I have a hard to fit foot and I needed waterproof hiking boots. One foot is a 10 1/2 and the other is an 11... Darleen found me exactly what I was looking for and took the time to teach me how to make sure I had the right size and fit! She was awesome! Yes, REI isn't cheap but with service like I received and the selections available, it's worth it! read more

This place is a shopping mecca for the best of sporty clothes. The prices are good and they have a vast assortment of all the brands you want. I got a pair of flashy Nikes & some great hiking boots today. My daughter bought a lot more including some Patagonia. If you're sick of shopping online & want to buy things in person this is a great place to go! read more

REI - new hiking boots & Nikes from REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

I usually go to Boston or Framingham REI, but today due to other errands I stopped by here. It was nice, still mask required and hand sanitizer at multiple places in the store. We got what we wanted (freeze-dried backpack food) and hiking socks. The store staff informed that there is garage sale section. Not much stuff but I didn't find good one today. Not crowded, so I felt safe. read more

Excellent service, as usual. The store has great products for hiking, biking and water sports. Hiking boot selection is good too!

So, you order online and you need to wait in line with 50 other people to do a pick up? Hard pass.

I recently went from being a casual hiker to a serious one joining a group that hikes in the White Mountains each week- mostly 4000' peaks. I've gone from having an occasional interest in hiking gear and clothing to becoming a bit obsessed with what I wear and bring. Minor product differences and sometimes the latest technical advances can really make a difference. Some product features are really important (i.e televators on MSR snow shoes) and some are not. With this in mind I really appreciate having a wide selection of the leading name brands in one place and unlike most other kinds of shopping being able to see, touch, try-on and discuss with knowledgeable staff is important to me. The staff usually have great outdoor experience and use it to explain or help you decide what's best. As an example, almost everyone in my hiking group uses Hillsound trail crampons in the winter. This isn't a nice to have. It's the difference between hiking safely on snow and ice or not. REI carries these. Almost no other brick and mortar does. Become a member. Wait for their sales when possible. Check out their trips and seminars. Shop when it's less busy to get the best attention. So yes you may pay a bit more. But it's one of the few stores I actually like to go into. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Sept 2023 review...I have been going to different REI stores since I was a kid, and have shopped at at least half a dozen different stores over the years. My LEAST favorite is Reading REI. The sales people in each department are usually friendly and helpful...The managers and loss prevention people are out of control!! I mean, if they're going to follow me from section to section while shopping, at least pretend to be helpful and ask if I need something. This is the second time I've been stalked through the store by a Reading REI asst manager (or loss prevention)...the last time, I was buying a down jacket and despite my insistence I just needed to try on the fit, a manager would not let me do so alone. I still bought a jacket, but I did NOT enjoy the experience. I hate this is the closest REI. I love REI; but man do I HATE shopping at READING REI! read more

My favorite REI location has a great selections of trail maps and an awesome used gear section usually!

The service is always great. There is always someone who is knowledgeable about the clothing or gear you are looking to purchase. There is a wide selection of products and brands. The REI brand is of great value and quality. read more

I came here to get hiking boots. I knew NOTHING about hiking boots. Luckily, the sales people here were extremely knowledgeable and helped me find a good pair of boots as well as socks. In fact, I took those boots hiking many times a few days after, and I was extremely happy with the boots and socks. They even have fake rocks in there so that you can test out the hiking boots. There is also a $20 REI lifetime program which I signed up for, so that you get points from each purchase. If you are looking for other things like camping gear, running watches etc, they have a good selection as the store is quite large! read more

I can't rave enough about how awesome this store is. Great staff, great selection. They're always there to help you out. I love this place.

Great store with knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff that are happy to provide expertise

they didn't have much of a selection for womens hiking boots or tank tops. kept pretty clean overall. read more

REI - inside - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

There's an REI in Reading. May you never face the crowds again. In addition to ample parking and a convenient spot just off 95, this particular location offers another huge benefit: available inventory. Having scouted three other locations, only to find a recently price-plummeted Patagonia down sweater to be completed sold out, REIading came to the rescue. On the final day of the sale, the sheer square footage of the space made it feel comfortable abuzz, and there were enough associates to have questions answered when needed. Maybe Fenway's closer, maybe Hingham's larger (?), but this stand-alone keeps out neighboring crowds and ensure stocked shelves. When you're freezing like whoa. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Reading, Massachusetts

Huh, I thought I already wrote a review of this place. Anyways, hi there. If you're like me, you notice there's not a whole lot of places left to purchase quality camping equipment. Dick's Sporting Goods is lacking, Sears is finally sounding it's death rattle, and... huh. Not much else in the North Shore. Maybe Walmart has stuff, but not extra tent stakes or patch repair kits for your tent. During my visit, staff were very friendly and quite helpful. I felt transported into my childhood, the items for a camping trip like magnesium, ponchos, white gas for the stove; it was all available at REI. Well, I think white gas was available here. I don't remember it was a while. But I wasn't struggling to find items. Which was a sigh of relief. Oh, Ben's 100. That's what I was searching all over for. Best bug repellent available! read more

Bought a ski pass from them for 125 for killington resort. Conditions were dangerously bad and returned it at the mountain to come back when the snow was in better condition but they could only give me 80$ because that is what REI paid them. Went to REI to try to rectify the 45$ difference but they wouldn't. Just FYI for whoever buys the ski passes at REI. This was my first and last time doing that. read more

It's a little over priced but the employees are very nice and informative. REI also back all there products. I have had items break and I just brought them back and they looked up my account to see that I bought it here and then I was given a new one or a refund with no hassle. I recommend this place if you want a company that stands behind the product they sell. I have been coming here forever. Thank you REI read more

Every time I've gone to this REI, the staff has been extremely helpful and have gone out of their way with recommendations and going to the back to find what I'm looking for. Definitely a good amount of parking though it can be tough as it is next to a popular gym. This REI is my go to! read more

I'm basing this review on the experience I recently had while looking for running shoes. I went in the evening, and there was just one other customer. We were both being helped by Stephen, who I cant say enough about! He was so knowledgeable in the different brands (giving his opinions but not trying to sway me in any particular way). I was taking a long time, trying on several different pairs, and walking around the store (per his recommendation). Several other customers started coming in looking for footwear. Stephen was all alone but did a fantastic job taking care of everyone's needs. He was so polite, attentive, and friendly; clearly passionate about his work. REI is lucky to have him there! read more

My sister gave me her dividend so I used it for a pair of hiking boots. First person helping us was rather pushy but she had to leave and the next one was very helpful. Found a good pair of boots that were on sale and fit all the needs required. They are very comfortable and I hope will last a long time. The store is nice but kind of pricy. read more

Wow! Yet another example of customer service going or gone down the drain. I know it's a simple cashier but at least know how to do a return and don't just sit there and mumble. Thankfully another employee had a clue. read more

The tattooed guy in the shoe department was a massive dick. (Vulgarity aside, it was honestly the absolute worst customer service I've ever experienced; condescending, rude, pompous. Afterward, my partner and I considered that maybe it was his last day and he was just getting something off his chest. Which I can relate to, but uh, no thanks.) read more

So, I'm out here from California and I needed a bunch of sweaters, long sleeve shirts, hoodies and a hat. I figured that I could get all of these things at my trusted favorite, REI and avoid any kind of mall situation completely. Unfortunately, the mens department at this location is almost entirely made up of jackets. It's so strange. I was on their website/app earlier and was looking froward to getting some decent sweaters,etc but hardly any of their online inventory is in the store. The mens department is almost exclusively jackets! I'd see something that I liked but there would be only one available and it's in a small. Or they have it in a L/XL but only in the one color that's not selling. Although, on the plus side, if you need a winter jacket, this is definitely THE place to go!! The jacket selection is incredible. Unfortunately, the rest of the department is seriously lacking and it's too bad because they have such great stuff online, but very little of it is actually in the store. Another thing that I noticed was the careful watch that I was under by some of the employees. It was very strange. I'm the type of person that doesn't shop out of boredom or amusement so if I am actually at a retail store, typically I'm buying several pieces. Maybe that had something to do with it? I don't know but one employee warned me not to use the restroom if I had anything from the store on my person and shortly after there was another one watching me in the hat aisle. It made me feel very uncomfortable. In conclusion, I recommend shopping here if you need a jacket or want to feel what it's like to be suspected of larceny. Have fun. read more

I've been shopping this store frequently for about 2 or 3 years now. Yesterday I had a surprisingly bad experience in the shoe department. The guy on the women's aide literally wouldn't even look at me, let alone help me. The guy literally walked past twice going to help other customers or do nothing. I finally asked for help from the guy on the men's side who was just standing there. read more

REI is one of those stores where I walk in planning to buy a specific item and then walk out with a dozen other items I didn't previously know I needed or even existed. Also, that item I planned to buy is usually blown out of the water by some other fancier version they also happen to have in stock and I inevitably convince myself to purchase that instead. Damn you REI for draining my bank account. Still, I tend to pick up odds and ends throughout the year at this store and wait on big purchases until the big Memorial Day sale they have every year that actually lasts a week. This year I picked up a new backpack, packing cubes, rain shell, folding knife, and another $150 worth of nondescript items mentioned above in my previous paragraph. Damn you REI for tainting my minimalist ideals. It is rare to meet employees so excited about the store they work for and the products they sell. Pick up literally any item in the store and an employee will be PUMPED to talk to you about how awesome it is. Seriously. That headlamp you've had your eye on? "SEE ALL THE THINGS!" That Body Glide you are unsure about? "LUBRICATE ALL THE BODY PARTS!" That Nalgene you've been meaning to replace since you lost it last month? "DRINK ALL THE WATER!" I swear, the employees must put crack in their own Nalgenes. Damn you REI for having the best workers, ever. read more

I have never actually walked into this store, but I had a product ordered and shipped to this store for a Christmas gift. Since the item was so popular, it took a while to get shipped to the store. By then, I had found something else my mom would like. I emailed REI to find out if I could cancel my order and have it refunded. They said it was already en route to the store, but I could call the store to have it shipped back to the warehouse and to get my refund. I called the store at 12:50pm, heard a brief message about REI holiday store hours, and was then connected to a guy named Dan. By 12:52pm, my cancellation/refund was all taken care of -- no if's, and's or but's or questions asked. So even though I have not been in the store, I am pleased by the prompt and courteous customer service over the phone especially during these busy holiday shopping times! Now I just hope mom likes the other coat I got her instead. :) read more

I was torn for what number of stars to give: Paul M. Gets 4-5 stars for back pack help. Really great service, knowledgeable, not pushy. Very helpful. Took his time helping us, we did not feel rushed. You could tell he knew what he was doing. Gave us some great tips. Excellent experience. Thank you, Paul M. The store overall still sitting at a 2 for us. There is NO ONE around who is working... ever... We have had this issue before, but today we were at the backpacks for an hour (seriously) with no one to be found. Secondly the people who are working kind of lack the know-how or any social skills... Kind of sad. Last time we were in shopping for boots... the "help" was lackluster. Perhaps this department wasn't their specialty? I can only hope that they weren't trained - the lack of knowledge about the boot brands, and differences in models, uses... anything besides color was astounding. Overall, we have had our exceptions here - a couple of employees stand out because they are qualified and helpful! Unfortunately, we usually leave with a bad taste in our mouths due to lack of service/or unknowledgeable people. Additionally, the selection for a lot of things is geared more towards the city folk. Would like to see at least a store sample of some of the higher quality/non-entry level products that are available online. read more

Normally, I adore REI, and I've spend lots of quality time browsing and dreaming of ways to dispose of money at the Boston location. This store, however, gets a giant raspberry. I called early in the day and asked if they had a specific item in stock. I was put on hold for several minutes, at which point someone else picked up the phone and asked how I could be helped. The process repeated, and finally someone got on the phone and said they had one left, and that they would put it behind the counter for me. So far so good. I then spent my entire lunch break driving the 15 miles to the store and upon arriving, found a shift change had occurred, and no one among the sexagenarian and prepubescent staff knew, nor cared to find my item. I left empty handed and broken hearted. I bet EMS has it. read more

Predictable, dependable REI. If you live in a location lacking in locally owned gear supply shops like I now do, this place will fit the bill. As someone who's pretty hard on her gear, replaces it frequently, & has no problem spending $$$ on good quality new product that I know will meet my needs, REI is a blessing. Having a membership allows me to return the things that don't quite work out or hold up as they should without issue- and the year end dividends are always awesome! The Reading location is always well stocked, items are easy to find, and staff is helpful, knowledgeable, & friendly. Parking lot is pretty big, too. Garage-sale days are pretty hectic & real hit or miss on any true bargains, but overall no big complaints here. read more

I've been an REI member and fan for a long time, so I was really surprised and crushed by a bad experience at the Reading store that left me empty handed at Christmas. I bought a large item on sale months ago, was told that I could hold it there, went to pick it up the week before Christmas only to find out that the order was cancelled because they couldn't hold it and "tried to reach" me but couldn't get through. The really disappointing part was that they had the item in stock but the manager refused to honor the sale price (30% off), which was a meaningful difference at a difficult time. I was recently furloughed and it was supposed to be our family's Christmas present. I called REI customer service and they were great, wanted to help and called the store, but the store manager stood her ground and refused to honor the sale price. No reason was given. C'mon, guys, it's CHRISTMAS. If this is how REI treats is members the week before Christmas -- the whole point of a coop is that we're in this together -- there's no point in being a member. I'll be writing to REI to let them know how this poor customer service influenced my buying behavior: I'd rather go anywhere else in the future. I know it's just one manager at just one store, but WOW, this left a really bad impression. read more

I've always been huge fan of REI, and the Reading store is by far my favorite. It has the largest selection of all the stores in the Boston area, and I could easily spend hours in hear browsing through all the neat equipment. This store will make you want to take up kayaking, skiing, camping, climbing, or whatever else you're dreamed about over the years. They have trusted brands like Columbia, Marmot and The North Face, as well as some decent stuff that they sell under the REI label. The staff is generally very helpful, and even though lots of the stuff is a little pricey, you can join their co-op and save some cash. Just make sure you're actually going to use all the great stuff you can buy here. read more

This store is my happy place. Beyond the obvious reasons (product selection, people that work the sales floor that actually can answer questions, give a shit and are knowledgeable, there is Chandler. I had almost no time when I ran in there a couple weeks ago. Being petite and an athlete is never an easy task to get gear. I approached Chandler and she full blown gave me wisdom as to which manufacturers best accommodated the vertically challenged these days, helped me grab product to try on, was very cool and super patient and helpful. Give this girl a raise. read more

They are not open till 9pm. They are open from 10am to 6pm every day. Annoying the times are wrong on here!

Percent I've ever been there took my 2 children the staff was extremely helpful in patient. I was expecting to see you more stuff on sale since it is around the holidays. Everything they have is 1st quality somewhat expensive but I guess you get what you pay for. read more

I'll admit, this place can be expensive, but then again, no more expensive than some of the other outdoor-gear-type shops. I bought a messenger bag from REI over 1.5 years ago, and recently one of the clips that's used for locking fell off. I took the bag back to this store, completely anticipating that they'd turn me away with no help. Surprisingly, the woman at the check-out just grabbed one of the clips off another bag, put it on mine, and sent me off without having to pay anything. I'm still kind of amazed that it was so easy--and even more that the sales people seem to actually like their jobs. Refreshing. read more

I am a bit biased, as I used to work at this store, but I do adore it. They have a huge selection of items and the staff is very hands off, but knowledgeable if you ask a question. They did get rid of the attic a few years ago, which made me sad cause the deals there were great! I always go back to REI to get my boots (and my dividend dollars) and will continue to do so. read more

I recently ordered a kayak online and picked it up at REI in Reading. Since this is my first boat I needed guidance on a paddle, but most importantly, assurance that it was properly loaded onto my new roof rack. Mike was very helpful and experienced both in the store with paddles, and curbside. He went out of his way to make sure I knew how to load the kayak, tie it down, and ensured we felt confident driving it home 50 miles. Thank you Mike! read more

Better known as REI. A great place for all your recreational gear. They have a very good selection that changes with the seasons and knowledgeable staff in each of the departments that can help with any questions you may have. Be sure to check out the clearance racks when you're there - I've almost always walked away with a good deal on something. You have an option to join the co-op - if you do, you get a rebate once a year on all non-sale purchases. It surprising how quickly the rebate grow to a decent size. REI also offers a number of clinics, hikes, rides, trips and other ativities - check the bulliten boards by the doors on your way in/out for more info. read more

They do not honor warranty on the bicycles they sell. I bought a bike on June 13 and yesterday the threads on my crankset stripped and my pedal fell off in the middle of the woods. Micky(bike builder?) claims that I misused the bike because there's scuffs on the crankset so therefore it's not covered under warranty or else they would not make any money. I can assure that they won't be having my business again. So buyer be aware! Support your local shops, brand stores suck! read more

I really love REI. I love it here because they are specialize in so many outdoor activities. It doesn't matter if you are car camping at a campground, running an ultramarathon through Death Valley, through hiking the Appalachian Trail, or scaling the face of Half Dome, REI has you covered. I really appreciate that REI has their own high quality brand that stands up to the name brands and is usually much less expensive. I've been a member of the coop since the early 90s and never manage to leave the store without spending double what I came in for. I had to knock off a star for this store because I was spoiled when I lived in Seattle and was able to walk to the flagship store. There you could test ride a mountain bike on their course outside the store, rock climb indoors, try out just about every gadget in the store, or talk to the friendly NPS ranger stationed in the store. This is still a large store for an outdoor store but smaller than most other REIs. read more