Originally Posted By aimless
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


I would have to agree, I don't go into REI unless it is for specifics. I needed a pair of hiking pants (old ones were worn out) and I picked up a pair of MH Mesa pants for $25 (down from $75)-- I don't know, I feel compelled to enter the store, but when I do I often wonder why-- if it wasn't for their outlet sending me emails then I would probably never go.

FWIW-- I passed on both sleeping bags-- I just did not need one-- I am going to put the $$$ towards a smaller pack-- which I also do not need, but will provide more use.