Putting REI Gear to the Test!

[@dm9078]

The thing I like about REI is their people are pros. When my daughter started uni she signed up for freshman Appalachian Trail Experience. Six weeks on the trail in Georgia. The REI employee took all the time they needed fitting her with the pack she still uses ten years later. And the guy still works there. That’s professionalism.

[@johnphillips3526]

The REI chair is 100% worth it. I have both the air version and the slightly heavier version. Both are a better purchase than the Helinox, and the air is lighter as you point out!

[@AndrewWade77]

I totally agree. I had the Helinox Zero first and found it slightly less stable and much less comfortable. The Helinox Zero is more difficult to put in its bag but the REI Air’s bag is unnecessarily large and heavy. I don’t use many stuff sacks when I backpack but a chair bag is one I do since the legs on these chairs always want to fly every which way and I trap my chair on the outside of my pack.

[@craigstorms2899]

The REI chair is great. I take it everywhere. From the park to Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim. Supports my 220lbs

[@johnthallcpa]

I've used the chair extensively for 4 years. A gust of wind got it once and blew it into the fire melting the fabric seat and making two quarter size holes at the top. However, the chair kept working that trip. Was thrilled to learn I could buy just a replacement fabric piece for ~$20 and keep on using it. Highly recommend.

[@70lightning]

I've used the half dome 2, their fleeces, socks and some other products of REI. Always happy with their stuff. Their return policy is unbeatable, and their service is always excellent. Combine that with frequent sales and building up dividends for members and bang for the buck they're hard to beat. Love your videos! You've helped me make some gear decisions in the past and I like your adventures!

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

Nah, REI is pretty easy to beat nowadays. Just check Decathlon and AE offering.

[@rgmALC]

Decathlon doesn’t have any physical stores in the US, no offerings for backpacking food, no rewards loyalty program, and no used section for heavily discounted gear.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

@@rgmALC Although I like my music of a certain vintage, physical stores are so '80s. Gas consumption, traffic, time: all things you don't consume when shopping online. Buy a good dehydrator and make your OWN backpacking food, which will certainly will be more healthy, nutritious, catered to your personal taste and WAY cheaper than packaged dehydrated meals. Decathlon HAS a loyalty points program. And Decathlon doesn't need a "heavily discounted used gear" section when you can buy their gear brand new at half price or less than REI. Take the Trek 100 down hoodie for example.

[@rgmALC]

That’s fine if you don’t like physical stores, they also have a website. So they are twice as convenient. Decathlon might not need a discounted section, but REI is trying to reduce waste by reusing gear instead of throwing it away

[@jamespouillon434]

A few years ago I bought a Helinox Chair Zero for myself but the less expensive Flexlite Air for my kids. I actually prefer the seat angles of the REI chair. The Flexlite Air is $50 during the 4th of July sale. I give the Flexlite Air chair as gifts.

[@SafetyTrainingGuy]

The Magna quilt at full price no, but I picked one up at the start of Summer during a 50% off sale. It was a no brainer and has kept me warm down to 32. For me, I would adjust the comfort rating to 35 vs 30 without additional layers, but with down socks/the Decathlon jacket I think you would be find down to the mid 20s.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Great info! Thanks!

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

Cool thanks

[@WasatchWill]

I've had it down to low 30s as well and been warm, but had it cinch it down for that of course along with wearing base layers and a beanie. With puffy, I'd feel confident with it down to mid 20's as well.

[@wupjak]

Also bought mine on sale and love it for 50 percent off. Mine had the seam pop right where the top of the footbox starts. Back to REI for a new one. No issue with the replacement.

[@SafetyTrainingGuy]

@@wupjak That's a known weakness. I have thought about preemptively reinforcing that seam with some gear tape. That is something they should fix in version 2.

[@midwestmikeonahike]

Surprised you left off the Flash 55! Took your advice and bought one on sale a few years ago, and love it!

[@kentrails]

Same for me! It's become my go-to for weekend backpacking trips! I wish they made a Flash 40L or 45L as well.

[@taterhater7419]

got mine on sale for $130 great backpack

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've tested that thing to the max and have tons of videos on it! This video was more about some new gear I am unsure of.

[@RedSonya4]

I’ve been really happy with all of the REI branded gear and clothing I’ve purchased. I’m also lucky that there’s an REI near my house. Customer service is always excellent.

[@liamendresen]

Their sun hoodies and long sleeve shirts are awesome. Super soft stretchy material, and doesn't stink!

[@ireallyamjomarch]

I’m a field biologist and my favorite pants this summer were the REI Sahara Convertible pants. First time I got the point of pants that could turn into shorts. Get hot? Just turn them into shorts! Also loved their Merino Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip Baselayer for the colder months. Super comfortable.

[@dougblalock5175]

Excellent 👍👍👍👍👍! I have been a member from the time they opened the first store in Atlanta. No complaints whatsoever with anything I have ever purchased.

[@kentrails]

Dude you are the KING! Just picked up the Helix, regular wide pad for $63! Insane!

[@hawkins5560]

I bought the flash 55 and the day it arrived I saw it went on sale. REI refunded me the difference in sale price when I messaged them. I think it's 14 days you have to message them after you buy something to get the sale price if it goes on sale after you buy it.

[@arnoldkotlyarevsky383]

REI is a brand that I have never had a problem recommending. I am a big fan. I love their flash 55, flexlite air, and tons of other products over the years.

[@cmcfalls2]

I own the Quarter Dome 2 SL tent as well as the chair. LOVE the tent for the size and the weight! I was able to drop my shelter weight by half and also picked it up for only $200! The chair is good as well. It's my luxury item that everyone makes fun of me bringing until we get to camp and then they're jealous!

[@mikeghost7788]

I've been a member of REI for many years and have always had positive experiences with the gear and customer service both. Great, Great company!!

[@Staypuff777]

I have the Helix wide regular air pad and so far so good. I have slept on it maybe 10 nights with no leaks but jury is still out on reliability. I have slept on it in 19F temps and it kept me warm (paired with a 10 degree sleeping bag). I also find it to be quite comfortable and its quiet. No weird "chip bag" crunchy noises.

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Good stuff here. Important thing to note is that you also have to factor in the dividend. You get 10% back on every purchase if you’re a member in the form of store credit once a year. This means effectively, that everything in the store in the long run is basically 10% off all the time.

[@Rawdilz]

I’ve been using the magma rei quilt and I absolutely love it. So really like the magma 850 fill down jacket that only cost $130. Also you can’t beat 1 year return policy.

[@justinfugate6274]

I've had the Quarter Dome SL2 for 2 years now. Many nights on the trail. I love it best tent I've ever had and I've had a few.

[@somerandomguy706]

I managed to get a Flash 55 pack for $50 because it was returned for a "broken" chest strap. It took me 30 seconds to pop the strap back on. Maybe not the best pack ever, but as someone whose shoulder issues prevent them from reaching the water bottle pockets on normal packs, I absolutely love the forward side pockets on this pack.

[@Jor0716]

I've used their trail 40 backpack for a couple years now. Holding up really well, and I do like it a lot.

[@AlaskanGeezer]

The Arete 4 season tent has so many nice features and I have used it in storms here in Alaska and it is as good as the NorthFace VE but much easier to put together, and lighter as well. I have the Quarter Dome Tent and the Magma quilt as well as the Magma bag. I layer them together in the Winter, they are very light! I find REI products to be well made, I love REI pants and you must get a membership! You will never regret it!

[@nbwa97]

I just got the SL3+ to go backpacking with my dog and my bf! Can’t wait to use it. The chair seems really good, we have the helinox but got the REI air for my dad, I’ve seen good reviews!

[@micbernier6403]

Same thing but with MEC? :) Please

[@andersolsen3653]

Love your t-shirt

[@Merlmabase]

Looking forward to this! Had my eye on a quarter dome for a while, but then got into the UL backpacking rabbit hole and managed to grab an x-mid 2. I took that and the magma quilt for a few days on the AT in late March, with night temps around freezing. Had a real hard time keeping warm, and returned the magma for an EE quilt. The ether light XT pad I was on probably didn't help - I agree with your assessment that it underperforms its stated r-value. But the magma was a real disappointment, the baffles are sewn through, with some major voids in the insulation when I held it up to the light. Maybe I just got a lemon. Interested to hear about your experience. I've also been keeping an eye out for a backpack-able three person (read: comfy two-person) tent, so I'm looking forward to your take on the half-dome. It's definitely in the running

[@msdaus14]

Just got the REI Flash insulated hybrid hoodie on sale and love it.

[@jonsanford2515]

I have a decent amount of REIs store brand gear. It is usually solid, but a little less “premium” for about 80% of the cost of the comparable name brands. And, they have regular sales where you can get most stuff closer to half price compared to the name brands. I find their clothes to be particularly good deals.

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

I really don't know how I missed this video!! Great job as always! Was thinking about the jacket but never pulled the trigger... I tried the chair in store but wasn't as comfortable/stable as helinox. Plus helinox has ground sheet to use in snow (which works amazing!!)

[@jeket5007]

You can get the x mid 2p for cheaper than the Quarter dome tent... I'll take the x mid.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Can you get it? ;)

[@midwestmikeonahike]

I got one last January. I think Dan D. said supply chain is improving come February.

[@texmexia49]

I really like REI, but I’m with you on this. Love this tent!

[@thinshadow]

@@midwestmikeonahike I feel like Durston is always just a few months away from improving his supply.

[@billinroswellga5432]

I have one of each. Both excellent in their own right. Diff tents for diff situations.

[@davidwojnar3979]

I saw in one of your winter camping videos you mentioned you had the naturehike down pants and was wondering what your opinion on them was

[@GetUpTheMountains]

I got them based on that same recommendation. They're not too shabby! $47 for semi thin down pants. Way better than $250 for Ghost Whisperers. Took about a month to ship to Boston.

[@Mike_Blanda]

What is your take on the REI chair? Improvements? Feels a little unsteady

[@grantgrow]

Hi Justin. I own 2 big Agnes tents, a sleeping bag and a pad. My One person copperspur had a failure in the elastic cord. Big Agnes wanted me to send the poles to them and it was going to be an 8 week turnaround. They wouldn't send me just the shock cord, and I live in Northwestern California where I went backpacking 2 weeks ago. I am kind of disappointed about their customer service for repairs. They wanted my poles and they wanted to look at and make sure they weren't damaged, which then they would repair those at my cost. There is nothing wrong with my poles, and big Agnes admitted that they had a failure in the elastic cord. I purchased the REI quarterdome, and it's great

[@jwood9799]

I'm normally a mom and pop store kinda guy, but I love REI. Big time. The service is so good. Return policy is unbelievable. And they have great products. I have the quarter dome sl2 and the 650 2.0 hoodie. Both are amazing! When you compare the fill weight and power of the 2.0 to name brand jackets you get the same thing but save $400 to $600. REI brand products are a no brainer.

[@xSamDGK]

I've had the Quarter dome SL 2 for 2 years now and I absolutely love it. Shame that they no longer make them.

[@dany1398ify]

Just bought the helix sleeping pad for 62$😮🙌🏼 There isn’t a lot of reviews about this pad .. really interested in your opinion!

[@ckrafcheck4216]

I have the 30 inch wide boss chair. It goes on every hike and beach trip. Worth it. Other REI products I have no clue as I can usually find other brands with features I want or didn't know I wanted for about the same price.

[@jhobbz45]

I have the magma 30 quilt. I also have an enlightened enigma quilt. The magma 30 is heavier but it's so much easier to put on the sleeping pad. I bought the magma 30 when it was on sale for 50% off, that's a no-brainer.

[@nobison6185]

Before I expanded the screen when the vid started I thought your shirt said FREE NUGS. Ha ha.

[@CharlesBlank]

I picked up the flex lite air chair and the magma quilt both at half price during a members only sale. At the sale price they are both unbeatable.

[@taterhater7419]

ive had the sl2 for about three years, couldn't be happier. nice tent.

[@pissedoffwizard4799]

I like REI, but....I usually shop when they have a sale. Like the air pad I just bought. I got the FLEXLIGHT DHAIR for $50.00! Love it. It fits me well, I had to get used to the feel compared to other designs it felt wabbly. But it is a FLEX lite chair and after i got used to it and knew it was not going to break or fall over i really started to love it. Used it over 45 trips and no problems. I also got a close out of the Daisy Mae 15 degree sleeping bag. I got it on a closeout for $125.00. I know it's a womens bag, but it is the best bag I ever had.

[@sobad4me]

Looking forward to these results!

[@WeekendsOutsideFL]

I cheaped out by getting the REI Flexlite Camp chair versus the Flexlite Camp Air… which added 11 ounces to my pack. Dang it, I didn’t realize at the time that REI made two similar backpacking chairs and thought when I paid $69 I was getting the “Air” lol

[@Farbulus]

We just got the Half Dome S 2+ tent last month. Haven't had a chance to test it out yet though.

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

I just bought the Magma 15 Tall mummy bag for $270.00 and it feels amazing very comfortable reasonably light in my estimation.

[@philsmith2444]

EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) is similar, they make good quality gear at lower prices than the premium brands. They’ll generally be a little heavier than comparable models and/or come in fewer colors.

[@obxchas]

My favorite product of theirs is the REI Fleshlite

[@doc650adventures]

Excellent information! I have been looking for a lightweight quilt for moto camping using a hammock. I have the flexlite chair and it works fine for me. Small, lightweight and high-performance gear are a must for packing gear onto an adventure bike for travel. Thank you so much for this information! Cheers!

[@George-nx8zu]

What do you think about those Trailbreak 20 Sleeping Bags that REI makes? Or that REI Seista Double Sleeping Bag?

[@myrthravenswood475]

I have been an REI member since the 1980’s. It’s a great co-op, and the store brand gear has always been good. 👍

[@scottyplug]

Is this a prelude video? More to come for the actual trials?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Exactly! Canadian winters are not the best for this gear, but Arizona in January should be a good testing ground.

[@scottyplug]

@@JustinOutdoors Hell yeah JMoneyGangster! My old stomping grounds! I lived in Prescott AZ for about 9 years. Cannot wait to see what you've got coming.

[@chrismoses7445]

I have found the Flexlite Air chair to be very comfortable and have no regrets. Five stars for me. I bought one with a 20% off coupon and then a 2nd one on the summer sale for $50.

[@WasatchWill]

I have the Magma quilt and used it all season this past year and enjoyed it, but I have no real experience with any other quilt to compare it too. 19 oz for its size and rating seems to be on the lighter end from what I've seen. When I spec out a comparable quilt with say UGQ or EE, they typically come out to be a couple ounces more to hover around 21 oz. But they also overstuff a bit more down into their quilts by default now and use 20D outer with 10 to 20D inner whereas the Magma doesn't have as much down and uses 15D both sides. If you do 10D material both sides on a custom quilt, you might be able to bring it down to 17 to 19 oz range.

[@logictd567]

Do you feel that the R value on the helix par is true?

[@CrossoverGenius]

I actually have that camp chair… and frankly, I love it. Easy set up, easy break down, reasonably comfortable.. But I am 5’2” and 110lbs, so YMMV.

[@garrycollins3415]

I've got three chair and love it. Another REI item I love is the Flash 55 backpack. In my mind it's better than my Osprey and my Zpack.

[@caleighivanhoe478]

I honestly really like the 55l light weight pack they make.

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

I just picked up the Big Agnes Skyline UL chair nice chair for real and it's one pound you ever tried it out

[@syindrome]

Why no weight on the fleece joggers?!

[@pissedoffwizard4799]

Just went and got the Helix pad based on your recommendation and got it on sale for $62.00 .

[@kylemckinney_22]

It's $38 now

[@caleighivanhoe478]

The only issue I have had with the quarter dome, and I've heard this from everyone who owns it, is the elastic in the poles wears out quickly. I used their rental version and even their rentals poles were stretched. The magma quilt is just over priced for what it is now. Especially when you can get almost the same quilt from hammock gear for less than 200 with their occasional sales.

[@excdev]

I've had elastic failure on my quarter dome as well, but they sell replacement shock cord really cheaply so if a person has the time/patience to replace it when it wears out, it still comes out way ahead in price.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Great info!

[@shawnamason8025]

Does MEC have a comparable tent to the half dome? I live in Canada and am looking for a good lightweight tent for 2 people. I thought a 3 person tent would provide a better room.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The Marmot Tungsten UL 3P is a super roomy but lightweight tent.

[@jeffd6]

Does REI ship to Canada?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Yup!!!

[@danielsingh9415]

$20 shipping

[@ofthenearfuture]

I've also been interested in their products for years, but as I also live in Canada, the conversion rate and shipping cost pretty much always made it a worse deal than buying an alternative product here. So pretty curious to see your reviews!

[@robertmaxwell3220]

I've always thought of tariffs,etc. as a shame.Keep politics out of commerce,but ,oh well

[@danielsingh9415]

Yeah, almost got that blue Helix sleeping pad @50% off, US$80 but had a migraine & couldn't drive down to Bellingham REi. Almost sent the wife with my niece, but they didn't end up going at all. $20 shipping went over my limit with exchange & then too slow, sold out. But $160-30%=$112+6.5% tax+$20 shipping=C$193 still a good deal for a 4.9 R-value RW 1lb 10oz 3-season pad, I'll wait for the next sale😂👍 Tho at full price/all in, C$263 I might as well get a Nemo Tensor insulated for $20 more & a lifetime warranty

[@noelsworldtraveldiscovery]

Im watching always. More Interesting! 💚🌍

[@commentsonthetube14]

I know that REI! How's Bellevue? Check out the flagship store in Seattle too

[@MTLIBRARY]

Their quilt is great and warm. I’ve had it in freezing temps more than once but that is pushing the range a bit. The SL tent I own the 1P. The fly doesn’t extend beyond the door enough to keep rain out when you open it. And the buckles are a weird design that’s easy to break. Take your time aligning them before clicking together otherwise it’s a decent tent. Head room is mediocre. Attach your own strap from the mesh door cinch loop to the fly loop and you get another square foot + of living space.

[@GetUpTheMountains]

I have a few things from REI, though indeed, I prefer other brands most of the time. Passage2 tent, those same fleece pants, that same Magma quilt, and I just recently got a Flash22 as a summit slack pack for winter. All good quality. The quilt I got 50% off, and it's an absolute steal at $150. Using it for side sleeping in the summer where I'm usually way too hot anyway. Only gripe is there is no reinforcement where the foot box comes together and I have seen where people have ripped it there. No problems so far. My first quilt and definitely a keeper. They need to move that collar cinch to one side, having it right in the middle is annoying. Passage 2 is a great car camping tent when I dont want to risk wear and tear on my Copper Spur. Plenty waterproof, 2 doors, everything about it is great. A little heavy for backpacking, but I've done it. It's cheap too! Those Trailsmith fleece pants are great. I almost got the matching top. They'll work great winter camping as a layer above merino longjohns, and below those el-cheapo NatureHike down pants.

[@burnetr1]

I’m looking at the REI Half Dome SL 3+ right now, is it overkill for two adults doing weekend’s only? I just want enough space for gear and to move around a little. Thinking the 2+ might be a little tight.

[@billinroswellga5432]

Get it and enjoy the luxury of space!

[@JustinOutdoors]

The 3+ is ROOMY but at just over 2kg total, the weight is fine for 2 people for weekends. I'd probably go with the 3+

[@mikegnome]

REI generally combines all the best features of its competitors and is price competitive. Some reviewers have pointed out that REI's quality has lowered in recent years (eg opting for cheaper materials). Best to compare both online and in-store.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

REI branded gear is NOT crap. But compared to Decathlon branded gear (Quechua, Forclaz, Kalenji, Simond, Solognac, etc), REI gear is way overpriced at roughly the same mid-tier quality. And if you compare them with good quality chinese brands like Naturehike, 3F UL Gear, Aegismax or Widesea, REI gear is a complete rip-off. Thus, REI has become my 3rd option (after AE and Decathlon) when shopping for good value outdoor gear. The $330 Magma quilt is a good example: you can get the similar Aegismax Wind Hard Tiny quilt for less than $100 at AE.

[@richbowie76]

The REIs in the Chicago area (4 stores ) all kind of suck now. I 've been a member since 1997 . They only seem to stock clothes and everything else from camping to cycling is only available on line. They used to carry a wide assortment of cycling gear from many different manufacturers and now its just a limited selection. I really wonder how they can stay in business.

[@vaseklepic12]

"only" 380 USD for s tent seems quite expensive to me

[@Carftymk]

you probably need the biggest backpack in the world to carry the big 3 from REI

[@lapp2]

As a european, I can see that REI seems to be an IKEA of sorts, when it comes to outdoor gear in north America and somewhat uk. It has everything any other brand has, just not high end or low end. I found it to be a bit overpriced when I went to Uk. I would like to see it compared to brands from nortern europe, both in price and quality…

[@b2bp]

Just bought 2 pads @ $62 each. (Nov16)

[@phillipwitt4433]

Their gear has been hit and miss for me. The previous version of their sleeping pad was terrible (sprung multiple leaks), as was the flex lite air chair (it broke on me), but their clothing has been good for me.

[@natehoover5266]

It's almost false marketing to offer free hugs but not be able to give them out. I'm more depressed now because I didn't want a hug before this video but now I do and I'm lonely. Great.

[@danielsingh9415]

A virtual hug, Nate 🤗

[@lh3540]

I've been super screwed by two pairs of their gloves. Honestly worse than knit mitts you could buy at a grocery store.

[@StickyFlyCompany]

I used to buy all my stuff from REI until they began getting political in America, while making their gear in places like Vietnam. There are plenty of similarly amazing products, made in America. I buy from them.

[@lakorai2]

Biggest reason not to buy REI branded gear. 1 year warranty, and REI will not sell you parts or repair your gear outside of the warranty.

[@rkatrails]

I used to love REI but like all other outdoor gear companies and cottage industry stores, they've gone woke. They're all in. I long for the day when identify politics and the great outdoors separate.

[@haljetdvr]

Go sit your ass down somewhere…or better yet stay in the backcountry.

[@backlogbrood2451]

But... Where's the test? The video title and intro implies the test is in this video.....? I guess the "around the house/town" stuff is sort of a test, but even that wasn't done for several items.

[@seamusmcbride2832]

Calli REI Schpeil dude. The 90s are gone....

[@robertmaxwell3220]

So the test is......?

[@longwildernesswalks]

Ok... I have a simple rule for shopping for gear. First and foremost, if it's being ''resold' by a large box store, you are getting robbed. Here's how it works, folks: REI buys 10,000 jackets at $25.00 each, then they sell that same jacket for $99.99 on a 'sale'. You just paid someone else for doing nothing for you other than hanging a jacket on a rack. Rule #1: Do your research while in the store standing in front of the product you want to purchase. All but guaranteed you will find it far cheaper elsewhere, can have it shipped overnight, and likely the source has a better relationship with their vendor than REI does. The name of the game is buy for $1 and sell for $4-5 on each item @ REI. Rule #2: If REI has it, it's made by someone else who will ACUTALLY support the product. Don't find yourself stuck in the middle between the people who will honor your warranty and REI. REI does not care about your product. REI only cares that you come back and spend more money. So why put yourself in a situation like this? Reach out to the company who made the product directly. 95% of the time they are happy to help you out. Rule #3: If REI has it, a cottage company makes it 10x better for likely the same cost. Additionally, most of the cottage companies are WAY easier to work with and have better warranties than REI will ever offer you. (why I'll never buy another Osprey pack in my life) Instead, look at people like Enlightened Equipment, GGG, ZPacks, or HyperLite. All of these companies offer FAR superior products at pricepoints that are less than REI. All of these companies have amazing customer support specialists, respond quickly, and care about the piece of gear being sent to you, being repaired, etc. While some say REI is the greatest thing ever, I see REI as a company out for profits first, preying on the uneducated or unwilling. I get it, but why waste your time and money on a company that does not care about you or your expereience. A few notable suppliers I swear by: ZPacks, Decathalon, & Hyperlite. Disclaimer: All of this is based upon my personal experience with REI. These are my opinions only, and should be viewed as such.

[@Farbulus]

Osprey offers full warranties on their products.

[@hawkins5560]

You just mentioned much more expensive companies. I've had to contact REI on twice for one purchase I've made through them. First one was because I forgot to update my card in PayPal. Second time was because I bought a 200 dollar pack and it went on sale for 140 a couple days later. First issue was resolved within 3 minutes talking to a real person. Second issue ended with me getting a 60 dollar refund in under 5 minutes after talking to a real person. Just because a company has gear catered to people brand new to a sport doesn't mean they are preying on people. Are they selling dangerous or ineffective gear? Cottage brands can't offer a better price to performance because they can't output tons of units. If you can point me to those 100 dollar jackets that I can buy for 25 dollars please do so.

[@ckgonzales6743]

@@hawkins5560 I totally agree with you. REI has a fantastic return policy (a full year) as well as fantastic customer service. I received a REI backpack that had a minor flaw. Instead of having me ship it back they refunded my card and told me I could donate or keep it. I always wait for sales as there stuff is priced high, but their sales are great.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

Decathlon and ZPacks/Hyperlite are in two different extremes of the value proposition curve.

[@billinroswellga5432]

Retail 101. You have to make revenue to stay in business, pay a decent wage, offer health insurance, offer parental leave, a 401k, give huge donations to outdoor non-profits, offer classes to the public, have a liberal return policy, gives back 10% or more to the members who actually own the co-op and can vote on board members. Many REI members feel a sense of community because REI has suppoted the outdoors (many gear companies got their start due to REI such as Yakima, MSR-Thermarest, etc) yada yada. Its more than just another convenience store down the street/web. Life is not a free ride and some people support that idea. You want cheap, go to Walmart via China. Good luck with any customer service issues. REI supports its members.

[@SummitSeeker546]

Are you a paid shill for REI?😂

[@kenshiroFNS]

There is no REI in Canada

[@danielsingh9415]

MEC

[@kenshiroFNS]

@@danielsingh9415 same company?

[@danielsingh9415]

@@kenshiroFNS no

[@Beardedbackpacker]

I literally just recorded a video about this exact topic with some of my REI gear I have used for a while now. Half of it is stuff you mentioned lol. It’s the first video I’ve ever done so the editing and everything sucks compared to yours but the info may be helpful for some real world use for people. Especially considering all the sales right now!