REI, San Diego CA

For outdoor hiking, camping and biking gear, you can't beat REI. They have well-stocked stores with a huge variety of gear... Clothes, shoes, packs, tents, sleeping bags, bikes, canoes, kayaks (well, you get it). The people that work there are knowledgeable and friendly, and are happy to help you with any questions or challenges. REI also completely backs up everything they sell, so you can't go wrong. A great place to shop overall and prepare for your next big adventure.

Well I will never enter an REI store ever or at least til they change their policy about no dogs allowed in store I mean how are you gonna be a camping out doors store but not allow animals I think that it's just dumb but oh well they lost out on a couoke few hundred dollars I was gonna spend on a pair of binoculars.thanks REI for wasting part of my day trying to shop at your store for the first time

Daughter needed a water proof jacket for her trip to Paris. Walked in, found a jacket and Bob's your uncle

Bummer, I was trying to get store credit for a purchase made 3 years ago. Salesman sold me yayak holders that go on the car rack, But told me I needed the rollers too (oh, yeah. NO!) Well, the rollers, they got lost in the garage till now.yeah, but still.high priced REI.
Anyone want to buy them.never used, in box. Discounted!

Went to REI today with my 4 legged camping partner. But they wouldn't let my camping buddy in with me, and they were relatively rude about it too. My dog is tiny and quiet and old. They wanted me to leave her locked up out front with a dirty water bowl. The lady was shocked when I told her people take their dogs camping. What a joke. Buy online, don't support awful organizations like these. I hope REI goes out of business.
I went to a 2nd store, spent a ton of money and all the staff treated me and my dog so good. I guess REI didn't need my money, good for them, cause they'll never get a dime from me. Hate my dog, hate me.

The location is a bit out of the way but the store and customer service is everything you'd expect from an REI.

It's a little more packed than other REI stores I've been to in other cities so I'd recommend trying to go at odd times to avoid the crowds.

They tend to not have a great selection as other stores and only seem to carry the bigger ticket/priced items.

Also, sadly they are not a pet friendly store. Which is a bad move in San Diego and a store that people usually stop at whilst on the road.

As soon as we walked in an employee showed us an emergency blanket and said, isn’t it weird there’s a crying girl on the packaging? I thought this was weird to point out and said so.

Later I asked to see a locked product, the same employee said I could only look at it at the front counter. When I got to the front counter after waiting in a long line the cashier started ringing me up. I said, I just want to look at it I will stand over here. After a moment of looking at the product they told me I needed to stand somewhere else closer to the cashier.

I felt I was treated like I was likely to steal a product by an employee who was upset I didn’t share his sense of humor and thought that our first interaction was quite strange.

REI was amazing I went in there for hiking shoes and the person that helped me was beyond helpful. He explained the difference between shoes when each are useful and even personal accounts. I went in knowing nothing and came out a pro. Definitely recommend this place for outdoor needs.

Soa many helpful workers. Look for Esteban if you want someone way overqualified to help with gear tips, trip planning, gear fitting, etc!

I visited the bike shop for the fist time and the staff was very professional, courteous both on the phone and in person. They answered all my questions and really wanted to help me get back on the road. I instantly became a member and will be back for any further bike needs they are simply above the rest!

This is the first time I visit REI, it was labor day. They were busy and did not have time to greet me, I went to see if they had a ruffwear dog webmaster harness. It was not there, I was sad there was not a lot of dog things. I did see people with dogs inside, I did not expect that. It is expensive though.

Very unhelpful staff. I've been on hold for over 10 min. Doesn't know anything, doesn't want to find out. They're too busy to check if there's stock. Called again to check if there's anyone there - they're too busy and they've hung up the phone! OMG. The lack of manners.

It was very expensive, 30 dollars for a pair of socks and 80 dollars for a pair of gloves, 80 for a pair of pants, I just cannot understand these prices, it wasn't even name brand stuff either it was just their own company's brand, material felt of poor quality, personally would not reccomend

I just got off the phone with the San Diego store. I was sent to Active Sports and Peter assisted me. I just had to write a review about how friendly and helpful he was. He listened to my concern and assisted me in finding a solution. So, the issue I was having had to do with the website. I chose curbside pick up last night to pick up a kayak deck bag. It was perfect and came with a removable dry bag inside. Then after I got the confirmation email, it said I wouldn't be able to pick it up until Aug 4th. I need the bag for tomorrow. So I called the store. Apparently there is no way to know what is in stock at a store unless you call them or go yourself. In this time, that seems a bit ridiculous.

Anyways, Peter helped me find another product that would meet my needs for tomorrow and physically ensured the product was in the store and put it on hold for me. He was a great listener and very kind. Thanks, Peter! Thus, the 5 stars.

Regarding my online purchase, I tried to cancel it and was told once I make the purchase I have to wait until I receive the product to return or exchange it. There was no option to cancel. So there is about $100 I can't use for a week. The online store is down to 2 stars. The only reason they get 2 is because you can read through all the specs and feature, which is convenient.

Sadly, this chain has gone downhill in the last 10 years. They used to be a one-stop-shop for a vast variety of outdoor gear. Not only could you get anything you want, but you had several choices of brands. Now, they moved all that gear online, and the stores just push overpriced clothing brands to wanderlusters there to buy yeti coolers to keep their hyrdoflasks cold.

Great! I found a pair of Keen Women’s Astoria sandals on line - my size is hard to find and the Keen website was all out of every color but suggested San Diego REI. I called, they were in stock, I paid and picked them up later in the afternoon. I talked with four associates including the young man that helped me at pick up. Each one extremely helpful and friendly. Great experience, convenient and then the true test - the sandals fit, are comfy - I wore them around the house and then took the dog out for about a half mile - so far I love them.