Camping tips and tricks

9 Responses to “How good is REI brand equipment/gear?”

1. c_kayak_fun, on November 26th, 2009 at 11:03 pm Said:

   Their quality is excellent. In most cases they have their gear made on spec by other major label manufacturers. I have been buying gear from them for over 35 years and have owned packs, sleeping pads, various clothing items and various accessories for camping, biking and kayaking by both REI and the top companies (Marmot, Sierra Designs, Lowe, Patagonia, etc.) and I would rate the REI items on the same design and quality level as the others. In fact, I have an REI daypack that I think is nicer that any other name brand I’ve ever used. Great value for the money.
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2. musicimprovedme, on November 26th, 2009 at 11:50 pm Said:

   Their stuff is excellent, not just their products but the company’s commitment to stand behind them! If you have an "in" go for it. However, the regular old customer has the option of paying for a membership and then WHATEVER WHENEVER you decide you don’t like a piece you bought there…you can return it no questions asked. IF your "in" nullifies this, you may have some thinking to do. But their gear is off the chain.

   BTW use your credit card for anything you expect to last a while, in case it doesn’t! Then they can just swipe your card as proof of purchase.
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3. chris w, on November 27th, 2009 at 12:32 am Said:

   Take advantage of that friendship, their gear is top notch and they carry the best brands out there.
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   been there bought that

4. kavekarst, on November 27th, 2009 at 1:02 am Said:

   Inquire with any likely manufacturer of goods (i.e, Black Mountain, Columbia, etc.) for retail outlets
   and take your questions there. I’m a Member, was shopping REI for ice ax today, and really can’t
   be bothered to provide a better answer.
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5. Kevin, on November 27th, 2009 at 1:34 am Said:

   REI has some of the best gear you can get. They do a lot of R&D on their products. I think the tents and packs are the best products they make.

   Think very long and hard about using your friend’s employee discount. This is a violation of company policy which could result in your friend losing their job. Abuse of the discount policy is taken very seriously.
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6. Jim Marco, on November 27th, 2009 at 2:04 am Said:

   Their gear is good stuff, generally speaking. For lightweight/Ultra-light gear, they don’t have much, though. They stick to the mainstream items, for the most part.
   Tents for example:
   Lightest REI branded tent for 2: 3#12 (30sqft, incl, stakes and poles)
   Lightest (I have found): 1#7 (Six Moons Design Refuge X, + poles/stakes, 30sqft)
   Both are full tents. The REI is free standing. The Refuge has a bigger vestibule. And at less than half the weight that REI is selling. This is typical of their gear. Good, rugged and reliable, but fairly heavy for what you get. Backpacks are about the same. Gossamer Gear makes a good UL backpack, much lighter than REI’s. Western Mountaineering makes a very good bag. Again, lighter than REI’s.
   Stoves? Well, stoves aren’t branded by REI. Cook gear is heavier at REI. Look at Antigravitygear.com for light weight stuff.
   Generally speaking, using all REI gear, your pack will weigh about 7-10 pounds heavier than it needs to be. You will also save some dollars. Lightweight gear is more expensive than REI, and it does not take abuse very well. Soo, a lot will depend on what you value. Light weight, 20mi per day, climbing, etc? OR, just getting away from the crowds (5miles in) setting up camp and kicking back for a weekend. You cannot go far wrong with REI stuff, ignoring the weight. It is "farmed" out to other manufcturers as was already mentioned, but, to their QC and specs…pretty good in my book.
   jdm
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7. outrigger, on November 27th, 2009 at 2:51 am Said:

   as for REI they will not sell it if not tested I have no problem with what I use from there store
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8. Garret, on November 27th, 2009 at 3:02 am Said:

   In general, REI makes really good equipment. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, they are one of the best values on quality gear. There are more expensive, higher performance pieces available, but the gains are often minimal and the increase in price substantial. Their best stuff is tents and backpacks, some of which have won several awards. As with all equipment, research the exact item you want and see if their stuff meets your needs.

   Another big bonus is that REI is a really good company. They take care of their workers. The base compensation is pretty standard for retail, but even part-time workers get access to health-care and retirement benefits, these benefits don’t just blow other retail companies out of the water, they are better than most other companies period. REI also has a fairly strong committment to their communities and charities. I don’t work for REI, but if you’re concious of where your money goes, this is definitely a company you can feel decent about doing business with.
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9. JAY, on November 27th, 2009 at 3:13 am Said:

   it can put up with alot of shit
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