Are REI Co-op Memberships Worth It?

Exploring the Perks and Benefits of REI Co-op Membership!

As spring arrives, we welcome longer daylight hours and warmer temperature, and the annual REI Co-op Member Reward! Being an REI member comes with tons of perks and benefits. 

March is an especially exciting time at REI Co-op as we receive our annual member reward. This reward reflects your REI purchases from the previous year, delivered directly to your REI account, ready to fuel your next outdoor adventures.

Whether you're an experienced outdoor adventurer or simply someone who enjoys outdoor activities, I highly recommend joining the REI Co-op Membership!

I've been an REI member since I set off on my backpacking trip to the Adirondack Mountains, New York, for my 30th birthday (spoiler alert: I got engaged on top of New York’s highest peak, Mt. Marcy! You can read more about it here). Before heading out on that trip, a kind person in a green vest helped by sharing valuable information about the proper gear for my backpacking trip.

Since joining, I have saved hundreds of dollars on gear! They are truly worth the hype. 

If you haven't become a member yet, now is the perfect time to join because REI Co-op members can enjoy a 20% discount on one full-price and one outlet item, both online and in-store. When shopping online, simply use the coupon code MEMBER24 to grab your discount.

It's more than membership – it's your gateway to the outdoor experiences and memories!

10 Reasons REI Co-op Membership is Worth the Hype

1. Member Rewards (previously known as the annual dividend) - A significant perk of being an REI member is this benefit: you earn 10% back on all eligible REI purchases, whether made in-store or online. Every March, you receive the member reward in your REI account, valid for the next two years, allowing you to use it towards purchasing more gear. Additionally, members enjoy an extra 20% discount on one full-price and one outlet item, both online and in-store.

2. Free Shipping - Members receive free standard shipping on all REI purchases, with no minimum order required. This makes online shopping quick and easy, particularly beneficial for those who don’t live near an REI store. Just imagine the amount of money you’ll save on shipping cost!!

3. REI Member-Only Coupons, Discounts and Sales - Throughout the year, REI has a number of sales and during those sales, they offer additional discounts to Members. Typically during these sales, Members get 20% off one full-price item and an extra 20% off an already discount item

4. REI Member-Only Discount on Classes & Trips - Did you know that REI offers a wide range of classes? From volunteering and trail maintenance to hiking and camping, as well as outdoor skills such as Wilderness First Aid courses and navigation training. REI classes are a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor knowledge and expertise! Members receive discounts on trips, allowing them to explore new adventures while saving money.

5. Discounts on Rentals and Repair Shop - Are you interested in trying a new outdoor activity but hesitant to invest in all the necessary gear? Planning an adventure out of state and don't want the hassle of carrying all your equipment on a flight? At REI, you can rent gear for a wide range of activities! Members enjoy savings of up to 33% on all gear rentals. REI stores also have full bike and ski shops in-house, and members get to enjoy 20% off all shop services, including machine waxing for skis and snowboards as many times as you want.

6. Return Policy - Members have up to one year from their purchase date to return items for a replacement or refund. However, please note that this policy does not permit the misuse or abuse of gear with the intention of returning it a year later. It does, however, allow you to return items for a full refund if they are causing discomfort or issues during use, such as hiking boots that are hurting your feet on the trail. Another benefit of being a member is that you don't need a receipt; you can simply show up with the item, and they can look up your purchase history using your phone number!

7. Member-Only Re/Supply Program - Remember the hiking boots that were hurting your feet, and you had to return them? Now, REI offers all the gently used items returned at in-person ‘garage sales’ held throughout the year. Additionally, REI sells all gear on their used gear website. Choosing used outdoor gear is not only beneficial for our planet, considering the impact of new gear and apparel, but it also supports brands that advocate for secondhand gear. I’m passionate about supporting such brands that promote sustainable practices!

8. Early Access to New Gear + Exclusive Gear - Members receive early access to limited edition special offers, one-of-a-kind collaborations, and other fantastic gear deals. You can find these deals on REI’s Member Collection page. 

9. Expert Advice and Resources - This is probably one of my favorite sources for expert advice on gear, outdoor activities, and more! You can find this valuable advice and resources on REI’s Uncommon Path Blog page.

10. Outdoor Advocacy and Conservation Support - When you join REI as a member, you're backing a company with a strong commitment to outdoor advocacy and conservation. REI actively invests in projects and organizations dedicated to safeguarding our natural spaces, guaranteeing that future generations can also revel in the wonders of the outdoors.

Final Thoughts on REI Co-op Membership

For me, being an REI Co-op member goes beyond just discounts—it's about joining a community that shares my love for adventure, values sustainability, and is deeply committed to preserving our outdoor spaces. It's about investing in experiences that enrich our lives and create lasting memories.

These additional benefits underscore the sense of community and environmental responsibility that come with being an REI Co-op member, making it an even more compelling choice to join!

Looking for more gear to get with your REI Co-op Membership? I’ve got you covered! Check out these gift guides for my top recommendations in hiking, camping and backpacking gear!

Happy Adventuring!