I think MEC-branded gear designs, on average, are at least a little better than REI-branded gear. As fashion in USA at least, the brand is way better.

I've got MEC Brio 50+ pack. It's pretty good. Was very cheap on sale 8 years ago, when CD was still a bit low.

Design strains slightly too hard for left field though, and I wish they had just opted slightly for something slightly more standard.

REI designs, from time to time, have suffered the same sin sometimes in more extreme form. They come up with something that is slightly weird, sell it for a couple of years, and then drop the idea and move on to other stuff.

Sleeping bags with perforated, aluminized covers, come to mind. Also bivy sack with arm holes, etc. I don't follow this stuff so closely any more.