I have some paddling gear that I need to return to REI and I have a dilemma. I could exchange this stuff for some much needed clothing but I'm not up with any good UL offerings from REI. The basics, like windshirts, rainjackets/pants, headgear, gloves, insulating layers, etc.. Or would I be better off just taking my refund and shopping elsewhere?

Good to see you on these forums Bobby.

If you spend enough time on BPL.com, you will find that you shop less and less at REI. Why don't you post a list of gear that you are looking for and we all may have some reasonable suggestions.

I generally will shop at REI only for clothes and esbit ;)

You could probably find a nice light Marmot sleeping bag. And I'm really happy with my Quarter Dome T3 tent, pretty light for it's size.And they'll probably have the Osprey Exos 58 pack when it's released. Or you could get a refund, and spend it somewhere else, depends on what you need. I don't even buy clothes at REI, they're outrageous. To paraphrase a book I read once, when they quit being the slick cookbook for the two yacht family, I'll consider shopping there.

Hey Dave, I'm thinking of things like socks, gloves, toboggans, balaclavas, windshirts, rain jackets/pants, down or synthetic jackets/parkas, hats, thermals, canister gas, batteries, etc... Pretty much clothing in general but with a few consumables.

Edited by bobbycartwright on 11/04/2008 10:42:08 MST.

Joe, I agree about the price of the clothes. Yet, with the discerning crew here I imagine that there's something that has been unearthed. And REI Outlet may have a few things as well.

Personally, I would take the refund and go elsewhere but that's because I already own most of my gear. When I buy new gear these days, I'm looking at the new ultralight stuff from companies like Gossamer Gear and Mountain Laural Designs. However, there are a few good things to be found from REI, if you have store credit and know of nothing to do with it.

REI stocks some good brands, like Patagonia, Marmot and Icebreaker, although their selection leaves something to be desired. On the website it's OK, but in the store, the selection is just abysmal. Some great pieces of clothing that REI stocked as recently as last winter are the Patagonia R1 hoodie, Arc-teryx Gamma LT pants, and Icebreaker Rock Zip. I don't know if they're going to stock those this winter, or if they're on their website at the moment, but those are a few examples. Also, they stock the MSR tents. I don't know if you need a new tent or not, but the Hubba HP tents, while extremely expensive to buy at retail, are bomber tents. They also stock Exped Downmats and Thermarest Prolite inflatable pads. If you like Mountain House freeze dried meals, and have a hike coming up, buy a bunch of them. Smartwool socks are expensive wherever you buy them, but if you've got store credit, might as well pick up a few pairs.

I've had friends and relatives give me REI gift certificates at Xmas before, so I've had to find stuff to buy from there when at first glance, absolutely nothing in the store appealed to me.

I like REI's food selection: Gu's, energy bars, powdered drinks, dehydrated meals, snacks. They also have a good selection of maps and guide books -they have some good first-aid stuff too! Rei is selling to the masses but it seems that they are slowly but surely getting the idea of UL. Do not foreget about there dividend program, no body else does that. It sure would be nice if BPL had a dividend program????

Edited by Creachen on 11/04/2008 11:46:02 MST.

I think I'm looking strictly at clothes, mainly in the aforementioned categories.

I ran into an interesting situation with an REI refund last summer when I returned the (censored) Steripen, about which far too much has been written in other threads. The credit card I used to buy the Steripen had been lost and replaced, so of course the refund could not be credited to the credit card I bought it with. My only choice, so the REI cashier told me, was to take a credit against future purchases--they wouldn't issue a cash/check refund. Fortunately, there were enough little items (including a couple of dry bags, 1 oz. bottles, REI's excellent emergency matches, plus a clothing item for non-hiking use) I needed that I was able to use up the credit. The credit was only about $80 because I used a 20% off coupon for the original purchase. But I don't know what I'd do with $500, either. I hope that you used a credit card for the original purchase and that the card is still valid! If you did, REI will issue a credit to your card account, which will let you use the refund elsewhere. Otherwise, you're stuck. I guess that in that case I would be shopping for family Christmas presents--maybe for the next two years!

I get most of my apparal type gear now on Steep and Cheap. Never seen any Patagonia on there though. I do get a Pro Form from Patagonia, and I still can't afford any of it! And I apologize if I sounded like I was bad-mouthing REI, they have just changed a lot since I became a member in 1973.

how about order online? Better selection that way and less confusing.

You could get:
Katydyn MicroPur tablets
Platy Bottles

If you're looking for a mountaineering softshell, REI is carrying the Patagonia Ascentionist this season. I picked one up as it's the first real light hooded softshell that actually fits me well. I've had it out twice now and like it so far.

Most of the clothing that REI has - you can find last season's or the year before version (same exact item) offered online for a substantially lower price.

For example... my patagonia down sweater vest costs $150 on REI's website - I got it for $70 through backcountryoutlet.com (and their return policy seems just as good as REI's).

Since you asked, my clothing purchase suggestions would be: a patagonia men's R1 hoodie (I have heard rave reviews about this and am jealous there is no women's version), a montbell vest or patagonia down sweater vest, and if you're comfortable with a snug fit (less material ='s less weight!) some powerstretch fleece running tights - I am obsessed with mine and they are amazing in cold weather (although I am a woman, ha). Cloudveil also makes some really great, warm pullovers fleeces.

Anyway, just my two cents. You'll get more bang for your buck if you spend a few hours online.

... Can you tell I like shopping for (backpacking) clothing? :)

My suggestion is, if the money's burning a hole in you're pocket and you haven't aleady upgraded yet, go with REI's Shuksan eVent jacket and pants. Not really lightweight and $520 for both, but a superior breathable fabric if you're used to Goretex or other WPB's.

I really like the REI Sahara pants, although the newer ones (in the ladies at least) don't fit me as well as the older models, and I like the older pockets better as well.

Still, they might be worth looking at. If you can wait on a sale they normally discount them steeply.

Bobby,
I like REI and shop there often, but in your case I think you would get more bang for the buck if you take the cash and shop around for good UL gear.

John

REI, Return Every Item. take the cash... Buy the dog a coat!

Edited by kthompson on 11/05/2008 09:58:00 MST.

I agree. I was disappointed in the pair I purchased from them. I bought a nice pair by Campmor for $20, and they fit very well, the right length ( amen!) and I can use my own belt for a change and can attach my knife.

If you don't know what to do with the $500, send it to me.
: )

You can get some awesome coolmax and wool socks and undies from REI. The patagonia boxer briefs usually run 25 to 30 a pair. I put these on my Christmas list every year since they're so expensive.

I'll second the dehydrated foods, the mary jane's organic farm foods are usually pretty good but not cheap.

Whenever I have the chance to buy something from REI I'll purchase the item through them. Can't beat their refund policy!