Are there many opportunities in life where you buy-in once to receive a lifetime of benefits? Think about it, you pay annually or monthly for streaming subscription services, credit cards, or grocery membership.
Outdoor retailer REI Co-op is an outlier in this space, hoping to provide members with the chance to pay a one-time fee for a lifetime membership. There are no asterisks, no further fees to pay or add-ons later on down the line.
We spoke with the divisional vice president of membership at REI, Clay Walton-House, on the many benefits members receive year-round at the outdoor retailer.
REI Membership benefits | REI Re-Supply Program | REI Re/Supply products to shop | More REI Products to shop | REI Member Days | How we chose | Meet the expert
REI Membership benefits
For a one-time, $30 payment made online or in-store (yes, you read that right! Just once!), you receive access to perks offered by REI's membership program. There is no expiration date, no free trial period that you have to set a reminder to cancel and there are also no annual fees. Simply pay $30 once to unlock hundreds of discounts on top brands like Patagonia, Stanley, REI Co-op and more.
Your membership earns you 10% back on eligible items with every purchase, that then gets sent to you in the form of a REI gift card at the end of the calendar year. Plus, members receive special discounts and coupons on products year-round, not just during shopping holiday events.
Here are just a handful of the benefits members can take advantage of with a REI membership:
- Free standard shipping to any address in the United States, no minimum spending amount required.
- Members can trade in and buy gently used outdoor items via REI's Re/Supply program, saving money on gear such as tents and bicycles, and clothing like athletic shorts or climbing shoes.
- Certain REI locations have bike and snow shop repair service stations, where members can save 20% off services.
- Up to 33% off gear rentals, including items like paddle boards, tents and other gear, at select stores depending on their supply.
- Members have up to one calendar year to return items, rather than the 90 days that non-members have. "That is something that the Co-op has stood by over our history, we really want to make sure we’re getting people into the right gear and products and that is a standard that we have set and stood by for a long time," Walton-House says on their longer-than-average return policy.
Walton-House explains that the cost of a lifetime REI membership is a low barrier to entry to the outdoors — offering products and experiences to ease intimidation that may come with it and make it accessible to as many people as possible. “I’d say the value is pretty important, that we have product offerings that are not only the best of the best of the best because people who are new to the outdoors might not be ready to make that investment, but it’s also expensive and they want to try something with a little lower barrier to entry,” he explains.
REI Re/Supply Program
REI has a trade-in and buy-back program called Re/Supply, where members can trade in lightly used gear and shop other secondhand items ranging from clothing to technical gear, bags and more.
"I see people new to the outdoors using Re/Supply," says Walton-House on the perks members use most. He notes that having this option provides shoppers more ease to get into a new hobby or activity because "they can then trade it in if they decided they don’t want to stick with the activity.”
The trade-in process simple. Users need to check its eligibility online first, before dropping it off at an REI location or shipping it for $6. Once the trade-in is complete, REI will send a gift card with the earnings.
Members can see how much their item could potentially earn them with an easy search process on the website, where you can look up products by their specific name. For example, if I wanted to trade in an old Patagonia Refugio Daypack backpack, it could earn me $17 in REI credit.
Shopping for secondhand clothing items and gear, is a similar process to thrifting, except REI does all the heavy lifting for you. After clicking on a clothing item, REI has sorted it into categories such as "excellent condition," "lightly worn," or "well worn," with notes on where the piece may have damage or wear.
One thing to consider when shopping is that sizing is very limited, though you can set notifications to become aware when a clothing item is available in your size.
"I think people just love the idea that if I need or want to upgrade something, it doesn’t necessarily mean I have to throw something away or put it in a landfill," says Walton-House. "And the idea that I can trade something in and make available to another member who may be as new to the outdoors and would love to use that product at a lower cost, I think that really resonates for a lot of our members."
REI Re/Supply items to shop
Men's Allbirds Wool Runner Sneakers
Allbirds is a Shop TODAY-approved and go-to sneaker for many of our editors who praise their comfort and style, and how they're able to walk miles around New York City in them without blisters or sore feet afterward.
These men's wool sneakers will provide him with the same benefits and are available in three different colors and sizes 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13.
REI Co-op Roadtripper 140 Duffel
Whether you're taking the name of the bag quite literally and have an upcoming road trip, or travels that require you to pack not-so-lightly, reach for this 140L duffel bag. Outfitted with recycled polyester, the brand says it's both abrasion and water-resistant, helping to protect the items inside from any travel woes.
It's currently 34% off and in excellent condition, according to REI.
Patagonia Synchilla Fleece Jacket
Transitioning from one season to another is always an awkward time period. It's crisp in the mornings, yet sweltering or sunny when leaving work. This fleece sweater from Patagonia can serve as a layering piece or the outermost layer on your commute, that can easily be tied around your waist when you're at the office.
REI members can save 60% on this jacket that was marked as in excellent condition, with minor fading in multiple locations. Its vibrant pattern adds a fun pop of color to any neutral pair of pants or jeans.
The North Face Freedom Snow Pants
Shopping secondhand is the perfect way to stock up on clothing items you only wear a handful of times throughout the year, including snow pants when skiing or snowboarding.
Available in three colors and sizes S-XXL, REI marked all three options in excellent condition, with minor fading in some spots.
Blundstone Heeled Boots
The perfect addition to any fall wardrobe, these Blundstones are currently 51% off and have signs of being lightly worn, according to REI.
A cushioned midsole aims to provide comfort, while a weatherproof exterior promises to keep your feet protected and socks dry.
More REI bestsellers to shop
Chaco Chillos Kids Slide Sandals
While sandal season is nearly over, it's never too early to stock up for next year. These adjustable sandals make it easy for young children to slip these on and off with ease and will keep them comfortable with each step thanks to the durable footbed.
They're currently 61% off, making them less than $20.
Balega Silver Mini Crew Socks
Reviewers rave about the compressive fit these socks offer, calling it "snug but comfortable," with the feature working in tandem with the medium amount of cushioning along the sole.
Reviewers also note that these socks are ideal for workouts such as running rather than hiking.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Although these socks provide a lightweight layer between your feet and the boots you hike in, they don't skimp in terms of cushion with each step. They're made out of a nylon, merino wool and spandex blend fabric that the brand promises is quick-drying and moisture-wicking, should you run into any puddles along the way.
Patagonia Baggies Shorts
A personal favorite of mine for scorching summer days, kayak rides and wanting to dress comfortably and casually around the city, these shorts have become a staple in my summer wardrobe.
They're made with a truly quick-drying fabric (hint: it's nylon!) and the elastic waistband allows for a comfortable, stretchy fit.
Thule Clean/Dirty Packing Cube
Whether you hate packing (or rather enjoy the satisfying feeling of making everything fit in your carry-on), packing cubes make it more than easy to ensure an organized bag.
This 13-liter packing cube features a nylon, water-repellant exterior that promises to keep the contents inside protected. And it has a divider inside to take your organizing to the next level.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
REI says this top helps you move like you're in a breathable tee while providing UPF 50+ protection from the sun. A polyester and spandex blend fabric lends way to moisture-wicking properties, keeping you cool and comfortable on the trails.
REI Member Days
Now through Sept. 16, members can save during the REI Member Days, which include additional discounts on the Re/Supply program, REI Adventures, in-store bike services and more. For the next 10 days, members can receive the following benefits:
- 20% off one Re/Supply item with promo code USED20.
- Take $100 off 2025 REI Adventure trips.
- New members can receive an additional $30 reward card when they make a purchase of $50 or more and buy a membership in the same transaction.
- Save an additional 20% off bike shop services at select REI stores.
Plus, additional deals and member-specific benefits are highlighted here.
How we chose
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the expert
- Clay Walton-House is the divisional vice president of membership at REI.
