After Chris G. from AMK posted on this forum, I took advantage of his offer to answer any questions we had via e-mail to ask him about the availability of PSPs in Canada - specifically, I pointed out that the AMK web site listed Mountain Equipment Co-op, which has stores all across Canada, as one of their suppliers, but nobody at MEC seemed to know anything about them. I received this reply within a day:

>I spoke with the buyer from MEC today and they are adding
>in the PSP right now. I should see the order this week
>and so that means it will be in the stores in about four
>weeks by the time it works it's way through their
>distribution system. It may be on line before then.
>Hopefully we will also be able to get up there and give
>them clinics on the product so they know what it's all
>about.

I've already bought two of the kits (autographed by Doug) but if MEC starts to sell them, I may buy another one (just on principle <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> )

That would be great but unfortunately I don't see it neither in my new fall-winter 2004 catalog nor on their website.
François

I wonder if MEC is reluctant to stock "survival" gear in case their customers get the impression that camping and hiking (and canoeing and mountain climbing) are "dangerous". I may be doing them an injustice - they certainly stock quite a wide selection of First Aid kits - but the only survival manual I have seen in a MEC store is the SAS Survival Guide.

Try e-mailing MEC HQ or inquiring at your local branch in person. Take along a printout of the AMK website where they state that MEC stocks the PSP (dontcha just love TLA's? <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) and ask when they're going to have it in stock.

If enough members start asking about it, they may get the idea that it would be a good idea to try stocking some. The squeaky wheel does get the grease, I've been told. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />