REI

absolutely awful place… I have been an REI member for 8 years, and it’s safe to say that I will never ever in my lifetime visit this store again. I dropped off my snowboard last week for tune + wax in preparation for my Christmas ski trip, but the store just closed without notice the day after my board service was completed. Nobody was picking up phone calls, the corporate doesn’t have any information either. All they said was that the store is closed until further notice due to facility issues. I have already spent $100 on the service, and now I have to either spent couple hundred more for rentals or cancel my trip, which are just extra out of pockets for me. The lack of communications and responsibility and protocol is just so disappointing… totally could’ve set up a pick-up area for customers who needed their products back. Now we can’t even be sure if our boards and skis are safe inside. By far, the worst REI experience ever. Never again Berkeley REI

REI is overpriced and feels elitist. They have good stuff for sure but it seemed they used also have more reasonably priced alternatives, their own brand or others, for those who couldn’t spend so much. Now it’s more about fancy clothing and the most high tech thing or things they can charge maximalist prices for. At least keep some good offerings of basics good quality things for those who don’t have tech jobs.

On August 10, 2025, Alia in the shoe department helped me with running shoes. She was friendly, efficient, and demonstrated caring for my experience. (Over the last few years, I have had experiences with staff who didn't seem to care or seemed like a cold, I'm-too-cool-for-school barista.) Gives me faith in the store again. Give her a raise!

Jakkar in the bike department gave exceptional service and a super fast and helpful service. Needed a quick cassette change and few other parts fixed before a bike trip. Recommend.

My go to place for hiking/camping and travel related gear. You can try things for a year and if they don't work out, you can return them. If you buy online from their website and have it sent to one of the stores you can see, while you are there if it fits/meets your expectations. If it doesn't, return or exchange is super easy right there. People who work there are generally friendly and helpful and the store is orderly and clean.

Getting more corporate these days. I’m a 25 year member, got the credit card, you name it, but recently had terrible service at the rental department when I couldn’t cancel in advance by phone or by website (website says to call and phone says go to website). When I finally went in person, I was charged a day’s rental fees even though it was before first rental night and I never checked the gear out. Huh? I could buy the gear and return it and not get charged, but trying to do the right thing and get hit with a fee? Also this was a small amount of gear (a pack and a bear can) - not a lot of prep. Old REI wasn’t like this. Sports Basement rentals are cheaper, more friendly, and same day is no problem. After I spend some gift cards, I’m gone for good.

If you are searching for the best in outdoor recreational gear, be that bikes, snow, hiking, camping, or what have you, this is the place to go. Join the coop to get discounts and cash back. I went for Merrell hiking boots and hiking pants and found just what I wanted with help from friendly sales people. Recommended.

Purchased some ski equipment today.Sales staff was more than welcome to give me great advice and options to satisfy my needs! Thank you REI

Love this REI. I've been here quite a few times and anytime I need things for hiking, camping, or climbing. I feel like they are short staffed at times, and you may need to wait to get help with shoes and packs, but no complaints about the service. The staff aren't trying to sell you anything. They just want you to have the best gear for you to suit what you need it for. Also, they always have the return sale area where you can definitely find some goodies. I've gotten almost brand new climbing shoes for a decent discount. It is also where I tend to pick up tennis shoes. If you have an outdoor need, REI has you covered.

I needed to return something and the lady at the registers next to the entrance literally "forced " me to go all the way to the back of the store to the return area despite telling her that I had hurt my ribs a few days ago. the people at the return area apologized and said she was probably not confident in her return skills ( sic)

Whenever I need snowboarding tuning or repair services, I always head to REI in Berkeley, CA. The quality of work here is consistently good. They can almost always do a machine wax on the same day, which is incredibly convenient for those last-minute tune-ups before hitting the slopes. For any other services, it's best to plan ahead and book at least a week in advance of your ski trip to ensure everything is taken care of properly. Overall, the team at REI is reliable and efficient, making it my go-to spot for all my snowboarding needs.

Great service here, as they are experts! Selection of clothing is very good. Value is good for the buck!

I came in with my siblings to purchase hiking supplies, we purchased a pair of boots, gear and Arc'teryx clothing, spending over $1,300. When we were paying at the counter, the receptionist just scanned everything and set it aside without a care, we were left fumbling trying to get our things together as we were told "we're outta bags" once everything had been scanned and set aside. Like okay? You tell me that after I purchased everything and on top of that just push our stuff aside like it's nothing? Like come on, at least show some type of "care" especially after spending over $1,300.

Today I returned to REI for Hokas. My friend Kathy had recommended them the last time we were together. Until I reread my review just now I had forgotten I had come in for them last time. Sylvester helped me. He was nice, but nowhere near as charming nor attentive as Egor had been. His coworker was much worse, far more interested in interacting w/ the young and fit than in an old lady who asked him for a shoehorn. He gave it to me eventually, after getting into a conversation w/ people, shoehorn in hand, right in front of me while I waited. Very annoying. Needless to say, I don't know his name. I tried on the shoes Sylvester brought me and decided to buy the first pair I tried on, called Bondi. The price was good. Although they're going to be having their July 4th sale, the savings are not enough for me to return and brave the crowds. The young man who rang me up was engaging and friendly, so my overall experience was good. He brought this review to 3.49. Otherwise it would be a flat out 3 stars, maybe even 2. REI is not where you go to get shoes fitted and put on, unless someone unusual and exceptional like Egor is there. He has probably moved on to greener pastures. If I need shoes again I will go online to Zappos.

This is simply a wonderful REI location with great service, cleanliness, a sizable parking lot, and a large space. I came here on a Saturday afternoon to purchase some climbing goods. The workers were extremely patient, friendly, and accommodating in helping me and others out to find what we needed. They were willing to assist me for quite a good length of time without any pressure to purchase anything and with helpful advice and comments to make the right choices for me. In addition, the place is nice, spacious, and clean with a lot of goods that are organized appropriately. The overall layout simply allowed for comfortable browsing and shopping. The bathrooms are surprisingly very clean too with some water fountains nearby as well.

I hope someone at the store sees this and there can be a larger discussion on how you treat people. This happened a few weeks ago. For context, I'm a South Asian woman. I was shopping for hiking boots, so I asked the guy working there which ones were waterproof and if he could get me two or three different pairs that I'd been eyeing. He seems pretty annoyed I asked him, and was a bit short answering my questions, as if they were stupid, so I wondered if maybe he's just supposed to working the men's section, since he was a lot more friendly and actively trying to help two other people who were looking at men's shoes. He comes back with only one pair in my size, and is a bit rude to me again. Whatever, I think, probably having a bad day, and I know it's a pain to have someone ask for three pairs of shoes off the bat. Later, a much nicer woman offers to help me, and she is able to find two other pairs of the boots I had asked the guy for in my size. I guess he missed them--it happens, and perhaps at that moment they were understaffed in that department, and he was overwhelmed. But finally, as I'm packing up to leave, I see an Asian person try ask him a few questions about the men's shoes on the wall, and he kinda brushes them off and doesn't help. At that point two other people were also helping people get shoes. So I could be wrong, but maybe this warrants providing some extra (paid) diversity training to your staff. I don't often assume things are about race when they are happening to me, but there was something weird about the way this guy treated people. Watching the way he treated someone else put things into perspective. We are all just hoping to try on some gear to see what will fit properly, so we can buy something that will work for us.

First things first - the prices at any REI are astronomical HOWEVER I come here specifically to this location, because they have one of the best Garage Sale areas and customer service. The store is very clean and the customer service has always been great and helpful. They make you feel like you are talking to someone that cares and not just a robot. Their garage sale section is usually good. The prices are usually reasonable - but sometimes there is a jacket with a massive rip in it and it is still priced over $100. I do appreciated that they have a variety of items. Almost always find something that I do not need :)

I ordered online and picked up inside the store. The parking lot was full however, not very many customers inside. Pick up is at the customer service counter. Two staff greeted me and asked was I needed. I was directed to another nearby register and to wait for assistance. One staff yelled to the back of the house, "pickup'l A guy comes out and asked me what I wanted. I said I'm picking up an online order. He asked to see my email confirmation, which I didn't have. I showed him my CDL and asked if this was okay. He guesses so? What the fu-k? Waited a few minutes and I received my order. Sorry to bother everyone!

My wife bought a pair of shoes. They seemed ok at first but then they caused a lot of damage to her feet. She returned them a few weeks later and the clerk (Jules) gave her a tremendous amount of attitude and tried to shame her for doing exactly what REI purports to advertise. She has never used and returned anything before. How dare he. I'll start going to sports basement instead

Weather forecast says an upcoming storm is ahead of us and I'm going to tent camp through it. To give me a fair chance, I needed to grab a few things. I'm absolutely nuts for taking the challenge, but glad REI had the gear I needed. One of many items I picked up was their Trailbreak Tarp. I'm excited to give it a try. Wish me luck! I'm definitely going to need shelter from the rain. I appreciate this location, but the parking lot is not so great. Personally did not get dings, but seems unavoidable with the narrow parking spaces.

Never wrote a review but I feel like some of the good ones here are just commemorating the products and wide selection in the store which is true but if there are any high praise reviews for the employees, those are fake. Some of the part timers at this REI really forget their place and act like the boss or manager, too much attitude for minimum wage employees. The old head in the back honestly needs to retire, dude has unnecessary attitude. Staff sucks, if you ask a question--I can guarantee you that they'll probably talk behind your back when you leave. They did in front of me when ringing me up just after the previous person in front of me left. My advice: Careful asking questions. Look in advance what you need. Shit, talk to the people browsing instead of the staff I swear socializing is not the staffs' strongest suit.

While I haven't always had a great experience with the folks working here, and their prices are not typically the lowest, the store policies and the annual member 10% rewards is what keeps me shopping here. They even have a 365-day return policy which I'm careful not to abuse, but have had to use in the past when I bought something that did not end up working. The shopping experience here is generally a nice one with the majority of the employees being friendly.

The always on used gear racks and section float my boat. Open to members only, what a way to save $40-70 off stuff that people have used/worn once or twice. Excellent way to shop. And I actually spotted styles and brands I looked up on a magazine about best shoes for various things-3 models were available, in the used section. But! For the value, no returns. So be sure, consumer- I'm gunning for the Brooks Ghost 13 next// hehe

If the employees in the shoe department are even slightest overwhelmed and you have an alternative look or don't look like their regular customers base be prepared to feel like a 2nd class citizen. Get ride of the older guy in the shoe department and get a younger more diverse team. The older white man working on April 6 2024 @7pm was too tired to keep up with work and started to let his emotions and true feelings show through passive aggressive behavior. Clearly he has preferences on the type of customer he enjoys to work with.

"Since you're such a big fan of the brand." This is what a cashier associate gushes to us as he puts a pamphlet into the backpack we purchased at the counter. We had literally just come into REI for the first time ever to buy the cheapest backpack available because we were too lazy to hoof it to Target. We are not hikers, or campers, or anything else outdoorsy ... speaking of, do you know how many people disappear in state parks every year? Specifically California state parks? It's a lot. I mean a lot a lot. I mean you should really look into it before you take a trip because it's so many that the National Park Service and US Forest Service don't actively track them. But I digress, we are not and have never been "a big fan of the [REI] brand." In fact I'd like it understood that we have no intention of taking a hike past our capabilities and mysteriously disappearing in the woods, but if we did and I were to bring a backpack along on that trip, it would be a Jansport brand backpack because they have a lifetime warranty. And fun colors. All in all, REI had overly expensive backpacks, we bought one, the service was non-existent and weird, and we likely won't be back. But I did put in an order for another Jansport backpack. You could even say I'm a big fan of the brand.

Most Awkward Fitting Experience Ever I went in today looking to get sized for a backpack for a backpacking trip. For context I'm a short woman, like 5'4, but I'm wide hipped with a large chest. I had been borrowing a pack from my boyfriend, who is much taller than me, and I wanted something that was a better fit. There was one person working in the section and she started fitting me, beginning with taking my back measurement and then recommended that I do a size small because of my height. I asked if we needed to do a waist measurement too and the person helping me said that wasn't necessary. They got me a pack and told me they were going to weight it up so I could get a sense of what it would feel like on the trail. Ok, cool, so far so good. The staff member was helping another person at the same time and they told me that we needed to hurry up because they were going on their lunch break, and that it was against store regulations for them to stay over and help(?!) At this point I am standing with a fully loaded pack and no one helping me and surprise surprise it doesn't fit me around the waist and is tight at the chest. At this point I see another staff member and ask if there is a way to extend the waist strap...at which point this woman looks me up and down and says 'you realize that's a small, right?' and then suggests that I should probably 'just get a plus size pack' and asks me why I'm trying on a fully loaded pack. What in the actual eff. I *know* I have boobs & hips and need help with sizing, that's why I'm trying to get sized! I brought that up explicitly when I was talking to the first salesperson. But I felt like I was set up to be humiliated just by following instructions. The second staff member made me feel so uncomfortable and judged just for being short and having hips. I was so uncomfortable I just walked out and ordered the backpack online. It makes me sad because I have never had an experience like this before at REI. You folks need to do better on your staff training!

I went in to purchase trekking poles there because I was advised they would fit me for the right poles. The attendant just gave me some advice on length and told me to buy different tips. On the way out the clerk sold me a membership and said it would enable me to return without a receipt. Problems: 1) The tips I was told to buy did not fit the poles. 2) The poles themselves shrank unevenly after walking for less than 1 block. 3) I can't return them as I don't have the receipt and have been told that I need it. REI ghosted me after my second email. (I was polite in case that was a question.) 4) The advice I made the journey for was easily available online. I would also have done better to check Wirecutter or any other good review source for good poles for my needs. The attendant offered no major guidance. I usually try to see both sides, but this was a bad job all around. I don't think REI will suffer from missing me. I'm not outdoorsy. But I'm disappointed. It would have been nice if REI had lived up to their reputation.

This is my favorite REI store because the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Sure, it's pricey for things from here, but the level of service here is incredible. I was just browsing to kill some time, but employees would stop to ask if I need help and really want to help me find what I'm looking for. I think it's part of their training and boy, it feels nice to be around people that actually seem happy to be at work. Anyway, I ended up getting two really nice flannels that were discounted. From the questions about the flannel to the checkout line, I felt comfortable and valued as a customer.

I am old enough to remember when REI was a single small store in Seattle which sold reliable, excellent quality, outdoor gear at reasonable prices. Those days are gone, sad to say. While they still provide excellent service, the quality of the products is now unreliable. A pair of $20 wool sox stretched several sizes larger the first time I wore them and are now useless. The 25L daypack they've been selling for years now has far fewer pockets and is made of flimsy fabric. While I get that REI may be victim of the race-to-the-bottom-quality phenomenon which is currently running across the entire universe of consumer goods, it is still heartbreaking to see a once excellent organization sinking lower and lower.

Covid review Pros: -friendly staff -free parking lot in front -hand sanitizer available -cashiers wipe down area after each use -physical distancing markers used -fitting rooms are closed Cons: -n/a

Great selection of everything , rental lines are pretty long to pic up already bought gear. And Drop off .. Favorite quote from standing employees I'm not trained in rental pick up .. must be a months to gain such a skill

Good selection and they had exactly what I needed. Everything was organized well. I was there shopping for some bike accessories.

Wright Socks are the BEST Socks! These are great socks for walking, hiking, and everyday wear. Due to their double layer, they help prevent blisters, and keep your feet dry and at a constant temperature. I always turn my socks inside out before washing them. While they don't come out looking as flat as when they were new, they still fit perfectly with no shrinkage. These are the only socks I wear spring, summer, and fall.

I have to say that my experience at the Berkeley REI Bike Shop over the past few visits has been spectacular. I recently purchased a direct-to-consumer gravel bike and built it up myself. Well, I'm decent with my hands, but am by no means a bike mechanic, and I quickly got in over my head. My first trip in, the staff walked me through the basics of what I had missed with my bike, and I dropped it off so they could address them. At the same time, I had them install new tubeless tires, new compressionless brake lines, new bar tape, and a derailleur adjustment. They did a fantastic job on all counts, and the cost was extremely reasonable - about $100. A few weeks later, after maybe 100 miles of East Bay gravel, fire roads, and single-track (and after laying the bike down quite a few times), I had some new problems. My derailleur was a bit out of whack, and I had a few difficult-to-diagnose creaks coming from the bottom end. I walked in expecting to drop the bike off for a few days, but man was I surprised when Art immediately through my bike on the stand. Art not only diagnosed the issues in a few short minutes, but addressed them on the spot. If that weren't enough, he pointed out a few other things I had missed, and then went on to adjust the fit of my bike, including adjusting the saddle + levers. All the while, he explained what he was doing, and man did I learn a heck of a lot. If your bike could use some love, please don't hesitate to take it into the Berkeley REI Bike Shop for a tune-up. I am thoroughly impressed by their staff's knowledge, care, and attention to detail. As a bonus, Coop Members get 20% off all services. They're my local bike shop from here on out, hands-down.

Great local REI. The selection is always top notch and the staff is great. Only issue is that it is sometimes super busy and checkout takes a while.

My husband and I just pulled up the the curbside pickup spot, and we had the best experience I've ever had at a retail store. The staff helped us get the rig up on our car and gave us tips and tricks along the way. What an amazing experience, honestly the best staff ever! Wow! Floored.

For all the years I previously lived in Albany (walking distance from my previous residence) and shopped here, I guess I never got around to writing a review. When I moved to Pleasant Hill, I went to the REI in Concord, and now that I'm in Genoa, NV, Reno will be my REI home store. I've been to a few other REIs sprinkled across the country, but the Berkeley Store remains my favorite. I stopped by last Saturday as part of REI's annual sale. I also parked across the street in front of Hida Tool & Hardware, which is where I went directly after this REI visit. I was looking for some hiking boots for an upcoming Iceland hike and found a very comfortable pair of Salomon's on Sale. The footwear department had a limited occupancy system in place that worked pretty well. The guy helping me, was helpful and as I pretty much found what I wanted on the 1st or 2nd try, I was a pretty easy customer. The checkout line went quickly and REI staff did a great job keeping things moving. If I had more time and wasn't so focused on hiking boots, I should have hung around longer and expanded into backpacks, sleeping bags, etc.

Over the past 15 years, I've spent countless hours and dollars at REI. My customer service experiences have varied. I will say that I appreciate the store's efforts to reduce landfill and waste by selling used and returned gear. I have several pieces of gear in my backpacking kit that I bought already used at the REI garage sale and they have served me well. I appreciate that REI stands behind the products they carry with their return policy.

2 clerks wouldnt accept my shoes I wanted to return, I bought them last october, not 100% satisfied, want to return. They said I could speak to the manager but they would probably say the same thing. Looking up the return policy, it says: "We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund"

Its REI... and its huge. Lots of options here for gear, shoes, backpacks, and more. Great selection.

Awesome customer service! We came in to get harnesses and rock climbing shoes and had no clue what to buy. Then this very nice sales lady who was going to go on her lunch break decided to stay and help us. She herself was a rock climber and gave us so many great tips on what to look for in harnesses and shoes. She stayed with us until we found both items we were looking for before leaving on her break. We were so amazed and so thankful.

First time the other day. I ordered something online for pick-up. It was confirmed quickly. Very easy process, in and out of there fast.

Second time ever returning an item to this store, second terrible experience. Again returning a very gently used item and getting super judgmental questioning ("so you're returning this after 9 months used?"), though no explicit lecture this time. Officially the REI policy is within one year and can be gently used, but this store will shame you for using it even for non-borderline returns. Line is long too. I'm just going to mail it in next time. REI should change its policy or retrain this store.

I purchased an REI brand jacket & recently came to exchange it. I immediately walked to the back to talk to customer service but realized I couldn't exchange since they no longer had my size. As I walked out of the store with my jacket the employee at the door accused me of stealing because I hadn't gone through the line.... with my own item that I had clearly walked through the door with less than 10 minutes ago. I stopped to explain the situation and he tried to hold me at the door while he asked the register if the item had been paid for. loss prevention is one thing but flat out accusing someone of stealing an item they own?! I've been a loyal customer for 15 years but needless to say I won't be coming back. You just lost a long time customer REI.

This review is a little delayed. Everyone who works here has been really welcoming to me, always stopping to ask if I need help if I look confused, which is always going to be the case when I am looking for outdoor gear and clothing. It really stands out now, a time when businesses are having a difficult time finding staff. Much thanks to Wendy, who was extremely patient, taking the time to listen to me and make recommendations. I'm extremely happy with my purchase, and I even bought an REI membership through her, which has already paid off. Clare checked out my purchases, and was unfailingly friendly and efficient. The used gear section is a little bit of a mess, almost as if no one wants to deal with it, but they need to offer one. Overall, I'm very pleased with my experience at this REI, and with my membership and online experience.

Had the best experience today at REI, Collin our cashier was an amazing problem solver and saved the day!! This REI has a good selection of returned/used items and I was able to find a pair of slides for a reasonable price. Super friendly staff I'll definitely be returning/recommending this store location to friends!

I like it. I got a great jacket here before a long International vacation, and it was at a good price.

There are many things to love about REI - the expertise of the staff, the generous return policy, the wide selection, etc. This location is a relatively compact store but it's easy enough to order online to pick up items in store (if the store does not have the item in stock). If you're picking up an item in the store, you need to go to the customer service counter at the back of the store. The lines can get a little crazy which is a bit frustrating since there was no one in the actual line at the front of the store. You can also do curbside pick up around the back of the store which is super fast and efficient.

I love REI, but right now, they are really screwing up. I got an email notice from them about a sale. looked at their Patagonia inventory online and there was tons of stuff on sale. I came into the store, and there is nothing, nothing to indicate that these things are on sale. The sales clerk was very helpful and looking things up and telling me that yes indeed they are on sale. But anyone browsing will look at the regular Patagonia price and likely say this is too expensive! Patagonia is expensive, and a sale is a very big deal. REI clean up your act!

Been here many times over the years, but I'm surprised that I haven't done a review yet! My most recent trip was over the weekend, and I was in search of some mountain bike accessories and parts. An associate helped me find what I needed, and I was in and out pretty quickly. It was also good to see social distancing being observed, and it looked like in-store capacity was being limited. This store has awesome inventory, and I purchased some travel, hiking, and camping gear in the past, all on visits pre-Covid. The only reason I don't give this store 5 stars, and to be honest, I'm not sure I if can blame the store or not (they definitely could use some security in the parking lot), is because my car was broken into while visiting this store a few years back. Like I said, not a knock on the store itself, but if it's worth noting, I've never had my car broken into in any store parking lot anywhere, ever.

My experience here was great! For the mass traffic at this location and combination of their anniversary sale, the staff handled it well. Actually, the staff here is a lot older than the other locations that have a younger staff base This location had great customer service and were pretty friendly. They were willing to help quickly especially, for the elder customer base that came here. This location has a little more of their stock compared to others I have been to but they must have expected the traffic for their sale this weekend. The only think I didn't like was the parking area as it's shared with other stores and we just got lucky with parking and prices are still high for my cheap ass! Haha...but you get what you pay for and their great return policy! [48 /100]

Came in on a Monday night for a bike tuneup for the first time at an REI so I didn't know what to expect. The person attending the bike service area took a look at my bike and found no need for a bike tuneup. He did point out that the chain was a bit stretched and that in about 100 miles I would need to get it replaced. He cleaned and lubed the chain and said it was a small free service for members. Definitely appreciated the proactive and honest customer service! I will look no further for whenever I do need a tuneup or my chain replaced, or any other bike service in the future.

Three times now they've misplaced my work orders and haven't had my bike ready. Great bike techs, but lack of organization

A friend and I attempted Mount Whitney last week! When we picked up our boots,crampons,ice axe etc rentals, MIKEL was an absolute legend and helped us get fit properly for the boots and swapped out my friend's rental to a better size. Nicest dude ever, thanks Mikel! When we wanted to extend our rentals for a day so we didn't have to rush back, we called and talked to LAUREN who was super friendly & sorted it out quickly for us. I thought it was going to be more complicated! Thanks for being a pleasure to talk to, Lauren!

Please do not get your ski bindings done here. Mine were installed incorrectly here (as verified by multiple technicians). Sadly I only learned of this after a trip to the Emergency Room and 8 months of physical therapy.

I went to REI today & had a very unpleasant experience. I walk to the register to Pay & I see the cashier Sophia giving my beautiful Mexican embroidered purse a look. She then proceeds & looks at my face & gives me a very nasty look. I then say "hello" she ignores me and scans my item, I Pay cash, she then Basically drops the money on my hand. I'm a latina women in case you were wondering. I want to think that the cashier Sophia, Was just having a bad day but I wonder if She's treating everyone the same today no Matter the color of their skin.

Made it to review nr #300 :) We have been REI members for at least a year now and love the dividend option on full priced items as well as year round discounts! Annual garage sales has been helpful in getting things like tent, a patagonia tote bag, binoculars and other random items! We usually visit the store in Berkeley, I prefer it to that in SF because it seems more organised although I still have a hard time finding what I need sometimes. Store is usually packed during discounts times and staff is always busy so it can be hard finding someone to help you. They have I think only 2-3 changing rooms for women so sometimes might be a wait. However, I was recently there and was pleasantly surprised to find out that even the regular changing room fits a baby stroller ;) Their bathrooms are usually really clean and spacious. They also have water fountains which is nice when you need to refill your water bottle :) Also great to have the mezzanine-elevator at the entrance for wheelchair access or baby strollers :) Pricey place unless you avail from discounts or garage sale, but sometimes you need to hurry or you won't find your size :(. Also, they don't always keep all colors of brands. Overall happy to have REI close to Oakland and just a 15min brisk walk from North Berkeley BART ;)