The Best and Worst Gear Made by REI... 

REI employee insight: they miiight be getting out of the footwear game completely after the flops of a few different shoes they made including those trail runners. The swiftland (running) division overall has been doing pretty well though so they may have the budget for a redesign there. They don’t have quite the same level of design facilities for footwear specifically compared to the other running shoe competitors like hoka and altra though so it’s a slower and much cheaper process. They can’t stretch the company budget thin enough to do everything perfectly between camp, clothing, footwear and all the other types of things they make. I haven’t had a chance to test the new version of the tent just yet but I can share some insight. The flash air tents have gone in and out of inventory as they again haven’t found great success in sales. Those tents are still constantly in development but the problem is the dev team is competing between the employee testers (many of which are thru hikers, triple crowners and veteran backpackers) and the customer feedback base at REI which is a mixed bag of demographics but the vast majority of the customers lean further into the traditional, durable, beginner friendly style of backpacking and also expect things like condensation to never be an issue because they’re used to double wall tents. It can be hard for them to balance the needs of both ends of the spectrum so the dev team ends up having to make sacrifices on both sides (particularly with materials because they also have very strict sustainability standards to adhere to). Pretty sure the reasons they haven’t tried anything with dyneema has to do with supply chain availability on REI’s scale and also the sustainability of that material in general. They would probably have to find a version of that kind of composite that uses recycled materials and even then it would be hard to keep up with the amount they’d need to produce to keep them in stock across all their qualifying locations. The condensation runoff path thing is definitely a flaw if it’s still a thing in these new versions although the flash air 1 tent is a completely different type of design that may not have that issue 🤷‍♂️ that being said my gossamer gear tent is also nylon and has served me and many other hikers very well in recent years. You may want to try out the magma 850 jacket? The fit, warmth and comfort of those are much better in my opinion. Not sure the specs of what you’re comparing to but the magma 850 jacket weighs about 10.6 oz. The pack isn’t necessarily designed to carry that much weight and I believe they did use a slightly lighter variation of foam. I believe the adjustability of the torso length would have added too much weight with the extra materials for their goals with this pack. The pockets were also one of my biggest gripes about the pack. I personally love the side pockets because I only ever put one smart water bottle on each side, but the rear mesh pocket should be stretch mesh and much bigger. Also what’s up with that mesh shoulder pocket? Who asked for that? 😂 I know a few people who were involved with the initial product testing for the pack and they brought up the same issues with the pockets so that should in theory be addressed in the next iteration if it performs well enough to justify a redesign monetarily. The sahara hoodie is kinda polarizing because I think it’s one of the best options for polyester sunhoodies on the market, but they haven’t gotten into the merino game with sunhoodies just yet. They have some merino base layers so the infrastructure is available if there’s enough demand. (Spam that in the customer surveys after you shop there if you want to encourage that development. “Great experience but I couldn’t find a merino wool version of the sahara sun hoodie” 😂) All this coming from an in-store employee who happens to personally use almost none of the gear featured here as I bought most of my kit before I started at REI 😂(I use an arc haul 60, gossamer gear the one, nemo tensor all season, EE revelation 30 and my current sunhoodie is actually fabletics but I’m looking to replace it) Take it all with a grain of salt but I thought I’d share what I could 👍

Another REI green vest here. I agree with pretty much everything you said on all the products. There are some exceptions, or omissions. • What you didn't mention about the Magma Quilt is that it comes in various sizes, including wide. This is important as many people new to quilt camping end up with exposed or cold spots, and the wide really helps with this. The 2024 design also allows you to open the foot box up, or completely unzip it and turn it into a blanket. The quilt also is Pertex, so it blocks nearly all wind, and an awful low of moisture. I agree there are definitely warmer quilts, and this should be rated at 35, or at least 32. Plus it is pricy, even though it's 850 down. • I agree the Flash 55 is going to be a lot better for most people than the Flash Air 50. We're still selling them likely 5:1 over the Flash Air. It is targeted at a very narrow type of buyer. The Air does however have newly designed fabric. I kind of wish you had commented on how well it held up. And I agree the pack is surprisingly expensive, for REI at least. • I agree on the Flash Air Tent. The 1 person might, maybe be more workable for some people. It's a shame REI killed the Quarterdome seris of tents. While parts of that tent were nylon, the floor and fly were still ripstop nylon, so the issue of condensation didn't get into the tent, nor did it sag much. Sigh. The Flash (non Air) tent REI released last year to supposedly replace the Quarterdome seems stuck in limbo. People disliked it's arching DAC pole, and rumor is there were issues with it's fabric. We remain in the dark on it. • I agree completely on the chairs (I too have both the REI, and Helinox). • I agree on the Sun Hoody. It's a really good value for the money. But there are a lot better made hoodies out there. Better fabric, better stitching, more (OR, Kuhl, Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, Vuori, etc.) • Agree on the down jacket. Decent value for the money though I think. • I agree on the Helix pad. • I also agree on the shoes. REI has never really made good footwear. Some shoes and boots have been okay for people if their feet really fit them, but there are simply better shoes out there. Oddly perhaps, REI's wool (and Coolmax) socks are 98% as good as Smartwool or Darn Tough, at a much better price. I loved most of all your comments early on, about how REI has still tried to be innovative, while not making absurdly expensive items. Not everything is a home run, but it is the strength of a good company to move forward and not be afraid to strike out once in a while.

I purchased a pair of the REI trail runners (close out-$33). First three times I wore them, I was ready to return. After the 4th to 5th wearing, that inverted upper back arch that rubbed blisters into the base of my Achilles tendon, stretched enough that I can now wear them a full day of working and walk the dog a couple miles after work with NO issues. In the end, they’re worth $35-50, but crazy at $75 or more.

I really love REI's Trailmade pants. Pro tip - Don't iron them. Oops.

Rei member since 76, had best cotton bag storage sack, now the worst mesh synthetic petro-chemical sack.

Just remember the UHMWPE fabric alone probably costs $40-50 more than the plain jane 100D ripstop that the Flash 55 is made from. Not sure about its construction, but I'd imagine if they are doing any thermal bonding at the seams, that also adds to the expense of making the pack. The fancy fabric isn't without its benefits either; in theory, it should not wet out as easily, thereby leaving it lighter when wet.

People make fun of me but for years I've been wearing thin Injini toe socks with Darn Tough wool socks over them. I work 4x10s in steel toe boots in hot outdoor summer weather and feet are always dry when I get home. On hikes I never get hot spots. Give it a shot.

Thank you for the video, Justin, very informative! Would you consider doing a similar video for MEC?

Awesome video. REI stuff is always hit or miss for me, so it's good to have a video showing that. Thanks Justin!

That down jacket is on sale right now for $65. Thats a steal.

Would love to hear your thoughts and review on hammock camping! Love the vidoes!

REI makes a lot of good options and alternatives to major brands. All the REI stuff is 30% right now for their anniversary sale. the Flash 55 is only $140. My favorite REI stuff is their wool socks honestly.

Justin your videos are freaking awesome bro. Thank you so much!

You are on fire justin indoors making so much videos!

Thx for the reviews. I purchased some gear in the past because of your reviews. They definitely influenced my purchases of the flash 55 and the insulated helix. I wish this review came out before I bought my sun hoodie tho 😂. I’ve worn it once. And now it’s just sitting in my drawer. My guess is that rei gave you the shoes, tent, and flash air 50 for review.

Great video as always. Thanks for all of the testing you do. I'm a fan of the Sahara hoodie but I usually wear my synthetic clothes once or twice and throw them in the wash. Merino is not cheap or durable enough for everyday hiking/working out. I guess each has its place. I also love the draw string to tighten down the hood in high wind. The pack uses UMWHPE fabric which should make it more durable but also more expensive. The pack is rated at 25 lbs so the fact that you and others have been able to haul much heavier (and more realistic) loads is pretty great. The flash 55 is the best fitting pack I've ever used so I'm going to give the Flash Air a shot and you know it's going to be on sale!

My wife got her flash 55 in 2019. Rides perfect and she loves it.

Great job, Justin for such in depth observations of REI best/worst gear. 👏I'm glad to see you reviewing some REI UL gear. Maybe your review will get back to REI product development team to take in your critique? I love REI's Bamboo hiking crew socks which I'm wearing today (better than my Darn Tough socks). Have you tried them for Spring/Summer hiking with gators to keep rocks from getting in your shoes? The Flash UL looked interesting but the things you found annoying would be the same things I would. Maybe the next Gen will add your suggestions. One thing I got from REI almost 30 years ago that I still use to this day is my shoulder handbag made of recycled plastics (water bottles)! Who knew that something used so hard and long would hold up like it did? 🤗

The sun hoodie is my favorite. I buy them in the fall when they are $20 a shirt. I wear them when cycling, hiking, or doin' any work outside. They are so freaking good and I even use them as a base layer when it is a little cooler out. A good combination in the early spring & late fall are those 32 degree thermal tops from Costco.

Perfect timing with REI’s sale going on! Thanks for the insight, and lets not talk about that other comment 😉

I was an REI employee for 15 years, and for the first 2 I worked in clothing/footwear. First, REI shoes are rarely good. I applaud you giving them a shot. The fact that your heel is lifting AND your foot was sliding forward on descents is caused by one of two things. The shoe is either not tied tightly enough, or the shoe is too big. This is why REI stores have in the footwear department, ramps or rocks shaped like a ramp. So you can test the shoes out. You can try making them tighter but I think they are too big.

I was let down by the magma quilt too (my first quilt). Seemed significantly underfilled, with large voids when held up to the light. I froze using that with an ether lite xt in spring conditions. Switched to an EE quilt and helix pad and now I'm cozy all the time

+1 for the REI Flash backpack series. I haven't used my older Flash 40 in a number of years, but it is a very good backpack and would serve a lot of people very well.

Great review Justin. cheers from OZ 🇦🇺

I bought the flash 55 today was going to buy the helix pad as well since they have their sale going on right now, but it just seems a little too bulky and heavy I’ve been eyeballing the zenbivy ul pad. I was very tempted to get the Gregory Zulu 40 but I like the flash 55’s water bottle pocket placement and the extra liters make it a bit more versatile, plus it’s lighter than the Zulu 40.

I'm in Alberta as well and I was wondering if you'd have a recommendation on trekking poles for our lands? Especially for the Rockies

I like the REI Sahara line of shirts, mainly because they make a good tall size. Being 6'7" I don't have many options for good outdoor clothes or gear but REI has talls that fit me well.

I love my 1st gen Magma 30 quilt, I got it on sale for about $170, and for that price it's a steal. The pad straps are a giant pain, but since I only use it as my summer quilt I usually don't even use the straps anyway. If they could get the price under $200 more regularly, the quilt would be a lot better value. I also have the old version of the Flash Air 1, you're right about it being a pain to pitch. I was able to improve it a bit by putting hitch knots on the floor tie out lines, so they can be adjustable instead of fixed. Again, paid under $200 for it on sale, so can't complain at that price, but at full price I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.

Picked up the 650 Down jacket for 1/2 off so $65 which is cheaper than the other two jackets

Great gear video once again. Your from Alberta right? How about starting to do some gear reviews on MEC equipment. Like the all their new ultralight gear.

Have you a similar video for MEC products ? Love from Montréal 🇨🇦

You showed the valves pointing up and down on the REI Helix... which way should it be used?

Justin,I see you are still using the Komperdell camera stick, but what is that black around your trekking stick, under the handle?

Got the same shoes and did buckskin gulch in them. My heel got absolutely destroyed by those shoes! Good shoes for daily wear but a no go for any significant hiking.

I got the REI Flash air 2 tent for $185 on sale and for that price it is fantastic in my opinion

Love the video!🎉

Hey Justin, good video as always. So, here's something I don't see from any of the big gear reviewers... Eddie Bauer clothing reviews. I've found some of their stuff to be quite decent for the price, especially since they have sales and clearance on stuff regularly. What do you think of Eddie Bauer as an outdoor clothing brand?

Completely agree with asessment of the shoes! I picked them up for $35 and still end up returning them because of the narrow toe box and heel. Big swing and a miss from REI with those. However the Flash 55 (have the older version) and the Helix pad are amazing👌! Always my first suggestions when friends ask for recommendations.

Devin just promoted the flash 55, along with you and Miranda. I may get it instead of the Bridger pack for her.

Right now REI is having a sale (until 5/27/2024) and most of these items (tent, chair, pack, sleeping pad, quilt ) are a full 30 % off!!

What are those gloves? Have you found some thar are cool enough to wear in the sun?

Love your videos

Again, we agree. I bought the REI Magma 30 on sale. Totally dissappointed. It's my first commercially made quilt. (I usually sleep in my DIY bags.) Recent hike in NC. Low temp 34F. At 42F I was cold in a 2-piece wool base layer and socks. Put on every piece of clothing I had over the base layer; Prana pants, poly T-shirt, sun hoodie, Decathalon puffer. Sleeping on a Nemo Tensor 4.2 R with an additional 1/4 inch insulating pad underneath. Plus I had a .5 ounce per yard Climashield blanket blanket inside the quilt and my DIY down pillow on top of my Trekology inflatable. This quilt isn't "Magma" or anywhere close to 30F. I'll stick with my 27 ounce DIY bag. I already own the Flash 45 and 55 - old version. Love them! Bummer that the Flash Air 50 pack wasn't great. I would like to drop some pack weight. I usually carry about 22 pounds so maybe the 50L will work. It's on sale for $209... still seems a bit high.

I see a lot of comments on the REI sahara sun hoodies but I recommend the North Face Adventure sun hoodie! Way better feel than the REI one. Only real REI gear i use regularly is the 2021 Trail 25 daypack, which has worked really well for me. I have no need for another one, but the REI down jackets seem like a good deal

Devin just promoted the flash 55, along with you and Miranda. I may get it instead of the Bridger pack for her. The Helix just makes me so so surprised. Like really better than zenbivy’s or Nemo’s or Big Agnes’s?

REI is a pretty good place to get your start in hiking/camping. I don't think I have much REI gear left though other than some clothes and camp chairs.

I was surprised REI brought back the REI Flash Air 1 for anniversary sale, hadn't seen it in stock in months. As for the REI Sun Hoodie, liked it so much I got another one.

what trails are these? have you considered putting your route in the description of each video somehow?

You might have been better off getting a large for the pack. Backpacking light made a video about the Durston Kakwa. He explained that most packs experience some "flex" at its upper weight capacity which will cause the pack to sit on your shoulders more. I just picked up the flash air 50 on sale for $209 which is a decent price. I'm excited to test out the pack though.

I got the REI Magma 850 down jacket and it is SO good. A 850 FP jacket for $125... I could not be happier. The 650 is pretty nice, but like you said so many other options are just better.

Insta360 sponsor gate trickle. You and everyone else are good brother ❤

Justin, what is that bulge on your komperdell stake, just below the cork handle?

I recognize my "backyard!" The Superstitions! Not sure which trail and I am DYING to know, but definitely spotted Weavers Needle and swear I saw you pass Battleship mountain which has some amazing camp spots at the base. From how dry all that obnoxious invasive grass is, this was a rather recent hike. Super bummed about the Magma quilt, I literally just ordered one because REI just had it 30% off LOL! But I may just add a nice liner and call it a day.

Is that Helix pad better than a Nemo Tensor? I know you're a side sleeper, and we tend to have similar preferences for sleep system (including quilt and pillow). The Tensor is the best pad I've ever used, but maybe I need to give the Helix a shot.

Just got the 3FUL Qidian Pro for like 111$ Canadian delivered, and for the price and value it’s awesome, and you could get 3 for the price of the REI pack

Do you have your part 107 licence?

I'm gonna say you got the shoes for free since REI seems to be trying hard to enter the trail running market and their last model seemed to flop pretty hard. I'm sure they are hoping that a little rub from Justin Outdoors will get the shoes some attention and sales. 😎

Really sweet location

I think I spy some local mountains, cool to see a familiar background again. I love the Sahara hoodie, especially the price point… but you’re right. I am not a stinky person, but that shirt definitely stinks. The flexlite chair is definitely the winner here. At that price point, it’s a no-brainer.

REI trailmade pants are great. Bought two different colors.

Does it bother you that the baffling pattern on the wide REI Helix isn't centered in the pad? When using a quilt while lying on my back, I like to rest my elbows in the dimples, and I find I have to shift a little closer to one side of the pad to make that happen. Nitpicky I know, but still kind of annoying. Looking at pictures, the zenbivy ultralight pattern looks centered in the pad.

What is the pocket on your left shoulder ?

Welcome to AZ... and the Supes!

What trekking poles is he using here?

Hey Justin, I've asked before, but as a fellow Canadian, I'm wondering why you don't test MEC gear? I get maybe a lot of your viewers aren't in Canada, but for us Canadians it would be helpful.

I always enjoy your videos. I don't think it's fair to ding the Flash Air pack to not carrying 40 lbs as comfortably as you would like. After all, it's an ultralight pack - it's made for lighter loads.

Arizona?

The women’s version of the REI sun hoodie has a hemline that raises higher in the hips, which is a problem for taller women. I’m annoyed by it because it is supposedly a shirt for function rather than looking feminine- why would leaving skin exposed be a feature of sun protective gear.

Pausing the video at 8:30, the abrasion (?) holes in the fabric, behind the water bottle pouch, and the pack material durability weren't discussed. The fabric used in this backpack doesn't appear to be very robust. How long would this pack last after undergoing use and abuse-- for example, tossed by airline ground crew during luggage loading and unloading.

I love my REI flash 55

How do you get REI stuff shipped to canada?

2:40 are those Xoskin toe socks?

You underestimate my ability to shake a stick at large quantities of gear good sir.😉

Single wall silnylon tent? Oh hell no. You'd be soaked! That was the best part about Dyneema tents. Even if you have to deal with condensation, at least you don't soak your clothing/quilt/gear just by accidentally brushing the inside wall especially when its raining.

When you 1st introduced the shoes, my 1st thought was they were too narrow. That toe box predicts rubbing on the little toe. There are ways of lacing shoes that prevent some of the slipping and i lace all my shoes that way becuz I have a narrow heel so i tend to slip in traditionally laced shoes. But looking at the toe box of that shoe, I would never buy them

Hit or miss is pretty accurate. I never say it’s a bad company, quite the opposite. They care, and try to meet the most needs while staying in business. I think the idea that ‘traditional’ or weekend outdoor people still find a lot of value from REI. The bigger challenge, is cottage companies $$ to value/ use has exploded. So much weight saving from spending more/ dialing in needs. So much ‘what if’ $ is wasted- too many clothes, food, ridiculous medical gear…weight equals pain. Annnd.. if you sell gear.. the more afraid you are… the money you spend, only to realized you were packing fears. Ax’s, hatchets , & long puffy coats? Avoid the bulky winter stuff too- 85% don’t do winter sports except for skiing. Dan duration or Gossamer gear make cheaper tents then Nemo or Big Agnes. All have quality.. but how often to most people go use them? A lot of $$ can be spend on a winter Arc’teryx (325)rain jacket- vs an emergency rain shell in summer your not going to need/ only carry ( 25$ frog toggs) knowing a quality trail runner (120$)can last 4 years( great investment- feet don’t change that much) vs “cool 400$ tent” can make or break a budget. Knowing the sleeping pad can make or destroy your sleeping bag temp( no zero 420$ bag can compensate for cheap pad/ you’ll b cold/miserable sleep)

"Ultralight Curious" lol

Where doses a person find purple hiking pants? Have you exchanged Darn Tough socks at REI?

The REI sun hoodie looks "heavier" than the OR Echo Hoodie. I am a big fan of the Echo hoodie, it is very breathable, and wears very light and flowy as a larger person. It does come with a price tag that is higher than I would like.

You should do one of these for a Canadian Big box store, like MEC

Hey bro, No Snakes yet?

Another ex-rei employee here, I worked in softgoods/footwear, and took every opportunity to wear every single shoe and boot as rei policy allowed. My conclusion was this, I’d always bring out an REI brand shoe/boot to compare, just in case my customer had the exact foot shape that boot was made for. In my opinion, based on my customer interactions, rei branded hiking boots are amazing for certain people, and are uncomfortable for the rest of us. But their hiking shoes are terrible.

looks like the flexlite air chair is $70 right now

Next time you backpack the supes invite me!!!

trying darn tough hiking socks

There's a best gear at REI?

REI shoes, yeah anyone can take a regular cheap shoe and slap a tread on it. Terrible. REI tents, given how many iterations they have gone through with this tent and the Dash tent shows why they are constantly duds. The Half Domes is the only (backpacking) tent option from REI. I have an REI vest similar to that jacket from clearance and it is good when I find a use for it. Those pieces of gear are good if you find it on clearance and understand it in relation to other clothing brands. The rest of their gear can't comment on. Hoping for more Flash Air 50 pack reviews to come out as that could be a good hit for them. Another "piece" of REI gear that I love is their Co-Op bikes. I haven't followed the product line that closely to know about how it came to be but their bikes are good bang for your buck that you can get.

the flash air 50 pack is a bit overpriced, 300$ is steep especially for store brand. they are using an UHMWPE material though but at a much lower denier than most DCF-like materials used one other ultra light packs. so it makes sense why it cost more in the regards they are using a fabric that is more labor intensive/costly. they also have a flash air jacket that is made of seemingly the same material. on that garment it specifies that they are using spectra for their UHMWPE so maybe its the same? not sure but the jacket is also very costly. either way i think this is a step in the right direction and a variation done well. definitely wasn't meant to carry anything over 35 pounds so that's why its not handling the weight well.

Ultralight curious. Hahahaha. 😂 Cracked me up. ..and hey, REI, we baby boomers are out there and to continue to be out there, we want ultralight and we can afford it.

I was kicked out of their store for not wearing a mask and have never gone back

Kyle Hates Hiking - he gives his fellow backpacking youtubers recommendations on gear which he hated, so that they can hate it too! Just ask Miranda Goes Outside, she knows🤣

Can we see some mec gear

How is the 50 $100 more expensive? Thats insane!

Anything I've liked from REI they discontinue after one season, so I'm sorta done with their own branded products. I don't wanna find a new alternative every damn year lol

Unfortunately, I would be surprised if REI brings down the prices on any of these ultralight-focused items. I think they're going after customers who won't do much comparison shopping, if any at all. So they probably don't have any incentive to compete with the cottage companies out there producing items that have better functionality and similar if not better prices.

Would you really use an 850g UL pack to carry 40lb? For example, the Granite Gear Perimeter 50 weighs 1400g but has a legit 40lb capacity. You also get a torso length & width adjustment, and the brain is removable to save a few ounces. Though I guess that with the Flash Air’s 25lb rating the fact that it carried 40lb even somewhat comfortably says something. But using a UL pack for a load like that just seems like ordering 2 Whoppers, large fries, and a Diet Coke.

I think you're cool, Justin.

The flash air 50 is supposed to carry 25llbs anything more is pushing it

i cant take reviews of shoes seriously when people dont try different lacing patterns.you can widen the toebox of any shoe. hell i do it for my work boots. as far as your foot sliding forward in the shoe, its called locking your laces.

This video is at odd time didnt REI release their earnings loss of over 100mil