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. 👍
@@bflagg94 yeah i had a fantastic experience when buying shoes, maybe i got lucky, but the guy there explained everything i needed to know and helped me made an informed decision
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.
Agreed. I do tons of motocamping. This thing is super easy to put up and tear down. I've spent well over 300 nights in one of these. Only gripe I have is they do use cheap zippers. Just be careful with them from the get go and you should be ok. I bought a second one on sale for $160, and sold my old one back to REI for $60. That is $0.33/night.
The reason to buy at REI instead of Target or Walmart is a lot of these other stores tents and things look just like the REI stuff except....they aren't. The screen holes are too big. They don't even slow down Noseeums. . Zippers aren't that good. But if it's not hot in North Carolina, but out west? Sure. but usually I spent a bit extra. The pack looks really good. The famous ones cost three times the price and I understand under hard use they only last a year or two, so I'll be looking into one of them. (I like structureless packs because I can use them tioghtened down with not much in them as carry on luggage, or fill it up with sweaters and stuff. ) The puffy coat? I bought a Patagonia one of those at REI for $250. Warm, but.. it starts stinking almost immediately and until it goes into a washing machine it reeks. I've completely switched to layers of merino, heavy wool sweaters and rain jackets. And even rain jackets... I'll wear my expensive GoreTex (PFAs) Berghaus if only might rain, but if it is going to rain? I wear my cheap plastic Japanese rain jacket. (In Japan I asked in a fishing port, what do the fishermen wear?) ($25 US) for jacket and pants. I wear these instead of my expensive foulies. I was sailing. Spent many many very cold days at sea. Can't beat the layers. No PFAs? Sure, but no polyester anywhere near my skin is more important. I don't know if the PFAs will give me cancer, but the synthetics are the perfect medium to grow stinky bacteria. I do like fleece. Seems much more resistant to stink, but it will get there, but not as bad. It's cheap and very warm. I always have a sleeping bag liner. A Reactor... cost me $60 years ago, and a heavy DIY fleece that cost me about $20 in fabric and five minutes on sewing machine. With these and a good sleeping bag I'm good from -10C to 40C. And never buy a sleeping bag at Wallmart or Target. My fleece liner is warmer than anything they sell. (People have given me their bags, I give them to the homeless - but I feel bad about it.)
He has no clue. He is used to Nemo, so anything less is beneath him. Also, I'm yet to see that list of better tents for 160$ that also has a year to return if you are not pleased with its performance. Meanwhile, his beloved 55 pack has tons of bad reviews for straps breaking down...he sells opinions
it's decreased in quality within the past few years I am willing to bet based on my experience with REI products. I used the Trailmade 2 for 2yrs with my partner and two dogs. It wasnt the warmest in when temps dip, but it was an amazing tent. I convinced my friend this year who is testing out backpacking to get it on sale in a bundle, i was pissed at the differences REI has done for cost savings between model years.
Thing is. It's basically a Eureka Midori in terms of quality. Which is like $100 less. Still very good quality, but his criticisms are completely accurate.
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.
What really is life long gear? these days anyways it definitely isn't just rei that will not repair there equipment it is an overall corporate hive mind mentality for more sales.
REI used to have a gear repair center. That was probably 20 years ago though. But then they decided to do what was cheapest not what’s best for the environment. I think this also led people to abuse the return policy as before if your gear failed they would fix it, not just give you a newer version. One pack they couldn’t repair the even took donor parts off of and put them on a new pack (the leather bottom panel).
@anyalpine to be fair it would be super expensive to sell easily repairable gear and they would probably have to have a expensive custom line of products. Rei is stuck with the modern reality that buissnesses want repeat customers so they make things that are meant to be replaced instead of fixed. It is the toxic world corperate mentality of the world that is at play.
REI is definitely pricey, but honestly I've been shopping there since I got into climbing and hiking and the shopping experience there is amazing. They have great deals on second hand gear for members, as well as their REI brand gear I've had years of use out it and been very satisfied with its performance. plus their store fronts are inviting and their employees are always very knowledgeable and friendly. I wouldn't hate physically shopping at places nearly as much if they were more like REI.
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!
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.
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.
That return policy has absolutely been how I justify a couple of items I've gotten. So far everything has worked so I haven't actually _used_ it. But honestly that's an even better outcome since the peace of mind of that policy meant I found better stuff that I wouldn't have otherwise taken the risk on.
Nothing I have bought at REI (kayaks, shoes, etc.) have ever qualified for the dividend. Maybe I'm just buying the wrong things but if the stuff you really WANT to buy doesn't earn you the dividend, then what is the point of the dividend? I spent $30 many years ago for the "lifetime membership" and it has earned me exactly $0 in the form of dividends and discounts. Needless to say, I'm not a huge fan. Your mileage may vary.
"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
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...
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.
My number isn't that low, but I joined when I moved to Seattle in the mid-1980s. I miss the old store there. Most of the REI gear I have has been good quality, some exceptional. And a bit has sucked. Overall, good quality at a better price.
All Outdoor gear is expensive no matter whom you buy it from. For me; it comes down to Warranty, Word of mouth, material choice and the company behind the brand. Look for second hand gear, Wilderness Exchange here in Denver next door to the mother-ship store ;)
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.
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!
I have noticed that just about all goods are made more and more cheaply in the last decades. The premium brands are no different. The inevitable result of "maximizing shareholder value."
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
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!
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!
I had an REI 65 backpack and a 1 person UL tent. It rocked. It was fantastic. At the time it was highly recommended by Backpacker magazine (even if they could have been paid to say it). It lasted. It was light for its time. It held up excellent with my Cat's Meow bag.
(i swear i dont work for them, i just like this tent a lot) i have a "camp dome 2" r.e.i. 3 season tent that my aunt got me 22 years ago. for the last year, my 3 year old has used it in our house to play and sleep in. ive never hiked with it, and have only taken it car camping, but i love this thing. i did get rid of the foot print and cut off a lot of the straps on the bag to cinch it down. still no holes, not even in the bottom, and all the zippers work.
I’m Canadian. I’ve only been to one REI store in Jackson Wyoming. I’ve been to many MEC stores in Canada ( our version of REI). Sounds like MEC and REI are almost twins in their business model. Back to REI in Jackson, I must give them a Shoutout, probably the best outdoor staff I’ve encountered in either US or Canada. Found some great deals there that even with the exchange rate were well worth it.
MEC apparently took literal lessons from REI when they first started up, but from what I hear, a lot has changed since it went from Mountain Equipment Co-Op to Mountain Equipment Company these last few years. I'm a few hours from either REI or MEC, but have had to make do with my local outfitter and SportChek. I have serious FOMO when checking out REI's selection and especially prices, though...
I had an older air rail. It inflated fast, at least the pad section, I always had to inflate the rails with my breath. It stayed inflated even as I rolled it up. I stopped using it when it became a hassle to roll up by myself, and it would take up too much space within my pack. I handed it up to my mom for the rare occasions she would join my dad and me backpacking. I have enough gear to outfit an entire squad to go backpacking and have things left over.
I have and absolutely love my REI Helix. As a Canadian it was a real pain getting one, but it seemed to be the best choice of this style of pad when I was looking, and I have no regrets. As noted in the video, sales can often bring these items down to very attractive prices. I also have one of their soft coolers, and it's excellent too. Huge thick insulating walls makes it outperform all the other soft coolers I have by a wide margin, and it was a lot cheaper than the fancier name brands.
I have the flex lite chair which got on sale. In soft soil the legs sink all the way into the ground. And it takes some effort to balance in it. I’m 6’ 180 lbs. I purchased my wife a Klymit chair for 30.00 on sale. It weighs 2lbs but she only does shorter trips with it. The leg design makes it much more stable and comfortable, and it has caps on the feet designed to keep it from sinking into the ground. Thanks for sharing your review. I have been an REI member since 1975 and really appreciate them.
I like how you compare and contrast the not so good gear and give an option that’s in the ballpark as far as price and utility. Gives one more info on deciding which gear will work best.
I've had the trail hut 2 tent for 4 years, it's great for both car camping and backpacking. Also the trail lineup of bags (20, 40, etc.) is incredible with great features for both summer and winter (the only letdown being the durability of the external nets).
I love REI. I'm a Coloradoan and an avid outdoor person. The farther away from civilization, the better. I was never a big REI fan, since we have a store called Jax Outdoor gear here. It's local and it a great store with great staff and all the top gear, but it is pricier. When I met my girlfriend 6 years ago, she was an REI person and slowly converted me. I still shop at Jax, but you really can't beat REI on a lot of things. Especially now with 2 kids and 2 dogs. Hiking and camping has drastically changed for me. It's no longer just me hiking 15 miles into some remote location for a 2 week long decompress in solitude. We've had a Dome 3+ and the kids have REI brand everything. The girlfriend and I still buy the more expensive, higher teir stuff, but for the kids, REI is perfect. They grow out of things so fast and they are rough on equipment. Getting them Big Agnes, Kammok, Osprey, Marmot, Nemo, or any of the other bigger brands just doesn't make sense.
REI members also have access to RESupply. I just got back into backpacking this last summer and wasn't really sure how often I would be going out and I didn't want to spend hundreds on gear. I was able to get my tent, backpack, Helix sleeping pad, foam Nemo pad, for major discounts. I did check everything in the store before buying because, no returns, but the savings was awesome. It's definitely worth checking out that section in person because buying returned/used gear can be a bit like playing roulette. It's either going to be great, really horrible, or eh-it'll-work-for-now.
Haha, I just received the water sale catalog for REI. I was thinking your exact first statement of "REI is expensive" when I was looking through the catalog I noticed they don't mention any prices, just what % off the deals were.
I check REI regularly for clearance/used gear. I picked up a nylon Marmot rain jacket for 40 bucks and the REI nylon rain pants for 60 bucks. I bought some Solomon boots and decided to return them less than a week later when I saw the exact same pair for 60 bucks. On one hand I love their return policy, but on the other it makes 50+% of their used gear just trash. I love reading the tags on stuff that should have just been discarded and it says “lightly used just didn’t work for the customer”.
Replaced my thermarest sleeping pad (loud when tossing and turning, R value of 2) with a helix on the PCT and it was comparable in weight even with the higher R value, plus it was way cheaper! definitely recommend
All I know is I bought their combo tent, sleep pad, and sleeping bag. Considered beginner hiking equipment the sleep pad never failed still have it. Bought Sea to Summit sleep pad (3 actually) that cost as much as the combo and they all failed and leaked mid trip. REI tent has no leaks after three years. Sleeping bag does the job.
I have owned (an older version of) this pillow for years and even though it seems lumpy, it is actually really, truly comfortable for me. I love it and would definitely recommend you make yourself one!
I still have 2 mid-90s REI Half Domes, which I picked up for $80 each in 1997 when I got married to my husband who has 4 kids. I think they were half price because that was the year they switched from one door on the end to two doors, one on each side. I actually prefer it to my North Face Tadpole because of the extra head room all around. We haven’t backpacked for decades, but still used the Half Domes, which our REI double air mattress fits into for a wall-to-wall bed, for car camping until this past September. It just got too hard to get up off of the ground for me (a la “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”), so starting in September, we got a 2-man cot tent by Naturehike so that it is much easier to get out of, just swing the legs out the door into a sitting position. We have purchased a lot of REI-branded merchandise back in the day, and it is so well made and lasts so long that I actually got rid of my REI credit card about 20 years ago because I ran out of things to buy. I still have a room full of equipment from REI in my house which I call the REI annex!
the other thing REI does that makes *all* their gear cheaper is their whole Membership thing. for a one-time fee of $30 (which ended up being less money than it saved me, when I was first gearing up) you get a permanent membership, that both provides a lot of discounts on standard gear, access to their full 1-year return policy, access to their used marketplace for discounted gear, and you get 10% back all year on all full-priced items. It's pretty dang good! i think i've gotten about $180 back over the last couple of years I've used REI, which alone has absolutely paid for the initial membership fee multiple times over, nevermind the discounts. I know we tend to talk a lot of smack about REI, but given them being pretty much the only brick-and-mortar outdoors store, I think they're pretty solid
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
Instead of the trail hut, get the REI half dome. I love mine. I solo in it and have so much room. When I bring my wife we can both fit our pads plus a little gear inside - with our packs in the "vestibule". It's closer to 4 pounds than the 6 pounds the video said the trail hut is. Set up is idiot proof with a single pole. I've never been in a trail hut, but the half-dome is definitely better than what I would expect from wal-mart.
Agree wholeheartedly that REI branded gear can be hit or miss, but the store overall is fantastic. Just bookmark the gear you want and wait for the regular discounts they offer.
REI does have good sales, especially on their outlet when they're getting rid of last year's models. Sadly their gear has been hit or miss. I was lucky to get a Flash 65 backpack a few years ago for $100 on clearance which has been a nice lighter weight option for backpacking.
I stopped shopping REI when they started being anti-employee, union busters like every other megacorp. What makes them better than Walmart if they treat customers and employees like they're disposable? I sent the company a polite email about this 5 years ago and they tried to gaslight me with outright lies about their position on employee relations - what they didn't know is my wife was a veteran, multi-store employee at the time so I had some insight from behind the curtain. It's disrespectful how they treat employees and it's disrespectful to lie to customers who are concerned about how we treat each other in society.
Part of the challenge is that they don't have much in the way of "megacorp" competition that can apply pressure. Out of curiosity, does anyone know if any of the cottage manufacturers have unionized employees?
The main thing that sets them apart is their dedication to bluesign and recyclable fabrics. Honestly, this is part of the reason many REI products are not as cheap as Walmart or Dick’s or something similar - they do a lot in terms of sustainability.
@@drewengstromableI think it's much less likely to happen, or needed, when the owner is directly working with the employees every day. It's hard not to grow deep interpersonal relationships in such an environment with like minded individuals... So perhaps the incentives are less aligned for the need of a union in small nictch industries like that. I think there was some talk at one point about Zpacks, but I can't remember for certain. Their operation is approaching non cottage company size IMO. If you need a warehouse and employ 45-70 employees depending on the season, then I'd argue that's not a "cottage" operation, it's a medium sized business. But from the few ex employees I've had the pleasure of chatting with, they seemed like they liked their experience there. So perhaps it's not needed even at that end of the spectrum of cottage business size.
@@maxwellerickson7066 true, and its not sleazy like some other companies being loud about their "oath to sustainability"... only to do the absolute bare minimum
When they started their anti-union tactics, I began calling in to the corporate headquarters. I was told that they were advised to not discuss the union situation with members who call in. Like this is a co-op and I am a member and the c-suite that makes millions of dollars a year is saying don't tell the members what we're doing.
I would add to what you were saying about the fit of REI's clothing being more forgiving than most other outdoor brands to say they also have true plus size options for most everything they make, where most outdoor brands either don't, only have men's plus or are extremely limited on the items they offer in plus sizing.
I have the similar (even lower cost) Trailmade 2 tent. It's probably not worth it at the full $200 price, but it can be found on sale a lot. I got it for about $100 on sale a year or two ago and at that price point it's much more reasonable. It's definitely designed as a tent for people just dipping their toes into backpacking, and is a better option for that type of person than some gimmicky walmart "tent". It's really easy and fairly intuitive to set up with only 2 poles in an X. The footprint and heavier/thicker materials make it more forgiving and easier for someone inexperienced to avoid damaging the tent on rocks and roots, and because the footprint is pre-clipped to the bottom it's more likely to end up positioned correctly under the tent and won't get left at the campsite. It would probably be a good tent for rentals or youth/scout type groups for those reasons. I use it as my secondary, cheap throw in the car type tent, and also have loaned it out to friends and family on trips with me who don't normally camp and don't have their own gear. I did especially notice those stakes that come with it are heavy, so I swapped them out to MSR Ground Hogs. That alone saved like 1/2 a pound.
The thing about REI gear is that it's all good. Maybe not the best or the cheapest but it's pretty much all dependably decent. When people me what to get, I tell them to either do a lot of research, or shop at REI (during a sale).
I picked up a Trail Hut 2 a few years ago... feels well made, I wonder if they have changed the production in recent years affecting quality. Agree 100% that it's a heavy heavy tent. It's only been on a couple trips before I googled "Ultralight tents". ;). (it also does not pack down well... takes up half your backpack!)
7:24 yea that self inflated one is not ideal but I did get it for my kid that’s all over the place at night and he stays in place with this one. And also got this on sale. You can also get it in the re-supply
I live nowhere near an REI and even the "sale" prices outclass me several times over, lol. But considering how many people talk about it as a standard shop for the outdoors, I respect that you actually admit it's expensive. I have no problem seeing that if it's a hobby you are majorly invested in and have a stable life, getting better gear is great. But I can imagine the people out there who didn't have outdoorsy parents giving hand-me-downs to start the collection, have a basic job, and want to get serious about hiking, just to find that all they hear about is REI...
Just got an REI rain jacket to replace the LL Bean Trail Model jacket I've worn for 7 years, and worn out. The REI is nice, and actually has some insulation value, but lacks some of the details that made the Bean, at a similar price, a better buy. In particular, I miss having a snap at the bottom of the zipper, and a Velcro flap to cover the zipper. Sometimes it's the little details that make the difference, but I'm loving my REI Half-Dome tent.
I actually really like the Trail Hut 2. I got it on sale but it has been a great tent so far. I like that pole that keep the ceiling wide so it has lots of space inside. The only thing I don't like is the stakes are trash, but those are easily replaced.
I love shopping at rei. I really like their remitir policy for members, that alone gives me peace of mind when I shop. REI constantly has tons of sales and I hardly ever buy anything for a full price. Love that they have actual stores to be able to see the product if available or speak to someone about what I’m looking for.
The Trail Hut looks a bit like my Mountain Hardwear Vision 2, but it's clearly heavier (although I don't use a footprint). The Vision has been an AMAZING tent for me - going on five+ years and over 30 trips now without a single issue...
The 65L Traver was run in $125. Range When I was learning about what size backpack I needed. Would you do a test on it, please? I like the way the pockets turn, making it easier to get to your water bottle ..
I used a REI flash 50 for my thru-hike of the Arizona trail. It was a decent pack and very comfortable. I didn't like that the hipbelt didn't fold up, it made it difficult to put in my small zpacks tent with me.
Thanks for another great video, just wish I could go south to visit an REI in person. US$60 to ship to Canada pretty much precludes me shopping online from them anytime soon. But Americans complaining about prices makes me wish they check out prices up here for gear - even taking the exchange rate into account, we pay significantly more for most of our stuff, if we can even get it in the first place.
Send it to Bellingham, WA REi where they will hold it for a year, until u make a 3 month or whatever Trader Joe's roadtrip, and save those shipping fees for gas. I live in Vancouver BC, so it's an hour drive, depending on the border traffic, reportedly 2hrs but was only 1, on Sunday last week. But there's many re-shippers in many border towns that will hold ur items for a fee & pick-up, and then ship them to u. Or u could mail them to the Bellingham or Point Roberts, WA post office, general delivery, for free shipping, drive down & pick them up, as well. Options, I like options. Tho idr how long they'll hold it, a couple weeks maybe? In the summer, we attended a Birch Bay, WA kite festival & camped overnight a few nights, for our 3 month Trader Joe's roadtrip, I like their US$7 liquid stevia, u can call ahead a few days, and reserve like 10 bottles, instead of driving down & only finding 2 bottles left 🤦
Been through three REI tents. The first two failed before the one year guaranty. The last one waited till the thirteen month mark. I then suffered along with it replaces the zippers made of peanut butter before giving up on it altogether.
Ive used the REI Quarter Dome SL2 for the last 7 ish years and its been fantastic. It was cheaper from the garage sale than that Trail Hut tent. And its way way lighter. Extremely spacious. I think my trail weight with it is just about 2.5 lbs. For a freestanding tent under 3 lbs for $200, it's really good. Only problem is, REI doesn't even make it anymore. They insist on making worse, heavier, more expensive tents. Bring back the QD SL2
That trail hut 2 looks just like a Marmot Ajax tent (mine is a 3 person) that I bought like 12 years ago. It’s a nice tent for the $120 I spent on it. Maybe the Marmot version had better materials but it’s a nice tent that holds up well in high wind and doesn’t let water in. It’s heavy tho so not the best for backpacking. Great for car camping.
My grip is REI half dome tents have reduced their height in all but the more expensive models. Used to be the base half dome model had 45" of height. If you can't sit up in a tent without hitting your head, it is a bivy not a tent.
I have noticed that their items have gotten “cheaper” over the years without the price reflection. Hard to compete these days. We still shop there and especially hit sales. I like being able to touch/feel/try things and generally I like their employees as well.
The best camping pillow I have found is by going to IKEA and getting the cheapest pillow they sell which happens to be the smallest. it has everything from fabric, to air and even fluff. It was 2$ and the wight is so light they dont even have it in the product description, i'd weigh it but just bought a kitchen scale the other week and havent gotten around to checking it's grams.
I got my trail hut 2 for 100 bucks and i think its treated me pretty well for the price. Being a double wall, free standing tent with a rain fly and a footprint it was kinda just a good filler tent while I didnt have anything else and considering it clocks only about 5 pounds packed and is spacious I would say its well worth 100 bucks but only about 100 bucks. Itll tolerate most good conditions and ive never really had condensation issues with the thing which is more than can be said with a lot of tents in that price range. My two HUGE issues with the tent are that the footprint is for whatever reason not waterproof, I dont know how they came up with that but when ive camped on packed snow I consistently have woken up with the bottom of my sleeping pad wet. The other big issue is the tent packed is absolutely massive, I get that its a two person tent but for half the price its double the size, not the biggest issue but definitely buyer beware on those two notes.
Same. I have an older version of that pillow and I find it very comfortable despite its apparent lumpiness. It does not ever go back as small as it was when I opened the package, that’s true. But for the comfort level, it’s my go-to whenever I travel even when I’m not camping.
Ive had the halfdome(?) 2 person rei tent for 5ish years and I have used it for lots of backpacking in rain, snow, wind and its held up not too poorly. it recently got it first hole
Too bad about the tent. I used the REI Quarter Dome tent (one person single wall) for 5 seasons -maybe 80 nights total and it's still going strong. Worked great in a few serious rain and hail storms. A great product.
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
I really like REI’s trailmade PANTS, especially on sale. Their trailmade joggers are almost identical, but trade the shoe string waist for an elastic drawstring that doesnt actually hold the waist tight. Any weight in the pockets and those pants are falling down after a few steps.
Ha! Have both Helix and Air-rail and love both. I guess it is true the airrail is not for everyone because the center part is very narrow. But for a small person, the rails really work! It is thin but has all benefits of being self-inflatable (with a pump😅), quiet and no balloon feelings. I wish REI makes a wider version. Other recommendations of REI brand: Sahara shirts and pants, Flash gaiters, GTX rain mittens. Not recommended: Rainer rain jackets, hiking boots(!). Overall I love REI and feel lucky to have one nearby! Thank you for your video, always enjoyable!😊
I think you've given REI a pretty fair shake here. Seeing as I got the flexlite air chair for $50 and the Helix pad for $80 brand new and really enjoy both, I have a bit of a rosier opinion of REI. That said, I can't see myself ever paying full price for a large item.
REI used to have some really good tents. The half Dome tents were heavy, but bombproof. The half dome 4 is by far my favorite car camping tent. But their Quarter Dome tents were a light-weight and high quality budget alternative to the Big Agnes and MSR tents at the time. It's a shame they stopped both designs.
The ONLY! Reason I shop REI is the return policy is excellent However! Occasionally i get a young one who attempts to make me feel bad 😂😂😂 returning sonething, especially shoes! Dont be deterred by this retail ploy. I always do my homework thanks to channels like this. My 2nd " Granite Gear" Crown 60 is about to be returned to G.G. so im liking the reviews on the UL's gear . Finally my particular store has huge employees turnover which i blame management for. Great channel..
Also, the return policy Charles Ewing, especially the ones it would replace for a lifetime, but that's not on all of them. Make sure you ask questions. On which you switch, please travit, trevor I believe it was a sixty five liter.I'm really interested in buying one.. I just prefer a brighter color when I backpack. I prefer to be seen, not shot at..
Oh, Steven, you missed the crucial point on the self-inflating mattress: the R-value is roughly 3.5 per inch. A 1.5" thick self-inflating mattress is about 5-6 R-value and their price is a draw for budget shoppers. I still use mine in the winter, although I'll be rocking a Nemo All-Season this winter. Yes, the self-inflating mattresses can be uncomfortable for side-sleepers on rocky ground and they are heavy compared to today's insulated air mattresses. They were developed 50 years ago by Cascade Designs for mountaineering use to keep climbers warm sleeping on top of snow. I remember how much lighter and warmer they were than the alternatives I used back in the 60s.
Personally, i’ve really liked my trail hut 2 all in all it seems like i lucked out with the quality of mine. I mainly quad camp with my friends so weight isnt as much of a factor when you can strap everything down to a 4wheeler. That being said, my friend bought one and it ripped while he was setting it up, im not sure if it was user error or poor quality control but i figure its worth mentioning. Great video as always! 👍🏻
*Gear in this video:*
Magma 30 Quilt: geni.us/KAlAWh
Helix Sleeping Pad: geni.us/jBSU
Magma 850 Jacket: geni.us/dhIjfR
Flash 50 Pack: geni.us/QxG7R
Flash 55 Pack: geni.us/N31t
Flexlite Air Chair: geni.us/t5kqG
Trail Hut 2 Tent: geni.us/tdmtVU
AirRail Pad: geni.us/xx0qYi
Trailmade Pillow: geni.us/R2tl0Z
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. 👍
REI employees near you have experience???? Good for you. Can't say the same about the locations near me
This might come as a shock, but you can buy non-REI gear at REI.
@@bflagg94 yeah i had a fantastic experience when buying shoes, maybe i got lucky, but the guy there explained everything i needed to know and helped me made an informed decision
Bro just discovered stores
@@bflagg94 at the one near me (Cleveland) they're a mixed bag, but mostly experienced, and all really nice and helpful.
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.
Agreed. I do tons of motocamping. This thing is super easy to put up and tear down. I've spent well over 300 nights in one of these. Only gripe I have is they do use cheap zippers. Just be careful with them from the get go and you should be ok. I bought a second one on sale for $160, and sold my old one back to REI for $60. That is $0.33/night.
The reason to buy at REI instead of Target or Walmart is a lot of these other stores tents and things look just like the REI stuff except....they aren't. The screen holes are too big. They don't even slow down Noseeums. . Zippers aren't that good. But if it's not hot in North Carolina, but out west? Sure. but usually I spent a bit extra.
The pack looks really good. The famous ones cost three times the price and I understand under hard use they only last a year or two, so I'll be looking into one of them. (I like structureless packs because I can use them tioghtened down with not much in them as carry on luggage, or fill it up with sweaters and stuff. )
The puffy coat? I bought a Patagonia one of those at REI for $250. Warm, but.. it starts stinking almost immediately and until it goes into a washing machine it reeks. I've completely switched to layers of merino, heavy wool sweaters and rain jackets. And even rain jackets... I'll wear my expensive GoreTex (PFAs) Berghaus if only might rain, but if it is going to rain? I wear my cheap plastic Japanese rain jacket. (In Japan I asked in a fishing port, what do the fishermen wear?) ($25 US) for jacket and pants. I wear these instead of my expensive foulies. I was sailing. Spent many many very cold days at sea. Can't beat the layers.
No PFAs? Sure, but no polyester anywhere near my skin is more important. I don't know if the PFAs will give me cancer, but the synthetics are the perfect medium to grow stinky bacteria. I do like fleece. Seems much more resistant to stink, but it will get there, but not as bad. It's cheap and very warm.
I always have a sleeping bag liner. A Reactor... cost me $60 years ago, and a heavy DIY fleece that cost me about $20 in fabric and five minutes on sewing machine. With these and a good sleeping bag I'm good from -10C to 40C.
And never buy a sleeping bag at Wallmart or Target. My fleece liner is warmer than anything they sell. (People have given me their bags, I give them to the homeless - but I feel bad about it.)
He has no clue. He is used to Nemo, so anything less is beneath him. Also, I'm yet to see that list of better tents for 160$ that also has a year to return if you are not pleased with its performance. Meanwhile, his beloved 55 pack has tons of bad reviews for straps breaking down...he sells opinions
it's decreased in quality within the past few years I am willing to bet based on my experience with REI products. I used the Trailmade 2 for 2yrs with my partner and two dogs. It wasnt the warmest in when temps dip, but it was an amazing tent. I convinced my friend this year who is testing out backpacking to get it on sale in a bundle, i was pissed at the differences REI has done for cost savings between model years.
Thing is. It's basically a Eureka Midori in terms of quality. Which is like $100 less. Still very good quality, but his criticisms are completely accurate.
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!
I love that an REI still exists.
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.
What really is life long gear? these days anyways it definitely isn't just rei that will not repair there equipment it is an overall corporate hive mind mentality for more sales.
Very honest feedback thanks
REI used to have a gear repair center. That was probably 20 years ago though. But then they decided to do what was cheapest not what’s best for the environment. I think this also led people to abuse the return policy as before if your gear failed they would fix it, not just give you a newer version. One pack they couldn’t repair the even took donor parts off of and put them on a new pack (the leather bottom panel).
@anyalpine to be fair it would be super expensive to sell easily repairable gear and they would probably have to have a expensive custom line of products.
Rei is stuck with the modern reality that buissnesses want repeat customers so they make things that are meant to be replaced instead of fixed.
It is the toxic world corperate mentality of the world that is at play.
@@jasont340 Patagonia is
REI is definitely pricey, but honestly I've been shopping there since I got into climbing and hiking and the shopping experience there is amazing. They have great deals on second hand gear for members, as well as their REI brand gear I've had years of use out it and been very satisfied with its performance. plus their store fronts are inviting and their employees are always very knowledgeable and friendly. I wouldn't hate physically shopping at places nearly as much if they were more like REI.
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!
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.
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.
Membership is $30/life but they often do new membership bonus gift cards where you earn a $30 gift card when you spend $50 or more and sign up.
I buy Hoka shoes for my wife and I from REI when on sale. Returns are great and the year end points go towards more Darn Tough socks! 😂
That return policy has absolutely been how I justify a couple of items I've gotten. So far everything has worked so I haven't actually _used_ it. But honestly that's an even better outcome since the peace of mind of that policy meant I found better stuff that I wouldn't have otherwise taken the risk on.
Nothing I have bought at REI (kayaks, shoes, etc.) have ever qualified for the dividend. Maybe I'm just buying the wrong things but if the stuff you really WANT to buy doesn't earn you the dividend, then what is the point of the dividend? I spent $30 many years ago for the "lifetime membership" and it has earned me exactly $0 in the form of dividends and discounts. Needless to say, I'm not a huge fan. Your mileage may vary.
@@mtslyh if you buy something on sale, it won't qualify for the 10% credit/dividend.
"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
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...
yeah that membership value is a rarity deal nowadays
I became a member in 1985. I don’t think the membership fee was $30 back then. Probably more like $5 or $10.
REI is expensive as hell.
@@tokyotessie $10 in 1985 would be around $30 today.
I would say Ozark trails tent and Walmart backpack got me outside.
Worth noting that, if you are an REI member, you usually get a 10% dividend on regular price merchandise, REI or other brand.
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.
My number isn't that low, but I joined when I moved to Seattle in the mid-1980s. I miss the old store there. Most of the REI gear I have has been good quality, some exceptional. And a bit has sucked. Overall, good quality at a better price.
All Outdoor gear is expensive no matter whom you buy it from. For me; it comes down to Warranty, Word of mouth, material choice and the company behind the brand. Look for second hand gear, Wilderness Exchange here in Denver next door to the mother-ship store ;)
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.
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!
I have noticed that just about all goods are made more and more cheaply in the last decades. The premium brands are no different. The inevitable result of "maximizing shareholder value."
I really appreciate practical videos like this to help us know good (price and quality) deals, as well as what to stay away from!
REI's sun hoodies is a personal favorite item of mine that their brand.
I'm a HUGE REI fan. You just can't beat their return policy. My favorite REI product is the Flash 22 daypack (older version w/single buckle)
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
I have now bought 3 Flash 18s. Love them as day packs so got one for my GF and Mum.
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!
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”.
Thanks for your honest critiques of gear. I'm not a backpacker but I am a hunter and a fisherman, so what works for you works for me, largely.
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!
The REI Sahara sun hoody, and Helux pad are top tier items. And they're both on sale right now, grab 'em quick!
We have Trail Hut 2 and 4 tents. We have used them in all weather conditions. They have performed flawlessly. We highly recommend these tents.
I had an REI 65 backpack and a 1 person UL tent. It rocked. It was fantastic. At the time it was highly recommended by Backpacker magazine (even if they could have been paid to say it). It lasted. It was light for its time. It held up excellent with my Cat's Meow bag.
(i swear i dont work for them, i just like this tent a lot) i have a "camp dome 2" r.e.i. 3 season tent that my aunt got me 22 years ago. for the last year, my 3 year old has used it in our house to play and sleep in. ive never hiked with it, and have only taken it car camping, but i love this thing. i did get rid of the foot print and cut off a lot of the straps on the bag to cinch it down. still no holes, not even in the bottom, and all the zippers work.
I’m Canadian. I’ve only been to one REI store in Jackson Wyoming. I’ve been to many MEC stores in Canada ( our version of REI). Sounds like MEC and REI are almost twins in their business model. Back to REI in Jackson, I must give them a Shoutout, probably the best outdoor staff I’ve encountered in either US or Canada. Found some great deals there that even with the exchange rate were well worth it.
MEC apparently took literal lessons from REI when they first started up, but from what I hear, a lot has changed since it went from Mountain Equipment Co-Op to Mountain Equipment Company these last few years. I'm a few hours from either REI or MEC, but have had to make do with my local outfitter and SportChek. I have serious FOMO when checking out REI's selection and especially prices, though...
I had an older air rail. It inflated fast, at least the pad section, I always had to inflate the rails with my breath. It stayed inflated even as I rolled it up. I stopped using it when it became a hassle to roll up by myself, and it would take up too much space within my pack. I handed it up to my mom for the rare occasions she would join my dad and me backpacking. I have enough gear to outfit an entire squad to go backpacking and have things left over.
I have and absolutely love my REI Helix. As a Canadian it was a real pain getting one, but it seemed to be the best choice of this style of pad when I was looking, and I have no regrets. As noted in the video, sales can often bring these items down to very attractive prices.
I also have one of their soft coolers, and it's excellent too. Huge thick insulating walls makes it outperform all the other soft coolers I have by a wide margin, and it was a lot cheaper than the fancier name brands.
My first pack was an REI flash 45, and while I ultimately decided I needed a 50 or 55L pack, it served me well.
I have the flex lite chair which got on sale. In soft soil the legs sink all the way into the ground. And it takes some effort to balance in it. I’m 6’ 180 lbs.
I purchased my wife a Klymit chair for 30.00 on sale. It weighs 2lbs but she only does shorter trips with it. The leg design makes it much more stable and comfortable, and it has caps on the feet designed to keep it from sinking into the ground.
Thanks for sharing your review. I have been an REI member since 1975 and really appreciate them.
There is a fix for the chair, a pad that the legs fit into that will disperse the weight more evenly on soft surfaces
I like how you compare and contrast the not so good gear and give an option that’s in the ballpark as far as price and utility. Gives one more info on deciding which gear will work best.
I've had the trail hut 2 tent for 4 years, it's great for both car camping and backpacking. Also the trail lineup of bags (20, 40, etc.) is incredible with great features for both summer and winter (the only letdown being the durability of the external nets).
I love REI. I'm a Coloradoan and an avid outdoor person. The farther away from civilization, the better. I was never a big REI fan, since we have a store called Jax Outdoor gear here. It's local and it a great store with great staff and all the top gear, but it is pricier. When I met my girlfriend 6 years ago, she was an REI person and slowly converted me. I still shop at Jax, but you really can't beat REI on a lot of things. Especially now with 2 kids and 2 dogs. Hiking and camping has drastically changed for me. It's no longer just me hiking 15 miles into some remote location for a 2 week long decompress in solitude. We've had a Dome 3+ and the kids have REI brand everything. The girlfriend and I still buy the more expensive, higher teir stuff, but for the kids, REI is perfect. They grow out of things so fast and they are rough on equipment. Getting them Big Agnes, Kammok, Osprey, Marmot, Nemo, or any of the other bigger brands just doesn't make sense.
8:42 that pillow is also designed to fit perfectly into the bottom of the Flash series backpacks to add some cushion to your pack as well!
REI members also have access to RESupply. I just got back into backpacking this last summer and wasn't really sure how often I would be going out and I didn't want to spend hundreds on gear. I was able to get my tent, backpack, Helix sleeping pad, foam Nemo pad, for major discounts. I did check everything in the store before buying because, no returns, but the savings was awesome. It's definitely worth checking out that section in person because buying returned/used gear can be a bit like playing roulette. It's either going to be great, really horrible, or eh-it'll-work-for-now.
Haha, I just received the water sale catalog for REI. I was thinking your exact first statement of "REI is expensive" when I was looking through the catalog I noticed they don't mention any prices, just what % off the deals were.
I check REI regularly for clearance/used gear. I picked up a nylon Marmot rain jacket for 40 bucks and the REI nylon rain pants for 60 bucks. I bought some Solomon boots and decided to return them less than a week later when I saw the exact same pair for 60 bucks. On one hand I love their return policy, but on the other it makes 50+% of their used gear just trash. I love reading the tags on stuff that should have just been discarded and it says “lightly used just didn’t work for the customer”.
Replaced my thermarest sleeping pad (loud when tossing and turning, R value of 2) with a helix on the PCT and it was comparable in weight even with the higher R value, plus it was way cheaper! definitely recommend
Good timing on this video as they are in the middle of a winter sale!
All I know is I bought their combo tent, sleep pad, and sleeping bag. Considered beginner hiking equipment the sleep pad never failed still have it. Bought Sea to Summit sleep pad (3 actually) that cost as much as the combo and they all failed and leaked mid trip. REI tent has no leaks after three years. Sleeping bag does the job.
I’ve been looking for a lumpy pillow 😂. I was thinking about making one just like this! I’ll have to try it. One mans trash is another man’s treasure…
I have owned (an older version of) this pillow for years and even though it seems lumpy, it is actually really, truly comfortable for me. I love it and would definitely recommend you make yourself one!
Don't forget the Flash 22! .. pretty excellent pack represents decent value / quality
I still have 2 mid-90s REI Half Domes, which I picked up for $80 each in 1997 when I got married to my husband who has 4 kids. I think they were half price because that was the year they switched from one door on the end to two doors, one on each side. I actually prefer it to my North Face Tadpole because of the extra head room all around. We haven’t backpacked for decades, but still used the Half Domes, which our REI double air mattress fits into for a wall-to-wall bed, for car camping until this past September. It just got too hard to get up off of the ground for me (a la “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”), so starting in September, we got a 2-man cot tent by Naturehike so that it is much easier to get out of, just swing the legs out the door into a sitting position. We have purchased a lot of REI-branded merchandise back in the day, and it is so well made and lasts so long that I actually got rid of my REI credit card about 20 years ago because I ran out of things to buy. I still have a room full of equipment from REI in my house which I call the REI annex!
4 person tent recommendations? I know it's not the usual type of camping for this channel but I trust this channel
the other thing REI does that makes *all* their gear cheaper is their whole Membership thing. for a one-time fee of $30 (which ended up being less money than it saved me, when I was first gearing up) you get a permanent membership, that both provides a lot of discounts on standard gear, access to their full 1-year return policy, access to their used marketplace for discounted gear, and you get 10% back all year on all full-priced items. It's pretty dang good! i think i've gotten about $180 back over the last couple of years I've used REI, which alone has absolutely paid for the initial membership fee multiple times over, nevermind the discounts. I know we tend to talk a lot of smack about REI, but given them being pretty much the only brick-and-mortar outdoors store, I think they're pretty solid
Nice thing about REI is their sales and return policy. 100% Steven, if you can grab the items you gave the thumbs up on - discounted, it’s a win!
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
Instead of the trail hut, get the REI half dome. I love mine. I solo in it and have so much room. When I bring my wife we can both fit our pads plus a little gear inside - with our packs in the "vestibule". It's closer to 4 pounds than the 6 pounds the video said the trail hut is. Set up is idiot proof with a single pole.
I've never been in a trail hut, but the half-dome is definitely better than what I would expect from wal-mart.
Agree wholeheartedly that REI branded gear can be hit or miss, but the store overall is fantastic. Just bookmark the gear you want and wait for the regular discounts they offer.
REI does have good sales, especially on their outlet when they're getting rid of last year's models. Sadly their gear has been hit or miss. I was lucky to get a Flash 65 backpack a few years ago for $100 on clearance which has been a nice lighter weight option for backpacking.
I stopped shopping REI when they started being anti-employee, union busters like every other megacorp. What makes them better than Walmart if they treat customers and employees like they're disposable? I sent the company a polite email about this 5 years ago and they tried to gaslight me with outright lies about their position on employee relations - what they didn't know is my wife was a veteran, multi-store employee at the time so I had some insight from behind the curtain. It's disrespectful how they treat employees and it's disrespectful to lie to customers who are concerned about how we treat each other in society.
Part of the challenge is that they don't have much in the way of "megacorp" competition that can apply pressure. Out of curiosity, does anyone know if any of the cottage manufacturers have unionized employees?
The main thing that sets them apart is their dedication to bluesign and recyclable fabrics. Honestly, this is part of the reason many REI products are not as cheap as Walmart or Dick’s or something similar - they do a lot in terms of sustainability.
@@drewengstromableI think it's much less likely to happen, or needed, when the owner is directly working with the employees every day. It's hard not to grow deep interpersonal relationships in such an environment with like minded individuals... So perhaps the incentives are less aligned for the need of a union in small nictch industries like that. I think there was some talk at one point about Zpacks, but I can't remember for certain. Their operation is approaching non cottage company size IMO. If you need a warehouse and employ 45-70 employees depending on the season, then I'd argue that's not a "cottage" operation, it's a medium sized business. But from the few ex employees I've had the pleasure of chatting with, they seemed like they liked their experience there. So perhaps it's not needed even at that end of the spectrum of cottage business size.
@@maxwellerickson7066 true, and its not sleazy like some other companies being loud about their "oath to sustainability"... only to do the absolute bare minimum
When they started their anti-union tactics, I began calling in to the corporate headquarters. I was told that they were advised to not discuss the union situation with members who call in. Like this is a co-op and I am a member and the c-suite that makes millions of dollars a year is saying don't tell the members what we're doing.
You picked on 1 REI tent but I've had quality issues with all of the ones I've purchased. Great video!
I would add to what you were saying about the fit of REI's clothing being more forgiving than most other outdoor brands to say they also have true plus size options for most everything they make, where most outdoor brands either don't, only have men's plus or are extremely limited on the items they offer in plus sizing.
I have the similar (even lower cost) Trailmade 2 tent. It's probably not worth it at the full $200 price, but it can be found on sale a lot. I got it for about $100 on sale a year or two ago and at that price point it's much more reasonable.
It's definitely designed as a tent for people just dipping their toes into backpacking, and is a better option for that type of person than some gimmicky walmart "tent". It's really easy and fairly intuitive to set up with only 2 poles in an X. The footprint and heavier/thicker materials make it more forgiving and easier for someone inexperienced to avoid damaging the tent on rocks and roots, and because the footprint is pre-clipped to the bottom it's more likely to end up positioned correctly under the tent and won't get left at the campsite. It would probably be a good tent for rentals or youth/scout type groups for those reasons.
I use it as my secondary, cheap throw in the car type tent, and also have loaned it out to friends and family on trips with me who don't normally camp and don't have their own gear. I did especially notice those stakes that come with it are heavy, so I swapped them out to MSR Ground Hogs. That alone saved like 1/2 a pound.
Both of my elementary aged kids have REI child sized backpacks. I've been 100% happy with them so far.
The thing about REI gear is that it's all good. Maybe not the best or the cheapest but it's pretty much all dependably decent. When people me what to get, I tell them to either do a lot of research, or shop at REI (during a sale).
I picked up a Trail Hut 2 a few years ago... feels well made, I wonder if they have changed the production in recent years affecting quality. Agree 100% that it's a heavy heavy tent. It's only been on a couple trips before I googled "Ultralight tents". ;). (it also does not pack down well... takes up half your backpack!)
7:24 yea that self inflated one is not ideal but I did get it for my kid that’s all over the place at night and he stays in place with this one. And also got this on sale. You can also get it in the re-supply
I live nowhere near an REI and even the "sale" prices outclass me several times over, lol. But considering how many people talk about it as a standard shop for the outdoors, I respect that you actually admit it's expensive. I have no problem seeing that if it's a hobby you are majorly invested in and have a stable life, getting better gear is great. But I can imagine the people out there who didn't have outdoorsy parents giving hand-me-downs to start the collection, have a basic job, and want to get serious about hiking, just to find that all they hear about is REI...
Just got an REI rain jacket to replace the LL Bean Trail Model jacket I've worn for 7 years, and worn out. The REI is nice, and actually has some insulation value, but lacks some of the details that made the Bean, at a similar price, a better buy. In particular, I miss having a snap at the bottom of the zipper, and a Velcro flap to cover the zipper. Sometimes it's the little details that make the difference, but I'm loving my REI Half-Dome tent.
I actually really like the Trail Hut 2. I got it on sale but it has been a great tent so far. I like that pole that keep the ceiling wide so it has lots of space inside. The only thing I don't like is the stakes are trash, but those are easily replaced.
I love shopping at rei.
I really like their remitir policy for members, that alone gives me peace of mind when I shop.
REI constantly has tons of sales and I hardly ever buy anything for a full price.
Love that they have actual stores to be able to see the product if available or speak to someone about what I’m looking for.
The Trail Hut looks a bit like my Mountain Hardwear Vision 2, but it's clearly heavier (although I don't use a footprint). The Vision has been an AMAZING tent for me - going on five+ years and over 30 trips now without a single issue...
The 65L Traver was run in $125. Range When I was learning about what size backpack I needed. Would you do a test on it, please? I like the way the pockets turn, making it easier to get to your water bottle ..
I used a REI flash 50 for my thru-hike of the Arizona trail. It was a decent pack and very comfortable. I didn't like that the hipbelt didn't fold up, it made it difficult to put in my small zpacks tent with me.
Hi Steven, just a suggestion for us not using imperial system. When you mention any specs, can you put also the equivalent in international system?
My apologies. I normally do but simply forgot on this video.
@MyLifeOutdoors I remember actually you doing that most of the time.
Not too bad this time, Rei is not operating here in Europe 😁
Haha! I literally checked 30 degrees F in Celcius during the video.
Thanks for another great video, just wish I could go south to visit an REI in person. US$60 to ship to Canada pretty much precludes me shopping online from them anytime soon. But Americans complaining about prices makes me wish they check out prices up here for gear - even taking the exchange rate into account, we pay significantly more for most of our stuff, if we can even get it in the first place.
Send it to Bellingham, WA REi where they will hold it for a year, until u make a 3 month or whatever Trader Joe's roadtrip, and save those shipping fees for gas. I live in Vancouver BC, so it's an hour drive, depending on the border traffic, reportedly 2hrs but was only 1, on Sunday last week. But there's many re-shippers in many border towns that will hold ur items for a fee & pick-up, and then ship them to u. Or u could mail them to the Bellingham or Point Roberts, WA post office, general delivery, for free shipping, drive down & pick them up, as well. Options, I like options. Tho idr how long they'll hold it, a couple weeks maybe? In the summer, we attended a Birch Bay, WA kite festival & camped overnight a few nights, for our 3 month Trader Joe's roadtrip, I like their US$7 liquid stevia, u can call ahead a few days, and reserve like 10 bottles, instead of driving down & only finding 2 bottles left 🤦
Been through three REI tents. The first two failed before the one year guaranty. The last one waited till the thirteen month mark. I then suffered along with it replaces the zippers made of peanut butter before giving up on it altogether.
Ive used the REI Quarter Dome SL2 for the last 7 ish years and its been fantastic. It was cheaper from the garage sale than that Trail Hut tent. And its way way lighter. Extremely spacious. I think my trail weight with it is just about 2.5 lbs. For a freestanding tent under 3 lbs for $200, it's really good. Only problem is, REI doesn't even make it anymore. They insist on making worse, heavier, more expensive tents. Bring back the QD SL2
That trail hut 2 looks just like a Marmot Ajax tent (mine is a 3 person) that I bought like 12 years ago. It’s a nice tent for the $120 I spent on it. Maybe the Marmot version had better materials but it’s a nice tent that holds up well in high wind and doesn’t let water in. It’s heavy tho so not the best for backpacking. Great for car camping.
My grip is REI half dome tents have reduced their height in all but the more expensive models. Used to be the base half dome model had 45" of height. If you can't sit up in a tent without hitting your head, it is a bivy not a tent.
I have noticed that their items have gotten “cheaper” over the years without the price reflection. Hard to compete these days. We still shop there and especially hit sales. I like being able to touch/feel/try things and generally I like their employees as well.
Every brand has hits and misses. Thanks for showing us some of your opinions on what works and what doesn't
I bought my trail hut 2 for like $70 because I went to a grand opening event. Great tent for a beginner I think.
The helix pad is great! I really like it and is constantly on sale or on re-supply store for under $100
The best camping pillow I have found is by going to IKEA and getting the cheapest pillow they sell which happens to be the smallest. it has everything from fabric, to air and even fluff. It was 2$ and the wight is so light they dont even have it in the product description, i'd weigh it but just bought a kitchen scale the other week and havent gotten around to checking it's grams.
I got my trail hut 2 for 100 bucks and i think its treated me pretty well for the price. Being a double wall, free standing tent with a rain fly and a footprint it was kinda just a good filler tent while I didnt have anything else and considering it clocks only about 5 pounds packed and is spacious I would say its well worth 100 bucks but only about 100 bucks. Itll tolerate most good conditions and ive never really had condensation issues with the thing which is more than can be said with a lot of tents in that price range. My two HUGE issues with the tent are that the footprint is for whatever reason not waterproof, I dont know how they came up with that but when ive camped on packed snow I consistently have woken up with the bottom of my sleeping pad wet. The other big issue is the tent packed is absolutely massive, I get that its a two person tent but for half the price its double the size, not the biggest issue but definitely buyer beware on those two notes.
8:30 I actually like that little pillow lol I got some of their other ones but the were waaay to bulky and it was only like $15 on sale.
Same. I have an older version of that pillow and I find it very comfortable despite its apparent lumpiness. It does not ever go back as small as it was when I opened the package, that’s true. But for the comfort level, it’s my go-to whenever I travel even when I’m not camping.
Ive had the halfdome(?) 2 person rei tent for 5ish years and I have used it for lots of backpacking in rain, snow, wind and its held up not too poorly. it recently got it first hole
Too bad about the tent. I used the REI Quarter Dome tent (one person single wall) for 5 seasons -maybe 80 nights total and it's still going strong. Worked great in a few serious rain and hail storms. A great product.
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
The REI sale started today and runs till the 25th. Didn’t know they made a quilt. I’m considering it for my son. It’s $230 like you said.
If your gonna drop that much, get a hammock gear quilt. Mine lasted an entire PCT thru hike. Zero complaints
I really like REI’s trailmade PANTS, especially on sale. Their trailmade joggers are almost identical, but trade the shoe string waist for an elastic drawstring that doesnt actually hold the waist tight. Any weight in the pockets and those pants are falling down after a few steps.
Ha! Have both Helix and Air-rail and love both. I guess it is true the airrail is not for everyone because the center part is very narrow. But for a small person, the rails really work! It is thin but has all benefits of being self-inflatable (with a pump😅), quiet and no balloon feelings. I wish REI makes a wider version.
Other recommendations of REI brand: Sahara shirts and pants, Flash gaiters, GTX rain mittens.
Not recommended: Rainer rain jackets, hiking boots(!).
Overall I love REI and feel lucky to have one nearby! Thank you for your video, always enjoyable!😊
I agree with your opinion on the sahara line- awesome stuff.
rainier jacket never seemed to be as water resistant as i would have hoped as well.
I think you've given REI a pretty fair shake here. Seeing as I got the flexlite air chair for $50 and the Helix pad for $80 brand new and really enjoy both, I have a bit of a rosier opinion of REI. That said, I can't see myself ever paying full price for a large item.
REI used to have some really good tents. The half Dome tents were heavy, but bombproof. The half dome 4 is by far my favorite car camping tent. But their Quarter Dome tents were a light-weight and high quality budget alternative to the Big Agnes and MSR tents at the time. It's a shame they stopped both designs.
REI Air Rail pad is great for my kid who rolls around a lot. I also found it was decent. So it depends upon your use case
Love my Rei pack. Almost went with a durston but the Rei pack has extra side water/snack pockets.
It’s crazy you posted this just as REI opened up in my city, Louisville
I've been using the REI half dome 2+ for like a decade and I would buy another one if/when it wears out.
It's on sale.
5:50 lol I bought this for my kids. Still under a year but we actually like it and got it for like $65.
The ONLY! Reason I shop REI is the return policy is excellent However! Occasionally i get a young one who attempts to make me feel bad 😂😂😂 returning sonething, especially shoes! Dont be deterred by this retail ploy. I always do my homework thanks to channels like this. My 2nd " Granite Gear" Crown 60 is about to be returned to G.G. so im liking the reviews on the UL's gear . Finally my particular store has huge employees turnover which i blame management for. Great channel..
Also, the return policy Charles Ewing, especially the ones it would replace for a lifetime, but that's not on all of them.
Make sure you ask questions. On which you switch, please travit, trevor I believe it was a sixty five liter.I'm really interested in buying one.. I just prefer a brighter color when I backpack. I prefer to be seen, not shot at..
I really like my trail hut. Not for backpacking, but a solid camping tent
Oh, Steven, you missed the crucial point on the self-inflating mattress: the R-value is roughly 3.5 per inch. A 1.5" thick self-inflating mattress is about 5-6 R-value and their price is a draw for budget shoppers. I still use mine in the winter, although I'll be rocking a Nemo All-Season this winter.
Yes, the self-inflating mattresses can be uncomfortable for side-sleepers on rocky ground and they are heavy compared to today's insulated air mattresses. They were developed 50 years ago by Cascade Designs for mountaineering use to keep climbers warm sleeping on top of snow. I remember how much lighter and warmer they were than the alternatives I used back in the 60s.
Personally, i’ve really liked my trail hut 2 all in all it seems like i lucked out with the quality of mine. I mainly quad camp with my friends so weight isnt as much of a factor when you can strap everything down to a 4wheeler. That being said, my friend bought one and it ripped while he was setting it up, im not sure if it was user error or poor quality control but i figure its worth mentioning. Great video as always! 👍🏻