Why REI’s Co-op Membership Is a No-Brainer
Let’s get this out of the way: REI is awesome. It just is. If you’ve ever walked through their stores, you know the vibe – clean design, good gear, passionate staff, and a quiet sense that you’re about to upgrade your outdoor life. That said, I spent years dodging the question at the checkout: “Are you a member with us?”
Every time, I’d mumble something about “next time” or “just browsing.” In my head, I’d somehow convinced myself that the REI membership was too expensive, or that it didn’t make sense unless you were about to drop a few hundred bucks on a tent. But I was wrong. Dead wrong.
REI’s membership is a one-time payment of $30. That’s it. Not annual. Not tiered. Just thirty bucks for life. And – here’s the kicker – they frequently run promos where you get a $30 gift card for signing up. Do the math and yeah, that’s basically a free membership. But even if you catch them when no such deal is running, it’s still one of the best value memberships around. If you like the outdoors, gear, bikes, snow, camping, or, honestly, just good customer service, it pays for itself shockingly fast.
Here’s just some of what you actually get as a member, broken down in plain English:
10% Back on Eligible Purchases: Once a year, REI sends you a slice of the pie in the form of a dividend. It’s not on every single thing, but most full-priced items qualify. Think of it like a slow-burn cashback program, but one that adds up faster than you think.
Extended Return Window: You get a full year to decide if something works for you. Used the boots and they gave you blisters after month six? Take ‘em back. It’s generous, and REI backs it up. Seriously - I’ve used it.
Exclusive Deals and Coupons: Members get special discounts throughout the year. It’s not spammy, it’s just solid offers on legit gear – stuff you were probably going to buy anyway.
Free Standard U.S. Shipping: No minimum. No coupon code. Just free shipping on most orders. If you live far from a store, this one is a big deal all by itself.
Used Gear Program (Re/Supply): You can trade in old gear or shop quality pre-owned stuff at a discount. It’s great for kids’ gear, trying something new, or just saving cash.
Service Discounts: 20% off bike and ski/board shop services. That includes things like tune-ups, flat tire repair, and machine waxing. They even toss in a free tube with your flat repair. Not bad.
Rental Savings: Up to 33% off rentals. Great for trying new sports without committing. Want to snowshoe once a year? This is your move.
Support for the REI Cooperative Action Fund: Your membership actually helps fund community and environmental initiatives. With every new signup, REI donates $5 to programs supporting access to the outdoors and environmental justice. A nice touch.
Member-Only Product Access: Early access to curated collections and limited-edition gear. If you geek out over niche gear drops, this is a nice bonus.
Event and Class Discounts: Whether it’s learning to backpack or getting your kid into mountain biking, members get cheaper entry into all sorts of REI-led programming.
Honestly, I wish I’d signed up years earlier. It’s just a solid value, with perks that sneak up on you over time. You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to make it worthwhile either. Even if you’re just buying the occasional water bottle or stocking up on sunscreen, it’s worth having in your back pocket. Especially if you’ve got kids, a partner who’s gear-curious, or plans to get out into nature a little more this year.
And just to be clear: I’m not getting paid for this. This isn’t a sponsored post. No affiliate link. Nada. Just a real endorsement from someone who finally got tired of saying “next time” and signed up. If you’re on the fence, check for current deals on their site and consider jumping in. You’ll probably make that money back sooner than you think.
Check out REI membership HERE