so i'm a 40+-year REI member, but in recent years have drifted toward Backcountry (better web services) and local outfitters. REI Anchorage is in its third location since I started shopping here in the '80s. This one is way large. special shout out to the ski rental shop, and honorable mention to Marcus for taking the time to chat with us about what we needed, where the trails were good - etc. Rented two days for nice cc skiing at Kincaid, equipment was in great condition. ended up buying a pair of boots after great assistance with trying them on (though one does have to make oneself visible - the staffing is a little lean imo). all a way of saying, i am glad REI continues to be a great resource in my hometown. recommend you shop here. read more

No longer in stands by its 100% satisfaction guaranteed return policy. I went to return boots today, they didn't have my size in the store so an REI employee told me to order a size 11 and a size 10.5 online, which I did. Today, two weeks later I went to return the size 11 boots that don't fit., that have never been worn outside, and was told that I've been banned from returns. I didn't receive any emails about this, I searched my email and my spam and deleted folders, nor did I receive any snail mail. I've been a member since 2008 and have spent over $40,000 at REI over the years, I guess that doesn't count for anything. For outdoor gear, I recommend shopping local and going to AMH. (Alaska, mountaineering and hiking.) Update: now every time I buy something from REI a manager has to come up and tell me about what a bad consumer I am before I'm allowed to buy something from them. read more

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So I'm 50/50 on this one. Half of the people I saw working were not helpful and half were very personable. The cashier who got me signed up for their lifetime membership was really nice, big smile and helpful. I had been running around initially for a good hour looking for snowboarding gear as a beginner without any help. Since I'm new to outdoor cold things I don't know what things should cost for quality or even non quality but clothes prices did seem pretty steep walking around and the gear was out there too. Some of the return goods for sale looked brand new and heavily discounted and other looked very beat. I couldn't find a fitting room so I bought a size that looked about right and had to return them next day because they didn't fit. Which worked out because the security tag was left on the pants. I went to buy a North Face bib and they were all fastened to the rack with a security cable so it dissuaded shy me from getting them. The store is huge and a bit overwhelming for novice me so I'll probably take advantage of shipping to my house. read more

The only one in anchorage, this store is really big. One of the bigger REIs ive been to. Big selection and not a bad place to get supplies. The service here as you'd expect from REI is knowledgeable and welcoming. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

The selection was amazing, this is the largest REI that I have ever been in. The staff were exceptional and very knowledgeable about their items. read more

This location baffles me. I've traveled all over the country and been to REIs everywhere, in very outdoorsy communities. I do not understand how or why this place always has the longest line I've ever seen in a retail store. I came in a couple times in the summer and was like, okay... I guess the tourists just make this place insufferable. But here it is, November, and I'm not exaggerating that the line today was at least 50 people deep. Every single time it's crazy like this. What are they doing wrong that every other REI can figure out?! read more

I go back and forth on making this 3 or 4 stars?! I can't decide... I guess since we don't have a half star option I'll drop them down to three. I went in about a month before Christmas and it was a bit chaotic in there. I wandered around looking for a Bluetooth beanie and wandered around some more and finally found someone to ask. You'd have thought I asked for something from mars, because that's how she responded. After getting on the radio it was confirmed that they didn't carry them, nor had she ever heard of such a thing. ..::shrug::.. I left with nothing. I went back this past weekend after looking up some snowboard boots online... there were multiple shelves and a 1 boot for women of the 5 boots there. I asked one gal I found if that was all they had and she shrugged and said she didn't know. She did get someone to come over after a minute or two. Not crazy friendly, but helpful indeed. I gave her my size and she came back with two boots, which neither fit. She did go back and look for larger sizes and came back again with two more... luckily the one I was interested in was in a larger size and I had new boots in hand. Like usual, we wandered a bit... next thing I know I have some goggles in hand, but don't see any on the shelf and I see the same lady... it was as though she had never seen me before and almost like I was imposing. Hmph! She was able to help, but again, nothing friendly about the interaction. Checkout the same... stood there chatting with my dad and the cashier didn't say a word to us until I mentioned something about rewards and then he chimed in. Just not super friendly anymore like they once were. Return policy changed a long time ago, but it's still okay for the most part. The prices are pretty steep and if you can find the same thing elsewhere, you'll generally get it a bit cheaper. One thing though... shipping to your house is indeed faster then to the store, so I do recommend that. read more

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Strange experience today at REI Just tried to buy a couple of climbing harnesses for myself and my daughter. Maybe a pair of climbing shoes. The person helping us completely mislead us on sizing we were looking for , also hinging us a pair of shoes that had a return receipt inside and were obviously worn before. He took the receipt out and just put the up for sale for the full original price (??) and also telling us no kids shoes are available that might fit my child, ( we did find some shoes that potentially would fit her but she didn't like them). Situation at the register was even worse, I was charged a double for my harness, was charged also for the item i decided not to buy and put it away, also was charged for the membership that was never mentioned that the membership wasn't free. It was so strange, the guy made so many mistakes and I didn't check my receipt i would end up paying extra $100 ( crazy! ) What's happening REI ? SALE Signs all over the store on top of the items that aren't actually on sale, the entire store is kinda a mess today . You really have to walk around and really read what the Sale sign says with small letter. Overall was a stressful experience for me and my child today. And like said- help really sorry for the guy at the register that made not just one mistake, not just two , are three mistakes in a row. read more

Super helpful and friendly staff to assist with all of your outdoor needs. I did, however, wrongfully assume they sold guns. They do not. Bass Pro or Cabela's is the next closest thing. The bike selection is kind of weak, but there is a Trek shop across the street out the back entrance of the mall. The prices are very reasonable and pretty much market value from what I could see. I bought a pair of running sneakers, which had the same price in store as online on many other retail sites. Plenty of parking as this location is inside a strip mall. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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So I've held off on the review of REI for a while due to some inconsistency with products and service. While it's is a large store with nearly anything you need for outdoors activities, availability is somewhat spotty on things. Generally the costumer service is good but the waits can be crazy at times to checkout with lines to the back of the store and not much concern for expeditious movement at the registers. I like the store and come here often but they could use some improvement on the checkout processes and getting more items in in a timely manner. read more

The State of Alaska offers huge outdoor opportunities, and this REI has the size to be up for the challenge. The store is located a couple miles from Downtown and as part of the Midtown Mall. By coincidence, this REI was almost across the street from our Embassy Suites Hotel, and I had forgotten to bring a backpack along for our upcoming 10-day Alaska vacation. I was lucky to find a basic Kelty model for just under $30, which served both me and Gayle well. read more

This is actually a lot about their grand reopening at their new location in Anchorage . They are now located in the Sears Mall . I'm not sure that is still it's name . It should now be be called the REI mall . The grand reopening is still going on thru tomorrow 3/24/19 and it is grand . They have a lot of different vendors , Keen and Hydro flask to name a couple each holding games of skill and offering prizes . Beach Tribe craft Soda is serving their jipping ginger beer on tap and You can also get a Yeti Hotdog or a Firetap pretzel and Steam Dot coffee. I am a big fan of REI ,they always stand behind their product and everyone who works at REI knows a lot about what they are selling . The new store is huge . Everything used to be on two floors now it's all on one . . read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Good selection of stuff and they usually have shoes/gear in the size I need. The employees on the floor are usually helpful and easy to find. The thing that gives me the ick is the aggressiveness of the cashiers to join the membership program. I don't like being berated by people telling me what I "should" do with my money. I get that its a good program, but the push to join is really overbearing, especially when I only go in to look for new gear maybe three times a year and I have a budget that I'm trying to stick to. An extra $30 is not insignificant. When you say no to having one, and no to wanting to sign up thats where the conversation about it should end. read more

Always have what I need! You can find great sale items at this store Saff is also extremely knowledgable and helpful.

Winter Sports, Skis, Summer Sports, Hiking, Biking or Kayaking ... Here I am again more skis for Leila. Early Xmas. Tonight we bought Cross Country Skate Skis, Poles and Slide Wax for Leila. We bought her Classic skis at the start of the season and she had the schools loaners for Skate Skiing, Leila said they didn't fit right. So to do it right we have to get them their own. We again got correctly matched Skate race skis and poles. Oh did we see a Sale Set that perfectly fit Oh yeah and Coop points! I love the rebate check I get like every March. The sale helped and they're building a new store where Sears was in town. This store is pricey but you get what you want and you'll buy with confidence you made a right decision. The expertise makes it worth the expense. Some things are hands on and touchy-feely and Amazon just won't work. Sporting goods and equipment is that way in Alaska. Work Hard Play Hard! read more

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When you think Alaska sports, skiing, biking, hiking and warm gear I think got to go to REI. Husband has the REI Coop MasterCard so points Hello! Tonight was a Cross Country package buy for Leila. She joined the South HS Skiing Team - so Dereck helped fit her new boots, correctly matched her to race skis, bindings, boots and poles. Then he lined her up with the proper waxes. Ba boom and hubby got Coop points! They give a Rebate Check Annually. Bonus 10% off too tonight when you buy skis, boots and poles together. Those 3 together got the discount. Off to the races! Leila has been coached in Downhill Skiing and can tackle the highest levels at Alyeska, she's had years of Ice Skating coaching competitively too and now she wants to get experience in cross Country - When in Alaska - it's a winter sport wonderland! read more

New location! New layout! Now at Midtown Mall aka Sears Mall without Sears. With more space, they have more merchandise and it is laid out in categories for easy hunting and gathering. The prices remained the same and they have a lot of helpful staff on the floor. The staff are great. Very knowledgeable. I don't care for the new decor - concrete floor, exposed ceiling, plain wood shelves. I know they are following the trend but it feels like a cheap environment . read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Ok first off, Im big on reviews but never long ones so here goes: 1. this REI is F-A-T. I was actually stunned and felt like I was in a maze. I had to get to the bike shop part of the store and was literally zig zagging through the aisles. It's amazing how busy it was too right before closing. (I never made the connection that REI is probably an important store in Alaska lol all my stuff is ordered or handed down to me but I'll forever go to REI now). 2. The customer service is superb. I called in probably 20 min before they closed on my way to them for a rear axle end cap on my new bike a friend gave to me. The guy on the phone didn't get what I was describing (i didn't know what part was called at first) but he was super patient and transferred me to someone else who was also very patient. We decided I'm close enough to make it before they close and I should just go in. I did that, got slightly lost in this huge store, but found the bike shop and got the piece I needed all right before they closed, like I'm talking within the last 5-7 min maybe. I will say it was super busy in there it didn't even seem like they were about to close but everyone I talked to in there was polite and super cool. I will definitely be going to REI more often I can't believe that store was right under my nose the entire time! Great first experience and shout out to the cutie with dreads at the bike shop who hooked me up with the piece I needed after I thanked the guy for the piece (wish I would've gotten his name) an older man who was getting help from him as well said "aren't they just the greatest?" I'm assuming talking about the REI employees and I turned around and just said "yes!" Very good impression of the employees there. Please go to REI lol Ok I'm done with this review :) read more

I think this is an average REI. I was here to get bear spray and fuel canisters before heading to Denali National Park. Bear spray was only 3 remained. I saw other 2 people bought and no more on the shelf by the time we left. Clerks are friendly. Clean and spacious interior. read more

Super impressed with the bicycle department. After going to a local bike store and asking for a tune up price, I expected REI to be more expensive. I was wrong. They took great care of my bike and had it back to me in less than 24 hours. The member price was cheaper than the regular persons rate, but even that price was 65 dollars cheaper than a bike store across the street. Great customer service, great turnaround, great price. Well done REI! read more

The selection of clothes is outstanding. The prices are high but you get what you pay for. The quality of the goods is great. Also if you are not satisfied for any reason, you may return items if it's been under a year. They had a lot of tule rack items in the garage sale area. They just got a shipment in of snowboards. read more

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Received an email from rei stating my new bike was ready for pickup. I drove into town to pick it....we'll it wasn't ready at all. A complete waste of 2 hours of my time. They can do better. They don't have enough staff. read more

A well laid out store. Lots of inventory of items. Store was clean and was being maintained as I shopped the store. It was 45 minutes before anyone made eye contact or offered any assistance. I was using crutches. Finally when I entered the camping department, that all changed. Staff in the camping department were very friendly and helpful and approachable. The surrounding area is to be desired. The massive size of the store is what make this store neat. read more

REI - Side entry from mall - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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REI is good people. The staff are always so helpful and knowledgeable (not knowledgeable in the annoying way either)! I also very much appreciate that they take customer safety seriously. Where it's a spill or loose foot board or the COVID-19 pandemic - they take it all seriously. I'd recommend taking a tour of this gorgeous store front! read more

I really don't know why people love this store so much. Maybe I set myself up for disappointment by visiting their website first. I decided to browse online before visiting so I would have an idea of what I wanted. When I walked into the store, I was impressed because it's pretty big inside, 2 floors in fact. But once I actually started looking around, I realized they didn't have ANY of the stuff I had decided on in stock. Very disappointing. And for as big as the store is, they sure have a lot of CLOTHES. It seemed more like a trendy winter fashion show. IDK, but the whole faux-Alaskan think kinda irked me. I did like the layout of the half of the store that sells outdoor gear. It's well organized. I especially liked their sleeping bag display, which allows you to really get a sense of what's what. All the cooking and camping gear is pretty interesting and they have a good selection. But some of their stuff is SO SOSO expensive. And the service? Well, I felt more like I was at Walmart... A greeter at the door but no sales people on the floor? DUMB! I know that SOME of their gear is worth the price, but some of it is just a flat-out rip off. I think some people shop here because it's cool and trendy, which is just STUPID. I would suggest start being outfitted at a locally owned and operated place like BJ's and then heading to REI or Cabela's for odd-ball items, since they're so expensive. And you want me to BUY a "membership" to get discounts. That's just assinine. What is this, 1980??? The only thing I like about REI is their survival selection. Don't expect to find anyone on the floor to answer your questions. Bring a smartphone with you and do a little research while you shop (that's why I do since there's no damn salespeople!) I have found a few items at REI that I couldn't find anywhere else. And they sell State Park parking passes, yay! I wish I had know sooner... read more

This is a great location in the Midtown Mall with a variety in every department. Can't beat being part of the Co-Op too!

WOW! Talk about the motherland! My dad spent the first third of our Great Alaska Trip hiking in work boots and that needed to be remediated as soon as possible. Luckily for us we decided to stay a night in Anchorage after driving the McCarthy Road from Kennicott/McCarthy in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and before visiting Kenai Fjords National Park. This brief stopover allowed me to marvel in all of the gear at REI and also outfit my dad with the right boots for the trip. He also picked up a nice stylish bucket hat and a new pair of hiking pants while we were here. The selection was awesome although prices were standard. To be quite honest the reason I'm withholding the coveted fifth star is because I was SO excited to get an REI Alaska sticker only to ask and be told there weren't any in the store. It's not every day I find myself in Alaska so I was wildly disappointed. I know it's just a sticker but... sigh. read more

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Yes, this place is pricey. BUT OMG, the best customer service. I was walked through my entire hiking boot selection (my first). Trent (maybe Kent) was extremely helpful and patient with me! I inquired about some strong mosquito repellent and instead of showing me/dropping me off to figure it out, I was walked to that area and the mosquito killing expert was called over to explain All of the options to me (not just the most expensive one). And then I was shown where I could get some good hiking pants and told about the different types. I'm not serious enough in my adventures yet to drop that much mula, but the clearance racks have great options. ALSO, they've got big girl sizes! I'm about an 18 right now and was pleasantly surprised to not only have many options in my size, but sizes up to 22. I found a wonderful pair of pants that fit comfortably. Only thing I'd suggest, (possible there is one, but I missed it/them) some sign posts of what stuff is where/which way. It can be like a maze in there if your new to it! Adventures, here I come! read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

In preparing for our Alaska wilderness adventure, we purchased hydro flask water bottles, bear horn and other hiking necessities from REI online. We picked up our order from REI in Anchorage. When we arrived, our order was ready for pick up. The service was courteous and prompt. We enjoyed our visit. read more

REI products now appear to be crap. Pair of jeans: completely wore out after moderate use. Guarantee worthless. Pair of sox: holes already. Guarantee worthless. So what good is a dividend if you can get a quality product elsewhere that lasts twice as long i ask? Although a 40-yr member my trips to the Flagstaff & Anchorage stores will be minimal to non-existent as the quality has deteriorated. The company's complete wokeness also is a bother, their mask mandate enforced like a gestapo squad. Adios. read more

It has been years since I have been to REI in Anchorage. What a glow up! This is my favorite location so far. I had a couple of questions about hiking in the snow & everyone was super friendly from cashier to shoe attendant. None of them made me feel like a noob. We got everything we needed & more. The restrooms were clean. The store was immaculate. I wish this was my local REI. Maybe someday soon. I went 3 times during my stay in Anchorage. Five stars each & every time. read more

This location is now quite dicey with security guards needed at both entrances/exits. The overall product selection is rather poor. With all the gear intensive activities here one would think they would have a good selection of large and extra large duffels/bags, they don't. Same goes for footwear. REI stores appear focus more and more on clothes and have strayed from their climbing roots. Luckily AMH is nearby. read more

Nice chain gear shop. The return policy is one year on most items. I hadn't been to the new location until recently. There was someone at the entrance with a clipboard. Not sure what their job was. Perused the camping equipment. They used to have these little one ounce flip lid plastic jars that I like to use for spice jars, but not anymore. The employees working ranged from disinterest to decent. Would come again. read more

Literally every time I go in the workers just seem so unfriendly and honestly don't even make an attempt to help me out. Not sure what it is but yeah read more

By recommendation of my physical therapist (and by that I mean he slightly strong-armed me), I took a trip to REI to buy shoes based on my treatment plan. Apparently, shoe design companies couldn't care less when you have issues with tendons and ligaments and also have the need for a good business shoe, as they only design running-type footwear. As a weekend shoe, I think this pair looks okay, but as a business shoe, it's a lot less attractive; and trying to match it with appropriate attire will be a nightmare. I do not fault REI for this. The reason it's not a five star review is simply because I think their pricing is high. Otherwise, it would totally be a five-star rating! Shoe-Sales-Guys Luke, and his trusty side-kick Brandon, are top notch employees who seemingly felt a disturbance in the force when my anxiety went into overdrive about having to wear Hokas with business attire. These two are so kind, and incredibly patient; but most importantly, they are loaded with knowledge and helpful suggestions! Luke was telling me how much he loves his job; and as a consumer, it made me happy to hear that the company takes good care of their employees. read more

REI - Hoka Bondi 7, women's size 8. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

My experience was not completely bad. The guy who helped me with my daughters snow board was awesome and did it pretty quickly and did not charge me. I did not realize he was not going to charge me so I stood there and the girl behind the counter looked like she was putting in the charges. The guy came back and explained no charges okay cool but the girl in front of me could have said something anything so I did not waste my time. She literally looked just annoyed with her job that she had to do anything. If you are that annoyed by your job hey just find another one or a different section where your not so annoyed. read more

This is the largest REI I have ever seen. It was the size of a Target store - which makes sense given we were in Anchorage. Amazing selection of items, great deals hidden everywhere on items that were for sale. I really loved the staff in the shoe section who helped me find exactly what I was looking for (vs what I thought I wanted). Best part of all? No sales tax!!! read more

REI... it is what it is! I personally love this place. They have a great selection of clothing and outdoor gear. I have attended two of there classes in the back room. I appreciate them putting on these classes and having open seating. I purchased a jacket online, and had to return it due to the fitting of it, returning in the back of the store was easy and stress free. The employees have always been friendly and helpful. read more

Great REI, one of the best. Great helpful, staff. The challenges here are, for men, there is no sweater selection, nothing at all.

Second time to the new location and it's pretty nice. Really open but still so much to look at. Lots of employees- plus is anytime you turn around there is someone to answer your questions or help you find something. They are friendly and smile and if you aren't doing anything you're not supposed to then to me it's not a bother to see so many people watching you. Negative is they are all on the floor and not behind the register! Seven or eight people in line and one cashier. A bit pushy to get you signed up as a lifetime member for around $20. Not quite sure what the benefits are, I'm sure some day I'll cave and join. I'm not an outdoorsy person really but there are a lot of cute things like toddler jackets for my little one that I wouldn't find anywhere else, cute clothes that are super Alaskan-y. Lots of clearance items too if you can't do $150 for a zip up. Really random tiny items too- bought a couple different types of hot sauces, smoothie packs (just add water), tons of granola bars and energy bars in all flavors from meatiest to super vegan. Tiny olive packets. Basically I have an assortment of gift basket items for my dad or husband. Easter is coming up so they'll both get Alaskan Easter baskets this year. read more