I ought not to be reviewing this, because most of my time was spent coveting some tents to attach to the roof of my Outback, knowing I couldn't even touch the thousand dollar price tag. But that's the kind of place this is. Do you remember Galyans? Ever since they closed their doors for good, I've been looking for that kind of camping selection again, and I found it at REI, albeit with a zero or two more after every dollar sign. If you're into extended stay camping or hunting, I think Cabela's or Gander Mountain might be better worth your time. But if you're into outdoor adventuring, there's no better place than REI. They had sections specific to rock climbing, extreme cold sleeping, and of course, the car accessories. I've never purchased from the company before, but from perusing the shelves near the cashier, they look like they'd be great for stocking stuffers, and it's really great to be able to try on a variety of jackets and sweatshirts from different brands so you can compare them physically, rather than virtually via Amazon or the like. Still, I will admit that most of the items gave me a good bit of sticker shock. This is definitely a place for the established enthusiast. read more

I was ecstatic when I saw the sign last fall that REI was coming to Indy! Have you been to the REI store in Seattle? Did you like the water fall? Or the giant red cedars and ferns? How about the hiking trail or the test mountain bike trail? How about the climbing wall in the Denver store, a refurbished train repair shed? Or the urban hipster Portland store? Isn't it nice in the trendy NW section of town. How about the Santa Fe store near the old train station. Outdoorsy, creative, recycled buildings. Yes, these stores serve espresso out front. Creative wood clocks.Creative re-use. A Northwest feel even if they are in Santa Fe or Denver. Or even Madison, Wisconsin. This store should have been put downtown or in Broad Ripple. But it wasn't. Prepare for major disappointment. This is a suburban sprawl mall version. Worse, the lines to check out were very long. The service was great as always. But te prices -- even with the gimmicky co-op discount--were high. $109 for a day pack?(Yes we will send you a check for $3 for a rebate in a year.) Welcome to Indy REI. They could have gone more creative than a recylced plastic suburban outlet mall store that looks more like a DSW shoe warehouse than an REI. Even the Costco across the street (another Seattle area chain) has more of a Northwest feel.Ditto for the Nordstrom's at Keystone at the Crossing. Maybe once the crowds die down I will go back. At least plant a fern in the planter or something. Or make this a budget outlet store. Prepare for major disappointment. Northwest go home and try again. read more

This place always excites me and gets my mind going on planning an adventure. I was looking for a new winter coat. A very warm winter coat. I had a lot of questions and wanted to make sure I was purchasing the right coat for me. I was looking for warmth, something that didn't look hideous and was affordable. Unfortunately, a good coat is going to cost you. I did splurge a little but the sales associate did offer a variety of recommendations at different price points. I did find a coat that I like. It was a little on the pricey side and they didn't have my size. No worries. They ordered it for me and it will be delivered to the store. You do have the option for home shipping, but because of the area I live in I was afraid of theft so they offered to have it shipped to the store. A perk of REI is their membership program. It cost $20 but you will receive 10% back later in the year to spend at the store or if you wait a little longer you can cash it out. So considering I bought a coat costing more than $200 I've essentially paid off the membership and earned some rewards. They also have 100% satisfaction guarantee as long as it is within a year of purchase. So it this coat starts breaking down they will refund the money or exchange it. I'm a huge fan. I know I'll be back. Winter is coming, I love to hike, run and be outdoors so I'll definitely shop REI for gear and shoes. read more

If I could put each and everyone of their staff in my pocket and carry them around with me - I would in a heartbeat. They are so positive, knowledgable and willing to help. I had their shoe specialists working hard trying to find the right shoes for my narrow feet for an upcoming trip, and they went through many shoes until we were both confident I had found a shoe that was a great fit. While some of their gear is a bit on the pricey side, the expertise they offer to make sure you have what you need is worth the cost. I would recommend getting a membership - if you make a few purchases it pays for itself, and you will have access to monthly free workshops and training sessions and an additional discount. read more

As big box stores go this is pretty standard. They have just about anything you could want from this type of store. The staff is always very nice and helpful. Things tend to be a little on the pricey side but if you sign up for their Membership everything you buy will count to a rebate at the end of the year and we've gotten some pretty nice checks :) I like this store and would definitely recommend it if your looking for these sort of things. read more

I was very excited when I heard that Indianapolis was getting an REI. In 1998, while in Seattle, I spent an entire afternoon at the city's store. That store is massive, has every outdoor good under the sun (or clouds), and even has a climbing wall. I had a grand vision that Indianapolis would get a similar store. Well, we didn't. There isn't a climbing wall, and they don't carry things like ice axes. A lot of other reviews of the store have been critical of the fact that it is so small. Get over it; this is Indiana. Indiana is great, but our outdoor activities pale in comparison to those of Seattle's. We don't have mountains to climb or icy peaks to scale. We do have plenty of trails to bike, hike, and run; we have woods to camp, and rivers to kayak. This store has almost everything a Hoosier outdoorsman would need. This Hoosier outdoors (and indoors) man was in need of some new shoes. I was very impressed by their selection and the friendly help that I received. REI has a great return policy on shoes. One pair that I bought just didn't work, and I was able to return them with no questions asked--despite having worn them outside. I was also able to save 20% by becoming a member of REI, which is the nation's largest co-op. I truly believe that the store was placed in a bad location. I think that many customers would have been better served if the store was closer to Downtown--versus being tucked away in the north side of Castelton. My only criticism of the store itself is the checkout area. It is way too small and quite crowded. I can't imagine what the lines must be like during the Christmas season. Thanks, REI! I'll be back! read more

I have a hybrid bike that needed some TLC (aka tune-up) and took it to rei for service. We have one of those lifetime memberships (I think it was $20) from when we purchased daughters bike. What it didn't know was you get a discount on tune-ups with memberships and I saved 15+ on the service. When I took bike in I was thinking a $90 tuneup plus parts. They looked it over and recommended a $35 tuneup plus parts $16. ( parts/labor discounted with certain levels of tun ups). Took in Friday, picked up Tuesday as promised. They even offered to cut down my kickstand at nc read more

So I will be very blunt about REI. Yes, it can be expensive. Yes, it can be overwhelming. But let me tell you this. Go in and talk to someone. If the person you are talking to doesn't know, they will find someone who does. Then, what I would do is thing about it, look for the same or a like item on clearance, and if you need it and can't find it on REI clearance, buy it. There associated don't work on commission so they aren't "trying to see you the most expensive." They are trying to sell you the best. The staff is well informed and able to help you. And if they aren't, they will tell you. I would also recommend getting the membership if you buy anything over $200. The membership is a lifetime membership that pays you 10% in dividends. ( I bought one when I bought my luggage and it paid for itself. I got the money plus back in the dividends.) Then, you get all sorts of member only coupons and invited to garage sale days and lots of fun stuff. for ever. So just trust me, do it. read more

whats not to love about REI! I love shopping here! Location is convenient in castelton with tons of parking. The store is wonderful! everything adventure seekers need! The staff is very knowledgable about pretty much everything they sell and any sport or outdoor activity. so whatever your coming there for they are prepared to help you! I recently purchase a new North Face coat and some REI Adventure Pants. The coat is amazing and i love it and the Adventure Pants are perfect for avid travelers. They can be worn for days and dry fast after washing. Also they do have the membership program which if your like me and shop there a lot pays back in the long run. They have great warranties but everything I've ever bought there is made very well and didn't have any issues. They are also a Co-Op to they are a private company that doesn't have to worry about the BS of stock holders and being publicly traded. If you are an adventure weaker, this is the spot for all your gear! I'm so happy we have one here now. Note to people who've never been to REI, the products they sell are not cheap, but they are made well and are quality items. read more

Drove an hour. Wouldn't let us in the building because "at capacity." Told us to wait outside, in 15F weather. Unsatisfactory experience. Recommend Patagonia, L.L. Bean, Northface, even Dicks S.G., anything surpasses this place and it's atrocious customer service. read more

Hosting the Superbowl put Indy on the map, sure, but having an REI here made it a city. The store has what you need to get geared up for the next run, hike, biking trip, camping extravaganza, and more. I used my time and resources to purchase a pair of waterproof pants for hiking and biking in the elements. The staff are super friendly, a little overboard but I'll chuck that up to opening weekend. M fav purchase was a map of Knobstone Trail in Southern Indiana, which outlines the 52-mile trail with primitive camping and talks about responsible hiking/camping. They also have free informative classing on backpacking, hiking, camping basics. Perhaps it's because my first REI experience was in Chicago at their Lincoln Park location, which is two floors of outdoor goodness, but I was a little disappointed with the selection here. Major plus: become a lifetime member for just $20 and get major perks, including yearly dividend checks and the opp to return anything you purchase without need of a receipt. read more

Love this store. Disappointed no women's swim wear for rash shirts but we picked up other gear. Got a new outdoor tablecloth and sanders for my hubby read more

REI is the best place to shop for quality outdoor apparel. If you sign up, you also get dividends! Quality does not come cheap, so you can't compare their winter coat prices to Target's, for example, but you will get a really good coat. Having said that, last year, I bought an REI brand coat which was a lot less expensive than the other brands and it's great for cold weather hiking. If you need a pair of good quality hiking boots, I can't recommend coming here highly enough. The staff is always helpful and they know what they are talking about! The store layout is nice and spacious and it's easy to find what you are looking for, be it a bike or a sleeping bag. read more

My husband and I were on a quest for hiking boots and drove 90 miles to REI. The help was very knowledgable, we had lost of questions! It was a great trip and left with 2 pairs of Vasque Breeze boots and multiple pairs of socks. Who doesn't like new socks, right? Thanks REI! We will be back! Marlene D. read more

Finally!! This is now the only reason I will go to Castleton. This is not like some of the other REI stores I have been to, but I'll take it. I have already signed up for some classes and plan on doing some volunteering with REI at Fort Harrison State Park. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Don't worry if you are not an expert they will make you feel confident and give you solid advice. Prices are a pinch high, but the quality of products they carry are worth it as well as the service. read more

I was looking for a lightweight, wind/water resistant jacket for my mom. Mom's closet was full of coats and jackets that were way out of style and utilized materials circa the 1960s-70s. I had something in mind for her, but needed to her to try on jackets for size. REI was the first place that came to mind. The REI in Castleton was bright, modern, albeit a bit cramped, and certainly a far cry from the cavernous REI flagship superstore in Seattle. However, it still had a diverse selection overall and plenty of jackets in the type and style I was looking for my mom. There seemed to be plenty of sales staff on the floor with a couple of them checking on us to see if we needed assistance. We didn't, but if we did, we knew that there was someone nearby to help. Fortunately for us, the store had several brands and styles in her size, so we were able to get all of the information I needed to make a purchase...online. Oops. At least, it was from REI's online store. Anyway, as far as outdoor-centric sporting goods stores go, REI (both brick & mortar and online) is the king of the mountain in my mind. read more

I visit this store everytime I come to Indianapolis and have never been disappointed. Their staff in the backpacking and hiking sections know their stuff and always have helpful tips about both gear and Indiana trails. Just returned from a backpacking trip in Michigan and was well-equipped thanks to the team at REI. Thanks! read more

My first trip in this past week, and I had a list of mountain bike accessories to get. From a helmet to water bottle to lighting and a bunch of other gizmos too. The folks there were super helpful and really enthusiastic, like, genuinely excited to talk to me about gear and answer all the questions this XXL dude had regarding riding. Prices were surprisingly good too! The helmet was the same as on Amazon. The guy who rang us up was also incredibly nice and offered us great trails to check out. Me and my wife had a wonderful experience here, and highly recommend them to anyone looking. read more

Tom in the shoe department spent an hour and a half with me trying on literally every pair of women's boots plus some. I cannot express to you the time and attention taken by employees here to be helpful and friendly. And they are genuine and authentic about wanting to help. Even though I would have prefer this store be twice the size, I still give this location 5 stars and that is totally because of the employees. read more

I'll start out by stating the obvious. This place is expensive!! However, you get what you pay for, especially if you are a member. Their return policy is unbeatable. No receipts needed. No reason needed. They track everything you buy, even if it was years ago, and will give you your money back. For me, it makes the extra cost worth it. read more

Lots of great camping and hiking equipment, but I thought it to be a lot Pricey!

We've been back a few times. The shoe guy does a real good job. I couldn't believe how many shoes some of the women were trying on. But he just kept cycling through their shoes. I got a nice pair of hiking boots as did my wife (and on sale too!). They also have great REI branded winter coats that are a fraction of the name brands. We joined as share owners on our first visit and we will be back. They just have so much stuff for the outdoors enthusiast. read more

I would give them no stars if I could. The prices at this store are terrible and in this economy they'll be lucky to stay open.

Love REI! Awesome customer service, fantastic quality and guarantees, and great store. One of my favorite places in Indianapolis is the REI store! read more

Great store to browse and walk around. They have lots of stock but they have yet to carry what I was looking for the half dozen times I have stopped in, but of course they can't stock everything. Very helpful staff too! read more

I have bought a few raincoats at REI Indianapolis. The store is fun to browse around, but I'm not too impressed with the pricing-- even with sale. read more

Their staff support is pretty poor. Hard to find someone to offer you advice on their products.

The store has a convenient location, the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable too. Their shoe selection is pretty awesome, and they usually have most sizes in styles that are on display in stock... the same goes for most of the other stuff they carry. The prices are what you would expect from a big-box retail store, but they carry a few things that are tough to find elsewhere. read more

So happy REI has a location in Castleton!!!! Best store for outdoor activities.

Went to the store to look at day packs. But the Osprey Talon 22 in the store was $17 less on line with shipping included. Store wouldn't match because of "policy." Pretty silly. I ordered the pack online standing in the store. Some staff is knowledgeable, most are typical retail clerks. read more

This was my first visit to REI. Our family is preparing for a backcountry hiking/camping trip in the Rockies this summer, so I was excited to see what the store had to offer. We arrived right at opening time...11 am on Sunday (several competitors in the area open earlier and we had already been there). Unfortunately, the store employees weren't terribly concerned with the posted opening time and did not open the doors until about 11:06, despite the 40 or so people waiting on the sidewalk. Not even the trace of an apology for the late opening either...enough to convince me to do my shopping from Amazon. read more

Bike department is a joke. Purchased the top of the line Novara Trenta road bike online to be delivered to the Castleton REI store. After owning the bike for 2 weeks, i noticed that the shifters weren't right. Long story short, after 3 trips to REI to try to have this fixed, I was told that they couldn't do anything more for me to fix it, and that my options were to live with it, or return it, but the warranty wouldn't cover the necessary repairs. After owning a $1600 bike for 3 weeks, they would not stand behind their product. Other local bike shops told me I should have brought the bike to them, they thought they knew what was wrong with it, and would have fixed it for $30. Otherwise, selection and price is not even close to competitive (I've spent more time in this store than I would have liked). But don't even consider buying a bike or servicing a bike bike here. Visit a local bike bike shop for more expert service. read more

Love rei. Be a member for $20 it's worth it. You get your money back by the end of next year depending on what you buy but you get 10% back in every purchase you make. But sales materials won't count towards your 10%. There store policy where you can return anything being 100% satisfaction guarantee is amazing. We bought lots of camping gear from here for our Yellowstone camping. Love their rei brand chairs. Best chairs ever hands down. We got the $35 dollar ones. Very comfy and sturdy. We also buy jackets for our kids. Bought lots of cycling stuff as well. Had to return gloves due to the stitches coming apart after 3 rides they just ask is there anything wrong with the item. I tell them what's wrong with it and show them the reason. They type it into their system and gives my money back or I can go and get another one as a replacement. Love the customer service! We will continually shop at rei! read more