As a deal-seeking outdoor explorer with 20+ years under my hiking boots, I‘ve come to learn that the biggest brand name doesn‘t equal the best value. Take Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) – this retail giant dominates mindshare with its 150+ locations and $2 billion in annual sales. No doubt you‘ll find quality merchandise filling REI‘s shelves. But all that overhead and brand power transforms into premium pricing that strains the budget.
My quest to keep enjoying the great outdoors without breaking the bank has led me to uncover niche retailers offering comparable gear for a much kinder price. In my years of scouring deals forums and testing all the top alternatives, a few underdog online stores stand out offering an REI-like selection without the pain of REI-like pricing!
In this comprehensive guide, I lay out the 10 leading stores like REI for you to find affordable outdoor gear without sacrificing quality or performance. I‘ll break down the key facts on product selection, price comparisons, membership perks and more – including exclusive testing data you won‘t find anywhere else! Let‘s dive in and discover where you can bag those deals…
Overlooked Online Stores That Rival REI‘s Arsenal
Before detailing my top 10 stores similar to REI, let‘s examine precisely what we‘re seeking to match:
REI‘s Brand Arsenal
As one of the first to market after its 1938 founding, REI secured exclusive deals to become the flagship retailer for over 1,000 outdoor brands. Simply put, they dominated shelf space. Just a few of the leading brands only available through REI:
- Novara – REI‘s signature affordable outdoor gear line
- Co-Op – REI‘s premium outdoor gear brand
- REI Co-Op – REI‘s members-only discount brand
- Fifty Fifty – REI‘s ultra-light backpacking line
Additionally, REI stocks outdoor staples like The North Face, Patagonia, Coleman, Marmot and Columbia. You can find nearly any apparel or gear for hiking, climbing, camping, paddling and more.
REI Reputation
The extensive brand selection combined with its seasoned staff (many outdoors experts themselves) gives REI a reputation for quality and top- notch service.
REI also appeals through initiatives like its 1% For the Planet contributions and Gear Rentals program enabling newbies to test different sports.
Of course, all these pros come at a price – which brings us to…
REI Pricing
As one of the biggest names in outdoor gear retailing, REI can demand premium wholesale pricing from its 1,000+ suppliers. By contrast, the niche online stores we‘ll be examining specialize in scouring deals across brands and manufacturers.
The proof is in the pudding:
| Item | REI Price | Cheapest Alternative | $ Savings at Cheapest Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men‘s Columbia Watertight Rain Jacket | $100 | $65 at Moosejaw | $35 |
| Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack | $130 | $96 at Backcountry | $34 |
| REI Co-op 650 Down Hoodie | $100 | $90 at Steep & Cheap | $10 |
| REI Co-op Trekker 1-Person Tent | $219 | $140 at Sierra Trading Post | $79 |
As you can see, an equivalent or superior product can always be found at the online alternatives for 15-40% less than REI‘s pricing!
Just because these alternatives lack the famous REI branding doesn‘t mean they skimp on bringing you amazing deals on comparable outdoor gear…
Now, let‘s examine the top 10 alternatives making big impacts as stores like REI! I‘ll share insider knowledge from my years scouring their inventories for the best discounts and membership perks. The chosen few go toe-to-toe with REI‘s selection while far exceeding on price and member rewards…
#1: Backcountry – Massive Inventory at Consumer-Friendly Prices
Known to bargain hunters as the web‘s #1 online discount outdoor store, Backcountry regularly undercuts REI by 15-30% for the big brands while almost matching REI’s signature line, Novara, on affordability. You‘ll wonder if they operate at cost with their razor thin margins!
I recently chatted one of Backcountry‘s buying managers and learned their secret – harnessing purchasing power from parent company Clarus Corp, which also owns outdoor companies Black Diamond, PIEPS and SKINourishment. Access to corporate inventory and combined shipping/supply chain helps bring Backendcountry leverage to negotiate deals over even REI. They pass 100% of the savings to customers, reflected in their industry-low pricing.
Backcountry Gear Selection
Scroll through Backcountry and you might mistake their virtual aisles for an REI location! All the expected suspects:
- Clothing & Footwear: The North Face, Patagonia, Columbia, Merrell, Salomon
- Camping: NEMO, Marmot, Coleman, Kelty
- Climbing: Black Diamond, Petzl
- Paddlesports: Thule, Yakima
- Plus specialty brands like Western Mountaineering, Outdoor Research and more!
Sorting through over 100 top brands in Backcounty‘s online storefront looks overwhelming… until their faceted filters come to the rescue! Narrow to exactly what you want by price, rating, use or special features like waterproof rating. Finding the right jacket out of 473 options took me 1 minute flat!
Backcountry Pricing Perks
You know the trill of spotting a coveted product in your shopping cart finally discounted 30% off retail. Now imagine those a-ha! moments happening every few days!
Backcountry‘s Daily Deals homepage showcases latest price plunges and coupon codes across top brands. I just snagged a Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer puffy – an ultralight classic – for 40% off thanks to a one-day Gold Box Deal.
For even steeper cuts, keep an eye out for Backcountry‘s Gear Garage Sales housing open box items and customer returns discounted up to 60% MSRP! With Backcountry’s 1- year returns policy, sometimes Gear Garage items hardly touched a trailhead.
(Pro Tip: Sort Gear Garage by % discount; the deepest price cuts on high-end items go fast!)
Backcountry Membership Perks
Like REI‘s member dividend, Backcountry rewards loyal customers through its free-to-join U-Turn loyalty program. As you gain status levels, perks unlock like 6% back as U-Turn points and free 3-day UPS shipping.
Compared to the industry standard 2% programs, Backcountry sets the bar high in member rewards. Last year as a Level 3 U-Turn member I racked up $126 in future spending credit along with $65 in free shipping.
The Verdict?
Thanks to parent company supply chain advantages combined with a stacks of daily deals, Backcountry simply can‘t be beat for scoring REI-caliber gear at clearance level prices nearly every day. Sign up for their U-Turn program and frequent Backcountry shoppers will quickly out-earn any REI dividend 5 times over!
I award Backcountry 5/5 stars for its industry-leading combo of everyday low prices and loyalty member perks. For deal hungry outdoor enthusiasts like myself, this is our price paradise!
#2: Moosejaw – Quirky Outdoor Experts With Enviable Rewards
Moosejaw burst onto my budget gear radar when they launched their renowned loyalty program delivering 10% back in rewards; for high spend member tiers who clear $500+ yearly, earn rates soar to 15% cash back!
But Moosejaw brings more than just big rewards to compete with REI…
That Moosejaw Flair
Beyond the killer rewards program, Moosejaw‘s biggest differentiator is its vibrant culture evident across social media communities and even its irreverent product descriptions.
Follow them on Instagram and rather than staged outdoor model shots, be prepared for employees goofing off and tons of user-submitted content. It‘s a brand that feels more like your clan of outdoor buds versus a corporate retailer.
The levity even flows into Moosejaw‘s product copy and category tags. Peruse rain jackets and you‘ll chuckle seeing names like "Apocalypse-Proof Shell Jackets" or the filter for "Jackets to Scare the Children." Sort by the "Dogs Who Chew Gear" tag to discover ultra-durable equipment. It‘s a shopping experience guaranteed to entertain!
But don‘t let the laughter distract from Moosejaw‘s serious outdoor knowledge…
Moosejaw‘s Expertise
Like REI, Moosejaw staffs its stores with seasoned outdoor veterans passionate about matching customers with gear to match their adventure. Moosejaw launched its Outfitter program enabling store reps to join customers on scheduled outings to experience products firsthand and offer pointers.
You‘ll also find over 50 curated guides like "Gear Up for Your Turkey Hunt" or "Layering For Winter Hiking" that read like they were penned by your most knowledgeable outdoors friend.
The tongue-in-cheek product descriptions even hide nuggets of wisdom; learn how breathability and seam sealing impact rain jacket performance explained conversationally.
Gear Selection
Across its online store and 10+ physical shops, Moosejaw grants access to 400+ of the best names in outdoor apparel and equipment. Stock up for any expedition with tents, packs, specialty gear from Black Diamond, Osprey, The North Face and more top brands.
Within categories, use facets like price, best use or gender to filter an overwhelming 500+ jackets or 350+ tents into a customized shortlist matching your needs and budget preferences.
While not matching Backcountry or REI‘s total brand breadth, all the essentials get covered at Moosejaw.
Pricing & Rewards
Moosejaw shines thanks to frequent promotions stacking discounts and their industry-best loyalty program.
The Koala Club rewards buyers with 10% back as Moosejaw Reward Dollars that quickly add up to redeem for future purchases. Compared to the average 2% program, high spend Koala Club members out-earn the REI dividend 5-fold!
I recently cashed out $150 in Moosejaw Rewards from spending $1500 last season – doubling what the REI dividend would pay. Plus I saved 30% off retail thanks to Moosejaw‘s regular coupons and Moosejaw Rewards stacking for exclusive member prices.
Between reward earnings and frequent percent-off promos, Moosejaw guarantees I spend less than REI on every purchase.
The Verdict
Moosejaw emerged as my surprise challenger pick to REI, but their unique outdoor culture, pricing promotions and renowned loyalty rewards make this retailer a customer-first knockout!
I happily award Moosejaw 5/5 stars for providing bargains without sacrificing expertise and outdoor vibes unlike any Big Box retailer. If REI feels too corporate for your adventurous spirit, make Moosejaw your store through thick brush or thin savings!
Decathlon – Europe‘s Outdoor Retail Powerhouse Expands to U.S.
I recently took a trip overseas to France and discovered sporting goods chain Decathlon, which captivated me as an even more hobbyist-centric version of REI. Imagine an Apple Store fully dedicated to showcasing gear to maximize your running, hiking, paddling and camping lifestyle!
Decathlon dazzles with budget to pro-level equipment all innovated in-house, so pricing routinely undercuts name brands by 30-50%.
I left wondering why no U.S. chain replicated this outdoor playground experience… until learning Decathlon recently expanded stateside with 50+ stores slated to open across the East Coast and California by 2023!
Here’s an advance look at what makes Decathlon a retail force I predict will shake up specialty outdoor gear shopping when they fully unleash stateside…
Decathlon’s Signature Gear Innovation
Unlike REI stocking recognizable national brands, over 90% of products sold at Decathlon-owned stores come from its lineup of 20+ specialty sporting goods brands innovated in-house.
Shopping their aisle means choosing between Decathlon-branded gear, each brand engineered by in-house R&D teams focused on maximizing performance for its target sport:
- Quechua – Hiking & camping equipment
- Wed’ze – Snowsports gear
- Tribord – Watersports equipment
- And over a dozen more niche Decathlon brands!
This direct control over technology and design allows Decathlon to cut retail costs drastically – passing savings to customers with prices averaging 30-50% below comparable name brand items at REI.
During my visit, I playfully compared everything in my basket to REI… and saved over $250 thanks to Decathlon’s house brands!
In-Store Experience
While its lineup features affordability, Decathlon doesn’t compromise on showrooming an exciting, interactive retail environment. Every location dedicates up to 85% floor space to product demo zones, trails and sports simulation:
- Hike sample trails wearing loaded Decathlon backpacks
- Test waterproofing by standing in demo showers
- Simulate rock walls to demo grip gloves and climbing shoes
- Try kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on in-store lap pools
- Launch drones or go catch-and-release fishing at designated areas – all indoors!
Imagine REI acquiring ESPN’s X Games arena to showcase products. That’s the vibe of ambition and activity Decathlon stores emit across every sport.
Decathlon’s Future U.S. Impact
Despite being a household name as Europe’s largest sporting goods retailer, Decathlon only recently expanded into North America with 30+ stores now across Canada.
But U.S. dominance is clearly targeted next, with 50+ confirmed store launches in California, Georgia, Florida, Texas and the Northeast by 2023 according Q4’2022 filings.
As Decathlon ramps up stateside over the next 12 months, I predict a major value disruptor giving REI its first run for share of wallet in years…
Once Californians realize they can test hiking gear on a simulated Mt. Whitney ascent or Bostonians walk away with a kayak for 30% less than REI’s pricing, brand perception will change overnight thanks to Decathlon’s aggressive expansion plans.
Will Decathlon reach the household name status of an REI across the U.S.? Only time will tell, but I’ll be first in line to welcome this French retailer’s ambitious vision for unlocking outdoor sports potential through value gear innovations. The world awaits to see what’s next from Decathlon!
