R.E.I. Tents.......GO or NO GO?
- Thread starter JLH911
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REI donates to a group that is anti gun.
I have a lot of experience with REI tents. Although I've not used any of their larger tents (2-3 person / 3-4 season only), REI tents have always performed well for their price range. But since you are local, just head to the local REI and set one up in the store. I find it always helps to have hands on before purchasing. Also, REI customer reviews have always been helpful for me and it looks like this one has a lot of good ratings.
Re REI being anti gun, I personally have never seen that anywhere. I know that they do not sell guns or ammo, but that's very different than being anti. Would love to see an article if you find one tho.
Re REI being anti gun, I personally have never seen that anywhere. I know that they do not sell guns or ammo, but that's very different than being anti. Would love to see an article if you find one tho.
- Thread starter
- #4
Maybe this is for chat now, but I could have sworn I saw something somewhere about REI being Anti-gun. Anyway, we'll end this hijack here with this list:
NRA-ILA :: National Organizations With Anti-Gun Policies
Back to camping equipment
I have owned an REI Halfome 4 man tent for 17 years. It's been everywhere. I had to retape a few seams last year, but other than that it is perfect. And I'm not saying having to retape after 17 years was a bad thing. I have had a few other smaller and larger tents during that time that haven't made it 5 years before being discarded.
Rei is sometimes a bitter pill. It's funny. They don't support motorized back country travel. They fully support environmental project aiming at closing down our nations offroad trail network for vehicles. Yet they and the Sierra Club offer trips all around the world that people must drive and fly to and often once reaching their destinations must use offroad vehicles to go see the sights. I've always laughed at the double standard. I still shop there and have an REI Visa for the dividend. I never pay interest on the card and only purchase items with my dividend. Last year I did throw them an extra $100 combined with my dividend for a big family tent they had on a really good clearence. I think they lose money on me.
Rei is sometimes a bitter pill. It's funny. They don't support motorized back country travel. They fully support environmental project aiming at closing down our nations offroad trail network for vehicles. Yet they and the Sierra Club offer trips all around the world that people must drive and fly to and often once reaching their destinations must use offroad vehicles to go see the sights. I've always laughed at the double standard. I still shop there and have an REI Visa for the dividend. I never pay interest on the card and only purchase items with my dividend. Last year I did throw them an extra $100 combined with my dividend for a big family tent they had on a really good clearence. I think they lose money on me.
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Simply walking into the local REI and looking at the folks shopping there tells you a lot about the place.
Anti gun (I think) and anti access (I know). They ARE the "enemy".
Mark...
Anti gun (I think) and anti access (I know). They ARE the "enemy".
Mark...
I'd probably agree with this. The funny thing is that if you look in the parking lot, half of the employees drive an SUV of some sort. I reallize it's a job, but it's kindof a double standard. I picked up a Southern Wilderness Aliance news letter one time and had to chuckle about the pictures they put in it. Most of them were of members standing next to thier jeep or some other SUV out on some dirt road with a tent in the background. Half of the articles dealt with closing down roads and making people hike to enjoy the outdoors. again Double standard.
I needed to replace a 20 year old 3 season tent and I thought their offerings were weak. I ended up buying a Kelty some where else.
Tent comments
We got the 6 person version and so far we like it. Simple set up and take down makes it nice for moving camp often. Haven't had it in the wind and rain yet but seems like it should hold up well if staked out, read the reviews for details. We got this tent after returning a Cabelas Alaskan guide series 6 man. The main reason was the zippers on the door and vestibule kept jamming in the fabric when wet and dry, set up was a bit of a pain as well. Cabelas took it back no problems. REI makes good quality gear for a good price and stands behind their stuff, IMHO. Been a member for over 25 years.
We got the 6 person version and so far we like it. Simple set up and take down makes it nice for moving camp often. Haven't had it in the wind and rain yet but seems like it should hold up well if staked out, read the reviews for details. We got this tent after returning a Cabelas Alaskan guide series 6 man. The main reason was the zippers on the door and vestibule kept jamming in the fabric when wet and dry, set up was a bit of a pain as well. Cabelas took it back no problems. REI makes good quality gear for a good price and stands behind their stuff, IMHO. Been a member for over 25 years.
I'd say no-go
I tried lightweight fabric tents w/shock-cord poles, they are fairly inexpensive and OK for occasional use in non-traumatic weather conditions. I learned my lesson years ago and now just go with Springbars. At least check them out, they cost a bit more, but they are made in America, and last for decades.
2007 Springbar tent models
Regardless of the model you buy, just keep getting out there and enjoy!
I tried lightweight fabric tents w/shock-cord poles, they are fairly inexpensive and OK for occasional use in non-traumatic weather conditions. I learned my lesson years ago and now just go with Springbars. At least check them out, they cost a bit more, but they are made in America, and last for decades.
2007 Springbar tent models
Regardless of the model you buy, just keep getting out there and enjoy!
Im a member of REI too but really dont buy from them unless it is a last minute thing that I need (rarely).
They do support the gestapos at the sierra club who also would love to close a lotta mtb trails...
However.. REI does sell and employ mechanics for the same people that MTB..go figure eh..
I have to admit they have the best return policy ever.....
Re: Tent.. Work bought a tent for 4 (REI brand) Its good but with a tent this big they are prone to failing with a good gust of wind and make sure you anchor it good even if its a sunny day.. ask me how I know...
If I may suggest you would be better off with two smaller tents.... Go light if you can.. whether it is car camping or backpacking you will be better off with a light 3 season tent.. unless you are planing on winter camping then a 4 season tent would be the way to go...
Look on line they have some killer deals...
Tents - Save 35-70% on Famous Name Brands
They do support the gestapos at the sierra club who also would love to close a lotta mtb trails...
However.. REI does sell and employ mechanics for the same people that MTB..go figure eh..
I have to admit they have the best return policy ever.....
Re: Tent.. Work bought a tent for 4 (REI brand) Its good but with a tent this big they are prone to failing with a good gust of wind and make sure you anchor it good even if its a sunny day.. ask me how I know...
If I may suggest you would be better off with two smaller tents.... Go light if you can.. whether it is car camping or backpacking you will be better off with a light 3 season tent.. unless you are planing on winter camping then a 4 season tent would be the way to go...
Look on line they have some killer deals...
Tents - Save 35-70% on Famous Name Brands
Which is exactly why I don't shop there. And why should I pay double for the same Chinese crap I can get anywhere else for half the cost?
I am single and just picked up the Hoodoo 3 (really a comfortable 2 man tent) on sale and like it thus far. I have only used it three times, twice 4 wheeling and once backpacking. I like the vestibules at the front and rear for gear storage, though I wish their footprint extended out to the tip of the vestibules. The frame is extremely solid, and from many of the online reviews I have read, holds up to some pretty strong wind conditions. Used it last night, sleeping @ ~9,800' and had no condensation at all on tent or rainfly in the morning. I think staking out the rainfly properly and using the rainfly vents is key. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quality 2 man tent.
Most of the REI branded gear is of excellent quality these days and for the most part doesn't need to be considered a "value alternative." In fact, some of their tents are better than the brand name competition. For a super storm proof fmaily tent, the Base Camp 4 is superb. I find the Base Camp 6 setup to be unruly and annoying, but the 4 is truly a great tent. Their 3 season tents are also excellent and you can't go wrong with the half dome model. If you need a true 4 season mountaineering tent, then I would stay away from REI brand as they don't have anything that legitimately competes with Mountain Hardware. Rei footware and other hardware is usually a rebranded brand name and therefore reliable. Their softshell and warmth layering products are excellent. Their down products (sleeping bags and jackets) however don't compare at all to the Marmot or Western Mountaineering.
As for REI being "the enemy" - you guys should mellow out. There's room on the planet both for the people who want to save it and the ones who want to abuse it. I drive a thirsty 80 off -oad AND support environmental protection and don't consider myself a hypocrite.
As for REI being "the enemy" - you guys should mellow out. There's room on the planet both for the people who want to save it and the ones who want to abuse it. I drive a thirsty 80 off -oad AND support environmental protection and don't consider myself a hypocrite.
they also contribute to anti access groups. i won't support them for those reasons.