REI

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. The main reason that I like this store is the staff is very knowledgeable about outdoor gear. So much so, they can tell you about gear that REI does not sell. I will give you two examples. (1) I have a toy poodle with a collapsing trachea. I like to hike with him in my backpack. My backpack has a drawstring that sometimes causes pressure on his trachea. I went to REI hoping to find some kind of internal frame daypack that did not have a drawstring. There was not one. A sales person told me that he has seen backpacks made with a basket used by fisherman to gather fish. I researched on the Internet and found backpacks made with baskets for fruit picking. At this time, I have not purchased one, but I am thinking about it. (2) I bought battery-heated, warming socks from an Internet company. They did not keep my toes warm at all. I talked with a sales person at REI. He told me that REI does not sell this type of gear because they generally do not work. He then explained how to use chemical toe warmers in a way to get the maximum duration of heat. REI can be pricey. Nevertheless, their customer service means a lot to me. Also, the REI clothes that I have bought have held up well. I thought the sales person that fitted me with hiking boots was really good. I have had my hiking boots for several years now and they are still in good shape for hiking in the Shenandoah mountains. The boots give my high arches the support that they need.