So Much REI Hate!!! 

You summed it up best that the dislike comes from those who've immersed themselves in all things outdoors and then become snobby etc. It happens with every hobby, activity, etc. A loud minority who's found other options suddenly shuns a place that caters to casuals. I absolutely LOVE having an REI that's 15 minutes away. Would I prefer a more locally owned store? Sure. But one of those didn't exist so it's not like REI pushed someone out. I've bought stuff from the cottage industry companies as well. Anyone who "hates" REI needs to take a step back and realize all we're doing is going outside and enjoying nature and everyone enjoys it in different ways.

As someone who works at REI, I hope to offer some perspective: I like your coffee analogy. The fact is, most REI staff I know really like the cottage industry, and both keep an eye on, and shop at places like Garage Grown Gear. The issue becomes a lot of these very small places simply cannot scale fast enough or large enough to supply needs to be in REI stores. While some smaller brands do appear, it's often online, and even then there are hurdles due to REI being a co-op, and that there is no direct sale function (think: Amazon). As to "lack of knowledge of the staff", I'll put my acumen up against anyone, and this includes activities, as well as gear REI doesn't cover. I will admit though that not all staff can say this. There's also the issue that many of us work part-time, or have second jobs, or work seasonally, because REI upper management wants it that way. As a result, the true "expert" in any given arena may only be there a few days a month, because they are out working their other gig (many of which involve the outdoors, ski patrol, SAR, guides, instructors, teachers, etc.) . My point here is this - If you want consistent expert service at REI, don't bark at the staff, don't bark online, let upper management at REI know (this partly explains why an increasing amount of REI stores are unionizing). Nearly all REI staff I know do not mind you getting gear wherever you can get it, especially ultralight stuff. I'll even flat out tell you the REI Flash (lightest weight we carry) line-up doesn't compare to something like a Durston X-Mid, which is a fantastic tent at a great price. If you want one, buy it! I'll even give you the link: Durstongear.com If you just want to get your feet wet with a trekking pole tent, try the REI Flash Air. Is it as good as Durston? No. But if you don't like it, you have a year to return it. No worries. We agree on the old stores vs. new stores. We all miss the old stores. Again, that's an upper management decision. But your assessment nails it. Space, leasing, safety legalities, etc. I wish there were a compromise. Regarding the 10% dividend (rebate), this bumps up another 5% on all REI items if you have the REI Mastercard. If you have the card your dividend/rebate appears in the next billing month. A hustle? Maybe. A great deal, yes! REI has some huge sales, like the Anniversary sale (week before Memorial Day), and Gear-Up, Gear-Out (fall, usually) where there are some impressive sale items, 25-50% off. "Garage Sales" are now suspended, and have been folded into the Re-Sale/Re-Supply (bargain basement). There are periods of the year where this area can be marked down another 10-30% off, but usually off-season. Think: Late October, early March, etc. One thing you didn't mention that people loved, and some hated on: Pre-Covid REI used to have a lot of community classes. This could be in the store, something like "how to shop for snowshoes", or in the field, often with 3rd party groups. These have been very slow to come back post-covid, and that alone is something that has upset a lot of people. Decisions way above my pay grade.

We camp on the river bank a lot on our fishing trips and do not need light weight tents so with one of their sales we got a 6 person tent that was affordable.

I have an REI in town and while I normally order from cottage brands, sometimes I need something right away and it's great that I can drive 15mins and get high quality gear for a trip if I need it right away. It's also nice I can try things out, sit in a chair they sell, etc..

I kind of used to be an REI hater. Now, I really like them for footwear, socks and other small stuff like water filters, stoves,pillows,pads and whatnot. Will never buy a pack, tent, quilt or clothing from REI though. Rei has saved my butt a couple times. A month ago I was near GSMNP and my brs stove took a crap and quit working. A quick drive into rei Asheville and I left with a soto windmaster and my trip was saved and coffee was had. Also I like the dividends in March. Let's say I spent $1000 at REI in 2022- in March of 2023 I'll get 10% ($100) in store credit. I usually stock up on peak meals if I don't have any gear that needs replaced with dividend money. So.... While the Nemo insulated wide was $199.99 at the register, it is more like $180, bc you'll be getting $20 back in March

I became a REI member back in the early 70s and it was a different co-op back then. I used it primarily to purchase climbing gear: ropes, slings, carabiners, chocks, etc. Today it is completely different but I still buy gear especially when it is on sale. The return policy is great as is free shipping. Even though a lot of my major purchases are from cottage vendors the re not always free shipping and returned items can be very pricey. As far as the hate, I think a portion of it is a kind of snobbery.

I'm a member just starting into backpacking and I like the return policy and the garage sale area... on budget and not sure how much I'll be able to go.

I’m fortunate to live 20 minutes from an REI. I’ve gotten some insane deals over the years, and as you said the return policy is unmatched. Basically, if I can order it through REI, I will. I’ve bought direct from manufacturers but I have to be 100% confident before doing so because of the returns. It makes it much more difficult to buy gear in advance when a manufacturer only offers 30 day returns and you want to buy while things are in stock, will ship on time, on sale, ahead of your trip.

I am torn on REI. I don't buy much gear from there anymore, but I do like the clothing options. I actually really like the REI Co-Op brand. I just bought their Sahara sun hoodie, which I think beats other options out there and it was only $50. The free shipping is a fantastic perk for members, too. My closest store is over an hour and half away, but now I can buy an item for $1.99 and not pay shipping. To me, that's worth it.

BTW, there is a new store called Public Lands that has an impressive amount of stuff that REI doesn’t sell. You can get a Zpacks Duplex there! They have a wide variety of water filters, sleeping pads, backpacks, etc. there are the big brands there too, but I was impressed with them and quite surprised. I do like REI although I have mostly cottage gear. No hatred here.

The only thing that kind of annoys me is their locations. I am in a fairly populated area, 15 minutes from the AT. I actually have 9 or 10 of their stores within 100 miles, but ZERO within 40 miles. Maybe this more particular to me. My two closest ones, are actually about 10 minutes from each other too.

There's no REI in Arkansas, so I've never been; however, I bought a down jacket from them on Ebay at a discount price that I used for my 2021 thru hike of the Ouachita trail. The jacket worked. I have nothing to compare it to because it was the first one I have ever owned.

REI has been a great entry into my backpacking hobby/love. I collect stamps. I don't go to the local post office to backfill specialty commemoratives in specific plate positions. Suggestion is to speak up and ask someone in REI. They'll usually find a colleague who knows more.

And speaking about the Oklahoma store...they are finally moving forward with the one in Tulsa after finding a new location for it. I don't hate REI, but I'd rather try to find what I'm looking for from the cottage companies first. At least it's better than Academy! Unfortunately REI recently changed their return policy :(

Nice presentation. The majority of my gear is cottage industry gear but I completely agree that the shopping experience at REI must be taken in context. If REI were nothing more than a shoe store, I would respect them just for that. Where else can you actually wear and use a pair of hiking footwear and return it weeks later if it doesn't meet your expectations. It's ironic that so many in our community criticize REI yet shop there regularly for their socks, fuel, clothes, disposables, etc. Many times REI is the only wilderness escape in the midst of an urban jungle between trips. REI needs to keep the lights on in order to provide the services and products that they do, most do not take this into consideration. At the end of the day, remember we are the ambassadors of the outdoors. While many or most of the employees there may not have our level of experience or product knowledge, most do share the same love of the outdoors that we do and enjoy the mutual exchange of experience.

Hello and great video, I began buying there in 99 along with camp-more and a local store when I first got started backpacking. I have been an REI member since 2001. That's when I first started purchasing enough to make the membership worthwhile. I'm in North East Tx so I use the stores in the DFW area. I am the second group you mentioned. They were awesome back then when they had all the room . I haven't liked them so much since they moved locations. It felt more like a " lifestyle clothing store" I have recently had some good interactions with the employees that knew about their products. I do not hate REI but when I joined all REI branded gear had a lifetime warranty. Around the time they switched their locations they quit honoring those. I have a half dome 2+ that I let sit rolled up in its bag for about a year and now has a sticky floor, no seam tape left and a very large hole where a window used to exist. I barey got my money's worth and expected them to honor it. It doesn't matter too much to me anymore. I still use them along with whoever else has the best price on what I need.

I love REI! Its not a one stop shop for all things backpacking; but its pretty close. My packs and quilts are from craft vendors but most everything else is from REI. The dividend program is awesome too. I bought a lot of gear in 2022 so I’ll have a nice credit this year. The only mild shade I’ll throw is; the parking at the Pittsburgh REI location sucks. The last time I went I had a 15 minute walk from my car to the store.

I've been a member since 1997, now most of my gear comes from cottage venders but I still try to go as often as I can to check out garage sale or bargain bin or whatever they call it now. I have two great puffy jackets that I would have never paid full price for but got super cheap due to very small hole that was easily covered with dime size patch of gear tape, like $375 jacket for under $100. I also go when I need something and don't want to wait for it or need right away. And for the most part the price is same as online.

I don’t have a membership but I have bought some items there.

I visit my local REI all the time, I don't understand the hate either. The perks you mentioned in the video are incredibly handy. If nothing else, REI is great for freeze dried meals and canister fuel.

REI more and more hires people that are not outdoor enthusiasts , going in the store is a bummer , they are on their phone , back in the corner staring at you and when you ask a question they are confused.

Honestly I didn't know there was hate for REI. Sure some of their gear isn't the best rated, but I love their socks haha. Nice prices for competing gear, especially clothes. I ordered used Altra Lone Peak 5 from their outlet and it looked brand new. Can't beat the return policy. It's convenient to pick up some fuel and food. The employees are nice. I'm bummed the local Outdoor World is permanently closed, but I guess a big box outdoor store in the area is better than none at all. Last year I ordered a Fitbit Charge online through REI and it ended up being defected. It was super convenient to drive to the nearest REI and have it exchanged right away.

You are right on..... Its great for items that you might not want to keep (short Thermarest pad for example) which I took back after one night. I started out going to REI and getting my first pack and tent and a few other items. That was even after I did a lot of research but still I didn't research enough. My buddy was really taken by them and particularly one fraud. He ended up buying the largest heaviest pack and everything to fill it. Well now he doesn't backpack with me right now because he will have to buy all new stuff. He cannot carry the 40lbs anymore. This guy even told him "not" to bury his crap because it will decompose faster. I know that's just a single person but he thought because he worked at REI and did a little backpacking he knew it all.

Huge fan of my REI Flash 55 pack! I have a few items from cottage brands and love them, but also love REI! Can’t get over the no questions asked satisfaction guarantee.

I personally have shunned the "box" stores until recently. Mostly due to watching for sales directly from manufacturers, online stores or from cottage vendors. But to tell you the truth, I have made several purchases from REI and their customer service is TOP NOTCH! I have ordered from on-line through them and had items shipped directly to their store or my home and when I have had a problem with an item, I contacted them and got a new piece of gear even before I sent the return back. I will still spread the wealth amongst vendors but I am appreciating my local REI more and more every day. I just bought a used item in my size from REI online at a phenomenal price and although it was described as showing some wear, the item was brand new!! Jeff

Hey Mark, I don’t think your shirts tight enough dude, you need to get a tighter shirt.

REI is great for starters ....you can get quality gear and enjoy your adventures. I graduated from REI gear I am ultra light now and also cottage vendors I can afford that now but could not in the beginning of my adventures..

Member for 12 years, 100% positive experience! Yeah it's name brand stuff at full price, but you can use it and return it before 12 months and buy that cottage brand gear instead. Add that to a 10% dividend every March and many 20% off offers, it's really a no brainer, even for the most trail tested ultralight hiker.

REI life time member here in California, Love the return policy, I will never pay full price in store. I wait for the sales and go in for the clearance and return items. It's a great place to try things out, $5 gas canisters, and try out shoes.

I talked to a girl who was thru hiking the AT this past summer, and she had picked up a bear vault from REI with the intention of returning it after her hike. Smart or unethical? I say that's stretching it.

member - always good experiences - they are a one hour drive for me is only "problem"

love my local REI, best return policy on the planet. totally agree on setting expectations before you go.

I wish REI would take a bigger lead in contributing back to public lands. They do have some philanthropic contributions but I think they are capable of doing so much more! It's hard to beat their food selection though.

REI fills a need at different levels for different people. I don't think any store or business can be everything to everyone. I like your coffee analogy...pretty much sums it up. Nice video.

Nailed it. For some people if you are not them you are wrong. No empathy. BTW, thanks for reminding me I have that $20 card in my wallet.

I been at REI for almost 4 years and if u ever need input on what goes down at REI at the warehouse hit me up.

You nailed the problem on the head when you mentioned managing your expectations. I know what REI carries and I would not expect to walk into a store and order a custom made Walhalla hammock made out of 1.5 monolite and whoopie sling suspension. I'm sure the store clerk would look at you like you had grown a 3rd arm. If I wanted an ENO or Hennessy, REI is where I would go.

not to mention they make solid affordable gear

I was an employee at REI for a little under 2 years. When you talk about the lack of knowledge of staff. It’s because employees are pissed they aren’t being paid a living wage for their extensive amount of experience and knowledge and they leave for better jobs. So to compensate for that loss they are training people in departments where people have no experience with the activity. And at the end of the day, you have people giving advice on climbing gear who have never climbed in their lives and did maybe a 1 day training. Thats why REI needs unions because if you want to keep the quality of your employees you have to make sure they can afford to live in the cities they work in.

EMS used to be the goto place for more serious outdoors equipment, and it put them out of business

I like REI for things like sleeping pads, shoes or miscellaneous things like utensils, fuel, etc. It makes sense that a big box retailer wouldn't cater to a relatively small minority of backpackers. Their biggest market is people who aren't backpackers yet and need one place to get everything and use it once

I'm surprised to hear REI is getting a lot of hate. They stock quite a bit of quality gear, and have really good sales at certain times of the year. I think they are probably making smaller stores now due to the rise of online sales--if you have big rise in online sales and decreasing store sales, there's less motivation to keep up a giant store. The employees' level of knowledge definitely varies form store to store, and you have to visit different stores sometimes, but that's to be expected with a larger operation. Given the size of their operation, REI has done pretty decently not making their stores feel too much like a giant chain store.

REI in concord California?? 😅😅 that’s the Ghetto! Good way of getting shot when leaving a store.

Spot on with your expectation's observation. REI provides a really good place, especially for beginners to get some good gear. I remember going into one of those big REI locations out west, my first time at REI. That was way back 30-35 years ago. Fantastic is what we all agreed it was.

I get that people shun the big box stores but REI has one huge feature. I have bought and returned things like shoes 8 months after I bought them. With NO QUESTIONS ASKED. They are extremely helpful when in store or when calling too. I LOVE cottage brands and that’s all I have bought the past few years. Cottage brands are cheaper, have better quality and customizable options. But, my son needed a backpack and I couldn’t size him easily. I used REI to find a pack size and then watched for when it went on sale. It’s all about utilizing what you can to find the best deals and the best service, and convenience and often times they don’t come in the same package. REI has its place.

I was so happy when we got an REI store in our area back around 2018. I have found them very helpful even though a lot of my gear comes from cottage companies. I recently went to REI with my pack loaded to see how a BV500 would fit in my pack. The associate got the BV500 from the floor and helped me load the pack, weighed it and let me get a feel for the bear canister in my pack.

I actually don’t hate REI. I think they are a store for beginners. I mean I’m not an expert by any means but more experienced now. Their stuff is overpriced for sure but so are some cottage vendors. Once I learned what I was doing more I started veering towards other sources of gear.

I love REI! My favorite thing is they have at least one option for everything I need. If I want to go on a climbing trip, I can literally buy everything I need in one stop, cams, rope, shows chalk, backpack, books you name it. But mostly I like that they are always there, and always open. I don't know how many times I've had to emergency stop before a backpacking trip to get a Ferro Rod, a knife, or fuel on the way to the trailhead. Rarely return stuff tbh.

REI is one step up from a Cabelas , they have nothing innovative, they just copy other companies stuff and slap they’re logo on it

I love REI and have been a member since the late 90's. All of my shoes and a majority of my backpacking clothing comes from there solely because of the return policy, just in case something doesn't work out. Like you said your expectations must be in check when you go in there.

I can't believe that anyone cares enough to whine about it. If I dislike a store, I am well aware that I can purchase the gear that I want from another store with the simple click of a button. No complaining required. When I buy gear, I watch video reviews to get ideas of what the best options are. I also talk to people who might know more and read reviews on websites. I will go to a store that carries products that I am interested in if there is one nearby as well. After I make a decision, I will go online and simply look for the lowest price available, then make a purchase. If they have the gear that I want at the best price, I am buying it. I don't care what the name of the place is, it's just a store. As an example, yesterday I ordered the Fjallraven Expedition Latt Hooded Jacket. I checked several places (REI, Steep&Cheep, BackCountry, MooseJAw, etc...), finally I found it on sale for $67 off of the original $210 price tag with no tax & free shipping, after an online search. Do I care that I purchased it from a company other than the ones listed above? Not at all, I don't care what the name of the place is, it's just a store. What I care about is product and price. I got a quality product at the best price.

Extremely well said! I love my cottage stuff but no matter how far along in my journey I go I still find many benefits of REI. I try to shop small business when I can but also need to do what’s best for myself as well.

I have no problem with the gear REI sells. I avoid their own branded gear, because I don't like the designs they work off of. REI has good other brands. I do buy gear from REI, that is not cottage oriented (hammock camping gear). I joke that REI is a Clothing company masquerading as a Camping store. If you look closely at the floor space utilization, that is true. My problem with REI is how they treated Members during the Lockdowns. Even after the M@$k mandates were lifted, they still forced us to act like herded sheeple and wear a useless prophylactic device with zero efficacy (it's the money ball theory at it's best: "If he's a good hitter, why doesn't he hit well?"... "If the M@$ks worked, why didn't they work?") . The fear mongering was over the top and unwarranted. That's not how you treat outdoor enthusiasts that are spending disposable income. I personally ended up spending more money with the cottage venders after that experience.

I really do not get a long with a lot of the snobby ultralight people. Their attitudes really ruin it for a lot of people. I like REI overall but I will say that their virtue signaling is annoying.