Well, returns are KIND of an issue seeing as how the nearest store to Kim or myself is Houston. Which is about 5 hours from here. Not just a drive over to the store, hey this broke, get a new one.
I hear ya but they do a pretty good job of taking care of folks who live outside the stores radar. Return by mail works but can be a bit of a hassle. I got it.....stock pile all the stuff ya wanna return and when your heading out of town make your new REI list, return all the stuff you have to and use the money to get the new stuff!
I love my REI Mountain 3 tent, a true 4 season tent. In that tent with a small Coleman catalytic heater, I was warm and toasty in 20 degree weather. I actually got hot and slept on top of my sleeping bag. Great tent and easy to set up.
Everything I have purchased from REI has been great.
>30 year member and have nothing bad to say. I have spent thousands at their store. If you ever get a chance to go to one of their "flagship stores", by all means, do so (Seattle area--their home base, Denver, Boise, etc)
The people are nice, and helpful. My buddy likes them less that me, but he does not like anything that has gone "Big Commericial" like Starbucks, etc.
He likes Eastern Mountain Sports. I have bought from them, but their selection is more limited.
I like Mountain Gear, INC for really high end stuff, but prices tend to be high end as well. Their service is top notch
I have owned several REI-branded items...been happy with every one. REI has a great website with lots of good information; they were one of the first to develop a high-quality internet presence.
I have a REI camp stove that I purchased back in the mid 80's. It's still going strong. Also, I have purchased head lights, clothing, backpacks and other gear from them, all good quality.
For a tent, I would drive up to Gonzales to Cabala's and take a look. They have some quality tents that you can see,feel and get in. Most all of my outdoor gear now comes from Cabala's since it is within about 80 miles from home.
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I have a REI camp stove that I purchased back in the mid 80's. It's still going strong. Also, I have purchased head lights, clothing, backpacks and other gear from them, all good quality.
For a tent, I would drive up to Gonzales to Cabala's and take a look. They have some quality tents that you can see,feel and get in. Most all of my outdoor gear now comes from Cabala's since it is within about 80 miles from home.
HogChain, you live around here? how come i haven't seen you at anything or posting up in the Lousisana thread???
If you have a 4x4 and are free this Sunday, there will be a trail ride. I think it is about an hour north of hammond.
I buy most of my camping/backpackingh equipment from them. Bought a REI tent, used it extensively for 2+ years and the bottom leaked during a rainstorm. Took it back and they apologized and gave me a brand new one. Even better, my Suunto watch broke and I took it back to REI without a reciept, they couldn't find it in their computer, and I suddenly realized I bought it somewhere else and told them so. Their response? "Thats okay, we'll take care of it, go get a new one."
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