MEC Gear Swap
Background
Twice per year MEC holds a great big gear swap. Have a look at their website: MEC Vancouver Gear Swap
Due to the popularity of the event, people will show up and sleep in front of the store during the evening of the 21st to get the best choices and deals. Many VOCers have done the trip over the years and has become basically a tradition.
Usually the way they run things is to only allow people into the tent where the swap takes place in waves. If you are one of people in the first wave then you will get the best choice. It doesn't really make any difference if you are the first, or the 20th, as long as you are in the first wave.