REI Return Policy: How Long You Have to Return Clothing and Gear

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If you shop at REI, knowing the REI return policy before you buy can help you shop with confidence. While the outdoor retailer no longer offers its famous lifetime guarantee, it still gives customers one of the most generous return windows in the industry, especially for Co-op members.

Here’s exactly how long you have to make a return, what counts as an exception and how to return your items in store or by mail.

REI Return Window at a Glance

With over 23 million REI Co-op members nationwide, most shoppers get the benefit of that year-long return period.

Members vs. Non-Members: What’s the Difference?

• Co-op members get 365 days to return most new items, nearly three times longer than most big retailers.
• Non-members get 90 days for most new items.
• Electronics are capped at 90 days for everyone.
• Used gear bought through REI’s Re/Supply program can only be returned by members within 30 days.

Pro tip: Co-op membership is a one-time $30 fee and comes with perks like dividends and exclusive gear sales, plus the extended return window.

REI Return Policy Exceptions

Not everything falls under the standard return window. You can’t return:

• Damaged or defective gear that isn’t covered by warranty
• Electronics like GPS devices, cameras, or monitors after 90 days
• Final sale items
• Unwashed or unsanitary gear
• REI Co-op experiences and event registrations

How To Return Items to REI

Here’s a breakdown of the various ways to bring your items back:

In-Store Returns

Bring your item to any REI location with:

• Original packaging (if available)
• Tags (if you still have them)
• Proof of purchase, like a receipt, online order confirmation or the card used

No receipt? Staff may be able to look up your purchase, but it’s not guaranteed.

Mail-In Returns

• Use REI’s prepaid shipping label for $7.99, deducted from your refund.
• You can ship returns to:
• Start your return online at REI.com and select either “Return Online Orders” or “Return In-Store Purchases.”
• Print your shipping label or request a QR code for paperless drop-off.

If mailing back an in-store purchase, expect your refund via check.

According to REI, returns processed by mail typically take 2 to 3 weeks from the time you ship the item.

Returning Used Gear

REI is one of the few retailers that will take back used gear, but only under certain conditions:

• Only members can return used items from the Re/Supply program.
• Must be returned within 30 days.
• Items must be clean and in good condition.

Does REI Have a Holiday Return Policy?

REI doesn’t offer a special holiday extension — the standard 365-day (members) or 90-day (non-members) policy applies. If you’re buying gifts as a member, the year-long return window gives you extra flexibility.

Final Take to GO

The REI return policy is still one of the most generous in retail. Members get 365 days to return most items, while non-members have 90 days. Electronics have a 90-day limit for everyone, and used gear bought through Re/Supply has a 30-day window.

If you shop at REI more than a couple of times a year, becoming a member can pay for itself in perks, dividends, and the extended return period. Just remember: keep your proof of purchase, know the exceptions, and factor in the $7.99 fee for mail-in returns.

For more ways to make the most of your purchases, check out our guides to return policies at major retailers and how to shop outdoor gear sales like a pro.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

Information is accurate as of Aug. 12, 2025.

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