If you shop at REI regularly, there’s a good chance you’ve walked right past one of the best deal sections in the entire store: the REI Re/Supply area.
Most retailers take returned items and send them off to liquidation companies. REI does things differently. A lot of returned and used gear is placed right back onto the sales floor in a dedicated Re/Supply section, giving shoppers a chance to save money while helping keep usable gear out of the waste stream.
For anyone into camping, hiking, biking, snowboarding, paddling, or outdoor gear in general, it is worth checking every time you visit the store.
What Is REI Re/Supply?
REI Re/Supply is the store’s section for returned, used, or lightly worn gear. It is basically the modern version of the old REI Garage Sale setup, but instead of waiting for a special event, many stores now have a Re/Supply section available year-round.
The inventory changes constantly, which is part of the fun. One day it might be picked over. Another day you might find a nearly new backpack, pair of hiking shoes, bike accessory, tent, snowboard, kayak, or cooler for a huge discount.
What Kind of Deals Can You Find?
From what I’ve seen, many REI Re/Supply items are marked down anywhere from about 30% to 60% off, with some items discounted even more. I’ve seen some deals reach around 80% off depending on the item and condition.
One example I found was a cooler originally priced around $130. It was marked down to $45 because of some light dirt or marks on the straps. It looked basically brand new, and the marks wiped right off.
Even better, I found it during REI Member Days, when members could get an additional 20% off one Re/Supply item. That brought the price down to $36 before tax.
Since I also had a yearly REI member dividend available, I ended up paying nothing out of pocket.
Why the Tags Matter
One of the best things about REI Re/Supply is that every item has a large tag explaining why it was returned or what flaw it has.
The tag may mention things like:
- Light usage
- Cosmetic marks
- Dirt or scuffs
- A hole, tear, or broken part
- Missing packaging
- Wrong size or poor fit
- Customer changed their mind
This transparency makes it much easier to decide whether the discount is worth it. Some items are clearly well-used, while others look like they barely made it out of the box.
Inspect Everything Before You Buy
This is the important part: REI Re/Supply purchases are final sale.
That means you should take your time and inspect the item carefully before checking out. Look over zippers, buckles, straps, seams, wheels, lids, handles, soles, and anything mechanical.
The deals can be excellent, but you need to treat it more like buying used gear than buying something brand new off the shelf.
Best Time to Shop REI Re/Supply
The best time to shop is during REI Member Days or other member promotions. During these events, REI will sometimes offer an additional 20% off one Re/Supply item.
That is where the savings can really stack up. A product may already be marked down heavily, then you can take another 20% off, and if you have a yearly member dividend available, your out-of-pocket cost can drop even further.
Where Is the Re/Supply Section Located?
Every REI store layout is a little different, but the Re/Supply section is often tucked toward the back corner of the store.
The easiest way to spot it is to look for the large condition tags hanging from the products. Once you start seeing those oversized tags, you are probably in the right place.
Is REI Re/Supply Worth It?
Yes, but you have to shop it with the right mindset.
You usually cannot walk in expecting to find one exact item. It is more of a treasure hunt. Some days there will not be much worth buying. Other days, you might find premium outdoor gear at a price that feels almost too good to pass up.
For me, that $130 cooler marked down to $36 was a perfect example of why I always check the section when I visit REI.
If you are an REI member and you enjoy outdoor gear, the Re/Supply section is absolutely worth a look.