Typical REI but everyone is friendly and helpful at this location. I've been to a few REI's and nothing really stands out from many of these stores.. but this location legitimately had some really friendly and fantastic staff. They were all very helpful and seemed to truly enjoy their jobs. Other Pro's: great location, abundance of parking read more

Um. Is this REI? I've been a member for years, visited several stores all over the country & have never been to a store this lackluster. The employees in shoes were too busy gossiping to bother to help (minus one poor gal who was running around like crazy to help everyone). The front counter folks take the cake with their rude comments & lack of execution. When returning a pack the employee says very rudely "you know, next time you should get fitted in store instead of returning a used pack". I quickly explained we HAD been fitted in store & it just didn't work out. Sorry, but you can word your comments a little less like accusations. Even better I was also picking up items I had shipped to store & the guy who helped me couldn't be bothered to read what I was picking up and just stared at me saying "um, so like you have a bunch of orders. What are you here for?" Dude. Even my app breaks down what is shipping to store & what is delivering to me directly...does your computer system not? If not, once again, more polite communication would be greatly appreciated. I'll only go there again if necessary & the 2 stars are for the lady in shoes who was actually doing her job. read more

Absolutely will never return to this store. Cashier Jesse was so rude. Returned a new tent. Had receipt and tags attached. Would not refund my new card (one I purchased the tent with was lost so I closed it). Would only give me a merchandise credit for a $400 tent. On top of it, when I asked him about this policy, he said, "they don't pay me enough to figure out why that's our policy". Totally unacceptable from a place like this. I've been a member for years but this store is absolutely horrible. read more

We have shopped at REI for decades. Portland stores ROCK. Apparently the Bend store writes their own return policy. We had a shirt that shrunk and pants that the drawstring unravelled. Bianca stated that they are coming out with a new policy that if the item has been placed in a dryer it is non refundable. Now the pants you will love this. She said we don't know the quality of your washer and this is not a problem of the manufacturer . My husband said are we not supposed to wash our items because i dont see that on the tag. She said no but maybe you should wash them in a bag. Also after two months old and proof of purchase she can only put on merchandise credit. Very confused REI clearly states they have a one year satisfaction. Hmmmm even states you cant return unless they are washed. Definitely will be sharing with corporate -- poorest of service! read more

REI ski shop did a terrible job mounting my 3-pin Voile bindings on Rossignol BC-90 skis. The left ski binding was mounted correctly. The right-side binding was poorly done, and the back of my boot was about one-inch off center. What should have been a one day turn-around ended up taking almost two weeks (and, unfortunately, this was during one of the biggest snow dumps in December ... ever. Doh! Just my bad luck). Unfortunately, the only remedy is to mount the binding on a new ski. They cannot be re-drilled and re-mounted. Therefore, REI had to order another set of BC-90 skis because they did not have them in stock. So, no less than two mistakes were made. First, the binding was not mounted correctly. Second, either A) the tech checked the work and decided "meh, close enough, maybe the customer won't notice"; or B) the tech, Amy, did not check her work. Either 'A' or 'B' is additional incompetence on top of the poor mounting job). The REI staff is friendly, apologetic, but, unfortunately, reminds me of a Three Stooges short film. I haven't even mentioned here what I had to go through to get the 10% discount off the ski package. That process was like the Monty Python Cheese Shop skit. Pros about the Bend REI service: * REI does "own" their problems and repeatedly work to fix their mistakes * they do say "sorry" a lot. * Thankfully, Bend REI's tech is employed with REI screwing up ski binding mountings, and is not employed doing bridge infrastructure maintenance. The Bad: It's just drilling three holes with a jig and screwing in 3 screws. Really? You can't get three screws in correctly? read more

REI - REI mounted 3-Pin bindings.  Off-center by a wide margin.  I could not ski straight.  Poor job and nearly two weeks to remedy. - Sports Wear Near Me - Bend, Oregon

Great service by the fellow who helped me find new Dabello ski boots that completely eliminated the foot pain I had with Solomon and Atomic Ski Boots; thanks to a high arch. read more

I have an "it's complicated" relationship with Return Every Item. As a member I really appreciate some of the innovative stuff they pioneered: the dividends, the slightly used equipment sales, and of course the return policy for which they are named (in hippie slang, at least). What I don't appreciate are the prices, the crowds, and the staff who have this amazing sixth sense of when I am just browsing and don't want any help (because they're all in my face and I can't get rid of them), and when I'm seriously looking for help or have a question (because they all seem to run outside for a smoke break or something). But despite the cons, I still keep coming back and probably will continue for as long as I'm able to enjoy the outdoors. read more

This store is AWESOME! They just awarded Meissner Nordic a nice grant that will enable us to buy much needed trail clearing tools. They are working with the ski area for the betterment of our community. Thanks REI! Susan Hopkins Meissner Nordic read more

This store is right in the old mill - the smokestacks that protrude from the roof are humongous. It's a bit smaller than some of the REI branches, but I found what I wanted both times I shopped there. Parking is a bit crowded in this area but I did find a spot before long. The whole district is worth exploring. read more

The Bend REI has a huge selection and good sales items. My husband and I always purchased our hiking shoes and "gear" here. The employees are knowledgeable with the different products and every one of them has their thing - either they are bikers, hikers, kayakers, or campers. If one person isn't sure about what is the best product to recommend for a particular activity, they will find someone that does know. You can count on excellent customer service and a great selection of fun sports gear. read more

I am a beginner snowboarder and a single mom with two kids . I bought my first snow board on line as I could nt afford to buy in store , this in itself was quite the ordeal , finding bindings , board and boots compatible , all in the right height width , sizes etc . I took my board into rei so they could fit it all together , not confident enough to do it myself . Matt in the shop in rei took really good care of me , explained everything and put my mind at ease that everything was compatible and fitted . He went above and beyond and understood how important it was to me know that my gear was the right size and put together well so I could get up onto the mountain and have fun and improve my skills . Thank you matt I really appreciate the time you took with me . When I get better at snowboarding and can afford a better board I will be going to rei to buy it . And that is due to Matt . one happy customer . read more

Customer service. Needed, appreciated, and in some cases required. Especially when trying snow helmets. 30 mins left to my own while lazy boy fitted one customer with ski boots right next to me. Service Is non existent here.... adios. read more

The staff are always so friendly and helpful. One employee took the time to show us several different items we were looking for to gear up for ski season. Thank you! read more

this place is like my second home, always a great experience with the staff. They are always eager to help you get equipt for your next beg adventure. I bought all my climbing gear and backpacking gear here and love all of it! Gotta love the the rewards points on all the purchases! read more

What, can you say, we have been members since the early 80s. The folks are friendly, accommodating, and always ready to help when you need it. Last month we were traveling in Portland and found a pair of shoes that I really wanted. They did not have my size, but when we arrived home in Bend Oregon a few days later, the shoes were waiting for me on our front porch... read more

One of the coolest REIs I have been in. Checkout was fast and all the employees were kind. We are from California and Mike especially helped us with some local areas to visit during winter. read more

Very disappointed in the customer service at this store and found the sales associates quite condescending and rude. Went in with a friend yesterday to look at trekking poles. Not only was the sales associate non helpful, giving out minimal information and not once offering to take any poles out of the packaging for her to try, but when I offered information to my friend she rolled her eyes at me behind my back (at my friend, LOLOL). I know it's been a long summer in Bend and you're probably sick of the tourists, but really? read more

Huge thank you to Christina for assisting me with ordering a product that wasn't available in store! She provided world class customer service by helping me hunt down the specific product I was looking for and made it convenient and easy for me. Looking for gear?? Definitely recommend REI in Bend read more

The REI crew has a large & diverse stock of (mostly) excellent quality gear. Although it would be nice to see more icebreaker merino products. James and other employees have always been tremendously helpful and open to sharing detailed information, reviews and years of experience using the products! Thank you to Sara for doing such an organized and efficient job bagging! read more

Excellent customer care- specifically from Caroline and Trevor! I love REI and always have. Today, I had a very bizarre return- an old product I had purchased (but rarely used due to a manufacturer defect) before the return policy changed. I never noticed this defect until recently; the defect made a $400 product useless. I wasn't sure the REI staff would see my return as legitimate or not, if they'd just see some girl just trying to get quick money. Thankfully, the staff understood the equipment well enough to know that my request was legitimate. They gave me a full refund and educated me about the new return policy. I really am impressed with how much they stood by me, a member, and their products. REI helped me out so much and I am ever so grateful! Thank you Caroline and Trevor! read more

Tried to exchange some cycling socks that my 13 year old bought for Christmas. Her own money. Wrong size. To my surprise REI wouldn't do it without a receipt, which of course my young daughter didn't keep. Reason being "she could have bought them anywhere". Despite them having racks full of these things. Upsetting for my daughter. Here's a suggestion Bend REI, don't assume your customers are lying. Particularly kids at holiday season. Buy your socks at the Bend bike shops. read more

I took my family that had just arrived from Germany and he found a Omni heat Columbia Jacket, tried it on and it fit great color, size , everything he wanted. He went to adjust the straps on cuffs and the Velcro literally ripped half way off, the stitching was poor at best. We were unable to locate another jacket in the same size and color so I went to ask for help at the check out desk and after the two girls that work there were done talking about another employee one of the girls finally noticed that we were standing there. I told her that this was the last jacket on the rack and was wondering if they had any more , she told me no what they have is what is out there. So I showed her the ripped Velcro on the cuff and asked if they could give me a discount on the 200$ jacket because of the damage and I thought I would be able to fix the cuff and the girl just smerked and said not a chance we don't do that here., just give me the jacket and I will put it back. I told her ok wow you are seriously going to put that back and sell damaged merchandise to someone else! She said nothing and grabbed the coat and walked away. I love the REI store but definitely won't be shopping at the Bend Old Mill location. read more

I was looking for a specific water container (cover), they did not carry this product (and it's supposedly built/ originated in this town). Any who found other knick knacks and discovered I'm still in their system after two plus years of inactivity. Oh and i was surprised this place was here (use to seeing them west of here) . read more

REI is a great asset to the region...GOOD people doing a great time we are in the store. Nice environment to shop and get informed by staff. Good variety of products to chose from...and if not in stock it's easy to order. We are Raving Fans of Bend REI read more

Coolest REI I have ever been in. Great customer service and nice selection in clearance.

Worst REI I have been to. Stock your kids shoes during summer months man! Drove all this way from Sunriver to make sure my son got a size 12 keen or similar and they had nothin! Natta... Crazy our Small town REI has way more selection and they actual care about their customers. The shoe dude felt like we were his problem read more

REI is pretty much my favorite store on Earth, so reviewing any of the stores is nearly pointless, but I just had to say how cool the Bend REI was and how neat it was that the REI is housed in one of the (or the most I suppose) historic building of the city. All of the staff were very helpful land knowledgeable as usual. The man who helped us in the map department was particularly helpful in recommending hikes and helping us find the topo maps we needed. I've never met an REI that I didn't like and this one is no exception. read more

Took a rest day in Bend from they hiking the PCT. I needed new shoes and a few freeze dried meals so I stopped in. Not the biggest REI I've ever been in, seemed to be slightly smaller than others. They were out of my size in my preferred shoe but the associate was helpful in recommending a similar pair. Was also able to return a few items that I bought in Portland that didn't work out well. Can't beat the REI return policy. read more

One of the greatest REI locations, in the Old Mill District. The staff are incredibly friendly and wonderful to work with. The manager, Dave, is always on the floor with the employees and customers (not up in the office hiding). The management over all is great. REI in general is a little pricey but the perks of being a Co-Op member outweigh any hesitation I may have of shopping there. read more

My favorite REI is the Bend store. Staff is always friendly and helpful. The location is in the best shopping area in Bend.

Love this place! I could easily spend a small fortune here.

4/5/2015. REI Bend Oregon Old Mill District.  I drove from Southern California to Central Oregon. I was on a short vacation with my kids for three purposes: Trade in wifes gas hog SUV; visit parents; go snowboarding with kids.  So I got a new VW Passat and made an appointment for Easter Sunday at a local business to get a Thule roof rack put on so monday we could load our gear in the Skybox that used to be on the roof of the SUV and head to the mountain. So I show up and the place that said they would place everything out ready to install are closed.  Went to the only place open, REI, where they bent over backwards to do an immediate install for me.  It would have been successful if only Thule had included all the parts in the kit.  Gregg and Peggy were awesome and tried their best to get it right with all the obstacles in the way.  They called every place they could think of to get parts same day but all were closed.  The next day I had to load all of our snowboard gear through the trunk and into the back seat so we could go boarding.  At the end of the day we stopped back into REI and they had gotten the parts and did a super quick install.  I thought I was going to have to leave my $500.00 Skybox at my parents house 800 miles away but thanks to the awesome folks at REI I didn't.  Thanks Gregg, Peggy, Amy, and anyone else who helped me those two days with your great customer service. read more

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Had a long list of equipment to buy to get my son geared up for Boy Scouts. Jorge, an REI employee, took a lot of time to walk us through each piece of equipment we were investing in. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. My son and I had purchased the wrong backpack last week only to realize it was not the kind he needed for scouting. Even though the tags had been taken off, REI took it back and gave me the full refund. Love this store. read more

Decided to stop in at REI while in Bend, and take advantage of Oregon's tax free shopping. This store is considerably smaller than most REI locations, but they have a good selection nonetheless. The staffing at this store is unbelievable. They really go above and beyond to assist their customers. The only down side to shopping here in the Old Mill District, is that store signage is pretty much nonexistant. Perhaps it is a zoning issue, and signs are kept to a bare minimum for aesthetic purposes. Whatever the reasoning, it makes it difficult to find some stores if you're not familiar with the layout of the district. Other than that minor complaint, this is a first class store. read more

This is my favorite rei. It is a bit smaller than a lot of the big city stores but they are very helpful in finding something in another store if needed. What I love about this rei is how much more knowledgable the employess are compared to some rei stores I have been. They have helped me with everything from backpacking, snowshoeing, snow boarding, and paddle boarding. It is also awesome that they offer free machine waxes for members! I always buy my big purchases at rei because when something goes wrong they are happy to remedy the problem. I miss this store and the help I recieve here when I have to travel away from it. read more

Unlike many REI stores, the one in Bend has staff that are actually somewhat knowledgeable. While I've stopped relying on their staff for technical help and instead use the store for quick in and out trips for outdoor sundries I know they carry, I was happy to see how they were able to help family members who were looking for specific clothing for kids. read more

REI is a great resource for all things outdoors, or for their general concept being a co-op (which is pretty rad), but for my overall shopping experience, it's pretty mixed. For one, as big as the store is their overall selection seems pretty dismal. I also feel as though more often than not, I have tried to go into the local REI and get some help and there has been a severe lack of employees in order to do so. The reality of our world is if I have to stand around in line in order to get any help, I might as well just go online and order it. I firmly believe in brick-n-mortar shops but would much rather go to a true local shop, than REI. For the times I have had relatively timely assistance, it's always been great and pretty friendly, so that I appreciate. Overall, shop more local, if you can, but REI is always a great last resource when no other spots have what you're looking for. read more

This place is amazing and so helpful. They not only assisted me in meeting all my outdoor equipment needs, they provided me with a lot of useful information about hiking trails, skiing, and snow shoeing in the area. For a small fee you can become a member, and it's totally worth it. I saved five times the fee in the six weeks I was there. They treated me like a goldclub member. I got to rent snow shoes very inexpensively, and they even sell the snow park visitor's pass right there in the store! Thanks REI employees for being so nice and helpful. read more

I have been an REI member since I started college 22 years ago. It has been a family institution since I was a kid too. I like their stuff and their in-house brand has become just as functional, tough and fashionable as the big brands in recent years. I have always had good customer service from any of the stores I've visited from Denver to Portland to Seattle to Bend. I love their return policy which was amazing until some people took advantage and they had to curtail it to one year post purchase. I have rented XC skis and snowshoes from them and had great experiences. My gripes are about pricing... They cater to yuppies and people with money to burn which excludes whole swaths of people from their store. Their prices can be pretty steep. Not all outdoor gear is $300 on average. Search their clearance and sale racks to get a deal. I would also like them to carry more variety of equipment, especially in their cycling department. Poor selection of cycling apparel. I have been looking to replace my baggy FOX MTB shorts that have a hole in them, but I can't find a suitable replacement here. Maybe it's just this store, it's not very big. I'd buy from REI in a heartbeat because of the dividend but they have like 2 models by FOX and they are not adequate for the kind of riding I do. Disappointed... read more

OK time to blow some minds. I love to shop, and my favorite venue in Bend is REI. Their customer service is second to none, the warranty on products is phenomenal which of course leads to the garage sales that they have. One of their employees, who does the GPS training actually worked building the technology, and now shares his experiences, he and all the other employees are patient with my million and one questions before i buy. And where appropriate they encourage you to try things out - for me cross country ski boots i walked in the store in for an hour to be sure that they fit. They kayaks that we pulled down i tried on for size and we put back up. Dont forget real outdoor designed clothing - for real use in the out of doors, unlike some other shops that say they are outdoor shops and really are not. I lived in seattle in the late 70s and my first experience with REI was at the original store. I still proudly carry and flash my cardboard members card from way back when! read more