MEC

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends MEC

6 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 4, 2025

  MEC: IYKYK (oh, I miss the old MEC)

  i have one of their original black gortex jackets. 25 plus years old. its been all around the world, the the opera, to see slayer, to work everyday, on serious interior canoe trips and its still in almost perfect condition with the exception of the frayed cuffs. still use a backpack i got around the same time.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #2Dec 4, 2025

  MEC: IYKYK (oh, I miss the old MEC)

  Old MEC was awesome, I have a 25ish year old backpack and 10 year old tent from them I use regularly. I'm still pissed they sold out from being a co-op to corporate owned in 2020, although they were recently bought out again by a Canadian firm. The new owners are planning to focus on domestic production, so it may improve, who knows.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #3Nov 4, 2025

  Canada Goose worth owning? If you live in cold climates?

  I live in Winnipeg too. I use a MEC parka, a couple Columbia jackets, I've not felt the need for Canada Goose. They've lasted me 5 years so far. I got the MEC parka over the north face parka cause it was just as warm and had more features compared to the north face parka so I returned it. The Columbia jackets are discontinued but they're warmer than the parka. Canada Goose has pivoted from a workhorse item to a luxury item and that space has been filled by other, better or just as good outdoor brands like the ones I mentioned plus arcteryx, Patagonia, outdoor research, etc. The money you save is significant esp if you buy when winter clearance sale is on. Canada Goose never goes on sale fyi so get it when not buying when a sale is on. The warranty however may make up for it I guess.

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #4Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Aecteryx, Mountain Hardware, MEC

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #5Jun 7, 2025

  What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?

  My oldest daily use items: MEC backpack, Ralph Lauren one piece e leather belt (borrowed 20+ years ago from my sister, glass mason jar water bottle, Victorinox Recruit, Flying Fisherman Fowey’s. Not worth replacing any because they can’t be beat

  View on Redditopen_in_new
• #6Dec 5, 2015

  [BIFL Request] - Travel Bag For Short Work Trips - "Cute" and BIFL

  Canvas & leather with brass rivets. I haven't used the duffle, but the girlfriend has the tote and uses it as a purse. I love the styling so much I want to buy a tote for myself to use as a lunch bag, even though it does look like a purse. http://www.mec.ca/product/5032-802/mec-cascade-duffle-bag-unisex/

  View on Redditopen_in_new