I'm new at the whole hiking thing (people here hike in the rain???) and was referred to REI for gear. This is a great resource for quality equipment and a one stop shop. My salesperson was very good, helped me get everything I needed, and asked lots of questions. He told me about his favorite hiking areas and trails, and got me excited about my first trip up to Mt. Si.
I hope to start biking and running again. I'll be back to pick up more gear.

REI is no longer a store we shop at after 20 years.
I wanted to buy a canoe at the San Diego store and was asked to not come in with my small Laos Aapso
NO DOGS ALOWED!!!
I asked do you server food?
No!
No Dogs Allowed the kid at the door said.
Okay see you.
We will not be back ever.

I have been an REI customer for 30 years, and have shopped at sporting goods stores all over the planet.
True, if you are looking for cheap, army-surplus type goods here, you won't find 'em, and true if you are a gearhead looking for only the rarest and most esoteric specialty equipment, you won't find it here.

They do have very good, well-tested equipment, outdoor clothing and supplies. On busy weekends you will have to wait for service, esp. where you need a fit like boots or skis.

The staff is generally friendly and knowlegable and willing to refer you to another store in town if they don't have what you need. Overall, a first-class operation.

This is a store I keep going back to for shoes, coats, rain jackets, camping stuff, and gifts. Can always find a knickknack of some sort for anyone of any age.

they have a great selection and friendly staff---lots to see and a great room for maps! they also have a little food cafe that works out well.

Once upon a time, REI was a useful source for gear that helped us enjoy the outdoors. Nowadays, I find REI a real pain to shop at. What is it about the place that is so mediocre? Maybe it's the huge amount of floor space devoted to marginal, overpriced clothing? Or perhaps it's that cold, corporate tone that permeates their stores? Or it could be the trend in ridiculously overpriced "gear" that does little more than complicating my outings? What do I get for the REI surcharge--a generous return policy. Sure, they have that. But, why do I have such a hard time finding equipment that's useful to me, awash in all that useless junk. I'm tired of the prices, those constant, annoying pitches for membership, and the bland uninspiring selection of gear. I'll buy anywhere else first if I can. Goodbye REI.

Discovered (as of 11/05) that dogs are no longer allowed. When you want to find good value in something basic (day pack, gaiters) you'll find plenty of overpriced options but nothing affordable. REI clearly has grown out of its co-op roots and into a retail monster. Blah.

Man, is this place a disappointment. I'd heard much about REI, but had never been. I wish I hadn't bothered. I'm willing to wait for expert service, but I waited thirty minutes and was finally served by a guy who would've been better suited to working the floor at the Gap for all he knew about boots and feet. I left, and am ordering my gear from my old shop. When the prices are this high (someone said REI was inexpensive) and the service is this bad, there's just no reason to go back. Forget REI. Like the other guy said, they're Old Navy for people who want to look like they do more outside than they really do.

As a woman, if you want to spend a total of 15 minutes perusing the entire women's department looking in vain for gear while being pushed aside by skinny, squishy, wouldn't find themselves in the "dirty" wilderness for anything customers, you are now REI's clientelle. If you are a woman who needs gear, go elsewhere. Oh, and if you want to help kill trees by receiving marketing materials from the companies REI sells your information to, be sure to become a member!

Unless you're in the market for cheap, Chinese-made sweaters and clothes that'd make even a Redmond hausfrau wince, go elsewhere. Not only does REI not care about the needs of its once-devoted membership, it is now collecting & selling consumer information about members' purchases. Consider Sierra Trading Post, Campmor, Cabelas, LL Bean, or one of the local shops. Too bad, too. Too damn bad.