Originally Posted by
johndavis
I'm an American thinking of using MEC panniers, sleeping bags, and clothing on my first tour.
I figure that the favorable exchange rate could allow me to get good quality equipment while spending less than I would on the equivalent American products. Am I mistaken? The MEC website was vague about the cost of shipping to America, saying something about tariffs and such. Would the cost of additional customs fees outweigh any savings I might make by buying from MEC?
Specifically, I'm looking at the Raven -7C sleeping bag, and the 43 L panniers. Has anybody used these products? How did you like them?
I also live a few blocks from MEC and shop there often.
To be brief here are some thoughts:
- I don't like how their panniers attach to the bike
- if you get the MEC waterproof panniers the cost isn't much less than Ortliebs so why bother?
- I like their sleeping bags and am on my second MEC down bag in about 20yrs or so of use
- MEC clothing is hit or miss in terms of fit and quality. I have some favourites from MEC I wear all the time and other items I either returned or gave away because they don't fit/work as well as I'd like.
- I would hesitate to buy clothing online if at all possible. I think hitting up an REI sale makes more sense if you live in the US.