REI Price Tracker

REI was founded in Seattle in 1938 by Lloyd and Mary Anderson as a co-operative to help climbers get good gear at reasonable prices, and it still brands itself as a co-op. It sells equipment and clothing for hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, paddling, snow sports and travel, but no hunting or fishing gear. All of its stores are in the US. rei.com does handle some international orders, but hazardous or flammable items can't be shipped abroad, so UK buyers should check at checkout.

Membership costs a one-off lifetime fee rather than a yearly subscription. Members typically receive an annual Co-op Member Reward of around 10% on eligible full-price purchases, plus member offers and coupons and free US standard shipping. Reduced gear sits in REI Outlet and the sale section, and Re/Supply sells used gear that members can also trade in for an REI gift card. Outlet, sale, clearance and used items don't earn the member reward.

That makes a price alert at REI a slightly different calculation: for a member, a small markdown can be worth less than buying at full price and collecting the reward. Tents, sleeping bags, jackets and bikes come in several sizes and colours, and reductions often reach only some of them. Track the exact variant, and when the email arrives, compare the sale price with the full price minus the reward you'd expect.