REI

So the REI in seattle is absolutly a pradise for backpackers, cyclists, campers or any outdoor activity you can think of.
The staff is very helpful, and you can find the anything you can think of.
It takes time to go through the all store sonce it really big.
The only downsize is the prices.
Other than that it’s the perfect place be equiped in.

This is the biggest and the coolest REI I’ve ever been to!!! I didn’t have enough time to check everything out. They have a huge selection of sporting goods for everyone. There’s an indoor rock climbing area, mini waterfall and it feels like you’re hiking in the woods. I saw some people riding bikes on the trail. I heard someone saying that their testing out the bikes. On the top floor is a small café, restrooms and even a treehouse kids play area. I stopped by this REI to purchase a Hydro Flask. Someone bought me a bigger one last year and I really liked it!!! The ice lasts a long time and the bottle keeps the water icy cold. Customer service is good, it’s organized and clean throughout the store. Plenty of parking and the location is right off the 5 fwy. I can highly recommend this flagship REI store.

Probably the best REI store. Great variety of outdoor gear with major selections and sales through the year. Very helpful staff members that go above and beyond the expectations. The giant rock for top roping is fun and tempting to climb. Parking can be challenging at times, but the building, products and scenery make it worth the trip there.

Steer clear during holdings or member sales…
Wanted to buy some hiking boots. Waited around for 40 minutes without any acknowledgement and was usually brushed off because staff was busy with other people. Seemed like the customer to staff ratio in the boot department was at least 10 to 1. They should start a ticket system for people to wait in line and at least communicate with their customers the estimated wait times. Left without boots. It would have been another hour or two to get out of there with the boots.
On the plus side there was a table set out outside for $ 10 sausages. Those had some fancy names like caribou bacon beer brat. Big name, but small flavor. Get the kielbasa. :)
The park outside is nice. I love the waterfall. But overall it was a stressful unproductive experience.

Phenomenal location in one of the largest outdoor center as I’ve ever been to. It was impressive just how hyperfocus they were in each department. They even had my jacket in a 2X. Customer service was very pleasant and always there to help.

Was SO excited to visit this flagship store, but the backpacking fitting left a bad taste in my mouth. I’ve been backpacking and my friend had expressed interest in joining me. I have a two day trip planned (just a small weekend thing) and told her that we should get her fitted for one while we were in town, after all, REI is the best! Well, first off, the person who was working the backpacking area (who was friendly, I will say) was really pushing for a certain packs over ones I personally have good experience with.
The first pack was a last-​season Deuter with a FLOWER on it (how can you even think about buying that pack when you know you’re going to have to cut that extra piece of «lady bling» off of it to save weight). This pack was 60 liters, which is WAY too big for just a short weekend and for a beginner backpacker. I tried to explain that I wanted her to find a pack similar to mine, an Osprey Tempest 40, and he basically said that I was crazy to backpack with such a small pack for weekend trips, asking me if my pack total included my tent (it did). He kind of brushed it off. But considering that my friend is even going to be going WITH me, sharing gear weight, she should need even less liters, but I digress.
The guy was the «expert» I thought, so I let him convince us to look at the 60 liters. The Deuter did not fit her, no matter how we shaped and changed the settings on it, so from there he offered her the standard REI pack. It was fine… but I just felt like he was trying to convince her to buy something too big that she didn’t need, and the last thing I want is for my friend to carry a HUGE heavy pack on a first-​time weekend backpacking trip, and never want to do it again. I suggested that we try some Osprey packs (I have two, which I love), but he didn’t really bite. When we left the store, we resolved to look at some other packs back home.

The REI Flagship store… where all of your hopes, dreams, and money come to play.
This location is my preferred location because they have a much larger selection than the other stores, through right now there’s some construction going on in the footwear and women’s departments.
Huge climbing wall and a nice outdoor area to test out the bicycles, this REI is definitely the one to go to!

It is REI #1. It is the flagship and for good reason.
This REI feels like a thematic experience with every way in the world for you to experience whatever outdoor hobby suits you. The cycling area, alone, is double the size of most bike shops I have been to and I would say I was blown away, entirely. This is the place you can go to find *anything* outdoor related (and then some).
Don’t let the large size fool you, though. Their customer service was quite good while I was there (even late at night when everyone was sort of checked out and nearing the end of their shifts). Honestly, this is the place you want to go to find whatever it is you need/​think you need/didn’t realize you needed.

It’s really a love hate relationship with REI… This location in specific is pretty spectacular, downtown Seattle and right off the freeway makes it easy to get to and find. The hate side is the size of their parking spaces. First hour is free there after it runs about $ 2 and hour, that’s not even the problem, the problem is the spaces and garage layout. Tiny tiny spots that can barely fit two compact cars side by side without hitting the car next to you. I’ve been there twice and twice got door dings on my brand new car. Then you have people in big SUVs and Trucks that park in compact spots making navigating in the garage itself a stressful situation.
The store itself is very large, the largest REI in WA that I know of. They have a large selection of anything and everything outdoor. I don’t like that they aren’t the cheapest by any means, you can typically find a lot better deals online however what I do love is their return policy. They’ll take any product back within a given year, no questions asked, used or new it doesn’t matter. In addition to that, they offer a lifetime membership plan (about $ 20) and you get 10% back on what you spend every year.
Upon my last visit we were looking for a few bicycling items and was assisted by an associate who claimed to be a bicyclist but gave very vague responses to specific questions that we had. Requesting sizes was a chore as well as he continually brought out the wrong sizes and misquoted on prices on items — so upon check out the total was much higher than expected. Frustrated and over it, we decided to leave, but the cashier ended up chasing us down a few minutes later and said that she would honor the price that the associate told us it would be. Though we didn’t expect it, she did help uphold the integrity of REI. So we came back and bought the items we originally wanted to purchase.
Overall, you get what you pay for, the additional costs comes with one of the best if not the best return policy of any company and 10% dividends at the end of the year. Gives me enough love to offset the hate.

We Seattleites seems to all love the outdoors. This is the conduit to many of the best outdoor events and gear necessary for those adventures. While I have journeyed to REI many times, I will highlight my most recent purchases/​service in order to convince you this is the place.
Bicycle purchase (April 2016)
The parts department and new bike shop were both incredibly supportive as I shopped, purchased, and modified my new bike. First the sales rep helped fit me to the frame size I thought I wanted. After helping me test ride a few bikes, it was clear to me I was leaning towards a frame he didn’t initially recommend, but after talking it over together — he supported. Eventually we replaced the stem and they waived the charges in their free 30 minute tune up.
Ski repair (Jan 2016)
My skis had major damage after a fun weekend in Montana (turns out off-​piste early in the season was a bad idea.) I brought my skis to the repair center and the tech explained the difference between their Bronze/​Silver/​Gold packages and I ultimately selected Gold. I could not be happier. My skies look almost like new and you cannot tell they both took core shots. Superb work and reasonable turn around.
In short, REI is amazing. You should know this.

This is the most beautiful REI I’ve ever been to! We stopped by the evening before heading to Olympic National Park and found ourselves spending a good amount of time just wandering around and admiring the gorgeous displays. It’s got a test trail for bikes, a large test route for your hiking shoes, and almost about everything you may need. They even have a park ranger station! Like all REIs I’ve been to, the staff are friendly and customer service is just stellar.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, then you probably already know about REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), and you may have checked out one of their many stores around the country. However if you’re ever in Seattle, and have the opportunity, you should definitely go to their flagship store.
As you approach this incredible facility, the first thing that you’ll see is a 5-​story glass tower to one side of the building. As you get closer you realize that this is actually a glassed-​in enclosure around their indoor rock climbing wall. This store has an indoor mountain biking trail, a hiking trail, a small forest area, and so much more — plus they are packed with true subject matter experts that can answer your questions about buying kayaks, canoes, backpacking supplies, hiking boots, mountain bikes, climbing supplies, and outdoor clothing.
Now it’s not just enough to talk with someone about a pair of hiking boots or running shoes, so why don’t you lace up that pair and go for a little hike around the indoor trail. You want to check out a particular bike, then go for a spin on their special bike trail. How do you use climbing ropes? Well, we have this indoor rock climbing wall so that you can find out. Truly amazing!
I thought that the selection of items was great, and the help that I received from their associates was stellar. Everyone was very welcoming, and willing to share their expertise as I asked my questions, and tried out several items. Thankfully I live clear across the country from this store, or I would be totally broke!
I could easily spend a couple of hours wandering through the different sections of this store, and trying out the outdoor equipment. This was really a fun and unique experience!

Cool inside and outside but I found this location to be very busy and stressful. The tax was higher and so were the prices of some items compared to the other REIs. You have to pay for parking and it was expensive! Glad I got to see the Flagship store but I spend my time and money at the other locations.

REI is the biggest outdoor shop I’ve been to so far.
They offer everything from clothing for different sports, over shoes, Snacks, bag packs, tents, … up to bikes and kayaks. Whatever it is you need for some outdoor adventure I am pretty sure you could find it here.
I was lucky a few times to get some great items as they were on sale, otherwise this shop is more on the expensive side (in many cases far too expensive for me, comparison with other shops and online stores is recommended).
For me the staff members never have been a big help, so I think that is something they could improve on, they could also stock up on plus size clothing and some more «neutral» stuff (not every woman wants to be dressed in bright pink, purple or turquoise — gender shit as its best).
Otherwise I like this store, you can park in their garage (free for 1h, they should offer free parking no matter how long for customers with a receipt in my opinion), you have a huge variety of different outdoor gears and if you have to wait for some hardcore shoppers you can take a seat in front of the cozy fireplace they have inside :)

This store is beautiful and humongous! Like the other Unilocaler said, it’s truly like walking in a forest. And there are fireplaces in some parts of the stores! Fireplaces! How cool is that?
My boyfriend wanted to check this place out to buy some gear for running. The sale associates were nice to help out with any questions we had. I also looked at some of the clothing they had for yoga. It’s a very cool store, perfect for anyone that’s into outdoor gear or sporting goods.

Has everything I need. The membership is worth every cent. Went a little crazy on rock climbing and water sports gear during the Memorial Day sale. The staff is very helpful.

Yes, this is a beautiful store, but the main draw is the care and service they provide to their customers.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gone in with a vague idea of what I am looking for and get overwhelmed by all of the technical choices. Thankfully, every time I’ve asked there have been EXPERTS available on whatever it happens to be who can guide me. Every time.

I’m more of an indoor kind of girl than an outdoorsy one, but I read somewhere that this location was worth the visit — JUST to see how it was designed.
And whoever wrote that tip, was 100% right.
The entrance is really unique, you feel like you’re walking into a small forest, there are water falls and special bike paths all around. It’s just a little bit breathtaking, and unlike any retail entrance you’ve been to before.
Now for the inside, WOW, two massive flours of just about everything you could think of. The staff are incredibly friendly, and I had a rather educational chat with one about heart rate monitors.
I spent far too much time in the yoga gear section, and the hat section.
Come visit if you’re in-​town, it’s worth checking out.

Mmmk. So. Let me tell you the story of buying an awesome new pair of Merrell hiking shoes at the REI Flagship this evening.
It all started a few days ago when I realized it would be wet for my upcoming Saturday adventures, and that I didn’t have a good pair of waterproof shoes that I could walk a long distance in. SO – looking at my week’s schedule, I realized that REI didn’t really fit in it, and all of my shoe shopping would need to be done on my way to-​and-​fro other to-do’s.
I have big feet. I wear a 10.5−11 in women’s.
So I went to Columbia. And I went to Ross/​TJ Maxx. And I went to Big 5. And I went to two other small one-​off shoe stores that I stumbled upon. With the exception of Ross and TJ Maxx (who don’t have customer service in the shoe department – and rarely have hiking shoes on the shelves) – all of the stores basically in a variety of ways told me:
«We don’t have your size, but you can try men’s shoes…»
Stop. Hold on. Having a big foot does not make me a man. Having a big foot does not mean my foot is shaped like a man’s. Having a big foot does not make me want manly-​looking shoes.
Fast forward to tonight, when I realized I had *just* enough time to get down to REI before it closed. Earlier in the day, I had looked up a pair of shoes that fit my budget/​style/​function requirements.
I walked in, and a salesman, Brant, approached me and asked if I needed help. I showed him a picture of the shoe I wanted, and he disappeared into the abyss with a promise of returning with shoes.
A few minutes later, he emerged with the shoe I wanted in a 10.5. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit – and he couldn’t find it in an 11 (it was a discount/​limited availability shoe, and I knew that.) He brought me out a few other shoes that I requested – and while I was trying them on, he hunted down the shoe I *actually* wanted at a out-​of-​town store. He offered to have it shipped, but unfortunately I didn’t have time. I wound up going with my second choice – which fit great – and Brant was definitely invested in getting me a shoe that fit well.
He had a great sense of humor, was super helpful, focused on getting me into a shoe I liked – and was just a super pleasant person to deal with.
And you want to know what? When he couldn’t find the shoe in my size… he DIDN’T TELL ME TO GET A MAN’S SHOE.

This place is grandiose! I’ve driven by it numerous times driving towards seattles mercer exit and I never thought I’d ever go inside until I needed a pair of hiking boots for a last minute hike. I tried a different REI in tukwila but didn’t see much variety within budget so we came to the big Seattle one… And let me tell ya it is BIG. I was tempted to walk around and check everything out… Heck, it made me want to run away from my little urban life and live the rest of my days Les Stroud style (who’s bear grylls?).
Forget about your local REI and make the trip to the Seattle one. Lots of items to choose from, and they even have a clearance rack for snow boots and hiking shoes! I came down for hiking boots and I need to give a shoutout to Laura, one of the sales lead, for her amazing customer service. She was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, not overbearing or pushy, and was very kind to help us get the perfect boots even when they ran out of a pair! She did a few run backs and checked different REI locations, made calls and put holds when some trouble came up. At the end of the night, my friend and I got our perfect boots all because of her!

This is the Disneyland of REI’s. It had mini-​trails, beautiful landscaping and a waterfall outside. Honestly, you could easily pretend you’re on a trail when you’re in the thick of it.
Inside is massive, every department well-​stocked and every employee a wealth of information. Well, at least the three we spoke to.
In the shoe department there’s a faux trail-​like thing so you can try on the shoes and see how they feel on different surfaces. Kind of awesome.
Went there to get a rain shell for my bf, some tech compatible gloves for me and they were having a sale on REI co-​op clothing so I snagged a base layer tee as well. Oh, and a Seattle hiking guide. Super useful when google maps quits life out in the foresty bits.
Even the bathrooms are nice here.
Parking is free for the first hour.

Very cool store: Beautiful landscaping outside; very cool displays they have inside; lots of awesome products; and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful –they also offer courses (how to use a compass, etc).
Also, there’s an excellent restaurant upstairs.

My favorite sport store in US. This one is at a really great location which you have to see. Unfortunately it was already too late to take pictures. The staff is really friendly and you have a big variety on clothes, backpacks or just accessories needed for sport. Little bit outside if the centrum but reachable within 10 min walk.

Drove from Bellingham to the Seattle store due to the Bellingham REI not having in stock the carrier that I initially wanted. When I arrived, salesman Evan immediately came to my assistance and was very helpful in assisting me decide which carrier worked best for me. He was not only helpful but very patient as well as I know I may have changed my mind a few times. I eventually got a better carrier than I planned for which was fine with me as they had a great sale going on and I had some $$ that I had to you on my membership savings.
Of course one cannot just go to the Seattle REI and not look around and enjoy all that REI has to offer which I truly enjoyed doing.
All and all, it was well worth the trip down to Emerald City and Evan made it great!

The flagship REI store is extraordinary in terms of the scope of outdoor equipment and apparel that they carry, the knowledge and interactive nature of the employees, and the chance to try stuff out.
The employees all use this gear in their own active lives, you can tell that from the way they talk about it. I’m impressed at how they aren’t trying to get you to spend money – they are quite up front about products that give you bang for the buck and ways that you can save $ while still getting good performance from your gear.
Of course you also get the other perks of shopping at any REI – the membership benefits, the promotion of a good and sustainable environmental ethos, etc.
The store itself is gorgeous and parking is generally available in the garage or on the street if need be.
On another very different note… every time I come here I feel like a land whale because all of the other customers and the staffers at this store have 2% body fat. THARRRR SHE BLOWWWWS… Borf Borf Borf Borf Borf.
But yeah, this place is great.

This is seriously the coolest REI ever! From the trees outside to the interior to the people working here.
I still think the selection at the Fremont, CA location is the best though.

The mothership! The REI flagship store… why am I not surprised to find it in the PACNW?
Surrounded by its own rainforest, complete with waterfall, mini-​mountain bike and hiking trails and indoor hiking wall, this is the cathedral of sporting equipment.
I’m a woman who dreams of one day having a gargantuan garage with its own climbing wall and enough room for N+1 bicycles, N+1 motorcycles and countless other sporting implements. I could care less about my closet. This is why I normally get lost in every REI I walk into… you really can get lost in this one.
They have their own parking garage with first hour free and lots of on street paid parking. Be prepared for a long line, but you’ll be more than engaged by the plethora of impulse purchase opportunities you have while weaving your way through the line. If you haven’t already done so, become an REI member… for a $ 20 lifetime fee, you get 10% member dividends (we’ve gotten back a virtual crapload of money to spend at the end of the year), discounts on trips and classes, access to their annual sale… well worth it.
Plenty more accolades about REI in my earlier local review…

Is it weird to rate this REI 5 stars? Nah whatever. This is the first REI store and I think it’s great! It’s huge but has an organized layout, plus a fun miniature hiking path near the entrance. The employees are nice and if not knowledgeable enough, can help research gear for you.
Free one-​hour parking to browse.

By far the largest REI I’ve had the pleasure to visit!
In addition to the beautiful garden walk wrapping around the store there is also a rock wall inside.
Excellent selection of women’s technical and leisure attire, bicycle center, kayaks, back packs, maps, food, tents, camping supplies, shoes, and more!
Only downside is the parking. I am not a fan of basement structure parking alas this seems like the norm in this area so it can’t be counted against the rating.

REI offers such great, attentive customer service that will help you understand and suggest high quality outdoor gears of all types from cycling and hiking to camping and kayaking that suit your needs.
My friends and I are not the most outdoorsy person so we didn’t necessarily know the types and nuisances of different types/​styles of hiking shoes. However, the staff there was so down to earth made us feel comfortable and my friend definitely ended up with the shoes that she felt really comfortable in and was definitely happy with her purchase. I also particularly love that they even have a fake hiking trail there that has rocky, incline, and edge of the rock area that you can try on their shoes and walk on that path to get a much better idea of how you’d feel with on the trail before committing to buying them.
Sure…prices at REI is along the high side, but that’s to be expected of high quality outdoor gear.

Anniversary sale! The main reason we went Saturday was for Mr. Man to return a few items. We had about an hour to kill before meeting one of his friends around the corner so I wandered. I wandered my butt all the way to the women’s section upstairs. Wandered through shoes, and clothing and found a screaming good deal of prAna jeans originally $ 85 on sale for $ 60. I’ll take two. Thank you.
When checking out the gal at the register was super nice, gave me a little insight on how the jeans work for her and what an unbelievable deal they are right now. Thank you, REI for having wallet breaking good sales.

I’m not very outdoorsy but coming to this REI makes me want to be!!!
I’ve come here jackets for the whole family, GoPros, and most recently, backpacks! Having never owned a backpacking pack, I didn’t know where to begin and was informed by friends to get fitted at REI. Boy, am I glad I did! First of all, the staff are all incredibly helpful and kind. They are willing to take the time to understand your needs and make sure you are well equipped for your adventures! An awesome gal named Jen spent a good 20 minutes measuring me, choosing different packs for my size and needs, stuffing the packs with weights and pillows, and adjusting the straps to make sure I was comfortable! It was such a great experience and although I didn’t leave with a pack (couldn’t find a style of pack I liked in my size), I now know my size and what to look for in a pack.
On a side note, REI has an awesome exchange policy and if you pay a lifetime membership fee of $ 20, you get 10% of your purchase back as a dividend, get access to their awesome sales, receive additional discounts throughout the year, and get membership pricing on classes/​equipment rentals.

Not sure I can give the most accurate representation of this flagship REI store, because within minutes of being inside of it, I start to have a total panic attack from the amount of people, noise, and heat emanating within the place. I usually have to find a quiet, calm place (outdoors) to chill out while my friends continue to shop.
The store is massive. And gorgeous. And it literally has everything you would need for outdoor activity. But it’s also very expensive. I have been here a few times with friends who are REI members just so they can use the member discounts on items throughout the year.
I do appreciate that they go out of their way to let you test the products — bike trails, a rock wall, even a rocky path to walk along if you’re trying hiking shoes. Plus, I think you get at least an hour of validated parking.
It seems like camping and hiking are very pricey hobbies. Me, I will stick to being lazy.