MEC has always been my first choice when buying outdoor gear. They have an amazing selection and always seem to cram more into the store every year. The staff are generally really good with the exception of their ski department. They don't know enough to fit boots properly. The best part about MEC is their return policy. No one else even comes close to matching their policy and they are so easy about. No hassles, no fuss, just a full refund and away you go. I'm also a big fan of their corporate responsibility and how they source their products.