In reply to craig1983:
Flew with BA to both Vancouver and San fransico with a pad (2 on the return from Vancouver) without any issue. Just paid fora second bag when I flew to San fransico and had no issues as long as it's under the 23kg for both bags.
For buying in Squamish there is Valhalla pure close to the highway opposite McDonald's and there's a gear shop down the road from the big save on store. Alternatively pick one up from MEC in Vancouver along with anything else you need.