No — REI no longer accepts returns for items damaged by the customer, no matter when the damage happened.
Does REI still have lifetime warranty?
As of 2026, REI no longer honors lifetime warranties.
Most items must be returned within a year of purchase for a refund or exchange. The only exceptions? Manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship—those still get handled anytime. REI switched from lifetime coverage back in mid-2024, replacing it with a one-year policy and extended coverage for certain gear like tents and backpacks. Want to check your specific item? Look at your purchase confirmation or the REI Help Center.
Can you return items that you damaged?
No — REI won’t take back items you damaged yourself.
That includes tears, broken zippers, or any structural damage from misuse. REI’s policy only covers factory defects and normal wear. If you messed up the item while using it, REI might quote you a repair or suggest a third-party service. Always peek at the care guide before you use anything new—doing it wrong can kill your return chances. If the damage is minor and still within REI’s one-year window, a store manager *might* bend the rules and offer store credit.
Does REI do free returns?
Yes — REI offers free in-store returns and exchanges for most purchases.
Mailing a return? REI only covers shipping costs if the item arrived defective or got damaged in transit. Otherwise, you foot the bill—unless you’re an REI member, in which case your first year of online purchases ships back for free. Refunds usually hit your account within 10 business days after REI receives the item. Save that receipt or order confirmation; it’ll save you a headache later.
Does REI sell returned?
Yes — REI resells returned gear through REI Used Gear and REI Outlet.
Items that come back in decent shape get inspected, cleaned, and resold at 30–50% off the original price. REI Used Gear shows up online and in some stores, while REI Outlet focuses on overstock and seasonal items. Stuff with manufacturing defects? Those don’t get resold—they’re recycled or donated instead. All sales from these channels are final, so no do-overs. See what’s available on the REI Used Gear or Outlet pages.
Can you return something to REI after a year?
No — REI only takes returns within one year for most items.
There are a few exceptions: items with lifetime warranties on materials or workmanship can still come back after a year. Outdoor electronics and e-bikes? Those cap out at 90 days. Used equipment bought from REI? That’s a 30-day return window. If your item’s older than a year and doesn’t fall under a special warranty, REI won’t process a return or exchange.
What is the difference between REI and REI Co-op?
REI Co-op is the private-label brand of outdoor gear sold by REI, while REI itself is the retail cooperative that owns the brand.
REI (short for Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is a retail cooperative owned by its members, who each get a $20 dividend every year. REI Co-op products are designed based on feedback from those members and real-world testing. Both operate under the same company and share the same return policies. You’ll spot REI Co-op items easily—they’re labeled clearly and only sold in REI stores or on REI.com.
Can you return REI items to any REI?
Yes — you can return REI items to any store nationwide, no matter where you bought it.
No receipt? No problem—just bring the order number or the credit card you used. If you can’t prove you bought it, REI might still give you store credit based on the item’s current price. Mail returns work too. International members? Your mileage may vary—check with your local REI team. REI tries to process returns within 10 business days after they receive the item.
What are my rights if I receive damaged goods?
You’re legally entitled to a repair, replacement, or full refund if you get damaged goods.
The seller—including REI—has to cover return shipping costs for damaged items. REI usually offers a full refund or replacement without making you send the item back, depending on how bad the damage is. Snap some photos of the damage and the packaging just in case. If REI pushes back, you can escalate to their customer advocacy team or file a complaint with the FTC.
What do I do if my item arrives damaged?
Call REI customer service right away and send photos with your order details.
- Take clear photos of the damage and the packaging it came in.
- Call REI customer service at 1-800-426-4843 or start a chat on REI.com.
- Choose between a refund, replacement, or store credit—REI often waives return shipping.
- Give them your order number and let them know when you expect a resolution.
If the item’s hazardous—like a damaged stove—don’t use it. REI usually wraps up damage claims in 3–5 business days.
What do I do if I get damaged goods?
Stop using the item, document the damage, and contact REI within 30 days.
- Keep the original packaging and receipt safe.
- Email photos and a description of the damage to help@rei.com.
- REI will replace or refund you; they might ask you to send the item back for a closer look.
- If the damage happened during shipping, REI covers return costs. Otherwise, you might have to pay.
How long do I have to return to REI?
Most items must be returned within one year of purchase.
Used gear, e-bikes, and outdoor electronics have tighter deadlines: 30 days for used gear and 90 days for electronics and e-bikes. Defective items with lifetime warranties? Those can come back anytime. REI’s policy lines up with U.S. consumer protection laws, which say sellers have to take back defective products indefinitely. Double-check your purchase confirmation for the exact cutoff dates.
Does REI have a guarantee?
Yes — REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee covers defective or unsatisfactory products.
You can return anything within a year for any reason—except final sale items. REI makes refunds or exchanges easy, keeping their cooperative promise to outdoor lovers. Defective items have no time limit. Members get extra perks, like discounts and annual dividends, which honestly makes the membership worth it.
What does REI do with returned items?
REI resells inspected, undamaged returns through REI Used Gear or donates them.
Minor defects? They fix those up and resell them at a discount. Major damage? Those items get recycled or donated. REI tests all returned electronics and outdoor gear for safety before putting them back on the market. Damaged goods either get repaired or disposed of responsibly. It’s part of their push to cut waste and reuse as much as possible as of 2026.
Does REI charge return shipping?
REI charges return shipping for non-defective items unless you’re an REI member.
Members get free return shipping on online purchases for their first year of membership. Non-members? Expect to pay $6–$10, depending on the size and weight of the item. If the item arrived defective or damaged, return shipping’s on REI. Members can also print free return labels from their account—just log in and check. Always verify your membership status before you start a return.
What does REI stand for?
REI stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc.
The company started way back in 1938, founded by a group of mountaineers in the Pacific Northwest. Today, it runs over 180 stores across the U.S. and ranks among the biggest outdoor retailers in the country. REI’s still a consumer cooperative, owned by its members, and its mission is to inspire, educate, and outfit outdoor enthusiasts.
Is REI a true cooperative?
Yes — REI is a consumer cooperative owned by its members.
Members pay a one-time $30 fee and get a $20 annual dividend based on their purchases. REI’s run by a member-elected board of directors, and profits either go back into the cooperative or get distributed to members. That’s what sets REI apart from regular retailers. As of 2026, REI has over 22 million active members.
Is REI a good company?
Yes — REI is widely regarded as a top employer and sustainable retailer.
In 2025, REI made Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list. It’s also a Certified B Corporation, meeting strict standards for social and environmental performance. REI scores high on employee benefits, work-life balance, and sustainability efforts. That said, its environmental rating from Ethical Consumer is still “not good enough” because of gaps in supply chain transparency.
Is REI Co-op sustainable?
REI Co-op has made progress but still has room to improve on full sustainability.
REI uses recycled materials in a lot of its products and aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. But it still lacks full supply chain transparency and hasn’t committed to cutting emissions across its entire operation. The 2025 sustainability report shows progress in packaging and energy efficiency, though critics say more needs to be done. For the latest updates, check the REI Sustainability page.
What is the difference between REI and REI Co op?
REI Co-Op is REI’s own brand of outdoor gear
. The company’s been around since 1938, so it’s had more than eight decades of real-world testing to perfect its products.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
