Excellent service, warranties, selection and value. Love their store designs wherever I go! Definitely a repeater for me! read more

A special shout-out to Jim, he helped us look at shoes and was very knowledgeable and positive offering great insight. Made our experience 10/10. Store itself is clean and well stocked. read more

I am so happy I have a membership here. I have arthritis in my left foot and it's been a LONG road just trying to find the right shoes I need. Everyone is always so nice, and the customer service is impeccable!! read more

REI is a great store to purchase outdoor supplies and a lot of my hiking/camping gears has come from REI over the years. In addition to being a retail store for all things outdoors, REI also offers expert advice and education courses/trainings, in addition to guided recreational events such as hiking or kayaking trips. Both free and paid classes/activities are offered. I love how much work going into making outdoor recreation and education accessible for everyone. Most recently, my sister and I attended a backpacking basics course (also offered as a women-only course) and Charlie did a great job of coving the basics. I especially appreciated that examples of the gear were present so we could see what might work best for different situations. I would have loved to have a bit more info on packing ultra-light, but I'm sure there's a class for that as well! Charlie also provided near-ish (i.e. in Texas) backpacking recommendations including Granger Lake, Lost Maples, Big Bend, etc. After the class, you are able to peruse and purchase as you desire, although we were both starving (and I need to have a better inventory of my current gear), so we didn't stick around. There were also several book recommendations for anyone interested in backpacking: Trail Tested by Justin Lichter and The Ultimate Hikers Gearguide by Andrew Skurka. All in all, this was a great course and I'd love to attend activities as well as more classes in the future. As an aside, REI offers a 1-year return policy, so even if you buy and use something but don't love it, you can generally return it. This is amazing because outdoor gear doesn't come cheap and something you just don't know if it works for you until you try it. REI members also receive additional benefits in savings, garage sales, etc. so it's definitely worth paying the 1-time lifetime membership fee. read more

if I could give less than 1 star I would. I ordered 2 items that never got delivered. I couldn't reach anyone at customer service by phone/ live chat or email and couldn't get a refund. The qualify of their items really isn't relevant if customers can't receive it. read more

This is my first time actually shopping in REI and as an experienced hiker but beginner in camping there were many options to choose from and everyone in the store was extremely helpful and friendly. I would like to shoutout one employee though, Dave. Dave went above and beyond and made sure I and the people I was with were as well. Super knowledgeable and helped find the solutions and gave the best customer service I've ever experience. I rarely write reviews for a retail store but I had to. Dave made the experience a noteworthy one and looking forward to coming back into the store. All 3 of us were impressed and REI customers for life! read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Austin, Texas

I had difficulty finding pack for an upcoming trail in South America at this location. I was hoping to try on an Osprey Atoms Ag Lt 65 but unfortunately this was not in stock despite being listed online. I ended up wasting a trip. That said,the staff was plentiful and eager to help. read more

REI - Trail prep - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Austin, Texas

Came here twice in the past two days. Each time we were attended to quickly and asked if we needed help by numerous employees. All were very knowledgeable and helped us choose items. Checkout was a breeze. Highly recommend this location read more

Today I was assisted with a large pick up item by Rob, Sebastian, and an older gentleman whose name I cannot remember. They were WONDERFUL. In 100 degree heat they opened my box for me, got it in my vehicle, and were beyond pleasant. They were affable, easygoing, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend REI for its perks, and it makes me happy to purchase from a company that hires excellent employees. read more

REI - My Thule box from REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Austin, Texas

Came in for shoes and was never helped. All the workers were too busy talking. Walked out without making a purchase cause I'm not going to beg to even receive customer service. Will be taking my business elsewhere! read more

We stopped into REI today just on a whim and I ended up grabbing a new pair of Hokas for an upcoming trip. I guess the biggest reason to do the review today is the service that Vinny in the footwear department provided today. It is always busy and today was no exception. Vinny handled multiple customers at the same time and never once seemed flustered or hurried. Every person got the same awesome treatment. He also ended up helping me change shoe types, which I hadn't even thought about. So I found a more comfortable pair of Hokas and received awesome customer service. Thanks, Vinny!!! You really helped me out today!! read more

Stopped by here and it was an awesome store. The staff were extremely helpful, welcoming, and upbeat. They carried a fantastic inventory, in fact, it was up there with one of the nicer REI's I've visited. They had a great selection of camping, kayak/paddle boards, and surprising inventory and variety of climbing gear which was cool. They also had a great selection of clothing with a ton of inventory. Their bike section was pretty large, though limited in brand selection carrying the typical REI stack -Cannondale, etc. The store was easy to spot from the surrounding streets and had a nice sized parking lot immediately outside. Overall a great store, great staff, and great experience. read more

See all

The wife and I visited the store to get her a pair of hiking boots. Initially we were confused at the set up of the "contactless fitting". But then Jim came up to us and said we were the next in line and took us to a back room where he went over the various options of female hiking shoes designed for day trips. He proceeded to bring out about five different pairs of boots and was extremely patient as my wife tried each pair on narrowing down her preferences. She then went back to try on an earlier pair as her final selection. We couldn't be more satisfied with the expertise and patience from Jim who also made some sock suggestions as well. The checkout experience was also smooth. There were plenty of staff everywhere and we felt very safe with the Covid protocols. We've always enjoyed REI and couldn't be happier. read more

I just wanted to submit a great experience I had shopping at this REI yesterday, I have been a long time customer and have been to multiple stores and shopped online with them and they are great. I'm a new trans girl and I was shopping for a new jacket at REI yesterday and not only was I treated so well, but when I checked out the cashier was very careful to not use my plainly wrong first name when he looked up my account. It was a little thing that made me very happy. If you are LGBTQ you can be reassured that this store is non judgemental in my experience. I wish more places were like this. read more

Wow, did not realize I hadn't written a review for REI yet. It's probably because I would have too much to say. REI is one of my favorite stores as I'm a fan of the outdoors and they have all the stuff you would ever need. In fact, I have so much outdoor stuff now that I honestly have nothing left to buy at REI. They carry all the best brands and have great deals sometimes for their members. The only reason REI is not 5 stars is because usually things are priced at MSRP so you can typically find the same thing online somewhere else discounted. If they price matched like Best Buy or Fry's does with electronics, this would be 5 stars for sure and I would buy everything for my outdoor needs from REI. With that said though, they do have a return policy that can't be beat. You can buy gear, try it out, and if it doesn't work for you, you can return it. I'm really appreciative of this, but I feel bad when I learn about people that take advantage of this. Every few months or so, REI will either have a big sale or do 20% off a full price item/outlet item. Also every few months REI has a garage sale which I look forward to. It's when returned items are put back out at a discount for the public and also a time when I find myself buying stuff I don't really need. read more

Every REI I've been to (in several states) hires the same type of friendly helpful people. I really appreciate knowing I can find what I'm looking for and if I need help, there's always someone to help. I was greeted by three staff members in the time it took me to walk to the back of the store, pick out two pairs of socks and walk back to the front to pay. That's pretty awesome service. read more

ONLY GO TO NORTH LAMAR LOCATION! Today was my final straw with this specific REI location. Not only have I been a member most of my life I also have worked for REI AND this is my first time ever returning an item. Every time I've come into this location instead of North Lamar I regret it. The employees are rude and have absolutely no urgency. I went in with a defected item, got passed through three different employees and wasted 30 minutes for them just to tell me no. I had already grabbed the exact match of my defective item and they denied me, questioned the legitimacy of my online receipt, as well as the legitimacy that I used to work for the other Austin location. Insulted my intelligence on the expected life of a product and how exchanges like that work despite the fact I made it clear that I am a former employee. Though it would be strong of me to say I'll never shop at REI again because I have such a love for the company but I will NEVER shop or go to this location for anything. They need to learn a thing or two about customer service when it comes to loyal customers. read more

Terrible customer service today! And one very rude customer service associate upon a return exchange. I purchased the lifetime warranty for the REI. Never had this issue on the old lifetime one. I use these shoes for work! read more

Comment on the wonderful staff. I stopped by the memorial day sale. An item I found was listed as online-deal only. I was ready to purchase it through my phone then wait for the order to be processed for pick up. When I went to the back to ask about it, a staff member gave me the discount in person. This may not sound like a big deal. But I appreciated how REI's staff member was willing to find a work around instead of lazily following the rules with no exceptions. It's not common that you find retail store staff find solutions outside of standard protocol. read more

Store is nice and clean. Great selection of outdoor equipment. Giving the one star review because of the older male employee that followed me around the store, making eye contact multiple times. I felt very uncomfortable. Will be going to a different location from now on. read more

I came specifically to this store, because no where else in Austin seems to carry surfing shirts or as we call them rash guards. We are planning on doing some outdoor water sports, but I forgot to pack my rash guard, and it's just too sunny/hot to risk a major sunburn. So I searched all over and finally, via online that led me to REI. Recreational Equipment Inc, if you didn't know. They had 2 options for men's white or black, I went with black better coverage when it gets wet, both have good UV A/B protection. Price was good. I'm surprised more stores don't sell rash guards here, seriously people start thinking about the near future and skin problems caused by sun exposure this strong. Anyway, thanks REI 5 stars in my book for having a complete selection. The girl at the counter also seemed to really like her job and believe in the company. read more

It's been YEARS since I have stepped foot into an REI and I'm kicking myself that I haven't come back sooner! My fiancé and I were planning for our weekend camping trip near San Antonio and completely forgot to pick up a butane can for our stove. We walked in needing a $4 item and ended up leaving with more than $30 of stuff we absolutely needed I was impressed with not only their selection and prices, but also the friendliness and knowledge of their employees. Everyone was so nice and we were asked multiple times if we needed assistance. They have a great selection of camping tools and equipment, bikes, canoes, kyaks, shoes, hiking packs, and much much more. We will definitely be back very soon and I recommend anyone reading this to also stop in, it's worth the trip. read more

REI - By the way, the mountain house beef stew was delicious! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Austin, Texas

If REI misprices something, they won't honor the price. I was looking for a good belt knife and saw a one in a black sheath. It was priced at $60. I handled the knife for a minute and decided it would work well. When I went to the counter to purchase it, they brought up a different knife. The sales associate let the cashier know that was not the knife I wanted and a manager was brought in to figure out what the problem was. I was told that they had put the prices in the wrong spots and the knife I wanted was twice the price. I emailed customer service to no avail. It turns out they had swapped the prices for two of the knives and I was just out of luck. So much for customer service. This took place September of last year. False advertising and not making things right sucks. Oh well, Whole Earth Provisions has a better knife selection, so I took my business there. Haven't shopped at REI since. read more

REI - The knife with the black sheath was apparently not $60, although the price was next to it. Buyers beware. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place ROCKS!! Staff was beyond friendly n knowledgeable!! Especially these days in the new America where 3 people care: No Bod Ee!! It's refreshing to come into contact with staff who were inviting not pushy rather humble n down to earth. They were even honest, I know: shocker huh?!? They suggested to us to sign up for this membership n receive a bonus $20 n use it soon for the "garage sale" that was coming up soon!! Now how kool is that?!? The staff invited us to try on or go hands on with the jackets n watch equipment with no hardcore sales pressure, unlike some used car lot dealers!! Great atmosphere n fun!! Many thanks to staff!! read more

This REI is way bigger than the one I went to in Los Angeles and has a lot more to look at and browse through. They are really organized and the employees actually greet you and ask if you need help with anything. Great location, too. read more

Excellent store for the purchase of outdoor equipment. High quality items provided with knowledgeable sales staff. A pleasant shopping environment makes visiting here a positive experience. A large selection of shoes, tents, camping gear, bike gear, etc. A strong warranty on products further enhances REI. read more

REI is awesome because they have everything you might need for the outdoors, but this location seemed weirdly understaffed. Once I finally got to talk to the employees they were helpful, but I spent a long time waiting around for anyone to help me at the rental desk and in the shoe department. There wasn't a line, it was just that all the staff seemed to be off the floor. Weird. Don't get me wrong, I normally like to be left alone while shopping, but this time I would have appreciated the help. read more

Certainly didn't it find it very professional at all that when I was doing my return yesterday the employee had called for another employee, Emily "opinion" in my return and they began to whisper and mouth words to each other. The process took way too long and the employees talked about it until it was brought up I was a lifetime member. Made me feel uncomfortable here read more

Bought my first pair of hiking boots and everyone in the store was so friendly with a high positive energy. Sam helped me pick out my boots (and I LOVE them!), and he explained the membership to me. Kathryn at checkout reinforced everything about the membership and got me all squared away. She was very knowledgeable and answered my last few questions. They helped me pick out a great pair of boots. Now I'm hooked! I will definitely be returning for more gear. read more

If I could curse them here I would but let me start with the positive. The folks on the floor are very nice. However, this is where it becomes an absolute utter nightmare. The line is long and you know why? It's because I wake up, 1 item. Credit card in hand. The pissant starts trying to sell me on a membership! For the love of god just stop- no. Can I get your number - no. I can save you- NO! But you could save - NO! What if - NO! For the love of effing sake NO!!!!!!!! I had to buy this but in the future it's Amazon 100% read more

GPS Coordinates Latitude: 30 23.466' N Longitude: 97 44.449' W Coordinate system=WGS84 Rarely do I see a large company stay so passionate. Consistently voted one of Fortune's 100 best companies to work for, the staff is energetic and helpful. Prices are not cheap, but never seem out of line with value and quality. This is great gear at a fair price. The house brand clothing is excellent, and priced a bit more reachable than some name brand stuff. They check to make sure all of their products are made in factories fair to workers, and leave minimal environmental footprint. All of their merchandise is guaranteed 100%. Let's see you do better! read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Austin, Texas

I was wanting to spend money on myself and on dog items that you carry such as dog shoes. The sign on your door says , no dogs, so I went next door to your competitor that welcomes dogs and spent my money there. read more

I can't believe I haven't reviewed REI yet. First of all, I live right across the road on Jollyville so I frequent this REI. My boyfriend and I just bought a new pair of sleeping bags for camping in CO and the customer service we received during that process was exceptional. We were here for 4 days straight haha. And every time we came, we got a new assistant but after the 2nd day, they all knew us and we knew them. They were very patient in answering every single questions we had about the sleeping bags, they even let us try the sleeping bags out! This whole team is very knowledgeable about their products and they genuinely care about your purchase, they just want you to be happy! I trust every sales rep there to be honest. Also.... their return policy is off the chain! They do their absolute best to keep you happy and if you buy something that you are unsatisfied with, just take it back or exchange it!! TIP: become a member, it's $20 for a life time membership. And you get dividends on items you purchase AND you get access to their quarterly garage sale!!! Their garage sale is epic... it's basically items that people returned and most of the stuff is not faulty!! read more

I love their bike shop. Wonderful customer service and their membership program is worth every penny. They are a big store but have the smaller local bike shop feeling. read more

Walked in at 7:50 though when we got up front we came to locked doors , and a man saying they close in "like 2 minutes" we had 10 minutes . I understand the store was about to close but me and my wife knew what we were getting . At first the experience was not good but after walking to shoes JEFF , immediately helped asking our size arch had me and wife try on a few shoes . I mean the guy went above and beyond . When announcing the store was closing Jeff said "I want you to get the shoe that fits so don't Worry about time" again I know people have lives outside of work and we were very conscious about that . But Jeff was great from start to finish ! Thank you Jeff ! read more

Extremely disappointed in the customer service. I received a hat as a gift and brought it into the store with tags to exchange it for another color as an even trade. I was denied because I did not have the receipt. Then I had to leave with the product I no longer want. It's 2016. Catch up. Every store known to man would've made this exchange. Never, ever shopping here again or buying a gift. What an inconvenience. read more

I buy a fair amount of merchandise from REI, and I generally like the products. In all cases I had to do my research online, and often order online. This location has absolutely no customer service! When you pick up an item you have to wait in line quite a bit. If you need to return an item, prepare to spend half an hour or more waiting in line, while various store employees walk by, pretending the customer does not exists. This is very inconsiderate to the customers who effectively pay their salaries. read more

My sunglasses were scratched on each lens making everything I looked at appear hairy while wearing them. I finally decided to just *see* if REI would perhaps give me new lenses. So I slink in...not the slinky dress kind of slink but the "I'm embarrassed I'm returning these because, really, it's my fault they are scratched" slink. Belly low to the ground and head hanging down I sidled up to the woman in customer service. "As one of REI's products, did they meet your expectations?" she quickly asked. Well, no. I would like sunglasses I can drop on the floor, spill wine on, sit on, step on and carry around in my purse without using the case they came in and still have them remain in perfect condition. Before I could explain my situation completely (and I'm not sure what the explanation was going to be--I was wingin' it), the useful, helpful, wonderful customer service gal took them from me and sent me to find another pair. Did I mention I had them for almost three years? No problem. Did I mention they were $80 Smith sunglasses? No problem. read more

I hate to write this review because I like my bargains and don't want to have to compete with you bleary-eyed computer geeks for the goods... but it seems that I'm compelled. Especially since no one has written a review for this REI yet. Ok, right off the top, minus one star for not being Whole Earth Provision Company. Keep Austin weird, right? Live the dream. That said, here's the scoop... if you join REI and then get on their mailing list, every 6 months or so you'll get wind of the "REI Garage Sale." This my bottom-feeding friends, is the end-all, be-all of bargain hunting. REI has a great (too good) return policy. "Uhm, my baby outgrew these 2 inch long $100 Merrill shoes." No problem. "Yeah, these shoes squeek." Or "I accidentally bought a girls bike and my son didn't like it" (go figure). These returns (and other more legit ones) get horded in the warehouse until it gets too full and then BAM... REI Garage Sale. You line up out back (they recently outlawed camping) and they open the doors at 9am. Then it is pretty much pure mayhem. The hippie camping crowd is courteous but you won't believe how many people they can cram in the warehouse. And count on getting smashed up next to one of the unibombery "campers" who hasn't bathed in two days while you compete for electronic personal trainers. Imagine Hippie Twister for bargains and you've almost got the picture. This year I got about 5 pairs of shoes... average price around $9 (average retail around $100). I scored the pair that squeeks... oh, and even scored a pair of Merrills... no, they were Keen... that were returned because "one shoe felt larger than the other" (and it is true, I can tell) but for $3.86 who cares. No lie. I probably won't ever wear all the shoes I bought that's not the point... I feel AMAZING for scoring such good deals. So stop taking showers, grow your facial hair (or stop getting it lasered ladies), dig up your sleeping back, and camp at REI. You'll be glad you did. read more

Cashier: "Would you like to use your dividends toward your purchase? It's $81." Me: "um, yeeeeees." That's how I got my killer blue-footed boobie poo proof hiking/water shoes for $10! This place is an outdoorsperson's dream. (which I am not) It's got all the accessories and doodads and whatchamacallits hard-core hikers and campers need. (which I am not) It's got all the thingamajiggies and whatsits for the dedicated cyclist. (which I am not) It's got all the riggings and paddle-thingies and floaters for adventurous kayakers and canoers. (which I am not) And it's got all the clothes and jackets and shoes needed by the occasional eco-trip warrior. (which I am) Also, as a member, it's got discounts and dividends for money-grubbing cheapskates that realize they may wear this stuff once every few years. (which I am) See, every other year my whole family goes on an adventure trip. So, over the last 8 years, and roughly 5 visits to this store, I have managed to stock up an impressive line of moisture-wicking, sun and bug-repelling, stain-resistant, insta-drying, breathable, foot massaging clothes (well, they don't massage feet, but they do keep em dry and less stinky). And if I can walk in, forgetting all about co-ops and dividends, and be pleasantly surprised that most of my purchase is comped by my membership.....well, am I a fan?? um, yeeeeeesss.... read more