For those who are only a few steps along the path of gear accumulation, REI-Outlet offers a grab bag of useless, oddball and second-rate goods, among which you can find the occasional gem (slightly flawed) for a great price. And if you don't like it you can return it with no hassle.

Once you've assembled a really good kit, REI-Outlet is mostly a timesink, with very little to offer. I am closer to this category than not, but I still waste time there. grin