My wife is like Ed's wife on the Living With Ed show and hates all things outdoors. Every time I get her to camp or hike around a little, she spots a snake. It is uncanny. Once, a common little snake of some sort came out of the brush and reared up like a cobra and hissed at her. Really, there is a curled-up rattlesnake in every campground we have ever been to, right where the tent goes. This doesn't happen to other people. Because of all this, I was surprised at how much she loves REI, full of equipment for activities she has no interest in. She looked at all the bike stuff, ski equipment (I remember the ski resort commercials they put out years ago promoting the sport as affordable family fun....!!), even rock climbing gear. I couldn't even imagine rock climbing with this woman. I would be hurtling thousands of feet to my death for sure. And there is nifty cooking equipment, so clever that she even had fleeting thoughts of a camp-out. And those tents are so clever, light and beautiful in their complimentary muted colors. And do you know why tents are not bright and. gaudy anymore? Well, it was thought that bright colors would alert bears that humans were there and they would stay away. In practice, though, bears were attracted to bright tents precisely because humans were there and the consequences were sometimes pretty gruesome. I am not afraid of snakes, that much, but bears are for real scary. In time, we gravitated over to the clothes racks. There are shirts and pants and jackets for every possible environmental situation, even insect-repelling shirts. I didn't know they even existed. The clearance racks have a pretty good selection and the prices are very reasonable. I got a great windbreaker, for example, for under $40. The staff people are committed and knowledgeable. This is not a budget store. WalMart is not plotting to destroy it (well, they probably are), but the products are of the highest quality, there is a large selection and it is a fun place to shop even if you aren't planning to camp out or trek anywhere. read more

This store is decent, but it is SO disappointing that the majority of items they sell are Made in China. You can't buy a water bottle or a bandana that's made in the USA anymore. Kinda sad really. The recreational clothing is totally overpriced. I have no idea how Arc'Teryx gets away with charging 100 dollars for a nylon windbreaker, or how Mountain Hardware can sell a fleece pullover for 180 bucks. Guys, get real. I'd go to REI for the sales. You can get decent clothing on clearance. 70 percent off brings these Made in China plastic, polyester and nylon garments down to Earth. The staff is decent, when you can get someone to pay attention to you. So often they are too busy doing whatever task management has given them to do in their zone. They have an ok selection of bike equipment, but I don't see why you would want to support a big corporate box store when you can get personalized attention from a great store like Winning Wheels in Pacific Grove. All in all, come here if you have to. Otherwise try to shop local at your friendly neighborhood mom-and-pop store. read more

Awesome store to explore if you are into biking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, or other outdoorsy activities. A bit on the expensive side, though. I like to scour the clearance racks and have found some decently priced bike socks, shorts, and gloves. They also have a HUGE outerwear section featuring a lot of North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia clothing. I wish I could afford more of it! Alas, I bought a pair of bike cleats here and then found a pair elsewhere (that also included cleat covers!) for almost $10 less. I was slightly heartbroken. read more

I had a great experience here. I had some bike trouble this past Saturday morning and the local shop was closed, so I came here not really knowing what to expect. It turned out Jake was a great bike mechanic. Usually you can get a vibe for people, and if they're someone you trust to take good care of your bike, and I felt really good about Jake. He was very personable, understood exactly what I needed, and flexible with working around my panniers so that I didn't have to re-pack everything, and he got the job done quickly to get me back on the road. I was really pleased. The folks on the sales floor were really nice and helpful too. In general I'd rather support a local bike shop, but need to give credit where it's due.. it could depend on who's working that day, but the staff on this day was really great. ::thumbs up:: read more

Honestly I drove here from Santa Cruz after a really horrible experience at Patagonia. I was honestly pleasantly surprised how helpful multiple staff members were! Two different customer sales reps helped me find the jacket I needed for a big trip I have coming up. The most awesome part was that they didn't actually have the size I needed but proceeded to look everything up for me, and send me info so that I could instantly order the jacket online. This was all so helpful as I also had my 4yr old niece with me! Quick and helpful for sure! The people at the cash registers were a little stand offish but given that everyone else was so friendly I'm giving this location 5 stars and will be returning for sure! read more

Their service may be great, but they charged me $2.99 for a small bolt for my mountain bike shifter (and it wasn't even a perfect fit). The same one that a local bike store in San Jose gave me for free without batting an eye. Those bolts costs like 5 cents tops! read more

This location is well stocked and I had excellent customer service from (I think his name was) Brandon in the shoe department. He was really patient and easy going. He helped lead me to the right shoe and fit! Thanks Brandon! Oboze wide for the win! read more

Finally! I have always lived in a city with an REI until I moved to Monterey. The next nearest one is a bit of a drive, it was saddening. Thank you thank you thank you for opening one near here! I'm not a super sporty person, but I can always rely on REI for cool comfy clothes, neato travel gear, handy camping stuff, and the like. Plus they do have serious gear if that's what I was looking for. Yes, they are pricey, but that's just the stuff that they carry. Their prices are very reasonable when compared to stores that carry the same merchandise. This particular REI is not huge, but it's also not the smallest I've seen. I wish they had more clothes though.... FYI - if you order items from their website and have it shipped to an REI store instead to yourself you get free shipping! read more

Well stocked store with knowledgeable (& ready to help) staff. When they don't have it in store, I like how they show it to me online and recommend the free "shipp to store" option. Also - they are super-helpful if you have to return stuff, and we recently got to enjoy our dividend from buying there (that was a lot higher than the one-time $20 membership fee we paid) read more

I've been shopping here since they opend and just today became a member. How stupid am I. only $20 for a lifetime membership. With a 10% return, I figure I lost out on about $40. Walked in today looking for a nice pocket, survival knife. I picked up a Benchmade 551 griptilian g10 special edition (only available at rei) and felt great balance in the hand. With easy opening and closing action I knew this would be the one for me. With the help of Fassio, a great deciscion was made. I left with not only one of the best American made knives, but also a dividend from rei that paid for most of my membership. These guy rock. Don't forget to check out the discount rack. There is usually somthing for everyone. And don't forget about their member garage sales. read more

Joan was the most friendly and helpful REI employee our family ever met. She showed us how to right size our hiking shoes patiently and really went beyond in delivering amazing service. Both my wife and daughter found their perfect fitting hiking shoes. read more

How can you not love REI everything they sell is top quality the people are friendly and helpful love the shoe department and when they have a sale it is a sale thanks KR read more

Helpful service. Decent selection at this store. If they don't have it in stock they are great about ordering it from another store/ their supplier. Its way too easy to spend lots of cash here. People gripe about the prices; but they forget the 100% satisfaction return policy and the members only used sales where prices are way better. read more

I love REI and I love the product they sell. What I don't like about this REI is the lack of knowledge this place has. Every time I walk into this particular store, I feel as if I am educating them on their product. I came into the shop to purchase a pair of snowboard boots and bindings. I asked for a specific pair of boots. After not having my size I asked for any mid-stiff pair of boots. The sales person didn't know how to tell the stiffness rating of a boot or the difference between flex rating of an 8 versus a 3. Needless to say, I didn't purchase anything from this store. On a separate trip, I came in to take a particular camping class for my first backpacking trip. The class was a total waste of time and I actually left frustrated and highly disappointed. The kid giving the class spoke about his camping trips when he was a kid and how much fun he used to have. Dude, I didn't come to hear stories about your youth. I came to get schooled. I did however, speak to a rad chick about backpacking packs. She knew her information and stoked me out for my trip. I did purchase a rather expensive pack because she took the time to show me everything about the pack and measured me correctly. In the past year, I've taken the pack out on roughly twelve trips. It's awesome. When given the choice, I would rather wait and shop at other REI's than waste my time going into the Marina, REI. Needless to say, the snow department sucks, the backing chick rocks. read more

Marty in bike repair awesome is amazing. We are here for Sea Otter and our REI purchased Kyrptonite lock was stuck on our bikes. We came into REI and Marty provided us with exactly what we needed to get our lock off and working again. read more

I rarely buy anything here cause it's just too expensive, but I do buy stuff. I made a purchase around X-mas and got a $20 gift card. Woo hoo! I made another purchase online recently and got a $20 gift card. The gift card had a short life of just two weeks or so, but it's not often a store gives you a free 20 dollars. =) I have bought trail maps and land maps here, great for getting out there and exploring. Really a must have. I have bought backpacks and warm winter jackets here. Love looking over the shoes and trying on the Merrels. All the bikes and equipment are too crazy expensive for me to consider, but I like to look. Fun store to browse. read more

EXPENSIVE but worth the price if you want clothes or things for camping/outdoors that last and last and do what they're intended to do.

REI isn't what it used to be. Prices have always been higher than other stores but they made up for it with customer service. I had a major knee injury and needed to exchange a pair of hiking shoes I bought which was clear were barely used. REI would have never had a problem with this in the past but now that they changed their guarantee, they wouldn't do anything. Not a good way to treat a long time customer. Been shopping at REI for over 10 years but I won't be coming back anymore. read more

Just wanted to thank the staff for handling the COVID pandemic in such a responsible manner. We have been shopping at this REI for years and feel like we have personal connections with a lot of the employees. Our favorite employees include Art, Jared, and today we met Alexandra, who seems like a super rad human being. Thanks to everyone for being honest, professional, and fun all at the same time. You all rock! read more

Okay, so I've only been to this store a couple times recently, but on both visits the staff were super knowledgeable and they helped me find the right item for my needs, rather than the thing they wanted me to buy. Good COVID precautions in practice. And good deals in the Garage Sale section. read more

A good one as REI locations go. Nice staff, nice patrons, easy to get to off the highway.

At last! An REI close to where I live. Let's face it: there's nothing I can tell you about REI that you don't already know. The only thing that's relevant here is how this particular branch is different. The main thing for this one is its convenient location--well, convenient if Marina isn't too far away from you. The other good thing about it is the friendly, knowledgeable staff--but that's more or less a given for REI. Recommended. read more

As REI goes this place is okay. It is a little understocked compared to others I've been to in Hillsboro or Fremont. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It is contently located right off the highway. The only thing is that it has a small selection of everything. It would be better if they focused on one area such as clothing, camping or biking instead of having a limited selection of each. It may also be that other REI's are two stories or in larger buildings so space maybe a limitation to their stock. For basic stuff it is good. (Update). A tent pole broke while camping in the desert because of high winds. I went into REI to replace the pole. The staff said it would be more cost effective to replace the Tent then to replace the pole. They were right it was. Replacing the tent cost me nothing but replacing the poles would have cost $40. Recently I was able to get a $250 North Face jacket for $100. It was a combination of a sale and credit but $150 off is still a great deal. Ya the selection is small but the staff is willing to go the extra mile to help one out which makes up for it. read more

I went into REI for the first time the week of Christmas. I was looking for a few items for my husband. I was able to find everything I needed and at a reasonable price. I was in the market for a Kayak paddle and a new life vest. They had several options available for both and the prices range from inexpensive to higher end items. The staff was friendly and helpful which is always a plus, its conveniently located and I can't wait to go back and make another purchase! read more

Unsurprisingly I'm not the only person of color that has had a bad experience here. I had to stop by this REI location since my wife (not a person of color) and I are here to spend some time biking and I misplaced my road bike shoes and needed to get new shoes and cleats. I interacted with a total of three salespeople here. The one that took the cake was the piece of work helping my wife who needed a new tail light. The whole interaction with him was odd from the beginning even when he interacted with me for the shoes but I'll cut to the one incident that's driven me to write this review. Tail lights are locked and he had to unlock the light my wife wanted. He wasn't clear in his communication that he would take the light to the checkout counter. He walked us to the checkout counter with the light, handed the light to another staff member, turned around and asked us unprovoked in a condescending, raised voice: "what are you standing here for? I told you I'm not going to give you the light. You need to check out to get the light". Clearly we were there to steal your $15 tail light while we paid upwards of a $100 for new shoes and cleats. I don't know what's more insulting - that he'd assume we were trying to steal the light or that he'd assume we were such dumb thieves that we'd pay 125 dollars to steal a $15 light. For identification: it was the tall, bald salesperson in the bike section on the first level. read more

I'm planning a trip to Eastern Africa and needed to buy new hiking boots, travel clothes, and travel accessories. I live in the Santa Cruz area, so the REI, Marina outlet is very conveniently located. I found a few items on the Clearance rack and then headed to the shoe department. I was met by Sales Associate Teresa, who helped me find pair of Keen boots. Teresa must be a Senior Associate, as she was extremely knowledgeable about hiking gear. She suggested several options, answered all my questions, and stayed with me until I had made my final selection. She was friendly, professional, and even assisted me with locating a jacket in a different color at another REI store - the jacket was shipped to me in two days at no charge. As an experienced hiker herself, Teresa shared her knowledge and experiences with me and what to expect from the Keen boots I had selected. Thanks, Teresa! Also, Sales Associate Mike, in the travel electronics department, helped me select a very compact (the size of a pack of LifeSavers) LED flashlight. At 210 Lumins, this tiny flashlight will be perfect for the trip. Can't wait to try out all the wonderful travel gear I bought at REI. read more

I originally purchased a hammock on a discounted day on the REI website and a week later I received an email cancelling my purchase because of an inventory issue. I was very disappointed. A few days later I purchased the same hammock from REI for a higher price and ordered it to the MARINA store. I went to pick it up and told the manager about the issue. They didn't have the hammock yet because it took so long to to receive it. Almost a month to deliver it after I purchased it. The manager had three in stock and he just sold me one for the original price I paid for it. After having a poor experience with the website it was great to receive such great customer service from the stores employees. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. I've never had a bad experience in the years I've been going to this store. read more

Love the outdoors with a passion and have come to love this location the best! I live in Sacramento and have a REI there but prefer to visit this location when visiting in-laws. The selection is huge, the sales are better, the staff is friendlier and I have never left disappointed. Best all around REI and will shop here for a long time. read more

I love REI the membership program is great and this specific location has helpful employees. The return policy is great if you are not satisfied with a product they return it without hassle. read more

First off, I am an REI member and have been for years. I have always had excellent experiences at their stores and have spent thousands of dollars with them. The Marina, CA location is, with that in mind, only a bad apple. However, it is a REALLY bad apple. My wife and I visited this location last week looking for shoes and clothing. The first thing we noticed was that there were very few workers (attendants? salespeople?) on the floor, which is odd for an REI. I can't quantify the difference but having been in REIs across the country, I could tell right away that this one was different. Secondly, we walked around for a good 10 minutes without any of them checking on us. Not even a greeting near the door. Also unusual. When we were approached, the salesperson was rather unfriendly and seemed to be in a hurry to get away before we could ask him for something. At the outdoor shoe display area we waited for 10 minutes, holding a shoe I wanted to try, for a salesperson to come by. One was helping another customer and although we made eye contact several times, she never bothered to request backup or even assure me that she'd be right with me. After waiting for a while longer, we gave up. While in line at checkout the final straw fell which broke the camel's back. An older lady who was not in line approached the cashier and asked very politely if the salesperson who she had talked to would be back "soon." According to her, he had left over 15 minutes ago with a promise to be right back and had never returned. She asked the cashier if she, "just needed to find someone else to ask?" to which the cashier responded, "um, ya, I mean that's what I would do." No attempt to use her radio to call the back, no calling for a manager, not even any concern. Unbelievable. My wife and I did not spend our money there and will not be back. REI is a great chain and I usually love them, but I recommend you avoid this one. It needs a management change in a hurry. read more

I love this store and I always find myself just wandering aimlessly checking out all the cool equipment here. I have to admit, some things compared to other stores are marked up so I would suggest getting small essentials elsewhere but big ticket items like backpacks and tents are worth the price you pay. I would totally suggest getting the lifetime membership for only 20 bucks. read more

So the other day, me, my daughter & my mom are cruising around being a happy family, having lunch, buying hats, etc. Then my mom mentions that she's going camping and needs badass wilderness shoes. She has heard of a place called REI. Then I remember that my genius husband once went to a local REI to get me orthopedic shoe inserts. Which worked out great, by the way. So I say to my mom "Let's check it out, I've driven by it, and now I'm curious". We go in, and our lives are irrevocably changed for the better. This is the happiest place on earth. They have amazing shoes, and clothes, and camping stuff, and water sports-ing people stuff, and biking stuff, specialty yoga stuff, and freeze dried packs of fancy foods. Granted, I wouldn't want to eat astronaut food unless paid exorbitant piles of cash. But if you have to do it, they have the best selection. They even have cool stuff for kids, and dogs, and bears. Seriously. This place made me want to be a better person. Like the sort of gal who does outdoorsy stuff that requires more accessories than a beach towel, giant umbrella, sunscreen and a cooler filled with fruit & wine. Maybe some day. But for now, I'm psyched to get really cool flip flops & beach hats from them. read more

Kristen helped us out in the bike department! Her service was number 1. So helpful and so friendly. will be back for more things because of employees like her ! read more

Holiday hours are posted on their door starting today 11/18/12 that they open at 10. It's 10:30 and the doors are locked. I needed pants for hiking today..Ugh! It's okay, I really dislike REI and their overpriced, Made in China, outerwear. For being a "member-owned chain" you'd think they'd support manufacturing in the USA (at least their REI brand products). I'll continue shopping elsewhere and only visit REI when I absolutely need to - of they're even open when they say they'll be. read more

This coming weekend I will enjoy my FIRST CAMPING TRIP ever! Thus came the necessessity for me to venture into REI for the first time. I lived in Colorado and so REI's over there were like a dime a dozen. Never stepped foot in one, not once. What really got me going into REI to purchase my sleeping bag, some utensils to cook with and a fleece and some comfy pants is that I was for the first time in my life buying stuff I actually needed! WOW. I felt all grown up and super efficient. This is really a mega store that gave me so much insight into how the others live. You know...those people who wear fleeces and tevas to restaurants? Anywho - REI just has something to solve every little thing that could happen or they have some type of interesting solution for all kinds of hiking and camping excursions. I was totally lost when I walked in (do you have any clue how expensive a sleeping bag actually is?) there was a cute and super kind sales assistant that helped me gather all the stuff I needed for my trip and $$$$ later I was all set. She even suggested that I shop around a little before purchasing an airmatress from REI. REI even has this impressive clothing section (yes, I did need to be outfitted from head to toe in appropriately cute clothing) The stuff that they have is so nice and trendy that I wonder why these outdoor inclined people wear some of the stuff they do! Anywho - off I go!!! read more

Great customer service! Needed help picking out a bicycle rack and the staff went above and beyond. After using the bicycle rack a couple of times we returned it and ended up getting a hitch versions instead. 100% satisfaction guarantee FTW! read more

I love REI. I probably go here more than the actual outdoors - while its a crime, I think many are guilty of this. They offer a ton of things you never knew you needed until you came in and got to see it on sale. So, they do have lots of seasonal sales, which is good. They have great customer service and offer many in-store clinics for free or for a small fee. I did notice that the REI branded gear gets preferential shelf space from a marketing perspective, but you can order anything online from any of the vendors they carry and it can get picked up in store. Also, they offer member dividends. So you do get around 10% of what you spend back every year, which most usually just use for in-store purchases. Anyways, highly recommend shopping here for your outdoor equipment and supplies. read more

Very nice still new look in REI in the Marina shopping center by the target. I've baught a lot of stuff over here from the years like nice shoes different types of Neapolitan ice cream before shopping at target and camping gear and everything else have also got my skis repaired here am I bikes very nice shopping very good customer service as with any REI read more

Seriously, the best REI I've ever been to. The staff is helpful and knowledgable. They were kind enough to hold my bike for a month because I was out of town and couldn't get it in my car. Then Ryan (bikeshop - thank you Ryan!!!) helped me get the bike carrier on my car and showed me with total patience how to hook the bike on (I'm a newbie). I have lived in 8 states and love REI - this was by far the best experience (and I loved the other stores too!). read more

What can I say? I love REI... and this location is great because there's pretty much always parking available and it's right off the freeway. Additionally they always have info on display about local events. read more