The Mountain Equipment Co-op

The Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is sort of like the REI or EMSof Canada. They make some of their own equipment and they carry a range of clothing and equipment from other outdoor equipment manufacturers. However, the few items they do make are better designed than most of their American counterparts. The Slipstream jacket and the Pika Plus daypack are both examples of really simple and functional design. The best part is that MEC's stuff is all sold in Canadian dollars, so the 12.00CAD pack is only 10.00USD. You could never get a bag for 10 bucks at REI or EMS. Too bad there are only stores in Canada.