r/REI

I have a tent that I've been using for the last couple of months and now I think I want something smaller and lighter. Current tent is almost 7 pounds and impractical for backpacking but it wasn't really on my radar until I realized I enjoy it and want to adventure deeper into the wilderness. Yes I could buy another tent but there is no need to keep two and I don't have unlimited funds.

With that said I kinda want to return it and get a proper backpackibg tent but would feel guilty doing so.. opinions?

I was wondering what the benefits are to having the REI membership is? I think I got it back in 2024 with a purchase of some ski goggles and the sales associate told me I’d be able to get better priced items. Honestly I buy things maybe once or twice a year my gear doesn’t need to be replaced a lot. I was just curious it seems like I get absolutely zero benefits or points when I buy things.

There is a tent in the resupply I want for moto camping.

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 xl
Descriptions say small hole in rain fly.

But since no returns would they let me build it in store?

Will resupply be 20% off Labor Day?

UPDATE: Went back after work and it’s gone. Very Bummed. i just didn't know enough about tents to make a no research $250 purchase.

I bought a Marmot Hype Down jacket (no longer available) during the spring sale for its packability and its warmth (the warmth technical spec was “warmest.”)

But in foggy, breezy SF summer weather (high 50s/low 60s) the jacket is not warm at all!

So I’m turning to you here as I reconsider a different jacket - how useful is the warmth technical spec? I wouldn’t consider buying something marked as anything less than warmest after feeling now cold this jacket keeps me.

I need to add a roof rack to my Subaru Forester....anyone know if the Labor Day sale includes Yakima products or are they excluded from the discount? Thanks!

I need some quality rain pants for an Antarctica trip. I am only 5’1 so they need to be petite since I can’t shorten them. Any suggestions? Hoping to purchase during the Labor Day sale.

Hi hi. - In May I bought a new bike at REI. It was a pricy bike (4K+) and the first I've owned in a looong time. The manufacturer said you should take it in for adjustments after the first month but I've also heard several other things like 100-200 miles even 500 miles. I'm at about 250 miles now. I've tried to take it to my local REI several times now, but have always been turned away saying the bike shop is too busy. Is this something I should be concerned about? I honestly don't know as I've not really owned a bike I've cared about before. Thank you so much for the help!

New here! Looking for advice on getting hired at my local REI (as a prospective college student)
Hello everyone! I’m looking for some advice from current or former REI employees. I’ve been unemployed for a bit and am really eager to get back to work—ideally at REI.

I’m an avid outdoorsman (cycling, former cross-country runner, and camping), so I have a lot of passion and general product knowledge for the environment. I applied online in the past with my resume and was told someone would follow up, but I never heard back. I shop at my local store occasionally and have gotten to know a few of the employees over time.

I’m starting college in a few days to study HVAC, which may end up taking a couple of years. I have a few questions for anyone who has worked there:

1. Does REI hire college students for multi-year, part-time roles?
2. Is it better to apply strictly online, or should I walk into the store with a hard copy of my resume?
3. What is the best way to approach managers or position myself to stand out?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It’s a tough job market right now, but I’d love the opportunity to share my passion for the outdoors and help out customers. Thanks in advance!

I am super frustrated. I think I now remember why I wasn't subscribed to getting emails reminding me of sales etc.

The other day I was looking at some specs for something I had bought last year. Afterward I got the sales pitch email saying don't you want to buy this? No I already have it. But I got the same email the next day. And I got the same email again the day after. That's three. For a product I already have.

Of course I went to change my preferences for email but there is nothing that seems to indicate I can opt out of just getting marketing junk after I visit the website! Does anyone else have this issue/complaint?

Hey everyone!

I’m currently looking for my first real day hiking backpack and I feel like I’m overthinking LOL

I’ve read a ton of reviews and tried a few packs on at Bass Pro, and the Osprey Talon 22 was by far the one that felt the best on me. I really liked the way the hip belt felt and how the pack sat on my back.

My only hesitation is the size. Is 22L actually enough for longer/all-day hikes? The longest day hike I’m realistically planning for is hopefully Half Dome next year, so I want something that can handle a full day without feeling like I’m playing Tetris every time I pack it.

I usually carry around 3-ish liters of water, plus food, an extra layer/rain jacket, gloves/hat depending on the weather, sunscreen, first aid stuff, etc. I also like having a padded hip belt since I’m carrying that much water.
For anyone who has the Talon 22, do you feel like you have enough room for longer hikes? Or would you recommend going up to something around 24–26L?

I’m not looking for an overnight pack or anything huge (Not yet at least), just something that works real well for typical day hikes and can handle some bigger hikes when I want to push myself and will be worth the money, firm believer in “Buy Once, Cry Once” lol

What’s your go-to daypack? And am I overthinking the 22L capacity? 😂

UPDATE: I returned both pairs of shoes today and was given a merchandise credit for the $30. Very satisfied with this outcome. The cashier also gave me tips on how she lifts to achieve her awesome shoulders and arms. That was a bonus.

I bought a pair of shoes in store, and bought the REI membership at the same time. I received a $30 promotional gift card to use on my next purchase. I bought another pair of shoes online and used the GC. After a short tryout of both pairs on my treadmill at home, they are not going to work out. They are still in new condition and I will be returning. When I return the shoes, will I get to use the GC to purchase another pair of shoes I have my eye on, or do I lose it? Thanks for any help/advice.