The REI in Dallas is a good store. I go to Dallas for work fairly often and visit the REI there almost every trip (I'm also fortunate to have an REI within walking distance of my office in Austin and two others within 20 minutes - my wallet hates it). The folks with whom I've dealt there seem to be pretty helpful. I think it would be worth the trip for you. The worst part of driving from Tyler to Dallas is the part where you're actually in Dallas.