Why REI Became One of My Favorite Outdoor Stores

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Originally published August 20, 2020. Updated September 2026.

I first came across REI during a trip to Seattle, and the experience stayed with me. If you enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, camping or simply spending time outdoors, walking into an REI store can feel like entering a place built around the activities you already love—or the adventures you have not tried yet.

REI, short for Recreational Equipment, Inc., is more than an outdoor retailer. It is a consumer co-op that has served outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Its stores bring together equipment, clothing, footwear, repair services, educational resources and knowledgeable employees who can help customers make better decisions before heading outside.

After visiting REI in Seattle, I immediately began looking for a store closer to my home in Florida. At that time, the nearest location was in Jacksonville, about a two-hour drive from Orlando. Even with that distance, I was happy to make the drive whenever I needed an important outdoor item because the selection and guidance made the trip worthwhile.

Later, REI opened a store in Orlando, and I was among the first 50 people to attend the opening ceremony. I received a CamelBak 24 oz. water bottle with the REI name printed on it, and I was genuinely excited to have it. That bottle became more than an opening-day gift. I still take it with me on hikes and journeys around the world. Every time I use it, it reminds me of discovering REI in Seattle, driving to Jacksonville for gear and finally welcoming the co-op to my own city.

Since then, I have also discovered what I think of as REI's Canadian counterpart: SAIL. The two companies are not presented as formally affiliated, but SAIL gives me a similar feeling when I walk through the store. Canada has a strong outdoor culture shaped by its forests, lakes, mountains, long winters and enormous open spaces, and SAIL reflects that lifestyle with equipment and clothing for camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. Whenever I travel to Canada, I make a point of visiting a SAIL store. For me, it has become part of the trip—an opportunity to see different equipment, discover Canadian outdoor brands and experience how another country prepares people for life outside.

Bike selection at Rei

A Backpack Section That Encourages You to Find the Right Fit

One of the first things that impressed me was the backpack selection. Depending on the store and current inventory, shoppers may find packs from REI Co-op and other established outdoor brands such as Osprey, Gregory, Deuter and The North Face.

Buying a backpack should not be based only on its appearance or advertised capacity. Torso length, shoulder-strap position, hip-belt fit, weight distribution and the type of trip you are planning all matter. At REI, you may be able to try on different packs and test how they feel with weight inside. That gives you a much better idea of how a backpack may perform after several hours on a trail.

REI is also where I was introduced to Osprey, which has since become my favorite backpack brand. What attracted me was not simply the name, but the way the packs felt when properly fitted and loaded with weight. That experience taught me that a backpack is not just something that carries equipment; it becomes part of your body on the trail, and the wrong fit can affect your shoulders, back, balance and enjoyment of the entire hike. I explore that lesson more deeply in Why Your Backpack Choice Can Make or Break Your Hike.

This is also where helpful employees can make a real difference. A knowledgeable staff member may notice a poor fit, explain an adjustment you overlooked or help you compare a lightweight daypack with a larger pack designed for overnight trips. That kind of guidance is valuable because discomfort that seems minor inside a store can become a serious problem miles into a hike.

Bicycles, Accessories and In-Store Service

REI also serves cyclists with bikes and accessories for different riding styles. Inventory varies, but stores may carry equipment for road riding, mountain biking, commuting, touring and family recreation. You can also find items such as helmets, racks, repair tools, lights, panniers and hydration equipment.

The bike shop is an important part of the experience. REI says every store has a full-service bike shop offering repair and maintenance services. Rather than assuming that one bicycle is suitable for every rider, it is worth discussing how and where you plan to ride. A daily commuter, a mountain biker and someone preparing for a loaded bicycle tour have very different needs.

REI Co-op members currently receive 20% off eligible bike and snow shop services, although parts and certain services may be excluded. Because services and availability can vary by location, check with the individual store before visiting.

The Hiking-Shoe Return Policy Gives Members Time to Test the Fit

Hiking shoes can feel comfortable during a few minutes inside a store and become painful after several miles on uneven ground. REI's satisfaction guarantee gives members up to one year to return or replace most eligible purchases, including hiking footwear, when they are not satisfied—subject to the company's exclusions and current terms. This gives a hiker a reasonable opportunity to discover problems such as heel slipping, pressure points or an unsuitable fit that may not be obvious during the initial fitting. However, the policy should not be treated as a replacement program for shoes that have simply worn out through normal use, or for damage caused by misuse or accidents. Keep your receipt or purchase record, explain the genuine problem and review REI's current return policy before returning footwear.

Maps, Camping Equipment and the Small Things That Matter

The store is not limited to large purchases. Maps, navigation devices, first-aid supplies, water-treatment products, cookware, headlamps, repair items and other accessories can be just as important as a tent or backpack.

For travelers and campers, being able to compare equipment in person is useful. You can examine materials, understand packed size, compare weight and decide whether a piece of gear is appropriate for your actual plans. Expensive equipment is not automatically the best choice for every person. The right choice is the product that fits your body, budget, destination and experience level.

What REI Co-op Membership Offers Today

REI membership has changed since I first wrote about the store in 2020, so it is important to describe the current program accurately. As of this update, a lifetime REI Co-op membership costs $30 and does not require an annual renewal fee.

Maps and other accessories

Members may receive a typical annual 10% Co-op Member Reward on eligible full-price purchases. However, REI clearly states that the 10% reward is typical, not guaranteed, and it does not apply to every transaction. Sale, clearance, outlet and used merchandise—as well as services, classes, gift cards and several other categories—may be excluded.

Current membership benefits also include free standard U.S. shipping with no minimum purchase, special offers, access to buying and trading used gear through Re/Supply, member pricing on classes and events, discounts on certain rentals, and a longer return period on many eligible purchases. Benefits and exclusions can change, so readers should review the current REI membership information before joining or making a purchase.

REI also offers a co-branded Mastercard, but that is separate from the basic lifetime membership. Anyone considering a credit card should review the current terms, interest rates, fees and reward rules rather than applying only for the promotional benefit.

Classes, Events and Outdoor Learning

One feature that originally caught my attention was REI's outdoor education. The company continues to offer classes and events, but they should not all be described as free. Prices, topics and availability vary, while members may receive special pricing.

Depending on location and schedule, subjects may include camping skills, navigation, cycling, paddling, climbing, wilderness safety and other outdoor activities. These programs can help beginners build confidence and give more experienced travelers opportunities to strengthen particular skills. Check the REI classes and events calendar for current local offerings.

No class replaces preparation, sound judgment or professional emergency training. Still, learning how to use equipment before an actual trip is far better than discovering its limitations when you are already on the trail.

Outdoor Travel Has Changed Since My Original Article

My original post mentioned REI travel packages to hiking, cycling and international destinations. That part of the business has evolved. REI now promotes REI-curated trips operated by Intrepid Travel, with member savings available on eligible experiences. Destinations, itineraries, prices and discounts change, so travelers should use the current REI Travel page rather than relying on older trip examples.

Guided travel can be useful for someone who wants local leadership, an organized itinerary or support while trying a new type of adventure. It is still important to examine activity level, inclusions, insurance, cancellation terms and physical requirements before booking.

Quality Matters, but Preparation Matters Too

One reason people shop at REI is the opportunity to compare recognized outdoor brands, ask questions and handle equipment before buying it. Quality gear can improve comfort and reliability, but no retailer or brand can promise that equipment will never fail.

Before leaving for a trip, inspect your gear, learn how to use it and test it close to home. Break in hiking shoes, adjust your backpack, practice setting up your tent and carry repair or backup items appropriate to the journey. Confidence outdoors should come from preparation—not simply from the price or name printed on a product.

My Final Impression of REI

What hooked me during that Seattle visit was not only the amount of merchandise. It was the feeling that the store understood hiking, cycling, travel and outdoor life. REI gave me a place to explore equipment, ask questions and think more seriously about future adventures.

Years later, that remains the real value. Whether you are preparing for your first day hike, planning a camping trip, commuting by bicycle or building equipment for a longer journey, REI can be a helpful starting point. Take time to compare products, use the employees' knowledge, understand the membership rules and choose gear for the adventures you actually intend to pursue.

The outdoors will always demand personal responsibility, preparation and respect. The right store cannot complete the journey for you—but it can help you begin with better information and better-fitting equipment.

This article reflects my personal experience and is not sponsored by REI. Membership benefits, products, services, prices and travel offerings may change. Verify current details directly with REI before purchasing or booking.

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— Fowzer
The Reflective Explorer
#reflectiveexplorer