I Worked at REI for 12 Years - Here's the REI Gear You Should Buy!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- *This video is sponsored by LMNT! Try LMNT (it's amazing) by clicking here: drinklmnt.com/mirandagoesoutside
I worked at REI for 12 years and this is the REI Gear you should ACTUALLY Buy! Over my years working at REI I got to try a ton of REI gear. A common question I got asked all the time when I worked at REI stores was whether or not REI brand gear was actually good, or just a cheaper knock-off of other name brand gear like North Face, Patagonia, NEMO, and Arc'Teryx. In this video I'll share which REI brand gear I think is truly worth your money, and even worth buying over its name brand competitors!
Intro: 00:00
Best REI Gear #1: 1:13
Best REI Gear #2: 2:00
Why I love LMNT chocolate salt! (sponsor): 2:47
Best REI Gear #2 (con't): 4:03
Best REI Gear #3: 4:04
Best REI Gear #4: 5:36
Best REI Gear #5: 7:44
Best REI Gear #6: 8:39
Best REI Gear #7: 9:37
Best REI Gear #8: 10:55
Best REI Gear #9: 11:51
My all-time favorite piece of REI Gear: 13:11
Outro: 17:13
Check out my video on hiking underwear Here: • The BEST Underwear for...
Gear in this video -
Camp Dreamer Slippers: bit.ly/3Qa5CbQ
Trail 2 Pride Print: bit.ly/3Q9FopN
Flexlite Air Chair: bit.ly/3O9R4rn
Sahara Shade Hoodie:
Active Hipster Underwear: bit.ly/46dOlUv
Trailsmith Jogger Pants:
Rainier Rain Jacket:
Mini Multi Towel: bit.ly/44CWctx
Flash 22 Print Day Pack: bit.ly/471y5Gx
Big Haul 40 Duffel:
Pack-Away 100L Storage Bin:
Flash 55 Pack: bit.ly/42Y4OKO
Shop ALL My Favorite Backpacking Gear: www.mirandagoesoutside.com/bl...
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This video is NOT sponsored by REI! It's actually sponsored by LMNT! Thank you so much to LMNT for sponsoring another video! 💚 If you want to find more awesome recipes using LMNT like the one I shared in this video, click here: drinklmnt.com/
The Miranda Goes Outside crew:
Director and Producer: Rainer Golden
Videographer and Sr. Editor: Abby Hagan
Videographer and Editor: Chelsea Newton
Videographer and Editor: Kyle Roof
Editor: Katie Van Fleet
Dog: Tucker
This video was filmed by Rainer Golden and edited by Rainer Golden and Miranda Webster!
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Find past Miranda in the Wild videos on REI Co-op's TH-cam channel here: / @rei
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#rei #reicoop #gear #backpacking #hiking #camping #outdoors #travel #adventure #mirandagoesoutside #mirandainthewild
One piece of gear that *didn't* make the video, but absolutely makes the list, is the REI Half Dome SL2+ Tent! It was out of stock when I went to my local REI (it's that popular!) but it deserves a mention. Ten years ago, the Half Dome was the first tent that I ever purchased, and it's only gotten better over the years. It's a great tent for people who don't know if they are going to be more into backpacking or car camping, because it's decently light while also being very spacious! It's also a *true* two person tent. The most recent update to the Half Dome makes it a pound lighter than its predecessor! Highly, highly recommend. Link here: bit.ly/3JKtr5N
One thing I love about my 2016 SL2+ is the number of pockets. I think it has one at each corner, and two MASSIVE gear lofts. Plus it's super fast to setup and the side walls are nearly vertical. My wife and I sleep on 25" wide pads and it's the perfect width for us. I only wish it packed a little smaller. One weird quirk about it, and I'm not sure if I'm doing it right: Do the grommets for the rain fly pole attachments go above or below the ones for the tent body?
Agree abt the Half Dome. Really liked this video. I like you product reviews/comparisons a lot.🌿
I watched the video before coming into the comments because I wanted to mention this, haha! I've taken the Half Dome SL2+ on 30-40 trips spanning just an overnight to about a week. It has NEVER failed me. It's incredibly easy to set up and take down, the weight is better than pretty much any competitor at it's price point, and headroom is nice for people like me who are over 6 ft tall. The only thing I did, was change out the stakes. The base ones (when I got mine) were aluminum. I switched them out for bright red stakes so they were easier to see. I love that tent though!
@Miranda when you gonna make an OF w them Tig Ole Bitties! Bring the hipsters if you want.
We have the Quarter Dome 3 and LOVE IT! Since we each carry part (one has the tent, the other has the poles), it’s great for our backpacking adventures. We have been through terrible weather it and never had a leak or moment of concern. We’ve had it for about 8 years now.
As one of your many content consumers, it brings me vast joy to know that you have a DEEP understanding what we want to see: Miranda trying to fit in to bags. 100% satisfied.
Just here to give the people what they deserve 🔥
That's funny, thought they're be a joke about travelling by air cheap.
I don't know about that . Now I want to kinda see her bare feet more since she and Rainer joked about it . ( jokingly )
what?
@@greenwave819😂
Well, I only worked for REI for 6 years, so you got me there, Miranda. Some of my favorite REI brand gear: a down mummy bag still going strong after 25 years, and a LOT of use. Several daypacks and one internal frame backpack, all well used, and most lasted 15-20 years, including a Flash pack from the very first year they came out. My REI fleece jackets from the mid 90s are still nearly as good as the day I bought them, though horribly out of fashion. But the best REI branded thing I ever got was and is my wife - does an REI vest make you REI branded? We worked together, climbed and hiked together, and then I proposed to her at an employee party in the store. She's outlasted most of the other stuff - except that mummy bag, it's still in the running!
aint it the truth. fabulous wives are just the best.
What a beautiful life
Since you worked there, does REI tell their employees to be annoying to all customers be constantly asking them if they need help? Just one visit and got hit up SIX times from every damn employee. All overtly friendly with a liberal, disingenuous overtone.
@@JB-mo8rs It’s been 24 years since I last worked for REI. I can only speak for what we did then. Ask every person if you can help with anything, be genuinely friendly and helpful, and give good advice to help them meet their needs. Nobody was on commission, so no pressure selling. Truly there to serve the needs of members and customers. With that said, some employees were better than others at striking the right balance between helpful and annoying. Humans, you know. I never knew anyone to be truly disingenuous, though. There was no motive for it.
With all that said, I have shopped in REI stores many times since leaving that job, and I have never experienced anything like what you describe. Not sure what may have been going on there.
This is a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing. I wish you many more years!
I love how Miranda and REI have such a great relationship after Miranda went independent. Makes me happy to keep supporting REI!
Summer 2020 rei kicked me out of their store for not having my mask over my nose. Complete commie weirdo employees came up and threatened me and they wouldn’t let me check out. The manager was a lunatic.
I would never wear sodomy print. That’s evil and disgusting.
@@imbonnie Pfft speak for yourself, Sodomy print is great!! Now we just need a Gomorrah print to match for a full set
@@imbonnie - Weird, it just looks like colorful trees to me. Do you see sodomy everywhere you look? You might want to get some help with that, either psychological or ...otherwise.
Waist?! 😏
Archaeologist here and I use a lot of REI equipment for field clothes. I LOVE their button down shirts, I bought one randomly for my first dig 11 years ago and I'm still using it today. They also make a great pair of heavy canvas pants that are up there with Carharts
What other brands do you you like?
As a student archaeologist this was great to read! Only been on one dig so far so still finding what works best for me lol
Edit: For anyone else that cares, the Sahara hoodie was AMAZING! I had my wedding after my first dig and did not want tan lines (because strapless dress) so I wore it the whole time in 80 degree weather. Not only was it breathable enough to not die, but it kept me from getting burnt/tanning. Also it was SUPER light!
OMG THE KYLE INSERT FOR THE CHAIR 😂😂😂😂💀
🤠 we love Kyle Hates Chairs
Exactly!! That made me laugh lol 😂
@@MirandaGoesOutside😂😅
Made me chuckle a bit
The Forest Service gave my crew the REI sun hoodie and it was a life saver in the glaring high altitude sun
I’ve had that chair for years and it only gets more comfortable. Used it at home in the backyard, in the garage, on lakes for kayaking breaks on islands and at the beach. A must.
Most other TH-camrs "No you can't see my feet!" But Miranda put on a whole runway show! Bold move Ms. Goes Outside!
As a current REI employee this is soooo helpful, I get these kind of questions all the time. Thanks for sharing!
I worked at REI for 2-3 years... back around 2000-2003~ish. Over 20 years later, I'm STILL using a bunch of the REI brand gear I acquired back then. The Taj 3 tent served me well for 2 decades. My default travel bag / carry-on is an REI duffel that has held up amazingly well. One of our employee holiday gifts one year was the rain jacket, and I rocked it for 15 years before the coating started to delam. I have some REI thermal underlayers that I've used for 20 years. REI gear just lasts forever (usually).
Miranda, you rock! Love the videos. You have inspired my daughter and I to start going on adventures (day trips for now). Your honesty and knowledge combined with your humour is so fun to watch. As Scouts, we take your knowledge to heart to help us get ready for a long trip next summer. Thank you again for your videos. From a Canadian family.
I LOVE the Sahara hoodie. I wear it to the gym as often as I can because it helps me regulate my body temperature; I sweat too much too fast and end up shivering in a breezy or air conditioned area.
Some stuff from REI that I love that’s not mentioned in the video is their hiking shirts (so soft!), the beyonder shoes, and for a down jacket I think the 650 down jacket is great option at its super cheap price. Fully second the Flash 55, trailsmith joggers, and sahara shade hoodie!
Their Flash jackets are a great option for new campers/backpackers. Super cheap and plenty warm, and nobody's going to cry too much when they burn their first pinhole in it from a campfire ember.
I still wear my 15+ year old REI down jacket.
You're one of few people who like the Beyonder shoes (footwear is not REI's strong suit).
@@PhilAndersonOutside Agreed on their footwear. I was surprised I like them so much, honestly. Genuinely love them as my around town shoes, especially in summer. But totally get I may be in the minority in this one.
My REI merino wool socks are still going strong after 14 years. They are great for Colorado winters.
I also like my REI baselayer pants. I’m 5’1” and an XS and had the hardest time finding a petite baselayer bottom.
Passage 1 tent got me through more than 3000 mile hike in some of the most inclement weather from hail, sleet rain and snow and did an incredible job at keeping me completely dry…!!! Gotta love it.
Hello 👋 Miranda, I first became an REI customer in June.of 1971. REI remains my favorite store for all things camping 🏕. Stay safe out there. 🤗 👋
Welp, Miranda has justified the items that have been sitting in my cart for quite some time😂… they shall be in my pack soon! Thanks Miranda for all you do! You and your team are AMAZING!🎉
I loved your REI videos, I'm glad the algorithm brought me to you! Your happy fun personality was really uplifting during all of the stress during Covid. Thanks for you being you and sharing it with everyone.
I hit the jackpot when I went to the garage sale area of my local REI and found a 2023 Flash 55 for $70 that someone used once and returned like a day prior because the sternum strap broke. Bought the Packmod straps for $10 to use as an improvised strap and so far it’s been great
A solid REI garage sale find is the best!
Backpacking knife that won’t close? Just gotta know how to operate it!
Micro spikes with a missing chain? Mfgr sent a replacement in the mail!
Luci light leaks? Just needed a patch!
I could go on for a while!
My fav: REI Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair (Black is best cuz the pillow hooks are hooked not straight making them more stable (way better) to stay in the loop with any movement including carrying in any direction. Blue=pillow hooks are straight and can fall out of the loop with minimal movement) Retail is $99.95 but I bought mine for $69.89 each due to a sale. My husband and I (both 5'6", 145-175lbs) both have one and absolutely love them and use them daily at home indoors and in the yard, but easy for bringing to the park / keeping in the car / under the original xl PetRover dog stroller in the storage basket. The size, comfort (easy up and down) and side pockets are spot on!
My best REI purchase ever was the Sahara Vest in green. I ended up wearing it for countless hours while working with horses. It was absolutely the best utility vest I could ever imagine. Still have it, and a backup in tan, because it's not available anymore sadly.
I’m so bummed they discontinued that vest!! Seriously, utility vests are hard to find now.
Oh Miranda… If you had stuck around for 3 more years you would have had your discount for life! I had a store manager tell me I wasn’t allowed to quit (at 13.5 years) for that very reason!
Glad you gave a shout out to the chair! It is the most overlooked REI item I feel. Love mine!
Yes! Love the Flash 55! That Olive/chartreuse green is also one of my favorite colors. So, just icing on the cake!
Helpful content. Great pacing, so a lot of information in a compact format. People are busy, so being respectful of their time matters. Thanks.
I love my Flexlite Air chair. If you are patient, you can find them onsale for 60 or 70 bucks sometimes. Absolute steal at that price!
I've worked (PT) at REI for 8 years, so I can concur on and own quite a few pieces. I must say the Flexlite Air is my favorite piece by far. I even sold one when I went in on my day off. Plus it is .1oz less than the Chair Zero. And I am so sad the Quarter Dome was discontinued. I still have mine after 10 years. And my yoga teacher always tells me how she likes the Packaway. Plus the Magma and Flash jackets are awesome. I could go on.
Great timing! I just moved to Alaska from New Mexico less than a week ago. I’ve bought from REI for years online but never been in one of their stores until yesterday and it was awesome!
Thank you, Miranda for making content that makes me smile. I also have the Flash 55 thanks to your glowing reviews and I love it. It is the most comfortable pack I have ever owned.
Woo I’m so happy to hear that!!! It’s my favorite pack of all time.
It's so crazy to me seeing the amount of choice you have in the states in regards to hiking/backpacking gear. Unfortunately REI stopped selling to Australia back in 2018 due to a tax law change. Still an awesome video, thank you for sharing!
Would like to trade REI for Decathlon....Decathlon provide much more budget choices, and they closed their last store in US last year.
Love love LOVE my Sahara sun hoodie. Just took it backpacking last weekend.
It’s THE BEST. Won’t leave home without it in the summer!
I just missed getting it in purple. Have a blue one but the purple color was my fave. It lives in my camera bag.
I’ve worked at REI for 7 years and I’m in agreement with several (most) of your items. In fact, it was a little spooky how you spoke about the sun hoodie and the joggers EXACTLY as I speak about them! I don’t have the slippers ( I have the ember Mocs) so I would have added the quarter dome SL1. Love that tent.
I really appreciate their Puffy jackets being $100 versus a $250-$300 Patagonia or Cotapaxi. While the REI doesn't have as much insulation, as a Colorado person, I haven't run into the situation where it wasn't warm enough. (That being said I also do have a Carhart for when I need to be outside doing physical work that I don't want to tear a puffy over) I've had really positive experiences with the REI branded stuff and always recommend it, especially for people getting into outdoor activities and suffer sticker shock from some of the items. Great Video, as always!
I tried out the Half Dome 1 person tent and the Camp Bed Sleeping Pad last summer and loved them both! Shout out to the REI rentals program, it was cheaper to rent those two pieces for a week than it would have been to pay for a checked bag to haul my own gear on my flight!
I recently got the Flexlite Air Chair and it was definitely the most luxurious thing I had on my last backpacking trip! Adding a couple of things from this video to my wish list.
Great video, and I agree with all your recommendations too! This is also from a former REI employee. There are a few others that I would add, but the chair and Flash 55 are freaken awesome!
One of my favorite REI purchases is the waist pack that you showed. I have it in the solid black color and use the back pocket as my "secret" compartment for my passport and credit cards. It works great for international travel.
Also a huge fan of the REI Flash 55 pack! Also, as I’m primarily a car camper, the REI Co-Op Trailgate Vehicle Sleeping Platform is pretty sweet! Beats the crap outta’ my failed attempt at a DIY platform bed! Lol!
Awesome video! I love the Flexlite chair and absolutely LOVE my flash 55!!! I do have the updated version and I am EXTREMELY happy with it! I did have it in snow conditions and had a cover. Nothing was wet as I was backpacking for 8 hrs in snow, and rain conditions 😮. The only issue I have found is the chest strap has popped off a few times but not a big deal. Ty for this video!
Thank you! We are loving the camp slippers!❤❤❤❤
I've been and REI member since the mid-60s (my REI number is 75xxx) and I have consistently found over the years that REI brand equipment has performed as well or better than the name brands at usually significantly lower price points, not to mention the dividend. REI stores are a lot commoner than they were when I joined when it was on ly the flagship store in Seattle or mail order and the internet has changed things a lot.
Packaway 100L is incredible. Especially for someone who lives in a small space to be able to put most of the camping stuff get in 1 bag. The handles on every side makes it perfect for easy grab and move. Worth every penny
I have a serious travel bag collection/addiction and also am very active in hiking, camping, through hiking, kayaking etcetera.
I have most of these items but the absolute favorite of mine that I have told so many people to buy is the Big Hall 40.
By now I have a few, mostly black but I even ordered have a crazy mango colour for summer. I have a 60 L but the 40 is absolutely my favorite.
People have pointed out that the big rectangle box that it is kind of pokes out more than a couple of my other bags but I like that it gives me a freedom of arm movement.
I don't feel like I have a big pack behind my arms. I'm also someone who doesn't like a lot of pockets and sleeves built in so a simple rectangle with a mesh pocket inside the lid and exterior straps is perfect.
_Miranda forgot to mention that if you're female (AKA small feet) the stuff sack that you're always supposed to put this bag into never quite worked for me so it's a perfect heavy duty camp sandal bag!_
I just brought the
same daypack and love it. Did 7 trails in 2 days up in Wisconsin with it and it was perfect! Love your reviews.
Nice review. As an old guy w a bad back who has had to transition to “darned light”, the flash 55 is the most comfortable pack I’ve ever owned. That said, I’m done going into the backcountry without my 1lb chair….
Excellent review video and I learned a few things. I joined REI in 1976 and I ve never been disappointed with their brand items. Never. The item that I love the most and have used most is a lightweight sleeping bag “liner.” Compared to the bag liners of today, it is really a lightweight sleeping bag that I also used with my REI down sleeping bag when I’m doing early spring/late fall hammocking. I frequently zip it down about 3/4 of the way and use it as a top quilt in the summer. It is perfect and considering it is 34 years old, it was great value for the money. It is perfect for sleepovers when I’m on the couch. The current batch of bag liners are mostly just thin fleece slip-overs which are probably okay for increasing the warmth factor by about 5 degrees. But this is a beast that can be used alone for temps down into the mid-50s, which the new ones can’t handle. So, 2 thumbs up to REI.
Love the Flash 55, bought it for my wife. Flex lite hack... go get the Ozark trail chair for 25 dollars and get the flex lite replacement seat for 10 dollars. Its interchangeable.
I tried LMNT because you said it helps with migraines. AND BOY HOWDY DOES IT. For me it either knocks them out, or takes the edge off long enough for me to get home and get in bed.
I absolutely didn't know what to do with the chocolate salt one that came in the sample pack, but gonna try adding it to tomorrow morning's coffee.
Love my Flash 55! I’ve got the new one and the range of sizes available in store allowed my short round form to actually try stuff on! Mine is an XS with a medium hip belt and fits so well that I barely feel it! My REI honorable mention is my Sahara women’s +25 600 fill power sleeping bag in the short length. It’s lighter than my big Agnes, so cozy & has space in all the right places.also it’s about 10 years old and going strong
a few things i've picked up: Swiftland shirts are so good! The trailmade short sleeve button up party shirt (you know the one) is my favorite beer shirt. Magma trail quilt is a great non-cottage quilt option, and lastly the hyperaxis fleece hoody 2.0 has been a great jacket!
I love your recommendations. I just wish the REI brand had more size inclusivity. I’m a larger gal and not having great options with outdoor gear to be more active has to be the most frustrating aspect of trying to live a healthier lifestyle.
I agree with you. In case you missed them, REI partnered with Outdoor Afro to make hiking pants in over 20 different sizes. I love them! Lots of pockets with zippers. 5-star rated in reviews. Very popular! I hope they continue to offer these pants because it is hard to find good clothing in larger sizes.
Unfortunately they do have that problem. My friends wife is kind big now that she is over sixty and takes it easy so she just has to use her husband's stuff a lot. We have a Cabela's a few towns over so she asks her kids for gift certificates for that place and she tries stuff on while we guys look at used guns
Lose weight
It also sucks they don't have tall sizes, finding a full-length pair of hiking pants that are actually full length, has been a real challenge, and some places that do offer tall, still only offer up to size 14 or 16.
@@lori_noavivYep, same thing with guys clothes. Inseam length and sleeve length are too short most often in medium and large sizes, although usually select morels have an extended length (Sahara models are good about this).
I've liked this video, I am already a subscriber, the only other thing I can do to support you is to leave you this comment.
PLEASE keep doing what you do. Between you, Rainer and the rest of your team you provide interesting, informative and entertaining content. I can't wait for your next instalment. Excelsior!
I bought a zip-up outdoor shirt from REI in 2012. Am still wearing it eleven years later. It's my favorite cool season shirt, it looks great, washes beautifully and was an amazing value! I've worn the hell out of it and it still looks so good. Thank you REI.
Glad you called out the duffel. I adore my Big Haul 40 and I'm really pleased that I got it in Stone Blue (which doesn't seem to be available anymore). Also love my Trailmade shorts (for men), though I wish the spring closure mechanism was more robust, it's super flimsy and prone to breaking.
I own several of these items and can vouch for just how great they are!
Flexlite Chair - I have the Boss version since the weight limit is a little higher and I only really car camp. Comfy and so light!!
Rainier Rain Jacket - THE. BEST. I live in the PNW and this rain jacket actually does keep you dry. LOVE it.
Sahara Shade Hoodie - Comfy, flattering, and haven't gotten overheated or sunburnt - even in the Central American jungle.
The Active line of underwear is indeed comfy, but they don't hold up very well. :( I wash on a delicate cycle and hang to dry and they still seem to self-destruct way faster than other undies.
I have not used the Flash 55 backpack yet….but I did buy it about a month ago after watching you on another one of TH-cam..💞 I need to add the straps..
Love watching you! Your so down to earth
Enjoy your journey in life and keep spreading your sunshine…🌞
Great video! Thank you for the info, smiles and laughs!
I bought the Rainer rain jacket after your last video on it! I absolutely love it
One of my REI Brand gear that I’ve really liked are their hiking poles. I’ve been using them for 4 years now and other than occasionally needing to tighten the screws, they have performed flawlessly. And, so much less expensive than those other name brands.
LOVE my REI Flash 55, I have the version that you have. I have recommended it to friends, it's such a solid pack. LOVE all the pockets on the outside and the hip belt! I picked up the REI chair during a sale and got two for the price of one Helinox chair. I haven't tried the Helinox, I'm sure it's a fine chair, but the REI chair was a lot more affordable. My hope is that it is durable. I loved having a chair on my recent trip, I don't think I'll ever backpack again without it. It made the experience in camp SOOOooooo much more comfortable. I even took it out when we stopped for lunch. Quick to set up and entirely worth carrying the extra pound, at least for this weekend backpacker!
Im seriously considering that 55 pack now. Just by the why your face absolutely lights up when you talked about it, like when I get talking about a show or topic I get really into and know I'm making the exact same face of joy. Also I LOVE the forward bottle pocket, thats luxury right there
I bought the chair with 30% off. Best outdoor purchase ever!
The Flash 22 works great as a highly compressible spare bag that I take along with me on motorcycle trips. I use it, for example, when I pick up food and drinks and either don’t have room in the bike’s bags or don’t want to take time to rearrange things. It’s tough enough to carry spare parts, tools, or books, and yet so light that it “disappears” when not in use.
I'm a huge REI fan. I love wandering around in there. I have found many REI brand products that are great!! Favorites include the Big Haul duffels! They are awesome. I have 4: 90L, 60L, and 2 40s. All kinds of little extras and features on them. Highly recommend! Love their storage cubes and recently got that large PackAway cube and condensed my various gear into that one cube in my car. Love it! Also love the gear vest with all the pockets.
I love the outro jingle. It's so happy! :D
yay me too!! It's literally called "happy sunshine song" 😆
I just got the FLASH 55, my first pack! I spent a loooong time in REI trying and retrying packs looking for anything else, any brand, any price that fit comfortably and wasn't... mustard yellow. But in the end this is the only one that fit me just right.
not a fan of the jasper green one? this is the one I've been eyeing!
Love the Kyle HH reference at 4:30. Well done!
REi makes some good equipment (I regularly wear one of their jackets and backpacks) but I miss the olden days when I was a lad, before color TV and horseless carriages, when REI was significantly cheaper than the big brands (Glenn Randall's book on his ascent on Mt Hunter in the 80s mentions buying cheaper REI jackets and equipment to save money over the North Face equivalents- a savings that would be minimal today). It's true REI kit looks more stylish now, but there used to be a place for utilitarian but high quality gear.
I was an REI employee for 15 years and I don’t disagree with anything on this list. Well done.
I have the older version of the Flash 55 (and the 10 year old version, the Flash 52, from a mega Pro Deal when I worked there), and highly recommend the Flash to everyone. I also have 5 of those sun hoodies. They're AWESOME! I got a Half Dome 2+ (prior to the SL) about 8 years ago at the Used Gear Sale (when they still operated that way, and it was an event), and we still use it! This winter I got a set of the midweight Merino wool base layers, and they're soooo soft and cozy. I'm so happy to see REI adding more expanded sizes, too. It's slow progress, but still progress.
Thanks for the run down.
Great products.
We have the chair you showed. It brings a bit of luxury to the outdoors at a very light weight.
We have multiple REI duffel bags and packing cubes, and they really help us compartmentalize the storage in our Casita travel trailer. In fact, we used REI to outfit the new Casita with light weight dish ware, cookware, storage, bedding, backpacking towels, etc.
I just picked up the REI Trailmade 1 tent with footprint, and I love it. It’s easy to set up, totally comfortable, and the built-in footprint is one less thing to hassle with.
This video is very well done, thank you Miranda. I liked and subscribed!
I love that chair so much I took it with me on the PCT. Every time I whipped it out everyone had the same reaction: "YOU BROUGHT A CHAIR?!" and I would just smile and enjoy my bliss.
My other favorite REI item is the Sahara Shade hoodie, it's the only legit competition to the OR Echo and it is superior to it in many ways. Every time I see someone wearing one I point out the cinch on the neck that they didn't know existed. It's great.
I've heard great things about the REI Helix sleeping pad, and would have bought one during the 4th of July sale but they were sold out.
I have the HELIX! It’s gorgeous and QUIET!
I ran into the same issue too - I trekked out to the nearest store, tried it & loved it & it sold out while I had the item in the cart! I see it's back in stock but no longer on sale... I ended up w the NEMO Tensor despite all the mixed reviews - I still have to put it to the test...
ps. and y'all sold me on getting a Sahara hoodie!
I've been using REI gear for a long time. Some items have been hit and miss, but overall I've been happy. I love my REI Flash backpack which is lightweight, holds a ton of stuff and is practical.
Our first (and only after 5 years) tent purchase was of a used Rental Kingdom 4 tent. It’s amazing and pairs so well with our kingdom queen sleep system (any time we need an air mattress we pull it out, way better than anything else you can buy at a normal store.) and my newest favorite piece of gear is our REI co-op cooler. It was our first big cooler investment and now I will never even think about dropping the cash on a hydro flask or yeti because this baby is perfect for way less
The Kingdom was probably the best pure camping tent REI ever made. Unfortunately they discontinued it in 2022. It's been "replaced" by the Wonderland which is $100 more, has less pockets, and is arguably harder to set up, and perhaps not as weather resistant. :-(
Love the gear breakdown!
Thanks for sharing what's the best on REI project's! Best part when you got inside cube bag 😆 🤣 awesome
One of the sales is on. It is a good time for people to be able to see this again. I know it helped me decide on what to get. 💛
I love my Flash 55 so much and will be sad when I need a new one because to me, it’s perfect. Plus the olive oil color got me a lot of compliments on trail!
I bought the Flash 55 after watching your videos and it was sooo fantastic for my first backpacking trip! Packed it to its max weight and it was still super comfortable.
Same exact experience here-bought the Flash 55 based on Miranda’s review a while back & am super happy with it. I’ve taken it backpacking within the States & even on a trip to Japan, and it’s just been perfect.👍🏻👍🏻
Really great video, thanks so much for sharing!
Cheers for dropping the knowledge 👌
having the gals over for a gossip 🗣
The mesh sleeping bag bag shines for car camping. It's durable, it does exactly what it's supposed to do, does it well, and it allows for modular packing of all bedding for one human together in one bag where your sleeping bag can vent a bit and there is still room for a bag liner or some sheets, an extra blanket, a travel pillow, OR if you vanlife it is a way to put all your regular bed type bedding away neatly in one concise bag. If I'm on a road trip I can just chuck all bedding in this thing and shove it in the back of my SUV or in the roof box, and when I set up camp again down the road setup of bedding is minimal because I can just unpack everything without messing with all sorts of compression sacks and allowing loft time. Here's my bed, just pull out the stuff and I'm good to go. If space isn't at a premium, this can be a good option campsite to campsite on a multi-site road trip tour, because it will save a significant amount of time packing tight and unpacking to loft while also keeping things contained and reasonably neat.
I've been an REI customer since you had to join and order gear from their catalogue. I wear REI socks almost every day. Another item that I love and REI no longer sells is the REI cooler. It was a clever design that could fold flat, but worked great when set up. It was also relatively cheap compared to other coolers. But, now they sell coolers that look like everyone else's cooler and they are more expensive than the previous cooler.
Miranda videos are def a highlight of my Sunday :)
😘 you being here is the highlight of mine!
Same here!
I've been eying that 55 backpack since you 1ST showed it. Guess I need to head on over and get one.
I love my flexlite air chair so much. I use it at home sometimes too. I got that rain jacket a while back as a gift and it’s one of my most worn since then.
And while it’s the only backpacking tent i have ever used, I love my rei half done 2+ tent. It’s easy to set up and take down, it fits me and my wife and our gear. It has a covered outside area for shoes and such, and it has entrances on both sides so you don’t have to climb over each other to get in and out. On top of that it’s reasonably priced and the weight is more than acceptable for that price. Great piece of gear.
Wonderful funny, informative, and smart video! Great job!
The REI base camp is one of the best tents for holding up to weather below the tree line.
REI GEAR I use: Flash 22, sahara convertible pants, sahara long sleeve shirt, sahara bucket hat, passage 1 tent, rainier rain pants.
I have a number of those favorite items myself! It’s good to here this feedback from someone that worked there.
A few more that I like:
- REI light weight long sleeve base layer shirt for sun protection and hiking.
- REI wool underwear bottoms
- REI fleece pants
- REI 850 jacket - definite favorite!
I also recently bought a REI Magma sleeping bag for an incoming trip. While have not used it to note it as a favorite, it does seem to get good reviews on various sites. And I was able to get it at a very reasonable 40% off.
I’m amazed at how many of your faves are in our closets!
I've been at REI for just over 20 years (I have a 5-digit #) and I'd have to say my all-time favorite piece of REI gear is the Arete 2 3-4 season tent. Maybe a little heavy for a backpacking tent but it handles sub-freezing weather beautifully! One of my other favorites was the Big Cat 20 down bag, but that's going way back! But my current favorite REI thing is a Passage 1 footprint that I found for $4.83 on a closeout. I threw it in my golf bag so I'd be able to stretch out my back even if the course was soggy. I stick a few tee pegs in the grommets and presto! The Flash 22 has improved quite a bit. Actually... the quality of gear of all types has improved astronomically since I started (remember the One jacket?). Nowadays I do footwear, which is a whole other ballgame.
P.S. Just so you know I STILL have not found THE sleeping pad yet. Maybe in another 20 years.
Hello 👋 Miranda, thank you for sharing this informative video.
I have an REI DryPoint GTX jacket that I absolutely adore. It’s light weight, packable, adjustable, breathable, and has never failed to keep me dry in all the rain and snow that we get here. I pretty much never leave home without it in Winter, Spring, and Fall.
I have the Flash 55 and I tell people it is the definition of the perfect backpack!! It just hugs my body
Wow awsome job... With the whole presentation. 🎉
I’ve ordered the mini towel and the 140 liter storage bag. Thanks for the info! My REI membership has got me them for a great discount.
I'm old fashioned and still have an old pack laying around with an external frame. It worked well for strapping my fishing rod carrier to it. I'm lucky enough to have a small REI here in the town I live in just across town.