View Full Version : REI vs. EMS
joehiker22
06-06-2009, 15:40
Which do you like more, and why?
I like ems. I think their house-brand gear is better, better priced, and they have better sales.
I'm not getting why anyone needs to decide which is better. Just get what you want at EMS, if that's what you want, and get what you want at REI, if that's what you want. Or, don't shop at either one. Why this either or decision? Both outfitters carry gear at competitive prices that's worthy of a hike.
YoungMoose
06-06-2009, 16:09
i personally dont have a favorite. i only go to ems becuase a rei is 3 hours away. they both have good prices and good gear. I like rei's outlet alot more. they have much more stuff there. Also rei's gear is better i think
Snowleopard
06-06-2009, 16:16
I miss the olden days when EMS had a bargain basement on Commonwealth Ave. in Boston. I bought some used equipment there that lasted me 20 years.
Nowadays, I like REI better, but EMS is closer. When convenient, independent outfitters can be more knowledgeable.
Don't forget MEC (http://www.mec.ca/ ).
The main REI store in Seattle is amazing; if you're ever Seattle go there.
Wise Old Owl
06-06-2009, 16:56
Awkward question, REI is further away and worth the trip. There is 3000 square feet over EMS's floor plan of gear to look at. There is far more diversity of the sport. There is something for back of car camping and mountain biking. There is more stuff for kayak & climbing. REI has an advantage over LLBean and others, they just need more stores.
The Snowman
06-06-2009, 19:04
EMS. its just down the road from me.
Shutterbug
06-06-2009, 19:32
Which do you like more, and why?
I like ems. I think their house-brand gear is better, better priced, and they have better sales.
As far as I know, we don't have EMS in Washington. Besides, if they did business out here, I am sure they would do it under a different name. One wouldn't expect those of us who hike the Cascades to buy our equipment at a store with "Eastern" in its name.
kayak karl
06-06-2009, 20:36
i like I.Goldberg's. i just can't find one:confused:
Pacific Tortuga
06-06-2009, 20:40
What's EMS ? We only have REI's, and they rock. :cool:
REI for sure!!
(Of course my decision my be swayed by my employee discount)
MintakaCat
06-06-2009, 20:45
What's EMS ? We only have REI's, and they rock. :cool:
Eastern Mountain Sports
www.ems.com (http://www.ems.com)
Phoenixdadeadhead
06-06-2009, 20:48
Wally World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Phoenixdadeadhead
06-06-2009, 20:48
Amazon????
Phoenixdadeadhead
06-06-2009, 20:48
Ok I got it
EBAY!!!!!
Blissful
06-06-2009, 21:12
Don't get me going...I'll pass on this one.
But REI for sure.
:)
psyculman
06-07-2009, 06:07
REI seems to have more small specialty items, but, I usally go to both when looking for big ticket items.
My EMS gear has always been top quality, and endures well, is well thought out and adaptable.
Store associates at both are very knowledgable and experienced.
I tend to get my hiking clothing on sale at REI, especially since there are 2 stores within 29 minutes of my house. As far as the rest of my gear is concerned, I tend to buy cottage gear online from the manufacturers themselves and from AntiGravity Gear.
I tend to get my hiking clothing on sale at REI, especially since there are 2 stores within 29 minutes of my house. As far as the rest of my gear is concerned, I tend to buy cottage gear online from the manufacturers themselves and from AntiGravity Gear.Ooops, that's 20 mins. :D
Lone Wolf
06-07-2009, 06:21
I tend to buy cottage gear online from the manufacturers themselves
you mean like Izod shirts and plaid shorts like the rich folks wear at their summer cottages while playing croquet and such?
campmor in paramus, nj or www.campmor.com
better selection, better prices
Blue Jay
06-07-2009, 07:35
you mean like Izod shirts and plaid shorts like the rich folks wear at their summer cottages while playing croquet and such?
You're a golfer, don't you have to wear that stuff to be allowed on the greens? How about some pictures of your golf outfit?
Blue Jay
06-07-2009, 07:41
I am not aware of any REI's near the AT, however I've never looked. The EMS in Mass. and in Vermont continue to be very hiker friendly. For this reason, although EMS continues to drift toward becoming the Gap, I prefer EMS.
Pacific Tortuga
06-07-2009, 09:15
You're a golfer, don't you have to wear that stuff to be allowed on the greens? How about some pictures of your golf outfit?
Happy Gilmore (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001191/): [to Chubbs about Shooter] Hey, if I saw myself in clothes like that, I'd have to kick my own @$$ :)
Both are very good stores. EMS is just down the street from me whereas REI means either mail order or a long bus ride into Boston. Thus normally I go to EMS.
David
Both have high prices, IMO. Both are good when they have sales. Though I, too like campmor.com best.
I like wally world and goodwell
you mean like Izod shirts and plaid shorts like the rich folks wear at their summer cottages while playing croquet and such?
Then they talk through clenched teeth. I don't see how a heterosexual male can get the gator color to match the maahdraahs shorts. (Clench your teeth when you say that.)
There used to be a "Tent City" in Rochester, NY that lorded over both EMS and REI of today. They had -everything-!
Snowleopard
06-07-2009, 19:39
Hilton's Tent City in Boston isn't bad for some things. It's fun to visit to see all the big heavy tents (and more useful things). Not much of a web presence.
hikergirl1120
06-08-2009, 07:06
I think both are good stores and both def serve their purposes...if you can't get it at EMS you can get it at REI and vice versa.
In my area I prefer EMS for their customer service...not a super big fan of our REI's staff....anymore that is. So I think it's totally personal preference and both are great places to shop.
JuiceBox
06-09-2009, 13:50
Blue Ridge Mountain Sports for me.