Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) recently opened doors in Tallahassee on Veteran’s Day at the Market Square Shopping Center. The American outdoor recreation retailer sells products ranging from camping, hiking, cycling, climbing and snow gear to outdoor apparel for men, women and kids. As the holidays get closer, it’s that time of the year to start making your holiday wishlist. Below are some products from REI that are on my personal wishlist.
1. Arc’teryx Beta LT Jacket $450
I was first introduced to the Canadian outdoor equipment company when my brother received the Blade 20 Backpack that cost a whopping $150 as a graduation present. As the years went by, I witnessed Arc’teryx explode onto the hypebeast streetwear scene, with celebrities such as Frank Ocean, Drake and the late Virgil Abloh all seen sporting the Canadian outdoor brand. Even on TikTok, Arc’teryx has had its viral moments, specifically with their GORE-TEX shell jackets that repel water.
Despite the streetwear and internet hype surrounding the brand in recent years, the creatives behind Arc’teryx have stayed committed to developing high-quality products catered to their core audience: outdoor enthusiasts. The Beta LT Jacket itself is a GORE-TEX shell jacket that is both lightweight and versatile, featuring adjustable cuffs to keep out drafts of cold air and underarm zippers for quick ventilation of excess heat.
2. Athleta Elation Flare Pants $99
If you’re a fan of the Lululemon Align Leggings but hate how they pill so easily, Athleta has great alternatives. I bought a pair of their Salutation Stash Shorts secondhand and they have outlasted my Align Leggings that I bought in-store. The difference between the Elation and Salutation lines is the Salutation has outside seams and pockets, while the Elation line has seams on the inside and lacks pockets. Both lines are made of the Powervita™ fabric that I find rivals the Align fabric in durability and comfort.
3. Brooks Ghost 14 Road-Running Shoes $140
My first pair of legitimate, long-distance running shoes were a pair of Brooks. They are a staple shoe brand in the running community for a reason and have never let me down. After I wear down my current pair of running shoes, the Ghost 14 is on my list of shoes I want to try out.
4. Patagonia Everyday Beanie $39
As the temperatures begin to drop, I’m starting to switch out my hats for a beanie to keep my head and ears warm. Now that my hair is back to its natural color, I want a beanie that contrasts with my hair. As much as I like wearing all black, I appreciate a pop of color and think accessories are a great way to add touches of color to your look.
5. Smartwool Athletic Targeted Cushion Stripe Crew Socks $29
These socks made of Merino wool provide thermoregulation and moisture management, which are great for me as a runner. They also look cute, so I would still wear them on days when I’m not running.
6. Stanley Adventure Vacuum Quencher Travel Tumbler – 40 fluid ounces $40
I already have one Stanley Tumbler and enjoy it so much that I would gladly accept another as a gift. The shape of this tumbler is great because it fits in my car’s beverage holder due to its tapered bottom. For anyone who does not have an adjustable beverage holder in their car, this tumbler won’t cause any issues. The range of colors that the 40-ounce tumbler comes in is spectacular.
These are just a few items that have piqued my interest. REI has an amazing selection of outdoor recreational gear from a variety of brands that did not make an appearance on my wishlist, such as Fjallraven, Black Diamond, Osprey, HOKA and more. If you end up gift shopping for a fitness/outdoor enthusiast or even yourself, REI is a great place to check out.
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