REI

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends REI

83 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 31, 2025

  stretchy, skintight, preferably natural fiber, long-sleeved women's "base layer"?

  I'm going on 25 years with my REI lightweight long sleeve wool baselayer. They have a much softer knit now, but I can't bring myself to give up on the OG just yet.

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• #2Dec 30, 2025

  I have a $100 REI Gift Card. Should I get Darn Tough socks or Maui Jim sunglasses?

  buy 3 pair of the socks and 1 pair of Goodr sunglasses. I wear my Goodrs as much as my MJs - yes there is a difference but they are really good for inexpensive glasses. Also instead of the DT socks, look at some of the REI branded socks. They are very good and very similar to the DT for a little less.

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• #3Dec 30, 2025

  Help me find the perfect women's warm long johns

  Try Terramar Silk Thermals. It's smooth, no itch, comfy high rise. Also REI Sahara Silk bottoms are soft and low‑profile.

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• #4Dec 30, 2025

  Help me find the perfect women's warm long johns

  My wife is an absolute expert on this topic and owns several. She suggests that you start with the lined products sold by Shein. Not branded. The absolute ultimate are all-silk, sold by R.E.I. and other outfitters. My set from Eddie Bauer kept me warm throughout winter in Europe.

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• #5Dec 29, 2025

  How do synthetic base layers compare to merino wool base layers?

  Former ski bum that has spent months and months working in Alaska, as well as working outside in below freezing all over the USA. Merino is great, and feels awesome - but good synthetic has always lasted longer for me, and does just as well as a base layer. Your base's job is to provide warmth while moving sweat and vapor away from you, you should have an insulation layer on top of that to handle the biggest part of keeping you warm. Good outdoor brands are obviously solid, but I've had great luck with REI brand. As in, over a decade on long underwear base layers great. I have a couple pairs of light, mid and heavy weight base layers from them that I rotate, although there have been times in a tent where I've rocked the same layer for 3-5 days and been fine (if stinky). Hang them to dry, wash on delicate, and try not to wear them for days on end and they'll do you just fine.

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• #6Dec 29, 2025

  Merino wool base layers - which are the most durable?

  I’m happy with my REI brand merino wool base layer long sleeve shirts.  I work outside in New England so they get used pretty heavily in the cooler months. They don’t retain BO like synthetics tend to, which is a big plus. I usually look for them in the spring when they are clearing room for warm weather stock and grab them for a discount. 

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• #7Dec 28, 2025

  First BIFL clothing for around $200

  C.e. Schmidt jacket. Marine corps waffle tops and bottoms. Moreno wool socks. Smart wool or rei. Any other cheap military stuff that is wind and water proof. The yellow leather furry driving gloves.

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• #8Dec 25, 2025

  Extreme / Very cold winter weather gloves?

  i have been preaching about the need for a modular system for a decade. Most people have gloves, many have mittens, but the game changer is an overmitt. Every once in a while, you can find a good overmitt, but usually they come in a system like Outdoor Research's AltiMItt and Black Diamond's mitt. I always peruse all the outdoor gear surplus stuff or look specifically for mitts when I head to gear places like REI, EMS, or any ski shop. Used ski gear shops are also awesome. I have had REI, EMS, and LL Bean thinsulate mitts i just slid over my regular gloves and mittens and they immediately leveled up the comfort level to -20 to -30 easily. Last year, I found my holy grail - a \*leather\* overmitt made by OR that i found in a bin of used gear for sale. It's awesome and my fingers have never been more comfortable. My only complaint is that this mitt is just large and doesn't fit into my flexi dog leash well. Works well with when i ski though. My recommendation is to use up to 3 layers in that type of cold you're talking about. A thin woolen layer, a thin-ish glove or mitten, followed by an overmitt. I have a pair of Arteryx gloves (a two layer system) with a thin LLBean overmitt thats super for walking the dog on -10 nights.

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• #9Dec 22, 2025

  Winter hat for baldy who runs warm?

  I have 2 wool beanies, one from REI, one from some place in the EU. They are all I need - straight merino wool. \*\* also a baldy, also run hot. Like T-Shirt in the 30's hot.

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• #10Dec 21, 2025

  REI co-op logo sweats on clearance - but them now before they're gone!

  Cheers! The crewneck sweatshirt is on sale/clearance too. I don't own that so can't comment, but if you are a fan, it might be worth checking out.

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• #11Dec 21, 2025

  REI co-op logo sweats on clearance - but them now before they're gone!

  I appreciate the heads up. I’m wearing some thin/lightweight rei joggers right now and love them. Have 2 pair. I’ve been an rei member for over 30 years and have been happy with their store brand stuff. I have a fleece hoody from 30+ years that I still wear. Wife is wearing a 20+ year fleece right now even.

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• #12Dec 21, 2025

  REI co-op logo sweats on clearance - but them now before they're gone!

  Preference of cotton contact is subjective. You try these on and you won't care.

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• #13Dec 21, 2025

  What to buy with $300 E Gift card?

  Can you purchase gift cards with it? Like REI, Sephora, ulta, target (meh), etc? I’d get a nice $150 humidifier for the skincare aspect, or a nice llbean wool forever blanket.

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• #14Dec 21, 2025

  Is there a name for brands that only focus on highest quality?

  Snap-on Tools. Fluke meters. Zeiss optics. Siemens scanners. REI gear. Toyota Land Cruiser. Miele vacuums.

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• #15Dec 19, 2025

  If you started your wardrobe over from scratch, what would you buy? (US)

  For my undergarments, I shopped at sports stores such as REI and then just started buying from sales online once I knew my size for certain brands. For other clothes, I go to places like Kohl's, JcPenny's, et cetera, and do the same. I always go in public to places to try stuff on but typically do not buy at the store. I will keep an eye out online for stuff that goes on sale

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• #16Dec 19, 2025

  If you started your wardrobe over from scratch, what would you buy? (US)

  1. Shoes: Blundstones, Alden cordovan loafers, NoBull trainers 2. Pants: Bill Khakis, Kuhl 5-pocket pants, wool slacks 3. Underwear: Ibex merino wool 4. Shirts: cotton tee's and polo, Brooks Bros OCBD, REI merino sweater, Champion sweatshirt, Barbour down vest 5. Coats: Barbour, Peter Millar zip up jacket, Brooks blue blazer

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• #17Dec 19, 2025

  Wool coat for the Northeast

  Agree re: multiple coats. I'm a transplant to Minnesota. There are different levels of winter weather that require different features in a coat especially if you spend much time outdoors. I have a light puffer jacket (REI brand), an insulated raincoat (Fjallraven) and a super long down coat (Lands End circa 2012). LL Bean sells a large variety of styles and it might be a good idea to start there and try out some different types. You can get a feel for which "features" you want, ie a fur ruff to keep off the wind, cuff styles, snaps in addition to buttons, etc. Some of these things you will only learn from experiencing a couple harsh winters as you'll figure out what you need for your lifestyle.

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• #18Dec 7, 2025

  Sweaters for sensitive skin

  My daughter has ezcema— we buy the 100% silk undershirt base layers from REI and wear them under down jackets or sweaters.

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• #19Dec 6, 2025

  Looking for a winter coat

  The under jacket is just... some kind of fleece. Add a waffle top and bottoms under that and just try not to sweat when moving. Buy you can sit comfortably with this package. Rei or smart wool socks for effect.

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• #20Dec 6, 2025

  What winter gear do you recommend?

  My Sorel Joan of Arctic boots have lasted me 11 years so far! I love them and they are cute and very warm.  I like alpaca socks. They are the warmest and softest things you’ll put on your feet.  For jackets, depends too much how long you’ll be outside at what temperatures and when. I’m fine with my 6 year old REI brand long puffer but if I were further north and outside more often, I’d recommend Canada Goose if you can afford it. Eddie Bauer is a good budget option

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• #21Dec 5, 2025

  Waterproof woman's shoe/book that I can hike in or spend the whole day walking in

  If you are going to those states, my recommendation is to buy your shoes there at someplace like an REI. For the most part REI only sells high quality long lasting merch and has a great return policy. REI also IMHO has pretty good shoe staff who can help you with sizing & style. If you don't like what you get, you can return them or even exchange them no questions asked. REI is everywhere in the PNW and presumably Alaska too.

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• #22Dec 3, 2025

  With a new style of water bottle popping up every year, Which one have you stuck with?

  I picked a water bottle up from REI while driving across the US ore than a decade ago. I have never really looked at the label, just pick it up every day and use it. It does what it is supposed to do, it holds water.

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• #23Dec 3, 2025

  Looking for a sturdy winter jacket that won’t make me overheat

  My go to is a two piece coat. Heavy fleece with a hard shell/rain coat with armpit zips. If you take care of the shell, it should last 15 years easily. My current set up is Patagonia fleece with an REI shell. Cost about $250 for both on sale.

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• #24Nov 8, 2025

  Men’s underwear that actually lasts does it exist?

  I’ve had REI boxes for 25 years+

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• #25Nov 7, 2025

  Men’s underwear that actually lasts does it exist?

  I think REI might make good man's underwear.

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• #26Nov 6, 2025

  Looking for a full outdoor winter clothes system.

  Some of the best advice [lives here.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_nGm4p8iN4) It's US military, (kind of yucky) but not wrong. There is an active setup, and an stationary setup. 1. Base (moisure management, typically wool or other high performance fiber) 2. Waffle (for creating air handling space) 3. Fleece (for trapping air and holding it close) 4. Down/feathers (trapping more air, this time for insulation) 5. Shell (rain and wind management) More info [here]<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extended_Cold_Weather_Clothing_System> There are other clothing systems, Like Swedish Alpine ... I get all my stuff at REI, it's expensive but it lasts a long time.

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• #27Nov 6, 2025

  Cabin bag that last for years

  Maybe not the size you are looking for but am a big fan of the Big Haul line at REI. Here is the 120L size one: [https://www.rei.com/product/235563/rei-co-op-big-haul-120-duffel](https://www.rei.com/product/235563/rei-co-op-big-haul-120-duffel)

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• #28Nov 5, 2025

  Best winter jackets that are worth the price

  I live all my REI branded gear. They’ve moved to a mix of poly and down on their insulated jackets though.

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• #29Nov 5, 2025

  Best winter jackets that are worth the price

  Definitely get some kind of parka. Patagonia and fjallraven are amazing gear. I girl I knew in Seattle had a fjallraven parka and it was super cute. I had a Columbia jacket that eventually wore out but when I ordered a different Columbia jacket online it wasn’t insulated enough. I returned it. I live in CO and love a “one and done” jacket where I don’t need to layer most of the time. I bought an REI parka with down and it was a good price for the amount of warmth. Also had gaiters on the sleeve so your wrists and arms stay warm. I’d recommend going to a store and actually feeling the loft of whatever you’re buying.

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• #30Nov 5, 2025

  Why is it so hard to find well-made clothes that aren't insanely priced?

  If I were looking for a quality sweater without breaking the bank my first two places I’d look are REI and then LL Bean.

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• #31Nov 5, 2025

  Why is it so hard to find well-made clothes that aren't insanely priced?

  REI Restore, not sure if that's the right name, but REI has a separate section of their website where you can get slightly to greatly used high quality brands. They have an incredible return policy for their regular store so this is where they sell the returns. If you know what you want, try eBay. I've found fabulous things for less than half of retail.

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• #32Nov 4, 2025

  Backpack suggestions?

  Either Osprey Nebula or REI Ruckpack 30L Or just get a Chrome or Timbuk2 messenger if you insist on not using both straps

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• #33Oct 11, 2025

  Ultra compact sleeping bags that cover me down to 45 degrees, are Amazon generics adequate or can I nab quality for $1-200?

  Agree with you! I've tried a couple of those random Amazon bags in the past for quick trips, and while they're great for price and size, the temp ratings are super optimistic at best. Ended up freezing on one chilly night when the bag was supposedly "comfortable down to 40°." Lesson learned. I finally bit the bullet and got a used REI bag off their garage sale rack. The difference in build quality and accurate warmth is night and day. Also seconding Sierra Trading, they randomly have amazing deals if you keep an eye out. My buddy swears by his Marmot bag from there too.

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• #34Oct 10, 2025

  Ultra compact sleeping bags that cover me down to 45 degrees, are Amazon generics adequate or can I nab quality for $1-200?

  Go with the REI Magma 30, it's ultralight, packs small, and perfect for 45°F with an underquilt. It's 329 on rei official website. Many reviewers highlight how it’s easy to vent or cinch, works great as both a quilt and a blanket, and is ideal for backpacking or hammock setups. On the other hand, you coulld also take a look at NEMO Disco 15, maybe an overkill for 45°F but insanely comfy and reliable — great long-term buy if you value warmth and durability over pack size. FWIW, I recently did an analysis on Reddit data for sleeping pads. Basically ranked them by aggregated sentiment. Maybe you'll find it helpful [https://redditrecs.com/sleeping-pad/](https://redditrecs.com/sleeping-pad/) You can filter and get a breakdown of what ppl have said about the most often recommended ones (disclaimer some links are affiliate they help fund the analyses)

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• #35Oct 10, 2025

  Ultra compact sleeping bags that cover me down to 45 degrees, are Amazon generics adequate or can I nab quality for $1-200?

  Get one on sale from REI or Backcountry. Don't go Generic: [https://www.rei.com/c/backpacking-sleeping-bags?ir=category%3Asleeping-pads&r=category%3Acamping-and-hiking%7Csleeping-gear%7Csleeping-bags%7Cbackpacking-sleeping-bags](https://www.rei.com/c/backpacking-sleeping-bags?ir=category%3Asleeping-pads&r=category%3Acamping-and-hiking%7Csleeping-gear%7Csleeping-bags%7Cbackpacking-sleeping-bags) I have a 40 degree down one that weighs like a pound and I got at steep and cheap 15 years ago for like $80. it's been great.

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• #36Oct 8, 2025

  Thoughts on unbound merino

  I actually work in the outdoor industry so I’m around merino clothing all day but the brands I would recommend to anyone for quality is SmartWool (best quality but at a price) and REI (cheaper option but not as durable).

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• #37Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  I have two Big Agnes tents and really do like them a lot. I've probably owned too many tents in my time camping, but I've been impressed with them. But you do pay a bit more for them. I've used friends REI tents and they're great for the price and a casual camper. As you said as well, TNF makes a killer tent too. Lots of good options, it's all about finding the one that fits your needs and budget.

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• #38Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  I am also partial to Big Agnes, but my current car camp tent is a North Face, and it is built very well. Go to REI and have a look at their various offerings. Nemo, MSR, Big Agnes, the REI brands (half dome series of tents have a great reputation for value) Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, etc... all have great products.

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• #39Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  I have two MSR tents for over 20 years.  Both have been outstanding.  That said...it's been 20 years so I cannot vouch for current quality. Make sure you look at all the features you want.  Do you want free standing?  Does it have a vestibule?  Is it long enough to fit your body?  Are you camping in snow (get a four season tent, otherwise 3 season is the language you want to see).  Single wall or double wall. Recommend double unless you need very light weight. If you want a capable tent without a huge outlay of cash...look at the REI ones.  The halfdome specifically has been around for many years. They often go on sale. They also sell other top brands and often on sale or closeout so check that out.  If you buy from REI pony up the extra 20 bucks for the membership. On a tent purchase it will likely pay for itself. I'd also recommend getting the footprint to protect the bottom but you can always improvise one or go without.

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• #40Oct 8, 2025

  Bombas Socks have really let me down. Any recommendations welcome!

  I feel the same way. My bombas didn’t last at all. I have been wearing REI brand wool blend socks, the same pairs for years, and they have yet to wear down and develop holes.

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• #41Oct 2, 2025

  slouchy wool socks for warm climate

  The REI socks are pretty generously sized and good quality with a great warranty.

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• #42Sep 7, 2025

  Thinking of upgrading to an e-bike after my old ride finally gave up

  I have an ebike I use on my daily commute to work. My commute is 9 miles and I can’t leave in the morning until my nanny gets here, so I can’t ride a regular bike because I have to arrive before 0700. I have had mine for just over a year, although I didn’t ride in the winter because I live in Chicago.  My bike is AWESOME. It’s made it possible for me to bike to work instead of driving. It’s saved so much money on gas. It’s saved me a lot of time when there is traffic at 5pm and I can’t leave zoom by. An ebike isn’t the right choice for every situation but it’s made my commute enjoyable and I get some exercise and keeps another car off the road. I have an REI brand ebike CTY co-op 2.2. It’s a tank. I do have to charge it every day if I bike on turbo mode (which I do). I just cannot recommend it enough, if your choice is between a car or an ebike.  I had help picking out this model, my sister in law has a business with offering bike recommendations based on person needs and budget and she helped me pick it out. It’s a good value though and currently on sale. Happy to answer any other questions you have about it. 

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• #43Aug 12, 2025

  I'm looking for light, quick dry pants that won't fall apart after 3 uses

  Look up technical pants at L.L.Bean Eddie Bauer REI is usually even better.

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• #44Aug 11, 2025

  I’m sick of Nikes terrible quality. What are some good name branded clothes that won’t wear out in 3 weeks.

  If you have an REI close by, I would go there for good quality stuff.

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• #45Aug 10, 2025

  What's the best BIFL item you own?

  Off the top of my head, my REI rucksack28. I got it for college in 2020 and it’s still my backpack, I love it so much it’s a part of me atp. The plastic clasps broke, which just meant I could customize them further with wire and other materials.

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• #46Aug 8, 2025

  Duffle Bag Recommendation

  Does it need to be waterproof? If it does not, then I recommend the Roadtripper from REI. If you need some water resistance than The North Face Base Camp has held up very well for me. I got a yellow one that is about 10 years old that is still going strong.

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• #47Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Look for jackets with Gore Tex and a good DWR coating. Top brands: Arc'teryx, Patagonia, The North Face. Budget options: REI, Columbia, Marmot. Keep DWR maintained for best waterproofing.

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• #48Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  The most important factor on a rain jacket is the dwr (durable water repellant) coating. DWR is a coating applied to a fabric like Gore-Tex which makes the water bead up and roll off the surface instead of soaking into the fabric. DWR does not make the fabric waterproof but it prevents the surface fabric from being saturated which traps moisture inside the jacket. Most waterproof fabrics will not lose their waterproofness but the DWR wars off and the jacket will "wet out". If you feel wet in a waterproof jacket, it is more than likely moisture or condensation coming from your body which is not able to escape the jacket. Maintaining your DWR finish is critical for the life of a jacket. Check out this link from Goretex for some illustrations on how it works. [https://www.gore-tex.com/support/care/dwr](https://www.gore-tex.com/support/care/dwr) All that said, focus on the durability, fit and features of the jacket. You wont go wrong with anything from Arcteryx, Patagonia, The North Face or Mammut but they are not inexpensive. For more budget friendly options look at REI, Columbia, or Marmot. If you have a jacket that you liked in the past, there are ways to revitalize the DWR finish and can make the jacket feel like new.

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• #49Aug 6, 2025

  what winter coat are yall using?

  Marmot was my brand, but now I'm wearing REI.

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• #50Aug 4, 2025

  Best everyday socks for sweaty feet?

  I don’t think this is particular to sweaty feet, but I’m a very sweaty person in general and I stick to REI socks. They don’t slide around as much as other socks, and I just can’t deal with the texture of wool.

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• #51Aug 4, 2025

  what winter coat are yall using?

  If your don't like the Michelin Man look of many down jackets, there are down and down hybrid jackets with a smooth exterior, like the REI Stormhenge. https://www.rei.com/product/234791/rei-co-op-stormhenge-850-down-hybrid-parka-mens Only one color right now but there will be more come fall. Mine has worked well for city use in mountain towns. There are many other similar "urban" winter jackets that are insulated with down or synthetic insulation. They will be warmer and lighter than wool peacoats and the like (which I also wear, when it's above freezing and I just need to walk to the car.)

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• #52Jul 7, 2025

  For the love of god, where can I buy some ankle socks that don’t get holes in them in a month?

  REI brand are the only BIFL socks I’ve ever found.

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• #53Jul 3, 2025

  What are some BIFL wool clothing brands, especially those that have wool summer clothing (if such thing exists)?

  I love wool year round. It dries fast and cools as it dries, amazing stuff. Quince is good for tshirts, unbound merino for work clothes, I also scour REI clearance for their brands on sale.

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• #54Jul 1, 2025

  Name your top 5 BIFL items

  Native plants. I slowly replaced my sod and now have a beautiful pollinator garden. BIFL in so many ways. My 1998 era All Clad pans. A wedding present that is now decades old. They still get used daily and until recently were put in the dishwasher daily. Naturalizer Abby heeled sandal. The only formal shoe I’ll ever need and so comfortable. Maybe not BIFL if worn daily. MTM ammo crate. Incredibly versatile and durable. Stackable. Great for building emergency kits. REI Kingdom Tent. I think we’ll probably keep this forever if it continues to perform as it has for the last 10 years. It’s nearly perfect for our family when we car camp.

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• #55Jul 1, 2025

  Dry fit material trousers.

  REI's house brand has worked well for me for years. The pants have guarded crotches and none have given it. I notice the fit has become a little trimmer to be more fashion conscious.

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• #56Jul 1, 2025

  Quality waterproof jackets

  Glad to see eVent fabric getting some love. I had an old REI shell that was FANTASTIC. Loved it so much it quickly became the only coat I wore... for like 7 years, and never got wet. I replaced it with an Outdoor Research Foray II and wish I hadn't. My old shell was still going strong, the shoulders were just all frayed from use and was starting to look bad. But the OR jacket never came close to the comfort of my eVent shell. Already replacing my OR jacket 3 years later.

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• #57Jun 7, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  I’ll share something with you…. It wasn’t cute the first time I saw it about 24 years ago. It had *never* been cleaned and it was so grungy that he was ready to throw it out. I told him I’m a laundry whiz and let me have a go at it. He was dubious. But it was old REI, I *knew* what I had in my hands. It came out looking almost new. The down had beautiful loft and the fabric was, other than one small oil blotch, stain free. Highly doubt I could have pulled that off with the new stuff.

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• #58Jun 6, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  I’ll answer for my husband. When he was 15 or 16 he bought a down vest from the original REI flagship store in Seattle. It’s been with him through Boy Scouts, Outward Bound, mountaineering trips, skiing, birdwatching, fishing, and decades of general garden clean up. He’s 73 now and it truly has been bifl.

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• #59Jun 3, 2025

  This sub is BUY IT FOR LIFE, not "pretty good," or "solid value," or "you only need the cheap option".

  Seconding the REI brand 100% merino wool socks, they're my favorites and look the same as they did when my parents let me have them several years back,

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• #60Jun 3, 2025

  Half of my darn tough socks have holes in them

  Possibly some of the REI wool socks. I'm not sure if the famous REI warranty covers their socks - but the ones I have far outlasted any single Darn Tough socks I've owned. In fact, the only "old" socks I still have are 3 pair of REIs, 4 pair of Darn Tough, and a few of the remaining Costco wool socks. I just checked the REI site, and I don't see them listed anymore. Mine have got to be 10 years old at this point.

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• #61Jun 2, 2025

  LL Bean Essential Belt, Wal-Mart quality

  Go to REI and get the buffalo leather belt. Been wearing it for more than a decade and I buy them for folks for Christmas gifts… worth every penny.

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• #62Jun 1, 2025

  Last set of trekking poles I’ll ever buy?

  I’ve got a set of the REI Flash carbon ones and I use them frequently. The cam-lock mechanisms feel very solid and they’re very light. FWIW! Good luck!

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• #63May 11, 2025

  I've drank out of this daily for 10 years

  I have something similar. It saw at least 10 years of daily, I just don’t drink coffee much anymore. It’s more a tea cup now or a spittoon sometimes. That things been around and up and down mountains riden many miles my bike and car. Heck it’s got stickers older than my kid. Probably 20 years old now. I probably spent a ton on it 20 years ago as well. Been used as a rolling pin while camping. A dinner bell Scared a bear off with it as a projectile. Mine(x2) were REI branded but the ink or what ever is long gone. Dents bruises and life. Memories.

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• #64May 8, 2025

  In Florida from Scotland right now, is there anything practical that I can pick up whilst here?

  REI membership is worth the cost too. I joined a couple of months back with a deal that when you buy the $30 membership you get a $30 gift card so it was essentially free.

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• #65May 8, 2025

  In Florida from Scotland right now, is there anything practical that I can pick up whilst here?

  Honestly, I would buy things that you will use everyday that you can get cheaper purely with the currency conversion. I have spent a lot of time in the UK and your chocolate is better, your beer is stronger and many things are very comparable. You'll probably find a better deal on some good outdoor wear, and I would start with REI or even LL Bean. The same would go for outdoor footwear at both of those locations. And you could probably find some dressier clothes at a bargain if you go to a large mall or other large shopping venue. I don't think of outlets as places to go or buy it for life type equipment. Buying some medications over the counter may make sense, but many of those are also available in the UK.

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• #66May 6, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  Guild acoustic guitar. REI backpack from 1990

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• #67May 2, 2025

  Women’s sweaters that I won’t need to replace every few years

  Patagonia - it has repairs and guarantee. My aran sweater is lasting 25 years and counting. I wear it as a cardigan and as a sweater, 100 percent merino wool. I got some cotton sweaters from REI (Wallace Lake collection) that can take a beating in the dryer. Everything is either 100% wool or 100% cotton.

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• #68Apr 12, 2025

  Request for long sleeve, hooded t-shirts recommendations

  I usually layer a light long sleeve hoody. My favorites are: REI Sahara Shade Hoodie and 32 Degrees Long Sleeve Hooded TShirt (cheap) There are “better” ones but they’re usually significantly more expensive than the options I listed.

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• #69Apr 9, 2025

  Coolest hoodie - zip up or pull over. No budget. Only amazing matters

  Forgot to also mention that REI every so often has some awesome mid/heavy weight sweatshirts under their own brand. Most go on sale around now and the sleeve length is always great for us tall people. Should also be cheaper than the black diamond. Example of REI's current one https://www.rei.com/product/239102/rei-co-op-90s-logo-pullover-hoodie Black diamond one that I have https://www.rei.com/product/195011/black-diamond-chalked-up-full-zip-hoody-mens

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• #70Apr 9, 2025

  Coolest hoodie - zip up or pull over. No budget. Only amazing matters

  Forgot to also mention that REI every so often has some awesome mid/heavy weight sweatshirts under their own brand. Most go on sale around now and the sleeve length is always great for us tall people. Should also be cheaper than the black diamond. Example of REI's current one https://www.rei.com/product/239102/rei-co-op-90s-logo-pullover-hoodie Black diamond one that I have https://www.rei.com/product/195011/black-diamond-chalked-up-full-zip-hoody-mens

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• #71Apr 3, 2025

  BuyItForLife-on-a-student-budget

  Came here to say REI for branded shirts, long sleeves and jackets! (Especially their down jackets, IMO compare well to top brands). Cannot speak to any pants. However, I think Costco can be hit and miss… and it depends on the brand!

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• #72Apr 2, 2025

  BuyItForLife-on-a-student-budget

  And the REI Re/Supply store if there's one near you. I've gotten four pairs of excellent hiking boots brand new all for $20 or under in the past few months.

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• #73Apr 1, 2025

  Best winter jackets or just warm jackets in general under 100 dollars?

  REI's synthetic puffer jackets are great. You can find out of season ones in store on clearance for under $100 iirc. Also their Re-Supply/Garage section in store

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• #74Apr 1, 2025

  Best down jacket BIFL?

  I have a feathered friends which is really nice, but as the top comment mentions I'm afraid of messing it up. I love my rei magma 800, I don't care about hurting it and I haven't torn it yet.

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• #75Mar 7, 2025

  Can't decide on a backpack

  Got a REI Ruckpack 30 for a killer deal. I use it for travel, fits the carry on sizing for budget airlines like Ryanair/Spirit. REI has a wild return policy too.

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• #76Feb 7, 2025

  What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?

  Apple, Costco (store), seki/ suwada nail clippers, omega (watch), Casio, Casio g-shock, REI (store), leatherman, shinola leather goods, canon, Sony, Anker, fenix (flashlight), Patagonia, lamy…

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• #77Feb 4, 2025

  Duffel bag and other luggage suggestions?

  Duffel bag go with Patagonia black hole or north face base camp. I got a used north face base camp I got cheap on eBay. Patagonia seems like it will last forever and the new color schemes are much subtler than thanks ones. I have a small rei roadtripper and love it. Both my road tripper and Patagonia black hole pack up in to a small cube.

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• #78Feb 2, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  A $300 tent from REI instead of a cheap Walmart tent. Have had it for about 15 years and it’s still like new except for smelling like campfires!

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• #79Feb 2, 2025

  These Smartwool socks lasted me less than a month…

  Same, my best-lasting socks are my bombas and my REI wool socks.

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• #80Feb 1, 2025

  These Smartwool socks lasted me less than a month…

  I actually like the REI brand socks better than Darn Tough. You should check em out next time you go

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• #81Jan 8, 2025

  In need of warm winter coat with a budget of $350-400

  I have REI Farlands parka. They discontinued them but I got it at thrift store and it's best coat i have ever owned.

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• #82Jan 7, 2025

  Bought some Darn Tough Socks and can never see myself going back

  Rei has some great deals on them. They don't go on sale often but they do regularly give out 20% off a single item and I think they always have 10% off socks when you buy a few. Also they carry a bunch of other great bifl brands

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• #83Jan 3, 2025

  Looking for wide wool socks

  Rei or smart wool mountaineering socks.

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