REI Garage Sale: What It Is and How to Score the Best Deals

Updated May 20, 2026

REI's Garage Sale is where they sell returned and used member gear — backpacks, tents, jackets, bikes, skis — at 30-80% off retail. Most outdoor brands don't do anything like this. Here's the play-by-play.

The basics

Members-only event — you need an REI Co-op membership ($30 lifetime, one-time)
In-store events happen 4-6 times per year per location, usually Saturdays
Online Garage Sale runs continuously at rei.com/used
Items are graded A (like new), B (light wear), C (visible wear but functional), with discount tiers matching the grade

The in-store experience

People line up hours before opening for the popular locations (Berkeley, Boulder, Seattle). The best stuff goes in the first 15 minutes. Things to know:

You can only buy ONE item before everyone has had a turn (then you can come back for seconds)
All sales final — no returns on Garage Sale items
Prices are non-negotiable but staff sometimes round down on damaged items
The line forms by 7am for a 10am opening at popular locations

What to buy

Backpacks: Best value category. Osprey, Gregory, Deuter packs at 50-70% off retail. Returns are usually because someone didn't like the fit — totally fine for you if the fit works.
Tents: Big-ticket savings. A $499 REI Half Dome at 60% off = $200. Inspect the rainfly and poles before buying.
Jackets and shells: Returned shells often have nothing wrong — color choice changed minds. Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Marmot routinely 40-60% off.
Bikes: Bikes returned for fit reasons. Inspect drivetrain wear, frame for dents. Can save $500-2000 on a return that's essentially new.

What to skip

Sleeping bags — too easy to be returned after someone slept in them. Even with REI's cleaning, the loft loss from compression is permanent.
Hiking boots — sole wear that looks minor often indicates the boot has been worn enough that the foam is compressed. Boots break in to the original owner's foot, not yours.
Climbing harnesses, ropes, helmets — anything load-bearing has a service life and you don't know the previous loads.
Electronics — REI doesn't test thoroughly; better to buy electronics from a retailer with longer warranty (Best Buy, Amazon).

Online garage sale

rei.com/used has way more inventory than any single store but lacks the urgency / line atmosphere. Best for backpacks, tents, jackets that have specific model numbers you know fit you. Skip clothing online because returns are final.

Membership math

The $30 REI Co-op membership pays for itself the first Garage Sale purchase over $150. Plus you get an annual dividend (~10% of your purchases) and access to gear rentals at lower rates.

StealAlert pulls REI's online outlet every 2 hours. Browse current REI deals →