Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) jackets any good?

[brigden]

I'm in the market for a new all-weather waterproof jacket to help me brave the Canadian winter. I've been wearing a Columbia Titanium Ballistic parka for the better part of a decade now and it's time to pick up a new winter coat. I've been looking at The North Face shells to compliment the fleece I own, but they're too expensive. I'm currently interested in this jacket. The price is outstanding for a three-layer XCR Gore-tex product.

Anyone have experience with MEC products?

 

[zimu]

true, great price, but never heard of the brand...

 

[N8Magic]

I have extensive experience with their camping gear, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this jacket to you. All of the MEC products i've ever owned have been of really good quality, and I can't see this jacket being any different.

It seems to be made of good quality materials (can't go wrong with Gore-Tex XCR), and their warranty and exchange policy is very good. If you're considering ordering it online, i'd strongly recommend you make the trip to one of their stores so that the knowledgeable staff can help you out and answer any questions you might have.

Can you tell i'm really happy with all of the MEC gear i've purchased in the past?

 

[N8Magic]

Oh, and are you a member of the co-op yet?

If not, keep in mind you have to purchase one share in the co-op the first time you buy anything. It's only 5 bucks, but I just thought i'd make you aware.

 

[brigden]

Thanks for your replies.

The MEC jacket is nearly $200 CAD less than the two-ply North Face I was interested in. Yes, I see you must join the Co-op to purchase a product, and that's fine by me.

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: brigden
Thanks for your replies.

The MEC jacket is nearly $200 CAD less than the two-ply North Face I was interested in. Yes, I see you must join the Co-op to purchase a product, and that's fine by me.

The North Face = overpriced to the max

Their quality has really fallen off in recent times.

 

[brigden]

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: brigden
Thanks for your replies.

The MEC jacket is nearly $200 CAD less than the two-ply North Face I was interested in. Yes, I see you must join the Co-op to purchase a product, and that's fine by me.

The North Face = overpriced to the max

Their quality has really fallen off in recent times.

I've noticed that, too. Overpriced and the quality just isn't there. Columbia just doesn't cut it anymore either.

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: brigden

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: brigden
Thanks for your replies.

The MEC jacket is nearly $200 CAD less than the two-ply North Face I was interested in. Yes, I see you must join the Co-op to purchase a product, and that's fine by me.

The North Face = overpriced to the max

Their quality has really fallen off in recent times.

I've noticed that, too. Overpriced and the quality just isn't there. Columbia just doesn't cut it anymore either.

Columbia doesn't bother me as much as TNF, as Columbia caters to a different market.

TNF tries to pass off their gear as REALLY high end equipment, which it's not. (IMHO)

 

[axelfox]

Any opinions on Arc-Teryx?

 

[Huma]

MEC backs their product with great warranty service. It's definitely very good product, for way cheaper than the big brand names. They make very functional clothing and aren't really out to turn huge profit (that's why it's a co-op).

I've always been happy with my gear from there.

 

[SpiderX]

MEC rocks. You can't go wrong.

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: axelfox
Any opinions on Arc-Teryx?

somewhat high-end, good brand.

MEC is pretty similar to REI..

 

[bleeb]

I have a North Face Mountain Light Jacket w/ a Denali Fleece. The NORTHFACE Denali OWNS everyone. This is simply the best fleece jacket. My Mountain Light is starting to soak water BUT I'm still dry underneath so that's what counts.

 

[opticalmace]

MEC rocks.