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Mountain Equipment Co-op
Categories: Shopping Fashion Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Outdoor Gear Shopping Sporting Goods Bikes Sports Wear, Outdoor Gear, Bikes [Edit]
830 10 Ave SWCalgary, AB T2R 0A9
(403) 269-2420
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10 am - 7 pm
Thu-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Mountain Equipment Co-op
Review Highlights
"...but I find everything I've bought has been well made."
(in 3 reviews)
"...is a reasonable selection of top brands in differing sizes."
(in 6 reviews)
"They also have a great selection of dehydrated foods."
(in 3 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from Gemma S.
Willowdale, Toronto, ON
12/12/2011
Favourite store ever. I always shop here when I'm home in Calgary and am grateful for the knowledgeable staff and amazing products. You can seriously find EVERYTHING you would ever need in life here. LOL
Love it. Feels like home. -
Review from Sarah Louise F.
Calgary, AB
Updated - 11/21/2011
I need to tell all of Yelp that I have found the perfect vegan winter coat at Mountain Equipment Co-Op. I have been searching around for forever, for a functional jacket that is not filled with down, that I would feel comfortable wearing on a winter hike, that is a reasonable price as I am sometimes tough on my clothes.
Enter the Mountain Equipment Co-Op Frostbreaker Parka available in women's and men's styles, filled with a down alternative, hyperloft. I spoke with a sales associate regarding this coat, and he was super friendly, informing me that he actually had the men's style and that he has worn it on the cooooldest Calgary days, as I was a little bit wary about whether this jacket would be up for the challenge.
As they didn't have any blacks in a medium in my size, I ended up calling MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO OP SECRET HEADQUARTERS, and they had one shipped for me, to my door, with no additional charges. This jacket was only $140. It showed up this past Friday and I had it by our -20 degrees day on Saturday! Life rules so hard, and I have such a crush on MEC right now for providing me with the warmest things.
MEC seriously has everything one needs for the winter right now in one little stop. My next purchase will be some thick cozy gloves and moisture wicking socks for under winter boots. I've also been advised that I should take my bike into MEC to get it prepared for the winter.
(5/30!)Listed in: a november of yelp
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/12/2011
Everytime I walk into a Mountain Equipment Co-op, I feel this compelling desire to purchase a… Read more »
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Review from Nick S.
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Last winter was SUCH a long, brutal, winter.
Day after day of trudging from my car to the office, or from my office to lunches . . . the howling winds. The snow. Minus 20's. Minus 30's No trip to Maui booked . . .
The horror. THE HORROR!!!
What "Darkness."
It was one such noon hour, slogging through the drifting snow - ice wind whipping my face and freezing my eyelashes together - that I was reminded of the book, "Into Thin Air" by John Krakauer.
Ya, I wasn't freezing to death on Everest, or even dropping body parts from frost bite, but it sure as hell felt like it.
That's when it dawned on me: you need to be SERIOUSLY DRESSED for the elements. And if they make gear that lets you survive days on a sub zero mountain, then trekking from the parking lot in good gear will be a breeze!
Or something like that...
Bottom line was I decided to start over-killing a bit in winter wear, with high technology in materials and insulation.
That decision led me back to MEC, a place I hadn't really been to in a while.
Now... you walk through the door, and you are reminded that MEC carries EVERYTHING for the outdoors:
Cycling, water sports, camping, running, mountaineering, casual clothing... you name it. It's all there, the place is packed to the rafters, and it's on the high end of the quality scale.
Professional grade gear.
Browsing around, there's also a TON of stuff in the smaller, "impulse" category. Things so cool that for 10 or 20 bucks... you really want it. Which also makes MEC a great place to do some gift shopping for anyone with a remotely active lifestyle.
My main take-away, though, is going back to how I began this review: we DO live in a challenging environment come winter. And you don't need to be skiing or snowshoeing in the mountains to get that.
Waiting for the bus in windy -30 weather may not be climbing Everest, but it's harsh. And it sucks. And MEC DOES have the higher tech thermal layers and outer wear that makes ALL the difference in the world. Especially when compared to cheaper department store knock-offs.
What am I saying?
Good gear makes things better regardless of what you are doing. So it's worth paying for.
That being said, MEC is pricy. I understand paying for quality, but it is still on the expensive side.
That, and parking: another strike. I actually have passed on several visits to this location simply because the lot is full (and when you DO find a spot, you have to pay for it).
MEC built a nice retail outlet DT, but it's a bit of a pain to get to, and clearly this cuts into their retail traffic. Having it located someplace like Deerfoot Meadows, with lots of free parking, would make me a much more frequent customer.
However -- it is the best of them all, so the hardcore will do what it takes. I just wish they made it easier!
4/30 -
Review from JT W.
Calgary, AB
1/23/2012
This store has really amazing stuffs and you can find everything what you need it. It's overprices.
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Review from Nicole M.
Calgary, AB
8/30/2011
MEC Rocks! My husband & I needed some bike equipment & also wanted to get a city bike path map.
We asked one of the staff where the map could be - but it wasn't there, and the staff member apologized.
While we continued shopping unbeknown to us, she was still looking, and despite us wandering about the store, this wonderful person with map in hand, found us!
To top it off, this is a free map! Now that is service! -
Review from Lauren H.
9/17/2011
I haven't gone into MEC for a couple of years and needed to last week for something. I forgot how much I love it!
I've been going to MEC off and on in Toronto and Calgary for years. I find the Calgary location to be very well laid out with most things logically where they should be. I like that for big ticket items like tents etc, they have them set up so you can really see what you are buying.
They are well staffed so there is always someone around who knows what they are talking about if you have a question. I like that they don't pounce on your though and allow for comfortable browsing.
They are not the cheapest but I find everything I've bought has been well made. And they are cheaper than some other specialty shops for the same items.
I think their location is also perfect and easy to get to. Now that I am reminded they exist again I have been forming my wishlist of things to buy! -
Review from Tara M.
7/6/2011
There's nothing I like more than a store with heart, and MEC has it.
You will read here that MEC is a stand-out in both brands and selection; that the service here is wonderful; that it is a mecca for any outdoor gear that you will need; ALL of these things are true.
If you like to do anything outside, from whistles to kayaks, you will find what you need at MEC.
MEC stands for Mountain Equipment Co-Op and although I should be reviewing the things you can find at the store and the service blah blah blah, there is enough talk of that here. I'm going to talk about what I've learned about the store behind these great products.
When you purchase anything from MEC they will charge you a one-time $5 membership fee and this little $5 makes you a member of the Co-Op, you are now officially a voting member of the store!
Members can vote on, and run for, the board of directors; who directly effect store operations; essentially it's a store of the people for the people.
This Co-Op also makes it difficult to sell the store to a larger conglomerate as they need the members to say 'yes' to consider a sale (and it's a big ass number of members). This keeps MEC local.
Besides offering a collaborative experience for its customers, MEC does an amazing job with customer feedback and actually integrates that feedback into their product design. They also have a killer return policy; if your pack, shoe, sleeping bag or rope breaks, even after YEARS, they will take it back and give you new stuff.
They are also a leader in sustainability and conservation and have some of the highest proportion of sustainable products available at their store that I have seen to date; PLUS each store does something neat to help our environment (Calgary is wind powered, Winnipeg powers their store with bio fuel etc.)
I sound like a real champion for MEC, but let's be fair, they've got great gear, great service, great selection, decent prices and are overall a cool store. So next time you need a waterproof first aid kit or a day-pack, hit MEC and know that your $5 membership fee goes a long way in keeping this store one-of-a-kind!
T.
ps. My MEC education is courtesy of an excellent friend of mine who works there; she also tells me that if you want extra cool benefits like product testing and classes, get a job at MEC.Listed in: Local Lust
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Review from Javier V.
Edmonton, AB
5/18/2011
I only have gone to the Edmonton store and Calgary store, the Calgary store is better supplied and has a LOT more gear in every category.
Service was great. -
Review from Philippe G.
Calgary, AB
11/30/2010
How do you give MEC a point off?, um, you didn't have my bike tires, oh wait, um, you didn't have my new climbing cams, oh wait, you didn't have my favourite peanut climb bar.....cases eh....hmm, How about a kayak? Damn....your good.
MEC is a legend, in Calgary, it gives you the opportunity and the gear to get into the mountains (the reason we all live here).
I have sourced nearly 100% of my climbing, hiking, camping, and Alpine gear here. Just ask, or visit the web.
**I am putting the most expensive rating because I always overspend here, it is a curse.. -
Review from Colin S.
Calgary, AB
11/12/2010
What's not to love about MEC? This place is massive and if you enjoy the oudoors or are just a gear head you'll be in awe at the selection.
The staff are generally friendly, helpful and know what they are talking about. I've had a few employees give me some misleading info but if you visit as much as I do it's going to happen once in a while.
I'd love to give them 4 stars but I've run into a few issues with the rental side of things. Nothing too painful but the lineups/phone waits can be unbearable.
I'd love to see them stock some more ultralight gear/brands but I'm sure that's outside this specific locations hands. -
Review from Scott J.
Calgary, AB
8/25/2010
Been a bit late in reviewing MEC, it's a good all round outdoor store with almost everything you could possibly need to do most outdoor activities.
Prices are reasonable and between Atmosphere (used to be Coast Mountain opposite) and MEC you can get basically what you need!
One critique would be their own branding over more well known brands like Lowe Alpine which I couldn't find recently on looking for a Day Pack but apart from that a cracking place to spend your money for essentials. -
Review from Koz T.
Calgary, AB
11/30/2010
This is the mecca for bag addicts. There are a bazillion types of backpacks and messenger bags and all of them are well made and comparatively well priced. I haven't been hiking in years but I still come here to get my backpacks for work and travel.
Surprisingly, they also have a large selection of cycling gear which I only discovered in recent years. Staff are helpful and the store is well organized.
Parking can be a pain. -
Review from Cory D.
7/14/2011
I love these guys! If your into the outdoors this is the place to go for your equipment. If its not here you don't need it. The prices range from affordable to fairly pricey. But one shouldn't have to buy the expensive stuff cause all the lower end merchandise is great.
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Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
10/31/2009
As an intrepid outdoor explorer, or at least a pretend one, I love Mountain Equipment Co-op to death. My backpack of choice during much of high school and university was their solid bookbag with laptop slot, and it lasted me a lot longer than the more fashionable, more expensive bag I replaced it with later.
MEC is just so full of so many excellent things. I have a pair of extra thin merino wool long underwear that I wear underneath my pants when the winter weather ventures into -30 territory. They're great for skiing too!
And then they have camping equipment, and rock climbing equipment and dufflebags with weals. MEC is the high quality outdoor superstore. The staff actually know their stuff, and are always ready to give you accurate advice and help you try something else before you buy it. The lifetime guarantee on the majority of their products gives me such peace of mind. If I ever get stuck on an overnight, overland camping trip, it won't be because of my MEC gear, which is more than I can say for a lot of outdoor superstores. If you're at all serious about being outdoorsy, it is worth it to pay for the quality, care and assurance that MEC gear gives. -
Review from D K.
Calgary, AB
11/3/2010
Top quality stuff. Ecologically aware also.
Rental is reasonable also. -
Review from Chad W.
Calgary, AB
11/17/2008
As for as gathering the right gear for outdoor expeditions, MEC definitely has the right supplies. And sure, the staff are friendly as usually fairly experienced. But they are really expensive compared with outlet type outdoor organizations. Campers Village does a far better job at beating MEC's prices.
Their selection is good and definitely worth a look. However, if you're not into trendiness and just want stuff that will perform, hit up Campers Village or Mark's Work Warehouse for your gear. -
Review from Nicole B.
Edmonton, AB
7/27/2010
Oh MEC, how I love thee.
We rented kayaks from this MEC for a weekend trip and they were awesome! The kayaks were not expensive to rent and the staff were incredibly helpful (like they always are).
If you want to give kayaking a try or if you want to do anything outdoorsy, MEC is the place for you. Seriously, they staff knows their stuff and it is very evident. These guys are amazing! -
Review from Kerrie M.
Calgary, AB
7/16/2010
I wouldn't necessarily call myself an outdoorsy type. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love being outside and if I was lost in the woods I might have a rough idea of what to do...
But, Mountain Equipment Coop inspires me to be a pro at anything and everything. I walk in through those doors and there is a shift within my being, I want to camp and dig my own toilet in the ground, I feel the need to buy the "stand up and pee" thing for girls, and most of all, I stare in awe at the kayak's, imagining myself in one, ripping through waves....and then I come back to reality.
No disrespect to the people who actually get to do these things, I actually admire you. I find it amazing that you place your four month old baby in your back pack baby carrier and hike a mountain, while I can't even figure out how to strap up my kid in the bike trailer.
I have purchased packs for travelling, hiking and school that have all stood up to the test of time and rugged use. My husband is an avid bicyclist and goes to MEC for all his biking needs. I recommend dropping by if you are heading out on a trip and need some travel sized items like sunscreen, lip balm, and they carry some nifty toothbrushes.
They also have a great selection of dehydrated foods. I don't have a use for these, but I am once again amazed at the variety and feel that one day I should try one for dinner.
Ahhhh MEC, I have a longing to just set up camp right inside the store.
If you have not had a MEC experience, you must go, you will not be disappointed! -
Review from Sapna G.
Calgary, AB
9/28/2009 1 photo
Even if you're not necessarily the outdoorsy kind, there's a ton of things that Mountain Equipment Co-op carries that no other place in town is likely to have.
My sister started training for a variety of different marathons and was partaking in The Amazing Race in her city. She needed one of those backpacks that carries only water & snacks, and I looked around in a million different places I couldn't find anything of the like. Finally, I went to Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), and yes, of course, they had it, along with a variety of styles & colours.
What I love about MEC is that it's ouber friendly, even for the non-jock type. I mean if it was even remotely pretentious there's a good chance a lot of us would never step foot into it. But it's welcoming, it's easy to find things, and it does truly carry just about anything you'll ever need for the 'outside world'.
The prices are ridiculously reasonable, and the quality is the best you can get. The people that work there are helpful and the store itself is laid out so well that you can shop according to outdoor activity (Ie: Camping, Hiking, Cycling, etc.)
Just a tip for those of you who have never been here before. You DO need an account/membership in order to shop here. Kinda like Costco. So when you get to the til, they will ask you for your membership phone number. What I do, is I just use my Mom's, and they are cool with that. So as long as someone in your family, or someone you know has an account with MEC, you can shop there.
Another tip for all you newbies: Most MEC products are covered under a lifetime warranty. For example, if you ever buy a backpack from MEC and the zipper breaks, or it rips, they will replace it for you! The warranty isn't just a year or two, it's a LIFETIME warranty! How sweet it is!!!
Next time you need to buy some specialty outdoor/sports goods, give MEC a try. I can pretty much guarantee that they'll have what you're looking for.
You're welcome. -
Review from JP D.
Calgary, AB
4/15/2010
Always my first destination for outdoor gear. Selection is more than adequate, and pricing is somewhat high but for the quality of the product i think it is reasonable. The staff is very helpful and the store itself is pretty massive. Americans will love this place, as it's quite a bit more intense than REI.
The downsides: parking is limited, and this being downtown if you dont park in the lot, it can be hard to come by. The other thing is clothing itself, i feel like they should carry more than the MEC brand itself. The MEC brand im sure is very well made, but it is a bit low on style. -
Review from dinah g.
Calgary, AB
11/27/2009 1 photo
I have been a patron of MEC since the early nineties, when I used to live in the Yukon and one memorable stint of minus 40 degree weather in Yellowknife with a minus 60 degree wind-chill.
Let's start with my basics, I got my first MEC membership in Vancouver and used to tote my blue MEC bag, you know one of the first over the shoulder and off to the side portfolio bags of the 90s. This lasted me throughout my university incarnation, I thought I was fashionable and savvy, it was waterproof and could carry my books and my ultra thick ACER lab top (DOS).
I also remembered when living in Whitehorse the local church, the Mary House used to have first of the month donation sales; my friends and I would scramble across the fence and wrestle each other for that MEC Merino jacket or that extra warm thermal MEC underpants or turtleneck. I swear I even got bruises.
MEC was the best for living up north and for 7 years whether it was skiing in the wintertime, or backpacking across the Chilkoot in the summer, you never left without your Mountain Equipment Coop Paraphernalia.
But the strongest memory for me is having your car battery die on the lonely highway back to the cabin in the middle of winter, with northern lights dancing above you and 23 hours of darkness surrounding you. You thanked god you had on thermal gloves and moonboots from MEC until that faithful car or truck would pass by.
The list can go on, but as other reviewers have already sited, expect the best equipment for whatever season or sport, with a lifetime guarantee. And I will say this lifetime guarantee has a twist because MEC has sincerely saved mine many times. -
Review from Zoe L.
Calgary, AB
12/4/2009
For my recent backpacking trip, I needed a backpack, otherwise that would defeat the purpose of "backpacking", right? So it was recommended to me that MEC was the place to go.
This place is massive! I'm not a cyclist or climber, but they sure seem to have a lot of stuff pertaining to those activities! MEC has pretty much all your travel necessities. They have great first-aid kits. The staff was very helpful in helping me find a perfect sleeping bag for what I needed. They also helped suggest packs, there is a reasonable selection of top brands in differing sizes. Both my husband and I ended up going with their brand of pack, since we weren't planning on doing much hiking or camping with our packs on our trip. We were able to get purification tablets and water proof bags for our clothes. They have a great selection of clothes, but all were a bit pricey to me. I did end up getting a wicked deal on trail shoes! That is definitely something I would go back to MEC for is shoes! We bought the membership when we paid for our stuff. I asked about warranties and the woman said they are good about fixing or returning things.
After the trip, I wanted to bring my bag in because the hip belt had frayed and fell apart, after only 6 months! When I brought in my bag they told me they would just give me a credit, so I could buy a new one, or a different one if I liked! I was amazed at how easy it was! so I ended up buying a high end pack, putting that money toward it, because I knew I needed it to last! They keep all your buying info under your membership, so I didn't even need the receipt!
If I need anything related to travel or outdoors MEC will be my first stop. I highly recommend it for travel necessities! -
Review from Danny F.
Calgary, AB
10/18/2008
Mountain Equipment Co-op has just about anything you might need for outdoor pursuits. The service is exceptional and the staff enthusiastic and knowledgeable although sometimes a bit hard to find. If you're new to a sport they are friendly enough not to make you feel small for asking beginner questions but they can generally help out the expert as well. They several brands and when I'm unsure of what to get I almost always default to the MEC brand - generally a bit less expensive without a sacrifice to quality (although not always). One of my favorite shops for equipment and clothing in the city.
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Review from J K.
Calgary, AB
2/14/2010
I go here for camping and cycling stuff and I must say that the selection and prices are tough to beat, especially for bike gear. They've got some good brands (Descante) and I always find what I'm looking for. The salespeople are not pushy whatsoever and are actually very knowledgeable about their products. Almost every item that I have bought there has been useful and great in quality. The only downside is the whole parking situation. You have to pay to park there.
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Review from Trevor W.
Medicine Hat, AB
12/3/2009
I live in Medicine Hat so it is always a treat to go to MEC when I am in Calgary. I am always impressed when I go there. I love being in the outdoors and they have got everything you need to be outside, well ok not everything but almost everything. The prices are reasonable and the staff is always friendly and very helpful. These are people that actually use the products. For example I was looking for some cycling gloves and the MEC employee that was helping me had just retired from a 15 year carrier as a bike carrier, so he had some good advice and he knew what he was talking about. Great store and I will be back again and again.
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Review from Tyler S.
Ottawa, ON
6/14/2009
Pretty much the best outdoor store chain in Canada if not the world. MEC brand stuff is a great way to get something that is high quality, ethically sourced (or even made in Canada a lot of the time), and most importantly cheap. The employees are very knowledgeable, they don't just work there, they live the lifestyle and practise what they preach. Sure you have to be a member ($5 for a lifetime membership) but it is well worth it just to have access to this fantastic chain in most majour Canadian cities and online.
