REI Co-op occupies a unique spot among outdoor retailers: part gear shop, part member-owned cooperative, and part in-house apparel brand. For travelers assembling a hiking or travel wardrobe, that combination means access to nearly every major outdoor label alongside REI’s own well-reviewed Co-op line, all backed by a membership model built around rewarding loyal shoppers rather than just selling to them.
The appeal goes beyond selection. A one-time $30 membership fee unlocks an annual dividend on eligible purchases, a full year to return gear that is not working out, and access to member-only deals, which stacks real savings on top of an already broad catalog of travel clothing and footwear.
Who is REI Co-op?
Founded in Seattle in 1938 as a member-owned cooperative, REI has grown into one of the most trusted names in outdoor retail while keeping its co-op structure intact. Members technically own a share of the business, which is part of why the brand leans so heavily into community benefits like its annual dividend and trail-advocacy initiatives, including campaigns that fund trail access and conservation work nationwide.
REI stocks a sweeping range of hiking, travel and everyday outdoor clothing and footwear from brands like Merrell, Kuhl, Salomon, Arc’teryx and Garmin, alongside its own REI Co-op label, which spans close to 700 products including apparel, footwear, tents and sleeping bags.
Beyond retail, REI also runs an outlet channel for past-season deals, a trade-in program for used gear, and a calendar of classes and community events, reinforcing the sense that it is building an outdoor community rather than simply moving inventory. Its network of physical stores also means travelers can get last-minute fit advice or gear swaps before a trip, something few online-only retailers can match.
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What REI does best
A genuinely useful membership
The $30 lifetime membership earns an annual dividend of up to 10% back on eligible full-price purchases, plus free shipping, member pricing and a full year return window.
Multi-brand selection under one roof
Shoppers can compare REI’s own Trailmade and Co-op apparel against premium third-party brands side by side, which makes it easy to outfit a trip without hopping between retailers.
Expert, in-store advice
REI’s staff and detailed buying guides, like its roundups of the best hiking pants, help travelers choose the right gear for specific climates and trip types before they buy.
Guided travel experiences
Through REI Adventures, members can book guided international trips operated by Intrepid Travel, with member discounts on select itineraries, turning a gear purchase into the start of an actual trip.
An active outlet and trade-in channel
REI Outlet regularly discounts past-season styles by up to 40%, and the trade-in program lets shoppers offset a new purchase with used gear, stretching travel budgets further.
Products and pricing at a glance
| Product line | What it is | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Trailmade apparel | Beginner-friendly hiking clothing | $35–$80 |
| REI Co-op hiking pants & jackets | In-house technical outerwear | $70–$150 |
| Third-party hiking footwear | Merrell, Salomon and other hiking shoes | $90–$160 |
| Running shoes | HOKA, Altra, Brooks road and trail shoes | $110–$180 |
| Travel luggage & packs | REI Co-op and third-party travel bags | $60–$200 |
| REI Co-op Membership | One-time lifetime membership | $30 |
What customers say
Customers consistently praise REI’s in-store staff for genuinely useful, low-pressure advice when choosing hiking clothing and footwear, which many shoppers say makes the brand feel more like a resource than a retailer. The annual dividend is repeatedly cited as a reason loyal customers keep coming back, since it effectively functions as cash-back on gear they were already planning to buy.
Verified buyers also highlight the generous one-year return window as a major confidence booster for trying new footwear or technical layers, since sizing and fit can be hard to judge from a product photo alone. The REI Co-op in-house apparel line in particular earns praise for matching the quality of pricier name brands at a noticeably lower price.
Shoppers also mention the outlet section and periodic member sales as reliable ways to stretch a travel budget, and several reviewers note that the combination of expert staff and a flexible return policy makes REI their default stop before any big trip, even when a specific item could be found slightly cheaper elsewhere.
Who REI is best for
REI is an excellent fit for travelers who want to compare multiple outdoor brands in one place, shoppers who value in-person advice before a big trip purchase, and anyone who shops outdoor gear often enough that the membership dividend pays for itself. Budget-conscious hikers will also like the REI Co-op label as a lower-cost alternative to premium brands without sacrificing much in quality, and first-time backpackers will benefit from the in-store guidance when building a kit from scratch.
Price and value
Pricing spans from budget-friendly REI Co-op basics to premium third-party brands, giving shoppers flexibility at nearly every price point. The real value driver is the membership: a $30 one-time fee that typically pays for itself within a purchase or two through the annual dividend, free shipping and member-only sales events throughout the year. Factor in the outlet discounts and trade-in credit, and frequent travelers can meaningfully lower their long-term gear spend.
Verdict
REI Co-op earns its loyal following by combining broad selection, trustworthy advice and a membership model that genuinely rewards regular shoppers. For travelers who want one place to research, compare and buy outdoor clothing and footwear, it is hard to beat, and the dividend makes it one of the few retailers that gets better the more you shop there.
Frequently asked questions
For regular outdoor shoppers, yes: the one-time $30 fee is typically recovered quickly through the annual member dividend, free shipping and member-only sales, and membership lasts for life.
REI Co-op members get free standard shipping with no minimum purchase, free return shipping on online orders, and a full year to return most items under the 100% satisfaction guarantee.
REI backs purchases with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, giving members up to a year from the purchase date to return gear that is not working out, alongside manufacturer warranties on individual brands it carries.
Backcountry focuses purely on online selection across premium brands, while REI combines that same multi-brand catalog with physical stores, expert staff advice, a member dividend and its own well-regarded Co-op gear line.
REI, short for Recreational Equipment, Inc., was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1938 as a member-owned cooperative and remains headquartered there today.
Yes, the REI Co-op label covers nearly 700 products, including hiking clothing, footwear, tents and sleeping bags, designed in-house as a value-focused alternative to name-brand gear.
REI Adventures partners with Intrepid Travel to run guided trips worldwide, and Co-op members save on selected itineraries led by local guides.
