The Ultimate Guide to Stores Like REI: Where to Shop for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

As an avid hiker, camper, and all-around outdoors lover, I know firsthand how important it is to have reliable, high-quality gear for all your adventures. REI is often the first store that comes to mind for outdoor equipment and apparel, but there are so many other great options out there. In this ultimate guide, I‘ll share my top picks for stores like REI, based on my own shopping experiences and extensive research.

Why Shop at Specialty Outdoor Retailers?

Before we dive into the list, let‘s talk about why you might choose to shop at a specialty outdoor retailer over a general sporting goods store or online marketplace. Here are a few key benefits:

Expertise: Outdoor retailers like REI hire experienced outdoor enthusiasts who can provide valuable advice and recommendations based on your specific needs and activities.
Quality: These stores carefully curate their selections to offer the best performance apparel, footwear, and gear from top brands known for durability and innovation.
Community: Many outdoor retailers host classes, events, and experiences to help connect people with the outdoors and each other. It‘s a great way to learn new skills and meet fellow adventurers.
Sustainability: Lots of outdoor brands and retailers are prioritizing eco-friendly and ethical business practices to protect the planet we love to explore. Some even donate portions of their profits to environmental causes.
Rewards: Several stores offer loyalty programs where you can earn points, get access to exclusive sales, enjoy free shipping, and more. It pays to shop with brands that reward you for your adventures!

Now, let‘s explore some of the best stores like REI for gearing up and getting outdoors.

1. Backcountry

Backcountry is one of my favorite online retailers for outdoor apparel and gear. They carry a huge selection of premium brands like Arc‘teryx, Patagonia, Marmot, and The North Face. I always check their sale section first for discounts on past-season styles—I‘ve scored some incredible deals there!

Some of my favorite finds from Backcountry include:

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket: This lightweight, packable layer is perfect for cool evenings around the campfire or chilly fall hikes. It‘s filled with high-loft insulation that keeps you warm without adding bulk.
Darn Tough hiking socks: Trust me, investing in quality socks makes all the difference on the trail. Darn Tough socks are cushioned, moisture-wicking, and come with a lifetime guarantee.
Black Diamond trekking poles: Adding trekking poles to your hiking setup can enhance stability, reduce impact on joints, and improve your endurance. Black Diamond makes some of the best adjustable poles out there.

Backcountry offers free 2-day shipping on orders over $50, easy returns, and a price match guarantee. Their "Gearhead" experts are always on call to answer questions and guide you to the right gear. It‘s like having your own personal outdoor shopping concierge!

2. Patagonia

Patagonia is another one of my go-to stores for outdoor clothing and gear. As a certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Patagonia is committed to using its business to protect the environment. They‘ve set the bar for sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices in the outdoor industry.

I love Patagonia‘s simple, timeless designs that look just as great for casual wear as they perform in the outdoors. Some of my favorite pieces are:

Women‘s Quandary Pants: These versatile, quick-drying pants are stretchy and breathable enough for hiking, rock climbing, or travel. They‘re also Fair Trade Certified sewn.
Micro Puff Hoody: This ultralight, water-resistant jacket packs down into its own pocket for easy storage. The PlumaFill insulation mimics down to trap heat without the bulk.
Black Hole Duffel Bag: This burly duffel is perfect for hauling all your gear on weekend camping trips or far-flung adventures. It‘s made from recycled polyester fabric with a water-repellent finish.

One of the coolest things about Patagonia is their Worn Wear program. You can trade in gently used Patagonia clothing for credit, shop their selection of pre-owned items, or send in your gear for repair. It‘s all about keeping clothing in use and out of landfills.

3. REI Co-op

Yes, I know this guide is all about stores like REI, but I couldn‘t resist including their standalone used gear site, REI Co-op Used Gear. It‘s such a fantastic resource for snagging lightly worn clothing and gear at super low prices.

I check the used gear site first anytime I‘m in the market for a new piece of equipment, especially big-ticket items like tents, packs, and sleeping bags. For example, I recently scored an REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL 2 tent for 60% off the retail price. It was in excellent condition and came with the original stuff sack and stakes!

The selection is updated all the time and each item is carefully graded so you know exactly what to expect in terms of wear and tear. It‘s a great way to save money and keep perfectly good gear in use instead of buying new.

How Big is the Outdoor Recreation Economy?

Now that we‘ve covered some of the best places to buy outdoor gear, I want to touch on the larger economic impact of this industry. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation is a massive economic driver in the United States:

In 2020, 53% of Americans ages 6 and over participated in outdoor recreation at least once.
Outdoor recreation generates $689 billion in consumer spending annually.
The industry creates 4.3 million jobs and $125 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.
Hiking was the most popular outdoor activity in 2020, with 57.8 million participants.
Camping participation grew significantly in 2020, with 7.9 million additional participants compared to 2019.

The numbers don‘t lie—outdoor recreation is a vital part of the economy and our way of life. By supporting specialty outdoor retailers, we‘re not only investing in our own adventures but also contributing to an industry that creates jobs, drives innovation, and promotes conservation.

Shopping for Outdoor Gear Online vs. In-Store

One question I often hear from fellow outdoor enthusiasts is whether it‘s better to shop online or in-store for gear. The truth is, there are pros and cons to both! Here‘s a quick breakdown:

Online Shopping Pros

Huge selection of products from multiple brands and retailers
Easily compare prices and read reviews from other customers
Convenience of shopping from home and having items delivered
Access to online-only deals, promotions, and loyalty programs

Online Shopping Cons

Can‘t try on clothing or test out gear before buying
Shipping costs and potential for delivery delays
Harder to get personalized recommendations or advice
Returns can be more time-consuming than bringing items back to a store

In-Store Shopping Pros

See, touch, and try on products before purchasing
Get expert advice and recommendations from store staff
Enjoy the experience of browsing and discovering new gear
Support local businesses and outdoor community

In-Store Shopping Cons

Selection may be more limited than online
Prices may be higher than online competitors
Have to physically go to the store, which takes more time
Stores may not always have your size or preferred color in stock

Personally, I like to mix online and in-store shopping to get the best of both worlds. I do a lot of research and price comparisons online, but for expensive or technical items, I prefer to head to the store and talk to an expert. That way, I can make sure I‘m getting exactly what I need before making a big investment.

Ways to Save Money at Outdoor Retailers

I get it—gearing up for outdoor adventures can get expensive quickly. But over the years, I‘ve learned a few tips and tricks for saving money at stores like REI. Try out these strategies on your next shopping trip:

Join loyalty programs: As I mentioned earlier, many outdoor retailers have rewards programs that give you points, perks, and exclusive discounts. Signing up is usually free and easy—just have your email address ready.
Wait for sales: I know how tempting it is to buy that new sleeping bag or hiking boots right away, but try to hold out for seasonal sales and promotions if you can. Stores like REI have big annual sales for Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
Shop the clearance section: This one‘s a no-brainer, but always check the clearance racks or online outlet section first for deeply discounted past-season gear. I‘ve found some real gems there, like 70% off Gore-Tex ski pants!
Look for package deals: Some retailers offer bundles or kits that include multiple pieces of gear at a discounted price. This can be a great way to save if you need several items at once, like a tent, sleeping bag, and pad for a backpacking setup.
Buy used gear: As I raved about earlier, shopping used is one of the best ways to get high-quality gear at a fraction of the retail price. Stores like REI and Patagonia have their own used gear programs, or you can check out third-party resale sites like GearTrade or Facebook marketplace.
Price match: If you find a lower price from another retailer, see if your store of choice will match it. REI, Backcountry, and Moosejaw all offer price matching to ensure you‘re getting the best deal.
Get a store credit card: Some outdoor stores offer their own branded credit cards that come with extra rewards, like 5% cash back on purchases or special financing options. Just be sure to pay off your balance each month to avoid accruing interest!

Ready to Gear Up and Get Outside?

I hope this guide has given you some valuable insights and inspiration for your next outdoor gear shopping adventure. Remember, investing in quality gear is an investment in yourself and your passion for the outdoors. With the right equipment and apparel, you‘ll be ready to tackle any trail, mountain, or wilderness that calls your name.

Before you head out on your next shopping trip, here‘s a quick recap of my top stores like REI for all your outdoor needs:

Store	Key Differentiators	Eco/Social Initiatives	Rewards/Perks	Shipping	Returns
Backcountry	Huge selection, premium brands	1% for the Planet member	5% back in rewards	Free 2-day over $50	Easy, free returns
Patagonia	Sustainable, ethical manufacturing	1% for the Planet, B Corp	Members-only sales	Free on $75+, $7 flat rate	Ironclad Guarantee
REI Used Gear	Lightly used gear, deep discounts	Keeps gear out of landfills	N/A (part of REI)	Standard REI shipping	Standard REI returns
Moosejaw	Fun, quirky brand personality	Sponsors outdoor athletes	10% back in rewards	Free 2-day over $49	No time limit
L.L.Bean	Heritage quality, 100% guarantee	Outdoor Discovery Schools	L.L.Bean Mastercard	Free on all orders	100% satisfaction

Of course, this is just a small sampling of all the amazing outdoor retailers out there. I encourage you to explore, research, and find the stores that best fit your unique needs and values.

At the end of the day, what matters most is that you‘re getting outside and enjoying all the incredible benefits that nature has to offer. Whether you‘re summiting a peak, paddling a river, or simply taking a restorative walk in the woods, having the right gear can make all the difference in your comfort, safety, and enjoyment.

So what are you waiting for? Go fill up that shopping cart, then get out there and embrace your wild side. Adventure awaits!