If you want some advice and it's the first time you are getting into outdoor activity , then you must go to REI. Even if you will just go there to talk to an associate and gather all the info to still go and buy it from Amazon , their membership is worth all that. They have amazing staff, if you ask them about one product they each have vast knowledge about it that they might even tell you the size of the thread, how many stitches and approximate number of uses for each product. Yes they are expensive and probably the most expensive among their peers but when you buy something from rEi you know it's a very good quality even if you have never heard of the brand. Other competitions are way cheaper but you would be compromising the quality, which is throwing away your money. To add to all of this , they do stand behind their return policy, I bought a hiking boots and used it twice on long hikes and it hurt my toes Abir because it was a bit small so they took it back and gave me a full refund. I love this store. read more

They have a great selection of outdoor camping and hiking equipment and gear. The store is pretty big with all equipment needs. The staff is very knowledgeable and always willing to help. This shopping center is pretty large and the lot can sometimes be packed, so parking can sometimes be a pain to find a spot closer to the entrance. read more

I was surprised when I pulled up because it doesn't look that large of a store from the parking lot. It's in a strip mall. But selection and staff are great! Found plenty of options for what I needed. Great store! read more

Rented a couple metal framed backpacks for our Grand Canyon trip. When we got home, by boyfriend noticed one of the snap buckles was broken (which they didn't mention when we rented it, nor did the guy do a check of the backpack in front of us). We didn't have time to go back and get a different one, so when I returned the backpacks, I told the girl helping me about the broken part. She then told me that they would have never rented it out if it was broken without noting the break, insinuating that we broke it. REI, maybe you should check the bags better before you lend them out...you would have noticed the broken buckle AND the dirty women's panties that I found in my compartment of my backpack when I got home. Rent from here, but beware. read more

My boyfriend and I are planning a backpacking trip through Europe. We went in to REI northridge just to buy a backpack. That's when we realized how clueless we are. Our sales person Sarah sized our torsos, fit us for the perfect backpack, and answered our hundreds of questions. She was super cool and so knowledgable! read more

They have a decent selection. I bought some bike shorts and was on my way. The cashier was a bit pushy in her attempt to talk me into a lifetime membership with REI, but I declined (a couple times). Their prices might be a bit high, I payed $88 (including tax) for bike shorts I found online for as low as $50. But, if you need something you can't wait for and you're in the neighborhood... read more

This is the closest REI to my home. And although I do most of my shopping online these days, when I do have a large item ordered and need to pick it up in the store, the staff here is great. Customer service at this store is very good. read more

Great service, I got free service and adjustment on my bike.

Always find what I need, in stock here. My feet are extra wide, and I have found it well worth my while to come here for my hiking boots and running shoes. They have the most helpful salespeople and I really like the selection. Highly recommended read more

Now, let me start out by saying that I generally would give REI as a chain 4 out of 5 stars. Their staff on whole, is not always the most knowledgeable and they don't always have what I need, but all in all the stores in Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, San Diego, and Rancho Cucamonga all have good staffs and most importantly a great selection of travel, snow, backpacking, and rock climbing gear. I grew up in Thousand Oaks and have been backpacking for 20 years and climbing for 13. Before the Northridge store opened I remember having to drive all the way to San Dimas to try on hiking boots at the REI there. My 2 star rating is not a reflection on the knowledge or helpfulness of the staff, but rather the sad inventory they keep. I almost always have to order what I need online at REI.com and have it shipped for free to the Northridge store. When I needed a new internal frame backpack, I ordered seven or eight backpacks, racked up a couple of grand on my credit card, found the one that fit the best, and returned the rest. That seems to be the case with most items. My wife and I were looking for some nice travel/trekking luggage. Of course Northridge did not have the right stuff in stock so we had to have it ordered. Also was the case with a Yakima box, which also happens to be the most popular model they make. It is not like I am looking for Yak fur lined mountain parka that you should only have at the Alaska REI. If you live in the area and have a choice, pick the Santa Monica store. If you need those little common things like a Nalgene bottle, then stop by Northridge. read more

I have to admit I'm impressed. It wasn't until I was in the market for a bike that I learned of REI. I expected it to be like another Dick's or Sports Chalet type store where they hire teenage workers that know barely enough to get by. But I was wrong! I went to two different REIs and both Garrett at the Tustin location and Johnny at the Northridge location were super knowledgable. I wasn't sure if I wanted a hybrid or a road bike and although after 3 hours, I couldn't decide, Garrett was super patient. I left the store, without a bike (not due to my indecisiveness but due to the lack of inventory) so I decided to start the process again in the morning as the store was closing. I found the bike I wanted at the Northridge location (yes I drove all the way to Timbuktu for a bike) and Johnny was just as friendly and helpful. I ended up purchasing a Cannondale Road bike but with REI's satisfaction guarantee, I was confident making the purchase knowing that if I can't get used to the low aerodynamic seating style, I can always exchange it for the hybrid (returns or exchanges or allowed up to ONE year!!!!). read more

Went to REI to look at bikes. Finally I asked for help as no one had approached me. I liked a few of there bikes but they were very heavy, so I asked if they had anything lighter and easier to lift. The employee with attitude, showed me a couple more....then suggested I go to Walmart. Did he just tell me to go to Walmart? I was confused. Did he not think I could afford one of their overpriced bikes? There are plenty of bike shops that I am sure will spend the time to understand what I am looking for and try to help me get the best bike. Should have asked for the manager but just left the store. Kind of snotty attitude. I didn't see a lot of customers in that store so maybe they should be a little nicer. They do have nice North Face coats and top of the line sleeping bags etc. also lot of interesting camping things that are fun to look at. Just felt like They thought I wasn't the "right" kind of customer for "them" Eeek! read more

What happened???!! I came in today to purchase a hydration pack that they had in a specific color I wanted, I came from the other location in The Village at Topanga which is now the location I go to mostly. I should've gone with my gut to just order it online, I thought since I'm kind of close to Northridge might as well just go now... Big mistake. When I was checking out, the guy at the register LITERALLY threw me back my REI membership card and it was no accident since he had no intention to apologize nor the care in the world to provide a pleasant transaction. I probably wouldn't have become a member if I had known I would get treated like trash. Nevertheless I was offered no help in the beginning when I was trying to make a decision between the packs, there was no one around me to even ask anything. I can tell this is the norm from the rest of the reviews posted on here so I don't even want to bother calling management at this location. I will stay far far away from here for good! read more

I like REI, but realize experiences may vary depending on location. I ordered a car top carrier on the internet recently and drove to the North Ridge location to pick it up. The cashier could not locate my order with my name, or member number, and seemed irritated that I could not recall the specific product name of the item I ordered, and her previously flat affect turned decidedly snarky. Once she figured out where my order was, she asked me to please step aside and wait. Several minutes later, an associate slid an enormous box to the front of the store. I assumed it was probably mine but not really sure. The cashier didn't communicate with me in any way. Several minutes later, I approached the cashier again to ask about the status of my order, and she said "yeah that's it". I looked at her with a puzzling look because I wasn't required to sign anything. I then proceeded to slide the enormous box out of the front of the store with zero help from the REI staff who all had a pretty obvious line of sight. I won't be returning to the North Ridge location any time soon. read more

Rented some camping gear from this REI and some parts were mismatched leading to a very unpleasant camping trip (on the Channel Islands, no less - so no easy way to get back to civilization). When I returned the gear, the supervisor was very understanding and took full responsibility for the issue. The store manager followed up and was very helpful in making things right. Not a great experience in the equipment department (which is unusual as I shop at REI alot), but the supervisor and manager did their best to make up for a situation that wasn't completely in their control. I'd still recommend this REI. read more

After calling up a local REI *cough* Santa Monica *cough*, and getting the old "read the tag" 'solution', I called up Northridge in an attempt to get someone who wasn't interested in just getting me off the phone asap. Fortunately I got John in camping. He gave me some great advice on how to clean my family's sleeping bags; he was sincere, interested in the conversation, gave me a few options to mull over, and referred me to some Internet sites as well for more information. If the rest of this store is as friendly as John I'd say you've got one hell of a store! read more

About a month ago I needed to get a tent for a short term camping expedition with some friends. I stopped in at REI as I had already become a member previously. I was helped by a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable associate who took the time to completely set up and explain all of the features of the tent to me right there in the store. Because of his expertise when it came time for me to use my tent out in the wild when the conditions were less than favorable, with 45 mile an hour winds and a temperature approaching freezing, it was very nice. Setting the tent up turned out to be a breeze, no pun intended. Well anyway I went back today because I had scored a beautiful large backpack and was unaware of how to use some of the features. This time I was helped by a fine young man named Jake and he explained everything to me and took the time to set up the adjustable back so that the pack would fit me perfectly. He also took plenty of time to show me all of the features of my new pack. I thought I had figured out what most of the stuff was for and I had done pretty good, but he explained what everything was really for! In closing I must say I've had nothing but an outstanding five-star experience at this REI. I've been to others and they've also always been great. read more

REI - My new backpack, and I didn't even purchase it at REI, and they are so awesome that they took the Time to set it all up perfectly - Bikes Near Me - Northridge, California

I needed to get hiking boots for a trip to Africa. First off, the staff was *extremely* helpful and attentive. They explained the different brands and types; clearly not trying to sell but to educate. I ended up leaving buying a pair that I felt were of great value. This store has modern, great selections with a touch of old fashioned customer service. You have to go there to understand how great that store is and how well their employees treat customers. I'd give them 10 stars if I could. read more

Competitive pricing versus online, plus great customer service. Appreciate Danny and Colby.

I went to buy binoculars, and unfortunately their selection was weak. But, the rest of the store looked decent -- standard REI basically.

Purchased a trail bike for my daughter. Everyone in the store was very helpful. I was impressed with the product knowledge of their sales people. read more

Expensive!! Nobody asks if you need help, you need to walk around and find someone to help you, almost stalking them and wait for them to finish helping someone else, then pounce on them before someone else does. I needed help buying walking sticks for hiking and received about 10 minutes hands on demonstration and instructions, which was helpful. They don't have that great of a selection of shoes and their clothing is expensive. I blame myself for buying a $32 sports bra, but overall you can definitely find all of your outdoor sporting needs here. read more

Caution, not all REI's are equal, and I've been to many throughout CA and even out of state. Unfortunately this is the closest and most convenient location to me, hence why I used to go here. These days, I'm more than willing to go out of my way and drive almost 23 miles to Santa Monica, where I get treated better and they understand the concept of customer satisfaction. My most recent incident involved resolving some bike work that was F'd up by Northridge. I brought it in for a simple install of some combo brake levers/gear shifters, but didn't realize the horrible work until I had to make an adjustment recently. Turns out whoever did the labor, decided to not only cut my brake cable so short with no slack, but didn't bother to cap off the cut wire cable. Because of both negligence, the brake cable has started to unravel and is too damn short to reconnect now. I bring it in for service to correct the problem which I figured should be covered since it was their fault, only for them to claim they have no record of my bike service, even though I clearly had it done there, with the transaction linked to my REI membership. They go on to say that if i'd like, they can fix it for $20. Are you kidding me? To save the store $20 and risk losing business from a customer who has spent thousands over the years, yeah thanks Northridge. It's because of this I refuse to give this location any future business. read more

Great Place! Easy Parking! What else could you ask for? They have it all! Professional help from people who care and are extremely knowledgable. Most important the REI card, if you don't like your item for any reason, you return it. No fuss, No questions and certainly no BS. I love my REI. read more

If you want to spend an extra 20$ for no reason when the same deal is .5 miles away at big 5 then come here. Terrible business and a rip off to deals given to them by vendors like snowboarding mountains. I hope mountain high never partners with you again for their deal at 159$ 4 pass because they REQUIRE a paid membership to receive an offer given by the mountain. Total cash cow. REI is a rip off, the end. read more

REI is the best place to shop for outdoor sports. The people there are so friendly and nice. Great equipment.

A beautiful place. And the customer service is great and knowledgeable. They have occasional cool deals so always make sure to get the circular and follow online. read more

hi well where do i start. it really is a shame that one can ruin the whole store. some of the sales people are very pushy , they are friendly. they should be if you are going to pay 20-40% more for the same items you can find at Sportsmart just up the street. don't fall for the sales pitch of their membership it does not pay. BEWARE Don't be scammed by them. and at all cost avoid getting sucked into the sale. read more

I went in to this REI yesterday to get my backpack fitted and to look for new hiking boots. Both store representatives (Patrick in camping gear and Karen upstairs in shoes) were of the highest quality employees. Not only did I learn everything I wanted to know about my purchases, but I found the perfect fit! REI overall has given me the best service out of any sporting goods store and I will undoubtedly be back soon. read more

I love this place and often end up leaving a good chunk of my paycheck here. I like the salespeople in this store. That is not a feeling that I often have with salesfolk. They are genuinely helpful and can offer good advice on what you don't need as much as what you do need for your plans outdoors. read more

love the place!!! got so much stuff! always have what im looking for and more. location is perfect with great parking. high quality item and got my size everytime I got. thank you. read more

What more can you ask for ?! Knowledgeable staff..great products...I get everything I need from here.

Went there to try a backpack on. The guy who helped me was rude, agressive, very pushy in hard selling. It was not a friendly shopping experience that so many people had told me about when visiting REI. He didn't listen to a word I was saying in what I wanted from a backpack - instead he was just interested in his own opinion of what he wanted to tell me. In fact his product knowledge wasn't that good either. Because of this incident I decided not to buy the backpack from here and instead bought it on Amazon. read more

I got my bike from this location. Staff is very friendly and always has a smile for you. The store is huge with everything you need for an outing. read more

Great selection of gear but if you want customer service, try A16 or the REI in Arcadia (their Bike Shop is FANTASTIC.) I have (had) been a patron of this store almost since their opening. Recently, I have noticed the familiar faces of the staff are gone and the people I counted on for expert advice are now someplace else. Today I was lectured by a shoe specialist who told me that the adventure sandals I purchased six months ago (and only started wearing regularly in late May) weren't really intended to last that long. This is despite the fact that the ones I replaced lasted a few years at the same level of use and the pair before that lasted even longer. (All purchased from this REI.) Then she thought it was appropriate to tell me with a condescending tone that I couldn't return them and started arguing about the once legendary and now one year REI Satisfaction Guarantee saying that it had nothing to do with satisfaction. The manager was very nice and did her best but my loyalty to REI is gone (Arcadia Bike Shop notwithstanding) and I find it very sad that this once great co-op is now just another chain of stores seemingly focused on retail sales and not outfitting people for outdoor adventures. Since there has been so much turnover at this store, I have to wonder if they are treating their employees as poorly as their customers. read more

I went in to the Northridge location a while back to buy a pair of trailrunners. The salesperson who came over to help me ( I never got his name) started giving me attitude right away for some reason. He asked me what I was looking for so I told him I was looking for a pair of trailrunners. He told me I needed to buy hiking boots. I told him maybe I'll end up buying hiking boots but right now I'm just looking at trailrunners, he rolled his eyes but continued to help me. A couple minutes later I was looking at two different shoes and asked him "between the two of these, which offers more stability?" To this he actually scoffed and said "neither of these offer any stability that's why you need a hiking boot like I already said." First of all this guy had no idea what he was talking about because anyone who knows anything about hiking knows that hiking boots are mostly for if you're going to be carrying a lot of weight and you're on your feet for long periods of time, not the type of hiking I'm doing (which I tried to tell him). Second of all you NEVER give a paying customer attitude for ANY reason but especially if that customer simply has a different opinion. If you can avoid coming here then do it, they don't know how to treat their customers. I don't think its too much to ask to be treated nicely. read more

great place. helpful people. a must for an avid camper