You've been doing this for a while now.
You have specialized gear for every terrain and weather.
You even have duplicate & triplicate of many gear items.
You have lots of items that you don't even use.
You are already stocked up, after the great sales.
You just need more free time and good health to bp.

Then someone who owes you a big favor gives you a gratitude large amount REI gift card.

what to buy, what to buy...

Edited by RogerDodger on 07/13/2012 12:12:23 MDT.

Considering that a large portion of what REI carries is not related to hiking or backpacking, I suspect you could stock up on casual clothes, buy a bicycle or a kayak, or lots of other goodies.

They've got some pretty good dark chocolate bars near the check-out line.

Across from the chocolate bar, there's some authentic survival knife and compass by Poobear Gryass that every serious adventurer should have.

Edited by RogerDodger on 07/13/2012 14:00:20 MDT.

...for your amusement

http://www.collegehumor.com/video/6551577/man-vs-wild-rpg

Paul,
There are not enough Thumbs up... but I'll try and stop at 10x.

Edited by RogerDodger on 07/13/2012 13:58:58 MDT.

Too funny, Paul!

"REI is collaborating with the Wilderness Medicine Institute to offer a comprehensive 2-day course teaching you the wilderness medicine skills you need to recreate with confidence in the backcountry."

Maybe this course if it's offered in your area?

Great idea, Doug! It's an excellent course!

The most important item in a first aid kit is between your ears, and that doesn't add any extra weight or bulk! Even if you've had a WFA class in the past, it doesn't hurt to get up to date and recertified! Treatment protocols do change!

Roger, you can always donate it to me! Kidding of course, I have more gear than any five people need. But, there are a lot of needy novices out there. I would suggest getting some gear you really like and distributing your older gear to them. A rotation won't hurt and you will be giving gear to someone who needs it. Or stuff more gear in the brain.

Christmas presents for this year for all your family members and friend that gave you the card. Purchase a expensive bicycle and then sell it on Craig's list and convert to cash.

Or try the make a big stink move! With the Rei manager for a cash refund on the card that you did not want so you can spend it on something they don't sell. I think the Rei manger will buckle under a loud enough pressure but do it at Rei you don't go to normally.
Terry