Outdoor enthusiasts looking for quality gear know that REI is a go-to retailer. But what other stores offer a similar shopping experience for outdoor apparel, equipment and more? This blog post explores 11 alternatives to REI worth checking out.
11 Online Stores Like REI To Buy Outdoor Gear
1. Backcountry
- Founded: 1996
- Target Audience: Outdoor adventurers
- Categories: Camping, hiking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, trail running and more
- Popular Products: Tents, backpacks, jackets, shoes
Known for its expansive online selection of outdoor gear, Backcountry has been a top destination for over 20 years. This Utah-based retailer offers equipment for camping, hiking, climbing, biking, yoga, swimming, snow sports and more.
With brands like The North Face, Patagonia, Marmot and other companies similar to REI, Backcountry provides quality gear and apparel. Their range of tents, backpacks, jackets, boots, helmets, accessories and technical outdoor equipment rivals what’s available at REI.
Backcountry ships quickly and provides a “Rock Solid Guarantee” on returns to ensure customers find the right gear. Frequent sales and special deals make it easy to save on all the essentials for your next adventure. If you’re looking for an expansive selection of outdoor brands and products online, Backcountry is a great option.
Key Benefits
- Huge selection of outdoor brands
- Competitive prices
- Fast shipping
- Easy returns
2. Sportsman’s Guide
- Founded: 1970
- Target Audience: Hunters, anglers, campers, hikers
- Categories: Shooting, fishing, camping, survival, military surplus
- Popular Products: Ammo, tents, sleeping bags, MREs
Like REI, Sportsman’s Guide has been equipping outdoor enthusiasts for over 50 years. This Minnesota-based company specializes in gear for hunting, fishing, camping, and survival.
Browse shooting supplies, live bait, tents, MREs, and hiking boots. Or check out their wide selection of military surplus items like packs, bags, and clothing. With brands similar to REI like Coleman, Therm-a-Rest, and more, Sportsman’s Guide is a go-to for affordable outdoor gear.
They offer flat-rate shipping on orders under $49 and free shipping on orders over $49. For hunters, anglers, and weekend warriors on a budget, Sportsman’s Guide is worth checking out.
Key Benefits
- Discount prices on camping/hunting gear
- Huge selection of surplus/military items
- Free shipping over $49
3. Cabela’s
- Founded: 1961
- Target Audience: Hunters, anglers, campers
- Categories: Fishing, hunting, camping, boating, shooting
- Popular Products: Rods, reels, guns, ammo, decoys
Known as the “World’s Foremost Outfitter,” Cabela’s is a top retailer for hunting, fishing, camping, and boating supplies. This Nebraska-based company offers thousands of products online and across dozens of stores.
Browse brands like REI such as Columbia and The North Face. Find everything from rugged tents and parkas designed for harsh conditions to duck decoys, gun cleaning kits, and other specialty hunting/fishing gear.
Cabela’s excels at catering to sportsmen and women. For large purchases, utilize their free financing options. And for online orders, take advantage of free shipping on most items. If you’re looking to outfit your next expedition, it’s worth exploring what Cabela’s has to offer.
Key Benefits
- Huge selection of fishing/hunting gear
- Free shipping on most items
- Stores across the U.S.
4. Sierra Trading Post
- Founded: 1986
- Target Audience: Outdoor enthusiasts on a budget
- Categories: Hiking, camping, yoga, climbing, snow sports
- Popular Products: Boots, jackets, backpacks, tents
Owned by TJX Companies (the parent company of TJ Maxx and Marshalls), Sierra Trading Post offers discount prices on quality outdoor apparel and gear.
This Wyoming-based retailer carries brands like REI such as The North Face, Patagonia, and Merrell. Find markdowns on clothing, shoes, camping equipment, packs, and more. Sign up for their email list to get alerts on flash sales, coupons, and discounts on your favorite brands.
For affordable outdoor essentials from top manufacturers, Sierra Trading Post is worth a look. Their steep discounts make high-performance gear accessible for the budget-minded.
Key Benefits
- Discount prices on outdoor brands
- Frequent sales/coupons
- Range of gear for all activities
5. Kelty
- Founded: 1952
- Target Audience: Campers, hikers, backpackers
- Categories: Backpacks, tents, sleeping bags
- Popular Products: Cloud backpacks, Cosmic sleeping bags
While not a mega retailer like REI, Kelty focuses on doing one thing very well – backpacks. Since 1952, this Colorado-based company has been a leader in packs, tents, and sleeping bags.
Kelty’s versatile backpacks like the Tactical Redwing 32 offer comfort, support, and storage ideal for hiking and camping. And their lightweight tents and cozy sleeping bags provide quality at a reasonable price point.
For a more budget-focused selection of backpacks, tents, and other camping gear, Kelty is worth a look. Don’t expect all the variety of REI. But do expect excellent value on the outdoor basics from a company that’s been perfecting packs for decades.
Key Benefits
- Specializes in backpacks
- Durable, affordable tents
- Innovative sleeping bag designs
6. Bass Pro Shops
- Founded: 1972
- Target Audience: Anglers, boaters, hunters
- Categories: Fishing, marine, hunting, camping
- Popular Products: Boats, rods, reels, guns
Started in Missouri in 1972, Bass Pro Shops is an iconic brand for lovers of the outdoors. Shop boats, motors, tackle, apparel and everything for your next fishing adventure.
Bass Pro excels at serving freshwater anglers and saltwater fishermen. Buy rods, reels, lures, nets and more trusted brands. Check out their camping department for tents, packs and gear similar to REI.
With free shipping on orders over $50 and knowledgeable staff, Bass Pro Shops is a go-to for sportsmen and women. Locations across the U.S. make it easy to check out products in person. For anglers and boaters, it’s a great alternative to REI.
Key Benefits
- Massive fishing/boating selection
- Free shipping over $50
- Stores across America
7. Moosejaw
- Founded: 1992
- Target Audience: Outdoor enthusiasts
- Categories: Climbing, hiking, snow sports, camping
- Popular Products: Tents, packs, jackets, shoes
Known for its quirky marketing campaigns, Moosejaw offers a wide range of outdoor gear for all kinds of activities. Shop brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and others that are also sold at REI.
Based in Michigan, Moosejaw carries top outdoor apparel, footwear, camping supplies and climbing equipment. Try their new rewards program, Moosejaw Rewards, to earn cash back on purchases.
Moosejaw price matches select retailers like REI, making it easy to find deals. With free shipping and returns, it’s another great option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quality brands.
Key Benefits
- Rewards program
- Price matching
- Wide selection of outdoor brands
8. CampSaver
- Founded: 2003
- Target Audience: Campers, backpackers, climbers
- Categories: Camping, hiking, climbing, snow sports
- Popular Products: Tents, sleeping bags, packs, stoves
Focused on the camping essentials, CampSaver provides quality gear for backpackers, campers and mountain adventurers. Shop top brands like Big Agnes, NEMO, MSR, and others also available at REI.
Based in Utah, CampSaver offers free shipping on orders over $50 and a lowest price guarantee to ensure you get deals. Find everything from durable tents, cozy 0-degree sleeping bags, mountaineering axes, and backpacking cookware.
For an extensive range of camping gear and supplies, CampSaver is a reliable choice. Their expertise in the outdoor basics provides options comparable to REI.
Key Benefits
- Specializes in camping gear
- Lowest price guarantee
- Free shipping over $50
9. Outdoorplay
- Founded: 1997
- Target Audience: Skiers, snowboarders, hikers, campers
- Categories: Snowsports, hiking, camping, climbing, apparel
- Popular Products: Skis, snowboards, boots, outerwear
Catering to mountain enthusiasts, Outdoorplay provides quality snowsports gear along with apparel and equipment for other activities.
Based in Colorado, this retailer offers top ski and snowboard brands like Salomon, Rossignol, and Burton. They also carry outdoor footwear, packs, tents, and other REI alternatives.
Take advantage of their Best Price Guarantee, free shipping, and easy returns when ordering online. Outdoorplay excels at outfitting alpine adventures, so skiers and riders should check them out for discounted gear.
Key Benefits
- Discounted snowsports gear
- Price match guarantee
- Free shipping and returns
10. Active Junky
- Founded: 2005
- Target Audience: Outdoor enthusiasts on a budget
- Categories: Hiking, camping, biking, snow sports, watersports
- Popular Products: Apparel, footwear, gear
Active Junky provides a unique service – cash back on purchases from 75+ outdoor retailers including REI, Backcountry, and Moosejaw.
After signing up for free, find your favourite brands similar to REI and shop as usual. Active Junky will track your orders and pay you a percentage back in cash. Payouts are delivered quarterly via PayPal or check.
For sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts looking to save on quality gear, utilizing Active Junky is a no-brainer. Let their site find you the best deals across retailers so you earn cash back on every purchase.
Key Benefits
- Cash back from 75+ retailers
- Bonus payouts at select stores
- Free sign up
11. Walmart
Yes, the mega retailer may seem like an unlikely final entry on a list of REI alternatives. But Walmart has stepped up their outdoor gear offerings in recent years.
Shop top brands like Coleman, Ozark Trail and First Ascent not found at REI. Tents, camping chairs, stoves, fishing rods, and apparel start at budget-friendly prices. Take advantage of free 2-day shipping on orders over $35 when buying online.
Is the quality as high end as what REI offers? Not always. But for car campers and occasional hikers on a budget, Walmart ticks a lot of boxes. Their affordable outdoor gear makes family adventures more accessible.
Key Benefits
- Very affordable prices
- Top budget-tier brands
- Free 2-day shipping over $35
Conclusion
While REI remains a premier outdoor gear and apparel retailer, these alternatives are worth checking out. Each provides their own strengths like discounted pricing, specialty categories, or cash back bonuses.
Hopefully this list helps you discover new retailers that can outfit your next expedition while also saving some money. The world of quality outdoor brands and supplies extends far beyond just REI.
FAQs about REI
What is REI?
REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) is an American outdoor recreation retail store that specializes in outdoor gear including camping, hiking, skiing, cycling, paddling, and climbing equipment.
When was REI founded?
REI was founded in 1938 by Lloyd and Mary Anderson. The first REI store opened in Seattle, Washington.
How many stores does REI have?
As of 2022, REI has over 170 retail locations across the United States.
What makes REI unique?
REI is a consumer co-op, owned by its members who pay a lifetime membership fee. As a co-op, REI invests profits back into the outdoor community through sustainability initiatives, local partnerships, gear rentals and more.
Does REI have an online store?
Yes, REI has an extensive online store at REI.com that offers free shipping on orders over $50. REI online carries even more products than what is available in stores.
What is REI’s return policy?
REI has one of the most generous return policies in retail, accepting returns on used gear for up to 1 year after purchase, no questions asked. Members who purchase products at REI can return them for a full refund anytime in the first year after the date of purchase.
Does REI offer discounts or have sales?
Yes, REI offers special member pricing on select items. They also hold member-exclusive sales events each year such as the Anniversary Sale and REI Outlet sales. Signing up for REI membership provides access to discounts and perks.
