Apps: Mountain Equipment Co-op

Canadian outdoors store Mountain Equipment Co-op have released an app for iOS to help you shop, find gear and local stores.

New items are available at a glance. Create a wish list from your favourite items

You can order items directly from the phone to your door. Be sure to look through the sale section too.

Find the nearest location to you at any time and receive GPS directions to the store

Call them directly from your iPhone, or check and see if they are still open

Full access to item details, photos and reviews

Check to see stock availability before you head to the store

Update: January 30th - We tried the 1.1 update to the app which included search improvements and a handy barcode scanning feature. I popped in to MEC Toronto to give the update a try

Just for fun I tried scanning a MSR fuel canister (with a concave barcode no less!) and the app handled it like a champ. Oddly enough I tried scanning a Whisperlite stove and it wasn't sure what it is.

After scanning the barcode, the app brings you to the product page where you can read reviews, find out more about the product itself or even check stock at other MEC locations.

Another new feature lets you share products via Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.

You can download the Mountain Equipment Co-op app for free from the iOS store.