I'll agree with Lori's premise if we use the concept in a figurative sense. There are plenty of people who grew up living in cities, but who spent considerable time in the mountains on vacation. And there are lots of people who grew up in small town who NEVER camp out.

So I think it has more to do with experience than geographic location. Then again, REI stores are often in large metro areas....and when you can't get away for the weekend, at least you can get to REI and buy something that keeps your dream alive.

These days we have a hard time finding anything we want to buy--except the free time to use the stuff we have.

And REI doesn't sell that.