HOW DARE YOU continue to denigrate my beautiful puke shoes 😤 Actually though, I'm hyped to stock up on them in a year or so when they're all 60% off since no one is buying shoes that look like hot baby vomit
So, you know you shouldnt support REI at all, right? ask an employee why.. or the health department.. or an environmental agency or.. wait... is it not common knowledge to not support REI? well, i guess idiots still support amazon...so... were doomed
I’m a long time REI member. I’ve gotten years of good advice and if you factor in the dividends and sales you don’t over pay. They are extremely user and beginner friendly and have a wide variety of stuff at different price points. Different strokes for different folks.
I disagree with you on the beginner friendly portion. More like beginner extortion portion if you ask me (a real beginner). I had no clue I was being upsold. On everything. I bought so much I didn't need listening to expert advice because I was scared..... wish I had someone like Kyle to tell me otherwise :P
As a 20+ year member I can say that REI is amazing for what they are, backpacking gear isn't cheap anywhere but getting a 10% dividend gift card, used gear, returns, member perks and deals, it's like they have a warm fire going in a vast, desolate, freezing corporate wasteland
@@Jeremy-rg3bg they will take basically any gear back for an entire year. You can literally say, it wasn't comfortable or I decided I'm too high maintenance for this ultralight life. They recently updated this to where you have to be a member, but it's a lifetime membership and if you join during a promo which they have SO often you basically come out on top almost immediately buying the like $30 membership because they will often offer a gift card or coupon or whatever after you join.
@@Jeremy-rg3bg they also have regular "garage sales" where they sell used gear and you can get great deals. I keep shopping their end of season sales and closeout sales when new versions of gear are released and they're getting rid of last year's stuff. Putting together a decent kit one piece at a time. The staff are really well trained and knowledgeable too. But he's right in the video, you can often get better stuff for less money elsewhere if you look. You have to know what you're looking for, though.
Not big enough for backcountry hiking, but the flash 18 daypack that REI makes is 9 oz which is by far the lightest I've ever seen. It's my favourite backpack for just regular day to day commute stuff, and surprisingly sturdy. I'm actually considering getting a flash 22 for a gear shakedown weekend hiking trip and modifying it to hold a bit more.
Great video! I work for one of those “Box Stores” and must dispense experience and advice on a regular basis. I’ve directed customers to other sources for the same or similar items in our store at a cheaper price. I find giving such advice brings customers back to our store for other items, and they ask for me by name.
Oh I 100% can confirm this as someone on the customer end. Called a gun store for a holster and the owner sent me to a different companies website that had it on sale, I’ve been going back to that gun store for everything else ever since
Valid points, Kyle! I'm about 3 years into primitive 4 season camping and have realized there's not much more REI has that I cannot find directly from the manufacturer - wool socks, trail running shoes, hammocks/tarps/quilts (Sierra Madre), chairs (Helinox), buck saw, water filtration bags (CNOC), etc. I personally enjoy supporting small, cottage companies striving to compete directly with retailers. This, to me, is the American dream. That said, REI is ~ 10 minutes from home and I still do spend a good deal there on items you need to try on (clothing), cheap items (nutrition), and those you cannot buy through the mail (isobutane cans).
You can indeed buy almost everything he lists directly from manufacturers, but they won't pay you a 10% dividend back. They also almost never have the same 1-year return policy either.
You left out the #1 reason we buy stuff from places like Amazon and REI...Convenience! All the cottage gear you showed takes several weeks to get. I love my ULA CDT pack but man...It took forever to get that thing. From the time I ordered it, I went on 2 or 3 backpacking trips before it showed up at my house. So if you are new to backpacking and want to get started in a few months, start buying all the cottage gear now. You might make it out by this summer lol.
My husband really wanted a Nemo Dragonfly tent. They are expensive. We snagged one from REI on sale, used dividends, and a gift card and managed to get the price down significantly from $360 to $250 and it’s a light tent. I also have the GG One since I wanted a trekking pole tent. I think if REI has the tent you want, their return policy can’t be beat since you can return it even after use if it’s not working whereas companies won’t take them back used.
The only caveat I'd say about REI backpacks for lightweight backpacking is the REI Flash 55 pack. It's really kind of a sleeper gem. I recommnend it even to people who already know about or carry a cottage UL pack. It's that good.
"don't buy tents at REI.. oh hey, here's a tent i own" hahah.. I do love having an REI nearby to get things now vs waiting for delivery (first world probs). I did get a top and under quilt from REI because they had in stock and I wanted to go camping vs waiting weeks. They've held up well and I've gone down to 23 freedom degrees and stayed warm. I do wish I would've just waited but eh, buy twice, cry again.
A list of things I have ever purchased at REI: -Fuel canisters ... Online shopping is your friend, take advantage of sales, and support smaller businesses.
A good reason to get your shoes and clothing for your thru hike at REI is the return/exchange policy. I exchanged my torn rain jacket in Asheville, NC. It did involve a shuttle ride but it also mean I could get real food and a six pack of beer. Some thru hikers even exchanged their well worn shoes for new ones. This past winter, I shuttled some Florida Trail thru hikers. Seven of them exchanged their shoes for new ones. And that’s with 100s of miles of swamp water on the Florida Trail.
I became a diehard REI fan when I saw how they handle black Friday😁 Their selection does suck sometimes, and I too prefer more affordable stoves. However, I once walked in with a shitty hand me down off brand pack and they taught me how to load it, and helped fit it, and didn't try to sell me anything 😍
I work at REI and here’s my quick breakdown on this video for what I agree and disagree with Tents- Agree- lots of great tents for people who are not super lightweight campers, but not the best selection of super light weight tents, and the ones that we do have are very expensive Backpacking stoves- not sure- I can’t vouch for the ones on Amazon and I know the ones in REI are great and reliable BUT they are definitely overpriced. Sleeping bags- Disagree- The one example you clicked on is the cheapest and heaviest we have in store. We have a good selection of down light weight sleeping bags for all seasons. Little pricey tho, but chances are the down filling in the REI bags are better then the cheep ones on other sites tho- I’m not positive on that tho. Backpacks- Agree- Most of the packs we sell (similar to the tents) are not aimed at people doing the super lightweight backpacking. I wish we did sell them because some of the ones I have seen look super good and for good prices. Price stuff- agree with exceptions- While you may be able to find items cheaper on other websites they probably don’t have our return policy. 1 year returns for members after any amount of use is pretty unbeatable. You could use the shoes for 9 months then return them and get your money back. REI also has free shipping for members on everything except really big stuff like bikes and boats ect. Also the 10% divided but u did mention that.
Keep in mind I am just a floor sales person and could not care less if you buy your gear from REI or somewhere else because I don’t get commissions. I’m a backpacker myself and work here because I love to share what I know with customers and want everyone to enjoy camping as much as I do.
I would absolutely buy a sleeping pad, trail runners, camp cookware, water filter, dry bags, etc at REI. General stuff. I agree with you though that buying tents, packs and quilts would be better at a cottage vendor. One of my favorite retailers that specializes in cottage brands is Garage Grown Gear. A lot of times cottage companies have lead times, but GGG might have several in stock and ready to ship
My favorite part about rei is the fact it is a real store I can go to and they have a really good return policy which I really like for if my boots give me blisters or my backpack is uncomfortable.
I have that REI Magma Quilt 30 and have taken it out on about 12 or so overnight/ weekend trips in Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. No complaints so far from me, but then again the coldest night was down to only about 35-40F and I’m a warm sleeper. I also bought it on sale and didn’t pay full price which is what i would recommend if you do pick it up. IMO though I feel like there’s probably better quilts out there for that price, but I also don’t have buyers remorse about it
I think you and I would get along because we are the opposites. Me being a bring everything and you being not or adleast hitting up it being light weight. I make up for my slowness by making my friends laugh and being prepared. I say God Bless you brother. Be safe my friend.
Well, the Altra Lone Peak 5's are now on sale at REI for $96 and change. They also mention that they are a discontinued model. So to be fair, this might have been comparing the discontinued price at this other site which REI had not reflected yet. I mean, your point is taken, check around, and if that was the day you were going to order shoes regardless, then yes that would have been a savings - at least for a week.
The REI Magma 30 quilt is a good one. I’ve taken it on several trips and was warm with temps in the 40’s. REI is always giving 20% off deals, so if you’re not in a hurry, you can get a good price from them. That all being said, I’ve got a Waymark Thru 40 pack, not available at REI, and love it.
I’ve had my passage 1 tent for years now. Solid tent, great price and 3lbs isn’t too bad. Probably won’t need another one until that one bites the dust.
So, I was just at REI 2 days ago looking at the Lone Peak 5 and I couldn't bite the bullet... following your advice I checked online- sure enough, public lands had the sale price, but not my size. Back to the REI site, and the price was cheaper than the public lands site, plus they had my size!!
Tent: I use a TarpTent Notch when I'm solo. But I used an REI Half Dome for a long time when going with my daughter. We weren't trying to knock out big miles, and the weight wasn't bad when shared between two people. Sleeping bag/quilt. I have an old Kelty Cosmic Down that I got from REI Outlet. Western Mountaineering it ain't, but it's Good Enough in milder weather. I've had it for donkey's years. If I were ever contemplating a big thru-hike, I'd probably upgrade, but for what I do, it's fine. (Caveat: I'm trying to work up a hammock system. I have a way-too-heavy hacked-together system that's done me for a few nights, now I've got a lot of fine tuning/upgrading to do.) Pack: I got my Granite Gear pack at REI because I had an REI gift card burning a hole in my pocket, otherwise I'd have probably gone with Gossamer Gear or ULA. Still, the Crown VC is Good Enough, and has the advantage that it's big enough for my winter load-out. Stove: Popcan. 'Nuff said. Except that in deep winter I use a Whisperlite (so called because it's the weight of a brick and sounds like a jet engine). In winter you need a liquid-fuel stove. I don't remember who had the best Whisperlite price when I got mine. It might have been REI. As you said, comparison shop! Shoes: Whoever has Merrell Moab at a decent price. Throw out the factoriy inoles and put in green Superfeet. (Your feet are probably different. Go with the shoes that fit you!) Bottom line: Second- or third-tier gear works fine. Get out there and have fun!
One other thing to consider… if you’re an REI member, you get 10% back at the end of the year as a dividend. Consider that, and REI return policy when shopping around the internet for “better” prices.
Some of REI's store brand gear is a good value and light weight especially when paired with a sale or 20% off coupon. Their Magma 10 bag (2017?), Quarter Dome SL2 tent and Flash 55 pack come to mind. I have all three along with gear from SMD, Waymark and ZPacks.
The Flash 55 pack is a hidden gem and even though I"ve bought "lighter" packs from cottage companies, I still keep going back to use the Flash especially on longer trips. It's that good.
Although I do love my rei trail break 30 sleeping bag I do need something warmer after trying repeatedly to use it in winter and I might as well get something lighter while I'm at it. As for tents I was between a tarptent protrail and a durston but the gossamer may be one to look at. Will probably just get the backpack you recommended because I'm sick of researching things
switching from the msr winburner to the brs-3000 as my "daily driver" was a no-brainer, weight savings was well worth it, especially when paired with the 550ml toaks pot.
So, ill admit....im kinda a bit of a gear snob. love my xpacks duplex, uGQ bandit, and my favorite is my 0 degree econ burrow(heavy, but love the fabric) ! Just got a new backpack...REI FLASH 55😁😁😁😁 The most hideous color, but damn its comfy!
Encouraging people to shop around is always a good thing. On the backpacks the Osprey Exos is probably the best light frame pack they carry. 58L that is 2lbs if you remove the brain of it. For beginners it's a great place to get properly sized up. My first pack I picked up online with only a measurement at home yeah that didn't work out the best. I had them use the weird ruler thing they have and since any pack I have purchased fits very well.
The Rei flash tent isn't 2lbs. It's over 2lbs with the tent poles which you won't need because you can use your trekking poles instead like the zpacks/gossamer. It's pretty much the same weight at half the price. If you want to show off then by all mean spend the $400-700 and go with the gossamer two or the duplex.
Haven't got much from REU but last year they have Bear Vaults when most places were sold out. Recently I got a windbreaker for 70% off, socks for 50% and trekking poles for 30% off at their online outlet. Also, Public Lands is a new spin off of Dicks sporting goods. They're targeting REI pretty hard in the retail market.
I have that REI magma 30 quilt, it's very warm, I've taken it down to the mid 20s and slept great on trips when my water bottle has frozen. Here are the pros and cons Pros: light at just over 1 pound, vertical baffels over the chest, ethically and hydrophobic treated down, very small in the stuff sack, it comes with pad straps and a storage bag. Also you can get the short, regular, or long and try them in store and get it same day Cons: it's $300, and you could get a Chinese down quilt for less. It's not a cottage company so you can't customize it beyond choosing one of three lengths. They are no little pockets in it to keep batteries or filters warm at night. It's a quilt so no hood.
The Quarter Dome2 (older edition) has served me well for a number of years. I don't like single tents, so I am willing to carry the extra weight and compromise elsewhere. Never had problems with this tent in incredible rains. Best three-season tent I had....
LMAO #2 the REI Magma sleeping bags are some of the best around. To get anything better you pay significantly more, ESPECIALLY from cottage companies. They also sell the Western Mountaineering which as a brand is possibly only eclipsed by the Feathered Friends cottage company brand out of Seattle. Literally nothing else comes close. Now there are some decent cottage companies out there doing a good job on quilts but by and large those are still as costly or significantly more than the Magmas, and most don't even offer significant weight savings for the same temperature rating.
Durston X-Mid PRO! Lol or the regular sil poly 2P ☺️ we love it! Love our Soto Windmaster as well as our BRS 3000. We do agree you get much better products from cottage vendors. Wife loves her UGQ quilt.
i have the $12 backpacking stove from amazon! it's good, works just fine, my only complaint is if it's really windy, it's not the steadiest. i've never lost a pot yet but i also won't sit near it while it boils.
My brother found a pair of trail runners for our AT hike on another website for a deep discount. Bought them, they never showed up. Called the company and of course it was a bogus number. The only good thing was that his bank account wasnt hacked and he was only out the $75 he paid. My point is make sure its a reputable dealer. That is why i go to REI for most of my gear.
I think most people already shop Amazon and cottage business before they buy. Nice to go to a store and try on that osprey backpack or look at a stove before you buy. Almost every item you look at rei website and end up saying, well, this one looks pretty good.
Dude, the Dan Durston tents are going on sale on Jan 10th. Check them out. They will sell out within an hour. Its been over a year since the last one launched.
I'm a newish backpacker, and I don't usually use a tent; I just use a hammock. So much more comfortable, less material, and no poles. If my working dog accompanies me, I set up a ground cover with a tarp for him using suspension cords, which he carries himself. Tents are too fancy for my shit. I am a winter camper, so I do have a very nice pricey mummy bag that I couldn't find at any outdoorsy store; I got it in the 80's from some pro shop. I sleep in it directly on my hammock with a snow cover strung above me.
I like REI. I have their trail 25 pack and trekking poles. Haven’t failed me yet. But I can’t speak for tents and other things because I’m mostly a day hiker
Gladly pay a little more for REI and have the piece of mind of a great return policy. Cottage gear is great once you have a little experience but can be overwhelming and to much $ for beginners.
Have to disagree about buying cheap stoves...that BRS stove failed me on one trip when I was over 4000 ft with temps around 15 degrees (F) and high winds...it simply wouldn't work. SOTO Windmaster on the other hand, worked great. I think the gas regulator on the SOTO is well worth the price if you're going to be in extreme conditions, or if you just want to have 1 stove. As far as backpacks go, well, REI does carry the Osprey Exos and Levity and those are very good packs. Best reason to get anything from REI is however their return policy...as a member you can take stuff back for up to a year on most items.
interesting to hear that about the stove... it's always worked great for me. Thanks for sharing Scott, I agree the return policy is good. I meant to mention this in the video and forgot
Currently my primary tent that I use is the Zpacks Duplex. I am looking for a tent with a smaller footprint area because of some of my privative campsites are quite small. I've researched tents from different brands including all of those you discussed and it's down to two models the Big Agnes HV UL1 and the REI Quarter Dome SL1. What matters most is an individuals priorities, goals and abilities and what equipment best fits them. Where you purchase them from is secondary and depends on their integrity and reputability. Oh, light weight includes price for those of us who are much less than rich. By the way I got the cheap stove from Amazon . . . it is great!
REI’s 20% off member sales that they have twice a year are a great way to save buko $$$ on Big Agnes Copper Spur, Altra Lone Peaks, quilts... you can even order a Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack from them (sadly, not the Fusion).
I do agree with that that REI is not the only place to shop. I have looked at many places and websites for gear. I though am not into ultra lite at all so while you can get lighter gear, bags, tents and stuff it is not for everyone. For some comfort is more important than ultra lite. I am planning a AT thru hike and I will be 65 then. In my case my gear though a little heavier is better for me. I do agree you can get regular gear at other places cheaper than REI though.
I’m with you on the shoes- not necessarily for price. I find their boots (for the most part) to be fashionable wear but not durable. I chose Red Wing work boots without the hard toe. I’ve been wearing the same pair every weekend hiking since 2018, and the soles are very much intact and no holes in the body/leather. Highly recommend Red Wings.
Yes, my opinion is biased. I’ve been an outfitter for REI for 5yrs now. That being said, let’s get to it. 1.Tents. No retailer is going to carry every tent. Our attempt is to care tents for every budget and any skill level. From manufacturers that offer reasonable warranties and practice ethical sustainability. 2.Stoves. I cook with wood whenever possible and anywhere that it’s allowed. I also have an alcohol stove and a Pocket Rocket for gas cooking that is part of a Titanium full cooking kit that includes Stove, Gas and 2 containers for a total of 14oz. 3.Backpacks. From 8-12 litter daypacks to 80-120 litter packs. And Experts from weekend hikers to Triple crown tru hikers that will take the time to make sure that the pack fits your body type. Btw if you buy a frameless ultralight backpack and your base weight is over 18lbs, your gonna hate your life… 60-70% of people who buy packs online end up returning them. Or trying to. Anyway. I don’t want to write a book. So here is what you will ALWAYS walk away with when you come to REI. 1.The opportunity to belong to a supportive ALL inclusive community. 2.10% Back on full price purchases. 3. 1yr Returns & Exchanges. 4. Expert attentive advice from people who care more about YOU than the products that they are offering you. Have been there, done that and actually live this camping, backpacking, tru hiking lifestyle. I hope I’ve made my point. P.S. In the spirit of fairness and full disclosure, you should inform your viewers that a lot of this “ultralight” gear required you to be willing to sacrifice durability. If you can afford a 14oz $600 tent every 2 to 3 seasons, this is not an issue I guess. Thanks 4 the Video.
@@jeanettepugh6017 I do buy most of my stuff online but I like the stock on a lot of things there. But..I do the Ol Ron Swanson's I know more than you bit when I'm there because you are correct that they are clueless
6:59 this is a bit more advanced, and using these isn’t for everyone, but alcohol stoves made from disposable beverage cans are unbelievably light and very easy to make.
REI didn't even know what denatured alcohol was, nor did they carry it. I literally spoke to 4 different employees. Had to go to Home Depot for it. Only reason to have anything to do with them is Miranda in the Wild. She's the perfect woman.
I own quilts from Hammock Gear, Enlightened Equipment, UGQ, and Jack’s r Better. All good quilts, they each have their uses but my UGQ quilts are my favorite. If you want something for colder weather go with UGQ. They comfort rate all of their quilts and there are numerous ways you can customize them.
I just bought a Gossamer Gear Tent (The Two) barely used from another hiker. I can't wait to try it out. I am also using the Mariposa for my AT thru-hike. They are such a good solid company. I would love to see a review on Flossy's GG trekking poles! I am in the market now. Hey Flossy! Anyway, another great video Kyle. I always watch the entire video and give a thumbs up.
You’re exactly correct. I love REI and bought most of my beginners gear there. Since going ultra-light (7lb base weight for shelter, sleep system, pack, kitchen) I only order online.
I got the magma trail quilt from REI for my hammock backpacking. I love it, but you definitely need an under quilt to go with it. I got it on super sale so it was still worth it to me, but agree that if your serious about getting a good quilt, you should shop around to see if there is anything that fits your needs better.
Ok so REI often has insane sales on sleeping bags. Like I got their magma 30 for like $150 and it weighs like 20 oz. You just have to keep an eye out for stuff like that
3 quick points 1. You can actually go there and put your hands on gear and talk to knowledgeable people. 2. They advocate and lobby for the outdoors. 3. The employee people who are passionate about the outdoors.
The only thing I bought at REI was an Osprey Far Point 40 bag. The only problem I had was at check out they kept pushing their membership and saying "no" once didnt matter. Finally I had to tell the employee "can I just pay for this bag and get out of here please?"
agree on a lot of points. I got my sleeping bag from REI I got the magma quilt for 140$ give or take tent is 2 pounds from online got my jetboil xtra large size for like 60-70$ but REI garage so saved 50$ on that backpack kinda sucks but weighs like 2 pounds and cost 50$ tops from online so i feels I will buy a jet boil type pan from online now that you mention the idea
REI has some good daypacks. The NEW REI Trail 25 for $79 is a bargain. Ticks most all the boxes. Very comfortable. Made from recycled materials. A pack cover in its own pocket on the bottom is included.
If you don't want to get blown away and die while Mountaineering... Backpack = McHale Co. Sleeping bag = Feathered Friends Tent = Hilleberg Gaiters = Mountain Tools Insulated Super Gaiters Stove = Primus ETA power (or modern equivalent) if you actually want something that works over 10k ft elevation... Or MSR reactor if you are a smaller person and don't need insane amounts of water...
Z Packs tents are expensive, but a lot of the “ cheap “ tents are sewn in China with labor that is like sweatshop level at best or slave labor at worst .
Are we talking about "backpacking" tents or "ultralight" tents? You compare 1 person UL tents to the weight of a 2 person backpacking tent on REI that happens to cost twice as much... wuuut? IDK about others, but 5lbs for a high quality 2 person tent seems great to me as a backpacker. WE use the Tungsten 2P which is a rock solid backpacking tent of similar construction and weight, you'd be foolish to skim over that option when talking about backpacking tent options. Maybe I'm from an older generation, but I remember carrying around North Face half dome and Coleman tents in Boyscouts that weighed upwards of 10 pounds, so some of these "heavy" options now days seem like amazing deals to me.
Hey Kyle, I was wondering if you could make a video designated to the clothes you bring and not what to bring for various weathers and trips. Thanks for the video 🤙
The deals part is real. I bought a Granite Gear pack (which REI does carry) and the deal price direct from GG was less than the used price at REI. $100 difference buying new.
