looking store.
I’d literally live in Vibram FiveFingers, but they aren’t breathable enough for my taste. That makes them extra stinky, sadly.