Best Subreddits for REI in 2025

Best Subreddits for REI Discussions

Reddit has become an invaluable resource for REI customers, employees, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with like-minded individuals who share their passion for adventure and quality gear. While REI doesn't have its own dedicated subreddit, the outdoor recreation communities on Reddit provide rich discussions about REI products, services, and experiences that directly benefit anyone shopping at or working for the co-op.

These communities offer something you can't get from traditional product reviews or corporate communications: real, unfiltered conversations between people who actually use the gear in challenging conditions. Whether you're researching your first backpacking tent, troubleshooting issues with REI Co-op brand products, or seeking advice on which trail running shoes to buy during the next member sale, Reddit's outdoor communities provide the honest insights and practical experience that make the difference between a successful adventure and an expensive mistake.

The five subreddits covered in this guide - r/CampingandHiking, r/outdoors, r/backpacking, r/Ultralight, and r/GearTrade - represent the most active and valuable communities for REI-related discussions. Each serves a specific niche within the outdoor recreation world, but together they create a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to make informed decisions about gear purchases, trip planning, and outdoor skills development.

Why Join REI Communities on Reddit

The primary benefit of participating in these Reddit communities is access to unbiased, experience-based product feedback from people who have actually tested REI gear in real-world conditions. Unlike sponsored reviews or marketing materials, Reddit users share honest opinions about product failures, unexpected benefits, and long-term durability. You'll find detailed comparisons between REI Co-op brand items and competitor products, helping you understand when REI's house brand offers the best value and when you might want to invest in premium alternatives.

These communities also serve as an early warning system for product issues and recalls. REI customers frequently post about defects, warranty experiences, and customer service interactions, giving you insights into potential problems before you make a purchase. This collective knowledge helps you avoid products with known issues and identifies items that consistently exceed expectations.

For REI employees, these subreddits provide valuable insights into customer pain points and product performance that might not surface through traditional feedback channels. Understanding what customers discuss in these unfiltered environments helps employees provide better service and product recommendations. Many REI staff members use these communities to stay current on gear trends and learn about products outside their direct area of expertise.

The networking opportunities within these communities extend far beyond product discussions. Members organize meetups, share trip reports from popular REI destinations, and offer practical advice on everything from using REI's rental program effectively to maximizing member dividend benefits. This collective wisdom helps both new and experienced outdoor enthusiasts make better decisions about gear, destinations, and outdoor skills development.

What to Expect in REI Subreddits

The most common discussions in these communities revolve around gear recommendations and comparisons. You'll regularly see posts asking about REI Co-op tents versus Big Agnes or MSR alternatives, discussions about the durability of REI's hiking boots compared to Merrell or Salomon, and detailed breakdowns of pack features across different brands carried by REI. These conversations often include specific model numbers, price comparisons, and real-world testing results that help inform purchasing decisions.

Troubleshooting and repair discussions form another major category of content. Community members share solutions for common gear problems, from fixing zipper issues on REI sleeping bags to waterproofing techniques for jackets and boots. These practical threads often include step-by-step instructions, product recommendations for repair supplies, and advice on when to use REI's return policy versus attempting a DIY fix.

The community culture across these subreddits tends to be helpful but direct. Members appreciate detailed questions with specific use cases and budget constraints, but they have little patience for vague requests or obvious attempts to get free gear recommendations without contributing to the community. Most successful participants share their own experiences, provide context for their questions, and follow up with results when they try community suggestions.

Seasonal patterns heavily influence discussion topics, with spring bringing gear preparation threads for summer backpacking trips, fall focusing on layering systems and cold-weather gear, and winter featuring discussions about REI's clearance sales and planning for the following year's adventures. Understanding these patterns helps you time your participation to get the most relevant advice for your immediate needs.

How to Get the Most Value

When asking for gear advice, provide specific details about your intended use, experience level, budget, and physical requirements. Instead of asking "What's the best REI tent?", explain that you need a three-season, two-person tent for car camping in the Pacific Northwest, with a budget of $300-400, and you're 6'2" so you need adequate length. This specificity helps community members provide targeted recommendations and prevents generic responses that don't address your actual needs.

Use Reddit's search function effectively by searching for specific REI product names and model numbers before posting questions. Many popular items like the REI Co-op Half Dome tent series or Trail 25 backpack have been discussed extensively, and existing threads often contain comprehensive comparisons and user experiences. When you do find relevant existing discussions, read through the entire thread - including comments - as the most valuable insights often appear in the replies rather than the original post.

Follow up on advice you receive by reporting back on your experiences with recommended products or solutions. This creates valuable content for future community members facing similar decisions and builds your reputation as a contributing member rather than someone who only takes advice without giving back. When you post follow-ups, include specific details about how the gear performed, any issues you encountered, and whether you'd make the same choice again.

Avoid common mistakes that reduce the value of your participation: don't post the same question across multiple subreddits simultaneously, don't argue with experienced users who provide advice you don't want to hear, and don't treat these communities as customer service channels for REI corporate issues. These behaviors typically result in downvoted posts and reduced engagement from helpful community members.

To stay updated on REI-related discussions without constantly browsing, create custom searches and set up notifications for terms like "REI Co-op," specific product names you're interested in, or topics relevant to your outdoor activities. Many Reddit apps and browser extensions allow you to track keywords across multiple subreddits, helping you catch relevant discussions as they develop rather than discovering them weeks later when the conversation has moved on.

Building Your Network

Building meaningful connections within these communities requires consistent, valuable participation over time. Focus on becoming a resource for others by sharing detailed trip reports that include gear performance notes, posting thorough reviews of REI products after extended use, and offering helpful advice based on your specific expertise or experience. Community members remember users who consistently provide valuable insights, leading to more personalized advice and opportunities for deeper discussions.

Many of the most valuable connections form around shared geographic locations or specific outdoor activities. If you're based near an REI store, mention your location when relevant to discussions about local trails, gear availability, or store-specific events. This geographic connection often leads to meetup opportunities, gear sharing arrangements, and access to local knowledge that isn't available through general online resources.

The r/GearTrade subreddit specifically offers opportunities to build trust within the community through successful buying and selling transactions. Start with smaller purchases to establish your reputation, always communicate clearly about item condition and shipping expectations, and follow through reliably on all commitments. A strong reputation on r/GearTrade often carries over to other outdoor subreddits, where community members recognize trustworthy participants and provide more detailed advice and assistance.

Conclusion

These five subreddits - r/CampingandHiking, r/outdoors, r/backpacking, r/Ultralight, and r/GearTrade - represent the most valuable online communities for anyone interested in REI products and outdoor recreation. Each community offers unique perspectives and expertise that complement REI's official resources, providing the honest, experience-based insights that help you make better gear decisions and develop your outdoor skills more effectively.

The key to success in these communities lies in approaching them as a contributor rather than just a consumer of information. Share your experiences, ask specific questions, follow up on advice you receive, and help others when you can. This approach not only maximizes the value you receive from these communities but also strengthens the entire ecosystem of outdoor enthusiasts who rely on these platforms for guidance and connection. Start by lurking in the communities most relevant to your interests, then gradually begin participating as you understand each community's culture and expectations.