12 Reasons Why You Should Get An REI Membership

I have been an REI Co-op member since 2013! Becoming an REI Member is probably one of the best decisions I made when I first started to dabble in the outdoors. There are many benefits to becoming a member, like discounts, free shipping, garage sales, and much more. I am so thankful that my friends convinced me to get a membership because I have saved so much money, and now I am a part of such a fantastic community. If you want to become a member, click here, but below I talk about why I love being an REI Co-op member in detail.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. Thank you to REI Co-op for collaborating on this blog post. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Why Get An REI Membership

Get 10% Back On Purchases

The 10% back on all purchases is probably my favorite perk of being a member, and I take full advantage of it every year. In March, I get a notification from REI Co-op that my dividend is ready to use to buy gear. The dividend is typically 10% of what I spent the year before. This is such an amazing bonus, and it gives me a chance to get even more good quality gear every year.

Members Get Free Shipping

This is a brand new perk that I am so excited about! Since I am always outdoors, I tend to buy items randomly throughout the year and now having free shipping is a huge money saver for me. There is no minimum purchase amount required.

I am so excited about this! There are times I want to buy dry food or snacks for my weekend backpacking excursions which are usually not over $50, so I typically have to wait for my next big purchase to get any backpacking food. Now I don’t have to wait! I can’t wait to take advantage of this in the summer.

20% Off Of Bike And Snow Shop Services

My husband was excited about getting 20% off of bike and snow shop services. He is an avid biker and snowboarder, so he is definitely going to take advantage of this. Anyone that has a bike knows how much maintenance they can be.

Something really cool I learned was that members get a free flat tire repair for bikes (labor only) and machine wax for skis or boards.

Up To 33% Off Rentals

Snowshoeing gear can be pretty expensive, which is why I was so enthusiastic to learn that you can now get 33% off of rentals if you are a member. Rental equipment included are paddling gear, bear canisters, hiking and backpacking gear, cycling gear, and snowshoes. >Find A Rental Location Here

Get REI Co-op Member Only Coupons

I always love receiving my REI Co-op coupons in the mail! You can save on one favorite item at REI during certain times of the year. I always take advantage of this coupon and order big-priced items that have been on my list for a while.

Amazing REI Co-op Return Policy

REI Co-op has the best return policy I have ever heard of! You can return your gear (not garage gear), for up to a year if you are a member. If you are not a member you have only 90 days to return the item.

A company with a good return policy is so crucial for me. Especially when it comes to outdoor gear, outdoor gear can get pretty roughed up, so I must have the option to return my equipment easily. I need to ensure the items I am using will last me for years.

Have A Direct Impact On REI Co-op

Every fall, if you are a member, you can help elect the co-op board who will guide the co-op forward. The REI Co-op election uses a “majority vote” process and a ballot that is counted by an independent tabular.

Save On REI Co-op Classes Or Trips

Thinking about going on a backpacking trip somewhere cool, but you don’t want to go at it alone? I know many women who struggle with this, and there is a fun and cool way to get outside and explore somewhere new in a group setting. Try out the REI Co-op adventure travel!

What is even better is that members get a significant discount that is worth way more than your one-time membership fee. So if you are considering going on a group trip, get a membership to get that major discount. >Check Out Some Awesome Adventures Here

Trade In Used Gear

Are you ready to save even more? REI Co-op has a fantastic way of doing this, which is excellent for the environment. You can trade in your used gear, or you can shop for used gear. How cool is that? Just click here to find out more! At the Re/Supply section of REI Co-op’s website, you can purchase great gear at an affordable price, which makes outdoor experiences much for accessible to everyone.

REI Gives Back

With every purchase of a lifetime membership, REI Co-op gives $5 to the REI Cooperative Action Fund! This fund is a public charity that promotes justice, equality, and belonging in the outdoors.

As a woman of color that felt those injustices as a child, this is extremely important to me. I know all of the hardships I had to do just to be able to have a chance to hike and camp. I had to go through many hoops, so I am glad that REI Co-op is giving back to the community that has struggled to get outside. Learn more here.

Early Access To New Cool Gear

I was so excited when REI Co-op’s new hiking jacket (shown above) came into the market. It looks so cute, the price is pretty great for how good the quality of the down is, and it is so warm. When I first noticed it, it was only available for members. I quickly snagged it before it was sold out. >Check Out The Members Early Access Equipment Here

Your Membership Never Expires

I have had this membership since 2013, and I have not made a single payment towards my membership since that year. Currently, the membership is $30, and it will last you a lifetime if you spend at least $10 at REI Co-op every year. It is such a fantastic deal. >Get Your Membership Now

Conclusion

Thanks for reading all about becoming an REI Co-op member. Make sure to check out some of my other outdoorsy blog posts:

• The Ultimate Car Camping Essentials Guide With A FREE Car Camping Checklist
• Wildlife Safety Tips
• What Are The 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace?
• Gift Ideas For Outdoor Enthusiasts

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