05-23-2017, 02:44 AM
I don't remember paying a membership fee. Maybe I did. I'm in the sub 1 million numbers. I still go there occasionally but I think they're pretty much of a giant corp now with a lot of stuff that would never have been on the shelves in the mythical good ol' days.
I agree that they do have good customer service. Here in Portland, Ore. the store seems to be mostly filled with faux lumberjacks and yoga pants, with an occasional old geez like me wandering around wondering what the hell happened.
I spent a few years in the 80's out in the tall timber as a Forest Service archaeologist, working on the Gifford Pinchot where it rains. A lot. I remember being quite disappointed in the Gortex jacket I got at REI. Wool will keep you warm even when it's wet and a well vented rubberized coat will keep you dry all day (except for the sweating... ). Mink oil frequently applied will keep your leather boots mostly dry on the inside. I got some of my gear at Andy and Bax, but now most of their gear is cheap imported stuff.
Still, like Dave says, I've got my membership back many times over and they have some good programs for outdoor activities.
I agree that they do have good customer service. Here in Portland, Ore. the store seems to be mostly filled with faux lumberjacks and yoga pants, with an occasional old geez like me wandering around wondering what the hell happened.
I spent a few years in the 80's out in the tall timber as a Forest Service archaeologist, working on the Gifford Pinchot where it rains. A lot. I remember being quite disappointed in the Gortex jacket I got at REI. Wool will keep you warm even when it's wet and a well vented rubberized coat will keep you dry all day (except for the sweating... ). Mink oil frequently applied will keep your leather boots mostly dry on the inside. I got some of my gear at Andy and Bax, but now most of their gear is cheap imported stuff.
Still, like Dave says, I've got my membership back many times over and they have some good programs for outdoor activities.