REI Announces Exciting New Membership Perks: 5 (More) Reasons to Join the Co-op

This is a sponsored post brought to you by REI. Co-op members can save 20% on one full-price item and an extra 20% on one outlet item at REI from 3/18/22 to 3/28/22 with the code MEMBER20.

REI is a co-op in the truest sense of the word. The outfitter traces its roots to the 1930s, when founders Lloyd and Mary Anderson pooled cash with fellow Seattle-based mountaineers to secure better prices on imported ice axes. Eighty-three years later, members still look to REI Co-op as a stalwart of the outdoor community and, yes, a way to save on expensive outdoor equipment.

An REI membership costs just $30 and lasts a lifetime. If you’re planning a thru-hike or any long-distance backpacking trip and you’re not already part of the Co-op, now is a prime time to join. Your modest $30 up-front investment in membership will pay (literal and figurative) dividends down the road, so why wait? Also, if you join now you’ll be able to take place in the Member Coupon Event that runs today through March 28th, 2022—in which you can get 20% off one full-price and one outlet item with the code MEMBER20.

Become an REI Co-op member today.

REI recently announced some exciting updates to membership. Here are five brand new, exclusive perks you’ll enjoy as an REI member.

5 (More) Reasons to Become an REI Co-op Member

1. Free Standard Shipping

Members will now enjoy free standard shipping on virtually all orders—no minimum purchase amount required. This new perk is a huge win if you just need one or two small items and can’t get them in person. Thru-hikers in particular should take note. You may very well need to get replacement gear shipped to remote locations far from the nearest physical REI, so free shipping is a must to keep your gear budget under control.

READ NEXT – Why You Should Become an REI Member According to Thru-Hikers

2. The Member Collection

We thru-hikers are notoriously picky about what goes in our backpacks. If it’s coming with us on a multi-thousand-mile trek, it better be the perfect item for the job. Many of us are borderline obsessive about our packing lists (I once spent three hours online researching the relative merits of Dr. Bronner’s compared to CampSuds, for instance—a complete waste of time, by the way, but you see my point).

If this sounds like you, you’ll be glad to learn that REI will now be offering more member-exclusive products via the Member Collection. Members will enjoy an expanded product selection, including early releases, exclusive collaborations, and limited-edition versions of your favorite gear and apparel—so you’ll have more options than ever to help hone your packing list.

3. REI Cooperative Action Fund Donation

The REI Cooperative Action Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to building community, promoting health, and increasing access to outdoor spaces. From now on, REI will donate $5 to the fund for every new member who joins the Co-op.

REI has always invested heavily in social justice and environmental stewardship—the Fund is just the latest example of their very solid track record and will allow the Co-op to give more direct support to grassroots organizations and initiatives pushing for equity in the outdoors.

4. Buy and Trade In Used Gear

We all know quality backpacking gear isn’t cheap, but well-made, lightweight equipment will serve you well during the rigors of a thru-hike and beyond. Buying used is the perfect solution: you can get the quality you’re looking for at a much more affordable price point.

REI is now making it easier than ever for members to buy and trade in used gear through the Co-op’s Re/Supply program. Members will have a broad selection of affordable used gear at their fingertips both online and in-store. You can also free up room in your gear closet and pad your budget by trading your lightly used gear in exchange for an REI gift card. And don’t worry, the process is very easy: just select the item you want to trade in from REI’s online catalog, print out the shipping label they send you, send it in, and wait for your gift card to arrive.

Participating in the circular economy is a win for the environment and a win for your gear budget–so what are you waiting for?

5. Shop Services

For the rebellious thru-hiker who refuses to be typecast. I mean, hiking is amazing but we also love biking and skiing too. Good news for all you bike- and ski-having people: REI just doubled the discount for Co-op members for shop services. Members now get 20% off on bike and snow shop services so you can keep your gear in good working order. They’ll even fix a flat bike tire or wax your board for free!

Learn more about REI’s expanded member benefits.

…And Let’s Not Forget All the Existing Awesome Member Benefits

The new perks we outlined above are just the icing on the cake. There were already many great reasons to join the co-op before this recent benefits expansion, and those reasons still stand.

• Lifetime membership. No annual dues, renewal fees, or any of that jazz. Once you’re in, you’re in.
• Member rewards. You get 10% back on most purchases at REI. Membership costs $30, so if you plan to spend at least $300 at REI in your entire life, the membership will pay for itself via member rewards (formerly known as dividends).
• The vote. Becoming a member of the Co-op means you get a say in its management.
• Classes and trips. Members get discounted access to guided outdoor adventure travel and hands-on outdoor skills classes. The Co-op also sometimes hosts member-exclusive events in your local community.
• Rentals: Save up to 33% on rental equipment as a member (this is a great way to try before you buy or save money on activities you only rarely do).
• REI credit card: Members can get an additional 5% back on REI purchases in the form of credit card rewards.
• Member forum: Like Reddit for Co-op members. Have a question about outdoor recreation? This is the forum you want.

READ NEXT – Is REI Membership Worth It? 10 Reasons to Join the Co-op

Member Moment Event

Now’s the perfect time to join the Co-op, because members will have the opportunity to save 20% on one full-price item and an extra 20% on one REI Outlet item with the code MEMBER20. The Member Coupon Event runs from March 18th to March 28th, 2022, so mark your calendars.

Featured image: Graphic design by Jillian Verner (@yourstrulyjillian).