If you like REI shopping, investigate becoming a member. It's either cheap or free depending on circumstances, and members get an annual refund so it can pay for itself over time. Most everything here is superbly practical and well-curated over a wide price range. I like the blended web/brick n mortar retailing model. read more

I went in with my little sister because I was looking for a new running watch. As I was looking at the watches an old white employee approached me and asked if I needed help, I politely declined his assistance. He then proceeded to step away and radio my description trough the radio very loudly. I used to work security for retail and he literally called me out to their Ap team for looking at watches with out any suspicious behavior or anything. My sister and I were then followed around and employees were starring at us watching to see if we took anything. I've never been profiled in my life so aggressively. Will not be shopping here again. read more

Here is the deal. Good selection of sporting goods. These place seems to have a very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Beware: The parking lot is atrocious on the weekend. I really don't have a solution to this besides just wishing you luck. Tips: Once a month they have a sale on used equipment. You've just been yelped in. read more

I just had an amazing experience at REI that I wanted to share. It's not often that I receive this kind of customer service.... About three years ago, I bought a pair of hiking boots there that I've been wearing to walk my dogs up in Wildcat Canyon. They wore out and I bought another pair. I remarked to the cashier that I had loved my old boots, and she asked me when I bought them. When I told her, she said I should bring them in because they shouldn't have worn out so quickly, I went in there today with the old boots, and was given a refund, as the uppers had cracked and shouldn't have done so. But mind you, I wore these boots for almost 3 years - AND WAS STILL GIVEN A REFUND. I am astounded by this, and can unequivocally say that I am a customer for life. Yes, the parking lot can be a challenge to navigate, but it's worth it. One other cool thing is that you can order from the website, have your order shipped to the store, and there's no charge for shipping. Totally.freaking.cool. Love it. read more

They have a great selection of the fairly new Vibram foot toe shoes that I can't wait to get a pair. They are still on the pricey side of $75-$85 range and of course the ones I want are $85 I find that the staff is always very helpful and knowledgeable. Because REI is somewhat of a specialty sports store staff takes the time to help customer out, which means that sometimes I've had to wait 5-10 minutes before I've been able to get some help. For such a big store I find that the parking lot is somewhat small and not necessarily easy to find a spot to park in especially during the weekend. I enjoy shopping and browsing in REI. I'm not just a customer, I'm member too! Wha La! read more

I really like this location because it is well stocked. No more searching around between the REI stores for wool socks, the light weight fleece or something or another. I find what I'm looking for and in the quantities I need. I like to buy the wright socks here for those long 9 mile walks. Ok they have them in white, size L and four pairs. Done. I always find something great on sale here. This is where I got hooked on Patagonia capilenes. What would I ever do without those? Have purple legs that's what. It's fun to browse here. read more

REI never disappoints. Their staff is the most helpful around. They take their time to listen to your needs, and go out of their way to meet them. A big thanks to their bicycle department. From buying a bicycle, to buying accessories for a bike rack bought elsewhere, they helped me find everything I needed to complete the job. Thank you REI! read more

I got all of my rain-gear at REI. Thanks to REI, I am able to ride my bike in relative comfort when the weather is yucky. I have used REI's rain stuff - rain pants, rain coat, thingie that repels rain from my backpack - ALL rainy season and it has held up remarkably well. It was all pretty cheap and compact. My other purchases at REI - umbrellas, gloves, other mundane stuff - have also proven very durable. The people who work there are always very nice and helpful - so that's a big plus too. read more

My favorite outdoor gear store. The return policy is by far the best of any retail store, and they pre-select only quality items to sell. Although the prices aren't cheap, they are certainly not expensive (no more than the manufacturer's suggested price), and I find that the extra 5% I might spend at REI is more than offset by the annual dividends they give out to members (often around 10%) and the insurance provided by the return policy. In addition, if you're a member, it is not uncommon to receive 20% off coupons from time-to-time. And, if you are willing to wait for sales, you can often find incredible deals that will sometimes beat prices found at online stores. read more

I love REI although I tend to shop the online sales (and especially the outlet section of the website) more than I do the actual store. That said, shopping at the actual store is always a nice experience. Friendly staff, large selection, generous return policy, etc. I probably test rode like 7 bikes here one day last year and the sales person was super friendly and helpful even though I ended up not buying anything. He had to adjust the seat on pretty much all the bikes I tried out too since I am short. Another time a sales man was really helpful and attentive with ski boot trying on and again I didn't buy. Definetly check out the used gear sales for deals. Even if you don't find something just reading the tags that list the reasons why people return stuff can be fun and enteraining. read more

REI is a cool place to BROWSE. We came here to check out the store and see what sort of items they carry. This store is HUGE, organized, and has a shitload of outdoor products.. including NorthFace jackets! Of course, expect to spend a small fortune here.. it could get pretty pricey. read more

Three years ago, I wrote a yelp review and promised to update once I use that backpack, so this is really an update for the backpack. But I'm really just trying to point out the importance of buying quality for something you know you will use frequently. 10+ countries later, the backpack looks only slightly worn but otherwise in mint condition. This is why I'm adding an extra star to my review. Otherwise the store is still full of 'less than fit 40+' with too much money to blow. I do have friends 20-30 year old friends that are in love with REI's monthly used gear sale. Apparently you can get really dirt cheap items then. read more

Good sporting goods and outdoor store for many of your peripherals. If you're looking for cheaper goods though, best scoot on down to Sports Authority, because there's not much low-end here. It will put a dent in your wallet! And honestly, I'd shop here a lot more often if they'd just stop picking on me about becoming a member. Whether they do that or not is random, (Sometimes the cashiers don't bother,) but once I had to get testy with one guy before he'd let up! read more

The only place I shop for outdoor equipment. I love their products, the customer service, and the incredible return policy. I have never had any difficulty locating one of REI's knowledgeable, helpful and cheerful sales associates when needed during normal days. Their sale days are something of a different beast; arrive early, know exactly what you want and where in the store to get it (sale days are really not casual browsing shopping days) I have been uber happy with every product that I have purchased from REI; abeit some items have been indestructible and too sturdy (it is fun to upgrade to the newer model occasionally) read more

BIG SHOUT OUT TO SURY in the customer service department. I had a pair of snowboarding boots I bought almost 2 years ago. They were brand new never used. I asked to see if I can exchange them for bindings I really wanted and after she worked her magic....BAM! refunded as store credit! For the full value I purchased them for as well! R.E.I, you have just earned yourself a loyal customer just because of Sury's customer service. read more

The WORST WORST WORST curbside pickup. Waited OVER AN HOUR to get an item. Zero sense of urgency, zero organization. A total clown show.

Not enough staff, shoe people were flustered and angry because they were short staffed due to taking inventory. Too bad for them and customers wanting to try on shoes. It would be nice if management would staff up for inventory rather than tax the overworked and under paid employees and discourage the consumers. If I could go in the back and find my own size shoe I would have but that's not possible. Had no choice than ask for some help was unavailable. read more

I didn't even buy anything here. I was greeted within seconds of walking in and it didn't stop. The people of REI just kept being friendly which I realized is so uncommon these days that I was initially uncomfortable. I was just walking around with my girlfriend since we had a few minutes to spare before brunch and I left the store feeling great about REI. When I actually do need to buy something it will be there. Whatever they do to foster community should be a model for customer service everywhere. read more

I bought an OnGuard lock for my bike, but after only 2 weeks it broke and I found myself stuck in downtown Berkeley. I didn't want to leave my bike out all night so I called a locksmith to get it cut. Long story short REI not only gave me a refund for the lock, but also paid the bill for the locksmith. Big thanks to Kurt (Store Manager) for all the help! read more

Customer service is fantastic, very nice and knowledgable, that is what gets this place 3 stars. I just can't give anymore stars based on their prices. $80 for a tshirt?? $400 for a 2man tent?? I had to do about 7 double takes at prices tags. And then wandered around trying to remember if I had recently sniffed something to cause me to hallucinate. I could not believe some of the prices being charged. I found a shirt and a bag I would of loved but would of dropped about $150 for both items. Huh? I was dumfounded... or I need to lay off the glue. Anyway, its a great place to browse. We dropped $50 on 2 small bags of camping cereal, some candles, and a magazine. Oh and parking sucks read more

Heaven on earth Make me feel like I want to hike all day and night

My girlfriend and I want to the store to by for here a new bicycle.. The store was busy.. a lot of customer, the salesman help to find the right bicycle for my friend..i will come back to this store!!! read more

Had a great REI experience tonight. I've always been a fan of REI's customer service and good vibes attitude. I remember going there as a kid with my Dad and him being a member. Nice people, quality outdoor gear. Anyway, Claire in the shoe dept really showed great patience with me tonight. I wanted to try some hiking shoes on and I probably tried on 10 different pairs. Different sizes too. Claire did a shoe fitting to make sure I was trying on the right size. I wasn't actually. And had suggestions about what I might like. She knew her shoes well, followed my train of thought as I tried to figure out what I was looking for. After narrowing down some favorites, she helped look in other stores for sizes and wrote down item #'s. I ended up waking out with a pair after all was said and done. I'm really happy with what I got and I feel grateful for Claire's patience, helpfulness, smarts, and relaxed way. That's great customer service you don't get just anywhere. read more

This place was great! I always get greeted by employees. Everyone that helps me is extremely helpful and seems to have a passion point in something. It's cool that I seem to learn something new every time I come in to purchase gear. I highly recommend coming to this REI. It's nice that it isn't super busy in here either! They have a parking lot so no need to worry about street parking! read more

Between REI SF and Berkeley, hands down, it's Berkeley!!! Love the enthusiastic advice and wonderful products. Always something new. Sales are even better and I love being a member. Kudos!! read more

REI. It seems like a CORPORATION and not a CO-OP. The CEO makes millions.... However, it has 2 great things; 1. Return anything defective (or you just do not want anymore). 2. Buy any returned gear cheaply (or that other people just did not want anymore) on first weekend of the month. The cash-back dividend and 20% off coupons are not bad either. read more

If you want to have really nicely fitted climbing shoes, look no further. The expertise of staff is supurb, I was gracefully lead to the shoes of my dreams; excellent fit, no breaking in, no problems, competitive price. Multiple staff asked if I needed assistance while I browsed, this was a good thing. The check out staff even looked up my membership because I didn't have the card with me. How cool is that? I managed to park, even on a Saturday. Reviewers that are throwing stones at REI shoppers can go right across the street to the bargin bin outdoor outfitter. read more

i love REI. There are plenty of good places to buy outdoor gear, but a few things put this place above many of the rest. *the BEST return policy. if you're not satisfied you can return stuff you purchase any time (days, weeks, months, years after you buy it). no receipt needed if you're a member, they look it up in the computer and you get your $$ back or a replacement. This has saved me a tent (fly tore), backpacking water filter (broke on 2nd day of trip), and snow boots (got a "lemon" pair that weren't 100% waterproof as advertised). All replaced no questions asked. *used gear sales - awesome deals on stuff other people returned throughout the year (sleeping pads for $5?! trekking poles for $10?!) *dividend - if you're a member, you get a check in march refunding you 10% (i think?) of all full price purchases. if you get their credit card you get a portion back on sale gear and non-REI stuff. *sales staff are knowledgable, can get feedback from people who do the same sports/activities you do and know the equipment. yes, this place gets busy and you can spend a TON of money here. but, this is still my go-to place for gear if i have any inkling that it may not fit perfectly (or is expensive and may break) soley due to the return policy. ...and they are to blame for my lack of storage/closet space read more

I really liked this place. Great cycling section! Awesome camping section! The manager along with several employees were nice and engaging. I was a little surprised by their pricing, but not to the point where I wouldn't return. This was my first time their, and I did done serious window shopping. They really have and excellent selection and wide variety of outdoor accessories. Before I left the manager informed me that they were in the process of changing their floor stock from summer, to winter. Can't wait to see what they're going to be selling! read more

I had been in the market for a messenger bag and after shopping around for a while I found one here I liked. I bought it and used it for a year, but after that year of use I felt that it really wasn't working out. The normal "store" experience is after 30 days you're out of luck and you simply have to buy a new one. But not at REI. I went in and asked them if I could return it, and they were completely fine with that. I exchanged it for a backpack and they refunded me the difference in price. What a great experience. Tip: If you're not a member yet, and plan on spending roughly $100+, ask about the membership for $20 as they usually give you a 20% discount basically making your lifetime membership free. I didn't buy the membership the first time I went (I hate memberships), and I regret that I didn't as I would have saved money and the membership benefits here are awesome! Pros: Super friendly service Co-op huge selection easy to return items years later for full refund used gear sales membership benefits & discounts Cons: moderate price read more

Shocked by the poor customer service. Absolutely no excuse for how rude the staff member was especially after we had spent well over $100. Will be returning the things we bought and will never shop here again. We've been members for years but we will be doing our shopping at their competition in the future. read more

The best place to buy camping staff. Can be pricy for certain things, but become a member and get the monthly special used discount . read more

great selection of outdoor gear, moderate prices Service can be a bit slow in the footwear department read more

REI is "as good as it gets"! My experience tonight probably challenged the staff, a half an hour before close, but you wouldn't know it in dealing with them. They were terribly helpful and friendly throughout my "ordeal". Ran over a nail. On my way home, in the dark, about to go uphill. When I arrived, even the guy at the door was super nice: "Do you want to bring your bike in with you?" Cool. I could write a ten page essay on the numerous ways the staff was completely helpful while I was completely in distress just trying to get home, but suffice to say that they exceeded every known expection a human being, even one as ignonimus about bikes as me, could have. Special thanks to the tech crew in the back & Jessica who was just wonderful & helpful & Katy?. Thanks one & all. These people deserve a raise! read more

I went to REI today with some questions about a hiking pole that was given to my wife in 2009. The entire time she has had it, it was rarely used, and always stayed in the extended, locked position. Well, the other day, she needed to put it in her suitcase to take to England for a hiking trip, so I put it in it's collapsed position. When she asked me how to extend and tighten it I could extend it but not lock it. So, she used another pole we had and went on her trip. So today I took the pole to REI to have somebody show me how to lock the pole in extended position. What I was told that they couldn't make it lock, that it was a defective design, was no longer made, and no they would not give me any kind of credit towards a new pole. Now, I've been an REI member for a very long time and so has the friend who gifted my wife the pole. I shop at REI despite the fact that it is incredibly over=priced because I have the expectation that I will receive good service and that they will not sell defective, poorly designed, and dangerous products. I can see now that I might as well be shopping at Big 5. read more

I just purchased a used/demo Yakima HalfBack bike rack for my car, and I want to comment on the outstanding service by Rob in the Bike department. Car bike racks are in huge demand and there's nationwide shortage due to factory shutdowns as a result of COVID. I first spoke with Rob on the phone, who informed me that they had no racks in stock, he even searched other REI locations with no success. He then informed me of a used/demo Yakima rack, however it was missing vital support straps to properly secure the bike. I decided to visit the store to inspect the rack. Upon arrival Rob showed me the rack, he then called Yakima customer service and identified the missing parts. He also printed a copy of the manual and installation instructions. He then had me called Yakima in the store to order the missing straps, as I spoke with the customer service person Rob at the same time showed me how to order the items on his computer monitor. I made the purchase and was given a discounted price, because of the missing parts, it being used and by being a member of REI. This was exceptional service and Rob went beyond what was required to delivery an outstanding experience! read more

I had some very specific Euro-traveling and hiking needs for a new backpack, and Migmar gently nailed the brand, model, and fitting (Osprey Farpoint 70). I'd have spent ages trying different sizes and types. He walked me to a couple of remote spots in the store trying to find a specific shoulder strap, then went out back and tracked it down. And, as it turned out, he'd been feeling terribly ill; he ended up going home right after helping me one last time. Raise! Also terrific was colorful-badges bearded guy: I started by eavesdropping on his clear and detailed runthrough of one pack's features to another customer, then got some excellent tips on traveling in Croatia (summer crowds=Disneyland) and Slovenia (gorgeous and far fewer people). Thank you, CBBG. REI can be up and down, but recent visits have been pretty stellar, including Shoes and Returns departments. And I love the member dividends - which happened to be doubled/matched just for this weekend! read more

Went to REI Berkeley to look for running shoes as the Concord store had limited selection. The salesperson Georgina at the shoes department was very friendly and knowledgeable. There were not many shoes on sale and a couple of styles I liked did not have my size. However she went to the clearance rack and found a pair on sale with my size. It was a good brand-Brooks. It made my trip to Berkeley worthwhile! read more

When I wrote my last review years ago, this store was so-so. Lately though - they have upped their game and I have really been impressed with the staff. They go out of their way to help you. And when REI started their #OptOutside campaign, I have to give props to corporate. Three cheers. read more

I went there to pick up a pair of hiking boots, suitable for light snow hiking and warmer hikes. I'd done my reading of various boots online before going, so I had a general idea of what I wanted. The clerk was really snotty with me. I'd planned to buy the boots there, but given his attitude, I used the store to check size and fit, then bought them on Amazon, sans snotty attitude. I'm not super outdoorsy, but I run trails a couple times a week, and I enjoy longer hikes. You could've had a sale, if the clerk had been more engaging. read more