If I shouldn't shop at REI where do I shop Dicks, Walmart, online or some local shop? So far I've bought things from all of the above. I'm not going to be a ultralight hiker and REI has a very good selection. I do want to save weight where I can. But, cutting my toothbrush bristles is a little extreme. All the prices seem to be the same and at REI you get a dividend check at the end of the year.