Be Careful What You Buy at REI

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[cyclops]

I've had the trail hut 2 for a 4 years, using it for motocamping. I've used it on 8-10 day rides, my buddies are using cheap Amazon and Walmart tents, the quality of the poles, material and ease of setup have been worth the extra money to me. I've been in sleet, ice storms, 50mph winds and over 100* nights with it, it's performed flawless.

[Royplayer]

As an REI employee and subscriber to your channel, thank you for doing both a good and bad review list. I agree with all of your selections!

[MDchaz]

I like how REI has stores. Those big blocky things with walls and a roof. And inside, there’s people… actual people that have experience with the gear. I hope their business model catches on. Being able to try something on or hold it in your hands before you purchase it is a great idea. I love your videos MyLifeOutdoors. Awesome creative content and advice. 👍

[stevenstolper]

I agree that REI is expensive (for much but not all equipment). But to be fair, you should also mention that REI members get 10% of their purchases back at the end of the year in the form of a dividend that can be applied to future purchases (membership is free). When I want something from REI, I combine my dividend with a sale price. It goes a long way toward reducing the cost of the item I want. Also there is the generous return policy. I know that if the product is defective I can bring it back for an exchange with no hassle.

So, while I don't purchase from REI often, there are cases when it makes sense.

[josiebones]

REI has some real gems, some of my favorite pieces of gear. Just gotta wait for a sale and then some items are absolute steals. Actually being able to put your hands on the gear before you buy it is the best part!

[listofromantics]

The REI branded products are all about offering outdoor gear at a price point for "getting outside, " especially for people new to the outdoors. Yes, some of their products are LEGIT good for the price, while others are not.

If you want to "get outside" without breaking the bank on better, more expensive gear, REI is a good compromise.

What's more, for $30 a life-time membership at REI is ONE OF THE BEST DEALS in outdoor retail--the return policy, the discounts, the rewards / dividends you earn...

[milesrost]

"Always stand up for what is right even if it means standing alone."
Great job consistently being legit!! Since the days with 25K subscribers you've always been direct and precise with your takes and reviews.
Thanks - Godspeed

[briannelson]

My father's REI member number is 5 digits (1962ish). I grew up in Seattle and would visit REI attic often. I have had both good and bad from REI brand. The good stuff, I wear out. The bad stuff lasts forever.

[kgwash]

Green Vester here just home from sale day 3. The Flash Air is the only ultralight pack I have ever found comfortable. I was skeptical, but after a summer of use, I love it. As for tents, I recommend the Half Dome. It is practically bomb proof. For car camping the Base Camp is awesome. If you were lucky enough to get the Quarter Dome, you know what a gem that tent was. I hope it makes a comeback. Some REI gear is awesome, some is OK. But always hit up the sales. You can get amazing deals. Oh and ReSupply. Best part of being a member.

[syfyfiction]

As a current REI employee, the real downside of buying REI brand gear is that once that return policy period ends, there's no infrastructure to repair items. We are instructed to suggest Rainy Pass repair, a third-party company in Seattle, to repair or replace parts. It's obvious the company knows that there's a need for repairs, but their business model won't allow or afford developing it. The gear itself is still better than Walmart or Dick's, but it's not a lifelong product.

[etthealienouttheresomewher]

An REI customer since 1975, I have hiked, backpacked, mountain-gravel-road biked, kayaked, camped…etc with REI gear, it’s good gear, not always but more often than not, I think their track record is as good as any other brand. They are less expensive than many other manufacturers like TNF, Arcteryx, Patagonia, Marmot, Big Agnes, Nemo but they sell comparable quality.
REI is a real COOP, they will not be sold to a venture capitalist like backcountry. There is no other nation wide purveyor of outdoor gear that has REI’s footprint, anywhere you go in the U.S., especially the west, you can find an REI to purchase necessary gear. Great company, great employees!

[BuxomRhino]

Their slightly more expensive SL 2+ and SL1 tents are pretty good for price and performance. Of course, the SL2+ isn't as light as some of the competitors, but it's light enough for backpacking, it's kept me and my fiance warm and dry in heavy rains and wind storms, and has enough room for both of us and our dog. We've since upgraded to a more expensive and light 2 person tent, but it held up for 2 years without any issues. Only had to waterproof it again a few months ago. Great budget "light" tent

[kristymoore]

I so APPRECIATE your reviews. I like REI for the return policy. Unfortunately there are a lot of cottage brand stuff that I can’t afford to “try”.

[dadventuretv]

I always check out the REI brand of whatever I’m gonna buy along with the name brands. Sometimes it’s just as good but cheaper, sometimes not. Like you said though- best is to wait for it to go on sale if you can bc then it really is a good deal. I just really appreciate having a brick and mortar store to be able to go to that sells it all- I hate buying outdoor gear without being able to touch and sample it.

[echobenav]

Been a volunteer with the Boy Scouts for 13 yrs. I would recommend their Half Dome tents, we put two scouts in each on backpacking trips and they easily last 2-3 years of hard use. They are a knock off of the BA Copper Spur but are a great deal on sale around $200. The 650 jackets usually go on sale for around $75 and are a good option as well. As for packs, the Flash 55 is a great pack to start backpacking with like you mention. And the Flash 18 is a largely indestructible day pack. A lot of our scouts use them through college. Definitely avoid their Flexlite Air like you show, get the Helinox Chair One instead. Keep you the great work!

[Skezxus]

For day hiking and daily use I can't stress how much I love my REI Flash 22. I got it because it was on the sale rack, and I didn't like any of theo ther offerings and had very low expectations. To my great surprise this thing is fantastic! Holds way more than it looks like, it carries well. Has all the features I need and none I don't

[PrybarCommando]

Steven is my favorite armchair reviewer! I like that he takes the time to walk a few moments down a trail to get those amazing backdrop shots on the gear he’s shilling. It’s those little things that make a difference whether I’m going to buy or not. Oh! An rei video?! Whoa!

[martywithawhy]

I really appreciate practical videos like this to help us know good (price and quality) deals, as well as what to stay away from!

[jzubs]

instead of the magma down jacket i think you should have listed the 650 down jackets. super super good value when on sale (common theme with the rest of the REI lineup) at 77 bucks, and even better imo is the hoodie coming in at 90 bucks on sale, which is a great deal considering a lot of the market doesnt offer the hoodie version of their jackets. only con is the colors, at just a black and a copper-bronze

[NotoriousBRD]

I have 2, 10yr old rei quarter dome tents. They are great. Been in atmospheric river, 24" rain in 24 hours, stayed dry. I did have to replace the shock cords.