Since moving here from Anchorage AK, I was worried that Tucson's REI would be a bit of a step back. While smaller than the AK store everyone is just as knowledgeable and helpful as AK. An extra shout out to the young man that helped us in shoes today! read more

Gotta love REI. The Man and I went in about half hour before closing the other night for some quick backpack comparison shopping. We didn't really expect anyone to bother with us because it was so close to closing time. But how we were wrong. Brian was more than helpful & willing to show us several different packs, plus take the time to load one up and even check inventory in the back (several times) and check their inventory at other locations & let us know when we could expect new ones in the store. We haven't made a decision yet on which to buy - but we'll be back for sure. Plus we have to explore the rest of the place! We were literally the last customers in the store that night - but no one was pushing or rushing us. read more

We love going to REI and being a member is great. Staff are always so friendly, knowledgeable and professional, but it was topped today when we needed assistance with our bicycles and Miles helped us. He was the most amazing and we are truly grateful for his assistance today. Thank YOU, Miles! read more

I picked up 2 online orders at the Tucson store. The cashier opened both packages on the counter, took the contents out with shipping slips and said ok there you go. I asked her for a bag so I wouldn't have to carry loose clothes and shipping slips out of the store. She appeared irritated and said, well you paid for them. Would you like the open package to carry the items out with. I said sure, anything would work. 1) Seems kind of odd that she would open up my package and dump the contents on the cashier counter in front of everyone. Glad I didn't order undergarments. 2) Seems odd that she expected me to carry out loose items from the store without putting them back in some kind of bag. 3) So much for friendly Customer Service. Will take a break from REI shopping for a while. I wonder how Amazon Prime's Kayak selection is? R read more

I was so glad they opened REI (No offense other local camping store) But I can find more things at REI. I bought a sleeping bag a few years ago from them, and the first night I used it I found that a part of a zipper was stuck inside the bag, and REI was willing to exchange it for me, and I got a better sleeping bag. Now if we could only have Nordstoms in town I'd be SET! read more

I used to love REI because the sales people are super friendly and helpful, and generally they really know their stuff. I've always found them enthusiastic but not pushy at all. Recently I have had a couple of negative experiences at this store related to the membership. I use my dad's membership and I'm 23. I'm not sure if that's over the age limit, or if they assume I have my own household now, or what; they won't say. They just very aggressively try to convince me to get a membership, which I politely decline. I guess they are not giving me the perks of shopping there--gift cards, coupons, dividend, etc.--but they also haven't explicitly said this. They're weirdly very rude about it and I walk out feeling like I just stole from them or something. It's very unpleasant and I don't want to shop there anymore. Your $20 is better put towards an Amazon Prime membership. read more

I agree with Greg E. on supporting local Summit Hut. The reason I gave REI one star is based solely on the fact on the pressure to become a member. My boyfriend and I went into check out the Sanuk shoes, the only place in Tucson that carries them is REI. This place is fun on the inside but when we were asked if we needed help finding something, we were asked if we were a member within the first 15 seconds of the conversation. Then, upon check out, the girl gave us a serious 30 second shpeal on why we need to become a member. When we decided to pass on this "amazing opportunity", we were immediately given the cold shoulder and the silent treatment for the rest of the transaction. It was very off-putting and it made both me and my boyfriend uncomfortable, and believe me - I don't get uncomfortable easy. We both decided that we won't be returning to REI. We will do our shopping for Sanuk online. read more

We were in Tucson over Labor Day weekend. We realized that the camelback water container I brought was too small for the planned bike ride. We were so lucky to find an REI in a Tucson. As soon as I we walked into the store we were promptly served by the sales associate named Jacob-/ He was so well-versed in everything related to water reservoirs. He directed us to 3 locations in the store and gave us all the pros and cons of items on sale or not on sale --15 minutes later I found what I needed after checking everything out-- At the end, he was also our checker and he gave us more worthwhile advice - thank you so much, Jacob! You Rock !!! you made my bike trip great (especially when AZ heat requires more water for biking ---we are from the cooler SF Bay Area !) thanks CB and Sue read more

I ordered three pairs of socks online and the ordering system said they would be ready for pickup at the store at 7:15pm. I don't live near there but I arranged to do another errand that is somewhat on the way beforehand. I arrived at 7:30pm and the counter clerk said it's not ready and I would have to come back tomorrow. She didn't even offer to check on it further. I mean how hard would it be for someone to run upstairs and pull three pairs of socks? It's not as if they were unusually busy (quite the opposite). From now on I will just go to locally owned Summit Hut where the clerks are always helpful and the customer service is far better. read more

Member here. With another member. And my wife. They followed us around like were stealing. Overheard. Yeah im with THEM on the radio. Cool. Way cool. I got to rei all over the usa. Always treated like the member i am. Till now. Sad...... unhappyface.. . read more

Great selection of gear and even greater employees. Everyone I've had the pleasure of talking to has been incredibly friendly and helpful. I came in for a complimentary pack fitting today and Stefan was incredibly helpful. He helped me size my pack, mould my hip belt, and answered numerous very detailed questions I had about all sorts of gear and helped me pick out what was right for me. read more

I made an online purchase a few days before the coupon came out. When I went to the store with my receipt the manager said I needed to physically return the item and repurchase. What a waste of gas and time. Certainly not the type of accommodating, environmentally conscientious service expected at REI. Not my favorite REI. read more

Slow, not helpful, not attentive to customers, staff talking to each other while customers look for help, plus scant selection. Too bad.

REI isn't bad but why not go support SUMMIT HUT which is local and right down the street on Wetmore? Also be warned this place closes at 8 on Saturdays not 9 (not gonna make that mistake again lol) read more

REI has great Covid practices in place to help with social distancing and extra cleaning measures. Each person I came in contact with was super helpful, but Stephen was especially helpful. He spent a lot of time with me going over the different packs I was interested in, fitting them, and packing them with weight so I could try them out in the store. He also had a lot of great insight and tips for the trip I'm taking based off all the other customers he's helped in the past. Then I got a phone call after I left from Lance letting me know I had left my member card at the store. I appreciate everyone going out of there way to be helpful. read more

REI is a big store and they have some wonderful prices on some items but I prefer shopping for their stuff online. Why? Because I would have given it five stars but the sales staff were so eager to sell they drove me nuts. I had to ask a associate to take my purchases to the checkout since he would not stop following me (like a puppy). I was pushed some more by the checkout girl who wouldn't stop talking nonstop. For example.... " Doyouhaveacardyouknowyoucansignuptodayormaybeyouhaveafriendwhocan..." This is why I shop mostly online now since I don't have to deal with all the pushiness. Really I would only go here for a last minute need. The store itself was clean and well organized. They have some very good reliable brands for decent prices which is why I visited them in the first place. Give them a go and you might find something you have never seen before too. read more

My wife and I were assured by REI Tucson sales associate "Becca" that a special order kayak could be made in person at that store. After driving an extended distance to the store we met another associate and asked for the manager so the order could be made. The manager would not come down but called and informed the associate he would not make the special order in spite of what we were previously told. Since this is the worse customer service we have ever encountered at a REI; we obviously will not come back to this location. read more

I like the layout and space of this location. I've found some good deals on sale items like Marmot, North Face and Patagonia. Shout out to employee Stefan. He was SUPER helpful when assisting my friend and I. He's kind and is knowledgeable in all things outdoors. He is very personable and you can tell he enjoys working with customers. read more

REI member here, also in the military, so I would like to think I don't give off the "I'm here to steal" vibe. Came by with two coworkers, who are also members, to grab snacks and check out some boots. Had a cashier throw a jacket on over their REI vest and start following me around pretending to shop. Every rack I went to he would follow without saying anything. Thought it was weird and maybe just a super slow day. Was asked probably 8 or 9 times in the 20minutes we were there if I needed help finding anything. Either the loss prevention team at this location is garbage, or overly zealous. All in all I think I'll stick to shopping online. Only saving grace was the super polite and helpful cashier Marisa. read more

Very nice REI. Everything is clean and organized. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. I have been a long-time REI shopper and I am so happy there is now one in Tucson! I went on a Friday afternoon and the place was practically empty. Hope they are busy so they will stay put for a while! Not too many local events on the schedule right now... hopefully they will continue to grow! read more

i've gone into REI three times now. coming from kauai, i can see lots of the stuff they sell here at REI being put to good use. now that i am living in tucson, i don't know where to hike, camp, etc!! when i went in this morning, to get my husband a birthday present, one of the associates was really helpful in picking out an item for my husband. he also told me about their membership ( i can't believe it's only a $20 lifetime fee) and educated me about some hiking and camping spots in different areas around tucson. thanks to andy, i walked out one happy camper. hehe! read more

Great informative staff. Return policy is great. Selection is always top gear. Zero complaints. Helped me for 2 hours outfitting me for Southern AZ hiking including shoes and a great fitting Osprey backpack. read more

I was elated when REI came to town. I used to be a member in Phoenix, and you do feel a sense of ownership by paying the fee. The store is immense and packed with every outdoor gadget imaginable. Their store brand backpack served me well all over the world until I'd worn it to bits - now I have a new one. The day pack zips off easily, everything is accessible once you learn the zipper system, and it expands to gargantuan proportions while fitting the back comfortably. It's no Dana, but is the most versatile pack I've every owned. read more

I'm really happy with this place, Even though they didn't have in stock the shoes I wanted, it is a miracle that this is one of the few places that does carry minimalist crosstraining shoes. They told me when the next shipment would be in but recommended to me that I wait until one of their garage sales that way I can save a ton of money on them. Super helpful. read more

Finally made it up to REI, mostly as a comparison to the local version--Summit Hut. It is everything that you would expect from the other reviews. I was impressed by the sheer size of the place. Two stories, with clothes on top and camping gear, bicycles, kayaks, ski gear, etc. all located downstairs. Really, basically everything you would need for most outdoor activities. One nice thing that I haven't heard much about it the $20 offer to "buy into the company". Basically, it is a membership card type scheme, where you get 10% of your purchase costs (excluding sale items) tallied into an account that you can access and apply to purchases whenever you see fit. The $20 is for a lifetime membership, and is applicable to opnline purchases as well, so if you ever really buy outdoor gear and clothing, even infrequently, this deal might be very well worth it to you. All that said, I have to admit I was surprised that Summit Hut--often considered to have high prices--really wasn't that much different than what I saw at REI. But of course, the big box that is REI does offer a larger selection. So really it comes down to larger selection vs. local flavor. You decide. One downside, to me at least, is that it is located in the shadow of the Tucson Mall, and that makes driving around and parking a bit more of a hassle. read more

Maybe it's the part that REI tries to be involved with eco-conservation... Maybe it's the fact that there are multiple running skirts... Maybe it's how I bought a pair of hot pink cycling socks and the cashier recommended them as I was buying them... Maybe it's the fact that the fitting rooms' lights don't turn on until you walk in there and you can just walk in the rooms (in the middle of the store) and just try on without feeling embarrassed... Maybe it's the members-only sales where you get first dibs on returns... Maybe it's the 100% return policy (return at any time)... Maybe it's that other sporting goods places carry my Asics but not my Mizunos like REI... Maybe I would rather pay $5 more than buying something online because I can try it on and make sure it fits... There's something about REI...swoon... read more

Sure I love REI, especially after being a Pacific Northwest resident. I know, they're often overpriced, but I get rad coupons via e-mail and I used one on a sale item. They have great specials and great specialty items. Plus, being a member, I like the yearly dividend from being part of a co-op -pretty sweet sweet deal. read more

I was looking for three items that were pretty normal to find at an REI. Couldn't find any of the three and the one backpack I considered I didn't like the color and then I found out was nearly half price on their online store in a better color. The problem I had was most people there were not helpful, I walked in, none of the staff greeted me and they were standing right there. I had to yell to get someone to help me, and the store was nearly empty except for staff. I asked the staff upstairs if they had an item they have online, was told no, then walked right past it on my way out. I tried to walk down the stairs, one of the staff was walking very slowly up in the middle of the staircase reading his phone and I had to wait and when he saw me standing at the top of the stairs waiting he didn't even try to move or say anything. Just continued up in the middle. I am a member of REI, not sure I'd give this place another try. Three stars as in general I love REI. Went there again recently as needed a new backpack quick, really wasn't any better except the cashier was nice. Same thing happened, asked for something, told then didn't have it, then found it myself. read more

Really nice store! Everything is laid out in an organized manner and there are always associates available to help. My only negative is they never have enough in stock of items. I go and look for a medium in something and all they ever have is xsmall or xlarge. read more

This review is for their biking goods as I keep coming back here for bike shorts, but they never seem to have a good supply of them ever.. Would rather prefer going elsewhere for my biking needs. REI seems to be good on other gear items, although a couple months ago I came to look for women's hiking shoes and I wasn't able to find what I wanted. read more

Went to the new REI with the hubby yesterday! It's insane.....we found a fabulous new tent. I am so excited for Tucson...we are movin' on up to the top! What's next.....a Nordy's...please!!!! LOVE REI, thank you! YAY!!! read more

WHY do people like this store? I don't get it. I have been here 3 times and have NEVER been greeted by an employee. I think 3 times is a reasonable chance to give you, but now I'm giving up. I wanted to buy a knife, and I stood right in front of the case (only 15 feet from 2 employees) for several minutes waiting for them to free up. They didn't acknowledge me, and I patiently waited while they talked about their upcoming weekend plans. I just wanted to buy a pocket knife, but I'm not one to interrupt a conversation. I left to look at other things in the store, and came back to see if they had freed up, but then no one was around. So I didn't buy the knife I wanted here and I left. I didn't feel invisible, but just ignored. Instead, I went to Summit Hut. They are a locally owned shop in Tucson with similar brands that are also sold by REI. The guy greeted me at the door and asked what he could help me find. He unlocked the knife case and I got to inspect a couple and ask some questions. I ended up buying a Kershaw from Summit Hut. He sold me the one right out of the case so I knew what I was getting in the box. Why would I return to REI when I had this kind of service to compare? I am thankful that there is a better alternative to REI in Tucson. Seriously, it's like REI never wanted my business. Acknowledging customers goes a long way, and this is why I won't return to your store. I've told several of my friends not to try to shop at REI, because they will probably waste their time waiting. read more

I have been a member since the late '70s. So glad I finally live near a store. I have been to many of their locations across the country and the Tucson store represents them well. Join and you get an annual rebate and all their catalogs with notifications of specials. read more

I haven't been to an REI that I haven't liked, and this Tucson location is no exception. Always clean and friendly staff. We were just in this past weekend and I was carrying around a jacket and left it on a random rack to use the restroom. A minute later I tried searching for the jacket and it was already back on it's hangar in it's rightful place. Talk about efficient! I was a little bummed, though. They have never had a great stock of strollers. I was hoping to look closely at the different types of BOB strollers, since they are a retailer, but they had just two this weekend-a dualie and the motion/non jogging stroller. bummer. Oh well. still a great store. read more

Our favorite place to purchase outdoor equipment and clothing. Their membership and rebates are another great reason to shop there.

Update - After trying to fit everything into the pack, needed to return it for a larger one. This time, we were assisted by Chappy, who also did an outstanding job expertly fitting my wife with a pack that will serve her well. read more

Good merchandise terrible service. Always have to search for help. One time I actually stood in cashier line to get help because couldn't find anyone read more

Decent REI. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Not the biggest store ever, but certainly not the smallest. Yeah, the prices were up there, but it is REI... If you can't hang, go back to walmart... read more

Like any REI; nice selection, kinda pricey, and helpful, friendly staff. Great perks for being a member like the 10% dividend you get at the end of the year from all of your purchases....and of course the "gently used" garage sales that they have are awesome and have crazy deals! I love the outdoors, so it only makes sense that I would enjoy REI. read more

This was my first time in the store. I really needed new shoes because I walk 8- 12 miles per day as part of my workout. I thought after talking to someone in the mall that I knew which shoe I was looking for. Jacob, the Rei associate spent time with me and found the correct shoe for me. Jacob was very knowledgeable and helpful. I ended up walking out with a great pair of shoes and a great first impression. read more