REI - Austin, Texas

Jesse L.

What’s not to love of this store? They have everything we needed from our Africa safari to our Antarctica adventure. Our winter gears were all top quality, from our water proof warm gloves, insulated pants to our bug repellent and hats, they have it here.

Their return policy is almost too good, we know of people returning some of their Antarctica gears after their trip. They could afford a super expensive trip but took advantage of REI’s generous policy. 🙄🙄

Steve T.

REI is a nearly century old co-op for outdoors people. I have been a member for more than 50 years, and being a member gets you dividends, as a co-op, at the end of the year for products that are not on sale. REI has become more corporate and less for hardcore outdoorspeople than it used to be. It’s an unfortunate trend that happens to almost all stores that began selling provisions to very serious outdoor adventures, and REI has followed along the path previously laid by Eddie Bauer, and L.L. Bean, which many people do not remember catered only to serious outdoorspeople. They run trips around the world, and have local classes at the store. Their prices are good, and their return policy is very good, although not as good as it used to be, so you can still buy with Great confidence.

Reuben R.

Choice place for all kinds of items for your outdoor activities. They have excellent warm wool socks for winter or mountain activities. All kinds of camping gear, backpacks, tents, and wide selection of hiking boots. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I have had a membership for years and it very much helps getting discounts on items purchased.

Kyle S.

REI is the standard for camping and outdoor essentials. Friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always willing to help. Return policy is unmatched and you’d be surprised what you can find in their in store “outlet” deal section. Highly recommend. 5 stars.

LeslieKatrice

I went in to return something I bought online and it was my first time in an REI. I was super impressed with the customer service from the 4 employees I interacted with, especially the man helping with the dressing rooms- he offered to get me another size if I needed and I thought that was just brilliant. Wish I had caught his name. So I bought a few things and signed up for a membership. Looking forward to shopping there more!

Amore M.

Good sales on camping supplies. I bought a bike for my daughter. They fit and adjust everything. They also have a one year return policy so she can exchange if she doesn't like it.

Jqiatx

Pro tip: get the membership when you know you want to buy $30 of stuff - they give you store credit for the equivalent of their one time membership fee.

Pro tip 2: sales are the best way to experience REI. A Patagonia Nanopuff normally retails for around $200 to $250. I got mine on super sale in the iconic Patagonia Navy for $100. I recently saw a silver in the return sale section for $57.

Great deal. Great service. Best quality on everything. This is where true deals live.

Karthik C.

Avoid this place. The guy in the bike shop just grabbed the bike that my 4 year old was trying out for size.

I went in to purchase 2 pairs of shoes and a bike for my kid. Ultimately decided not to give them any of my business.

The bikes were locked initially and I requested help from one of the person (who was nice) in the bike shop to unlock a 16" bike so that my kid can try and compare the fit with a 12". We were trying the 12" at that time.

Another store associate (based on other reviews, it seems like this his regular behavior) just saw us and told us we need to fill out a form if we need to test drive outside. He also asked us if the bikes were locked or just lying there when we took them (I didn't understand the purpose of that question). I clarified that we got the bikes from another associate and I told that we were just checking the size and didn't really want to go outside for a full ride (Also, we didn't know we had to fill out a form first. No one told that before showing us the bike ?). He said we still need to fill out a form before we take on any bike from the bike rack.

My kid just got out of the bike because of the way he approached. The guy just took the bike and left. It seemed unnecessary and as if he doesn't want us to try on the bike or buy it at all. I would have happily filled out the form if that was mandatory to open the bike for checking the fit (which is bizarre). He did want us to follow him for the form. But i just didn't like that he couldn't leave the bike with my kid and the way we got treated.

I initially thought this is a race thing, but looking at other reviews, looks like its equally bad with others (Deep Sigh!! ?)

Keep your bikes REI 🙂 Don't let them be purchased.