REI started out in 1928 as a humble cooperative, in Seattle, for climbers who needed serious mountain climbing gear like that used in the European Alps. Now, REI has morphed into an upscale megastore in 28 states. It is, however, still a good place for mountaineers to rent ice axes, backcountry campers to rent camp stoves, and for novice campers to find down sleeping bags, family tent rentals, and other outdoor camping equipment.
REI Membership Benefits
REI is a consumers’ cooperative just like it was with its first 23 Mount Rainier climbing buddies, except now there are over 3 million active REI members. Campers do not need to join the co-op to buy or rent equipment, though membership at REI brings a discount on family tent rentals and other outdoor camping equipment. Membership includes a discount on shop services, such as bike repairs and ski tune-ups.
Membership benefits include a 10% refund or rebate on a member’s purchases in the form of an annual dividend.
List of Outdoor Camping Equipment Carried in Various REI Stores
- Mountaineering Gear
- Camp Stoves
- Tents (Family tent rentals and other tents)
- Backpacks (Mostly used by campers in the outback, though ask an REI employee.)
- Sleeping Bags and Pads (Don’t let children use the same sleeping bag they use for indoor sleepovers.)
- Paddling Gear
- Alpine Skiing Equipment (Downhill skiing)
- Snowboarding Equipment
- Nordic Skiing (Cross-country and telemark skiing)
- Snowshoes
Other Camping Gear Essentials
Don’t forget to bring a Coleman lantern or something similar. Several hand-held flashlights are also needed for night time trips to the bathroom. Older campers may find a camping chair (or beach chair) a godsend for old bones.
The Best Places for Camping in Washington State
Locations of REI Stores
REI Co-ops are Located in 28 States. See the site to find out what areas have a co-op store in the neighborhood. If there is no store in the area, call or email REI. The employees are fanatics about outdoor activities and adventures, so someone may be able to pass on information about other stores that rent outdoor camping equipment.
Also, it may be worthwhile to check prices at other stores (or online stores) for camping gear rentals or sales. Or, look for used equipment on Craigslist.
Family Tent Rentals, Camp Stoves, and Down Sleeping Bags
Each REI Co-op store carries different camping gear for rent. Ask the employees what they think a camper might need for a particular camping adventure. The sales people are knowledgeable about the details of each state and each sport.
There are many places in the United States and Canada which rent outdoor camping equipment, however, REI is a good place to start. REI has camp stoves, down sleeping bags, and family tent rentals. They also rent equipment for paddling excursions and winter sports. For the more advanced outdoor adventurer, the REI co-op rents mountain climbing gear.
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Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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