View Full Version : REI in pennsylvania
How is this store ... i've yet to go and check it out but i'm looking for an outfitter who sets up there gear so you can see them first hand .... Cabelas in port clinton sucks ... Everytime i go down there they have NOTHING for backpackers ... from backpacks,sleeping bags to tents .... So before i trek an hour 1/2 to REI i was hoping someone could tell me there store front is worth it ...
It's an REI. Hate to be flip, but if you have been in one, this one is no different. Has all the usual gear, can't say I noticed anything missing from its hiking section. If you are looking for a specific piece, you might call beforehand to see if they have it in stock, but if you are just looking to browse, it will do the trick.
REI is near me, and I go there often, because it's close. I'll be honest with you, I usually shop there and then go online to buy, either at Campmor or EBay. We also have an Eastern Mountain Sports nearby in Warrington (or is it Warminster?) PA. I find they have less in the way of inventory, but still good for basics and to go in and see items and pick brains of the salespeople.
Wise Old Owl
01-03-2009, 14:07
Shopped at REI for years after I lost that loving feeling for EMS. If you don't want help they will leave you alone, if you want help they really address the coustomers needs. Can't get a better place for gear.
On a side note there is one very big/tall guy 40'ish who doesn't smile, can't remember his name. He is a wealth of information on gear and hiking. If you see him, don't hesitate to engage him for help.
Worldwide
01-03-2009, 15:06
The one in Conshohocken on Ridge Pike? The people working there the day I went through weren't as knowledgeable as I have seen in other stores. It was prior to the holidays so maybe they took on some temp holiday help. Only went there once so don't have a broad scope of what to expect everyday. Decent selection besides their packs.
karoberts
01-03-2009, 15:27
REI is the best due to the return policy, which is very comprehensive. You may be able to find something for cheaper at Campmor or on ebay, but if it breaks three months later, you are out of luck. REI accepts ALL returns (you could even return a 20 year old sleeping bag - though that seems unethical). Also, I joined the coop and get about $250 - $300 in dividend in February, which is great!
Don't be afraid to ask them to set up a tent or pull out a sleeping bag. Most stores can't afford the space to keep everything on display, but most, or many, will let you examine what they have. Just don't be shy asking, but don't abuse them either. If they spend an hour or two showing you equipment and letting you climb in and out of it, it should warrant you buying from them, not going on-line to save 15 bucks somewhere else.
Treat them the way you would like to be treated if it were your business, this is the best way to keep the brick and mortar stores in business locally.
Before you go to the store to fondle the gear:p, go online to find what you are interested in, write down the SKU# and call the store to make sure that they have it in stock. Avoid more disappointment. You won't find much ultralight stuff at REI, they have that nice return policy. They don't want to go broke on returns in the case that some people might not treat their ul gear properly.
Blissful
01-03-2009, 16:16
Cabelas for us was great for socks, a t-shirt, insoles and fuel. They had nothing good on the buffet when we were there, sigh.
The REI in D.C. has packs set out, etc. to try on. But they dont carry the lightweight stuff (I have not seen Granite Gear for example). If you want to try Osprey, then you could go to REI. They also have Gregory.
Darkage, REI stores are the best national Outfitters. They have little competition. REI will let you set up the gear, climb into their tents, try out an air mattress, pack, etc.
I agree with Tinker look on line first before going. If you buy it on line or not, it's still REI that is getting the money. They have the good return policy. Like Blissful stated they don't carry everything. To stay in business they need to make a profit. To make a profit they need to sell items, alot of items. Be a smart shopper and REI can be a good place to shop.
Very few local outfitters can stay in business for long periods of time. Most get into the business because they love the outdoors. There is not enough hikers/campers that walk through their stores. They must sell items with large mark-up. If there is a local outfitters near you visit them. Buy something from them, even if it is a small purchase. They are all going thru some tough times.
I've talked to this guy a bunch. I cant recall his name either. He's very knowledgeable. Much more than some of the temp help they have.
Toolshed
01-03-2009, 19:16
I try to hit REI about 4-5 times a year. It is more of a soul journey than a gear trip, since I can never really think of anything I need that I cannot buy used or in an outlet.
I like REI, but it is like REI in Framingham, like REI in Anchorage, Like REI in the various California Stores (not like REI in Seattle though :D). Size varies (TWSS), but the layouts are similar. Some folks are very knowledgeable - Some are not. The Bike guys usually know what's going on, OTOH, many of the of the sales register clerks don't seem to.
I also try to hit Cabela's 3-4 times a year. completely different situation. I don't expect to find backpacking gear there, but I can find a new scope, laser grips and such. I was just there a coupla days ago with a buddy who is a LEO and likes to car camp - He thought they had a phenomenal selection - the XPG tents and XPG backpacks were the best makes he's ever seen - He was more interested in the $3800 night vision goggles and couldn't see why anyone would pay more than $125 for 4 person tent. (It's just a tent, Rick), but wouldn't hesitate to plunk down $35 for a folding cot. I also know that when I go to Cabelas I am competing for attention with 63 other middle-aged guys from all over the NE. If I really need something from Cabela's I go to A/N on Grape Street where I am competing with 2 local guys for the salesclerks attention.
Same thing with the new LLB in CV it is about 5 minutes away, but they cater to more of a "less" redneck crowd than Cabelas. they offer a little more in backpack gear, but not much, unless it seems to say "TNF"
BTW, I drive my Pickup truck with the gun rack to window shop at Cabala's or the A/N Store on Grape St. I drive my little diesel Euro-car to window shop LLB and REI. Wouldn't be caught dead in the little Eurocar at Cabellas.
Wise Old Owl
01-03-2009, 19:36
The one in Conshohocken on Ridge Pike? The people working there the day I went through weren't as knowledgeable as I have seen in other stores. It was prior to the holidays so maybe they took on some temp holiday help. Only went there once so don't have a broad scope of what to expect everyday. Decent selection besides their packs.
Yes and the floor folk are knowledgeable... Can't judge a book or your post by the cover. I rarely see a new face - little turnover, they apparently love to work there.
Oh Toolshed - if you park the diesel in the middle of that Cabelas monster lot, I don't think they will see you on the cameras!:eek:
I've shopped the REI on Ridge Pike, Philly and they were always helpful. I like the gear too. Been to Cabelas outside Hamburg too. They handle more hunting/fishing type gear.
Worldwide
01-04-2009, 08:29
Yes and the floor folk are knowledgeable... Can't judge a book or your post by the cover. I rarely see a new face - little turnover, they apparently love to work there.
They didn't know Big Agnes made or the differences of SH1 and an SL1 call me crazy, but they had both on the shelf. Just my opinion and my experience. Like I said it was a one time run in not extensive research.
HikerRanky
01-04-2009, 11:03
For those of you that want to discuss National Chain Outfitters such as Cabelas, LL Bean, REI, I've split off those posts into a new thread call "Split from Straight Forward - National Chain Outfitters" (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=44784).
This was done so that the thread in Straight Forward would remain about the REI in Pennsylvania....
Happy New Year all!
Randy
Pickleodeon
01-05-2009, 11:17
I've been to the REI in Conshohocken. It's like an hour drive or so, and I've gone there at least three or four times in the past few months. I like to order things and have it shipped there, like shoes, to make sure they fit, that way if I need to return them while I'm there, I can.
Also, there is Ye Olde Backpacker in Port Clinton, PA, which is like 10 minutes down the road from cabela's.
www.yeoldebackpacker.com (http://www.yeoldebackpacker.com) it's not as big as an REI, but they're very backpacker-knowledgeable.
One thing about the Conshohocken REI is that it is in a relatively small strip mall that has several other popular businesses in it, and the REI is in the corner where the two halves of the mall meet. So unless you go really early, expect to have to park some distance from the door. They are good about letting you take your shopping cart to the car if you have a lot of stuff; unfortunately, they don't have a lot of carts.
We've asked for serious help there twice; once when we were getting our packs. That guy was OK, but not great. On the other hand, I recently got my wife a synthetic fleece there for Christmas and the lady I asked then recommended exactly the right thing (which is good, because my wife gets cold really easily and it's hard to find stuff that will keep her warm and is lightweight!)
For you, it's not that much farther to Campmor, if you don't mind the traffic, and particularly if you have an excuse. That would probably be my first choice. Also, if you're even in South Jersey, you could check out the REI in Marlton (it's on 73 just south of 70). They have a custom-built store there, which seems to have a better selection and at least a little more space (not to mention much brighter.)
bikerscars
01-16-2009, 13:11
not that it adds up to much but if you're pinching pennies...it's $4 to cross the delaware river and nj's tax is 7% compared to no bridge toll and 6% tax in pa...they carry pretty much exactly the same items...
i like both buy in pa
bikerscars
01-16-2009, 13:19
btw jan 31st is garage days at the conshy store...get there early or you'll wait in line and might miss the good stuff...like i did waiting to get a good insulated jacket cheap during super clearance...the sizes that were left did not fit me...
btw jan 31st is garage days at the conshy store...get there early or you'll wait in line and might miss the good stuff...like i did waiting to get a good insulated jacket cheap during super clearance...the sizes that were left did not fit me...
Unless you're willing to get there phenomenally early (like, 4 AM early), it's not worth it. My wife and I went to those one time and were very disappointed.
i recommend checkign out yeoldebackpacker as well. scott participates on these forums from time to time, is very knowledgeable, has great pack selection, and is a overall nice guy
We visit "wildware backcountry" outside harrisburg pa alot.....bought our osprey packs and seirra tent and alot more from them. Very helpful people and they seem ok on price. Ems in park city mall lancaster treats us well also...everyone seems to pick where they like......but really took advantage of the Rei sale last week in timonium md.... found our sleeping bags we wanted AND saved TONS of cash!!!
i've been to wildware a few times as well. the 2 people i see there all the time are pretty cool
I've found that it's easier to get better service on off peak hours at the Conshy REI. When I was there last summer several times on a Saturday it was crowded and the sales people weren't always the best. My method is to narrow down my choices on a particular item in advance online, then go to compare and ask questions on those few items. Also, you'll save yourself a ton of headache on shoes if you go at off peak hours. The shoe salespeople are usually bouncing between several people on weekends, so it's easier to try on different pairs/sizes when they aren't so busy. Oh, and I've found some great prices in the women's clothing department on the clearance rack at the Conshy store. :)
Strategic
01-23-2009, 11:52
A few quick comments:
First, I like the Conshy REI. They've always been helpful and I don't really expect them to know more about the gear than I do because by the time I get to the store for something I've already been researching it for a while and probably have more current knowledge of that particular thing than the floor staff does.
Second, they do a pretty good job of stocking the store, especially for all those small things that you need but are likely to forget until you actually run across them.
Third, it's hard to beat the co-op factor (which applies to all REIs, of course.)
Fourth, I'll also put in a plug for Ye Olde Backpacker, they're good folks (Scott especially) and while I've not bought anything from them I did use their shuttle service when sectioning north out of Swatara Gap. They were first-rate and made a prompt emergency pick-up when I needed it (illness, a common problem for me, alas.) All around a place I'd recommend without reservation.