REI

REI, 840 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA,

Category:	Camping Store
Address:	840 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Phone:	+1 415-934-1938
Site:	rei.com
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

A Private User

As a moderately outdoorsy person, I love the products that REI sells. The selection at this SF store is pretty good, and I enjoy their sales. I bought a pair of pricey hiking boots, and apparently, I was not properly fitted. Although I spent some time breaking in the boots, I discovered that they were too large when I received several heel blisters on a long hiking trip. Luckily (I thought), I joined the REI rewards co-op for $20 bucks before I bought the boots, so I happily returned to the San Francisco REI after my trip to try on a slightly smaller size of the same boot. There were two salesmen on the floor, and I explained my story to them. Instead of trying to help me find a better fit, one of the salesguys asked me WHO fitted me last time. I told him that I had no idea. I asked to try a different size. Before I even got to try on a smaller size, the other salesguy shot me a skeptical look and said, "I doubt that this will make a difference." I explained my blister story again, and he thought that I wasnt lacing the shoes appropriately. I explained that there was too much room throughout the shoe, and I was pretty sure that they were too large overall. It would have been helpful if one of the guys had SIZED my feet for me, but NO, skeptical looks were all I got. The first salesguy asked me AGAIN, "Who helped you last time?" I told him AGAIN, a little exasperated, that I did not remember. He huffed, "Im sorry that youre upset," and then trudged off. Anyway, I was pretty sure that I had finally found the appropriate size ON MY OWN, so I went downstairs to the exchange desk by myself. AGAIN, the cashier gave me ANOTHER skeptical look (what, is he a shoe salesperson too?) and asked whether I was sure that the size was correct. Anyway, my longwinded point is this--even if you join the REI rewards club, which is supposed to come with the benefit of returning items that are unsatisfactory AT ANY TIME FOR ANY REASON, expect a huge hassle. Expect to doubt yourself a lot. Expect poor service.

Sandy Tang

This is purely for the person who helped me pick out my hiking boots in the shoe section. I forget his name but he was incredibly helpful and guided me well when I didnt know a whole lot about hiking boots. I told him my situation and most common use cases. I mentioned that I want something potentially good for snow hiking as I was going to Yosemite soon. He advised that the mesh on shoes are what allows water to come through (duhh, it totally makes sense when he says it). Even with that advice, he didnt push me towards the fancy waterproof shoes. He left it for me to decide. I also wasnt sure about my sizing. He says to go half a size up your normal shoe size and when testing it going downhill on the rock sample (they have one in the corner), your toes should never touch the shoe. And, LACE EM UP TIGHT! He advised that it should be tight enough that you cant place your finger through the laces. Thats some intense lacing. I learned a lot from this guy and am very appreciative that I was able to learn about hiking boots from him. And, REI members get a 1 year return policy. New or used. Note: Can be quite tough to find parking in the lot here. Theres always street parking. But best to come not during peak hours.

Mario E Hdez

REI seems to always have a consistently positive experience while at the store. I purchased a day pack for upcoming backpacking trip at the REI Saratoga location and just happened to be up in SF for the Hardly Strictly Blue Grass festival. The Saratoga location didnt have the Life Straw in stock so I thought I would check the REI San Francisco location while I was uptown. This store has a two story layout and ample parking lot (thankfully) and everything is easy to find. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. I was able to not only find what I was looking for but was able to get my day pack exchanged for a larger pack. REI has great customer service and you arent left hanging around waiting for someone to assist.

Tim McAndrew

What can I say about REI but this place is huge! I went in looking for some hiking boots and a multitool. I walked out with hiking boots, multitool, rain gear, and some awesome socks that are by far the most comfortable socks I have ever owned. I so a lot of walking outside and needed to stock up on supplies. If your are an outdoor type of person this place is great and you most likely know about REI. But if you are just someone who likes the outdoors and wants to get more acquainted with said outdoors this is a great place to get all the gear you need. The staff was cool, knowledgable and friendly. I will definitely come back where when ever I need outdoor supplies.

A Private User

Horrible customer service. After spending an hour with an employee who switched out shoulder straps on my existing backpack, he told me his shift was over and I would have to find someone else to help. The next employee told me he would not switch my pack (which i already purchased!) back to the way it was when i brought it in unless i tried on another pack (even though this one was nearly new and was purchased at REI). This employee then left me for two other customers, never helping me with the Osprey hip bands i had come in to get custom moulded. So, after two hours, I can safely say Sports Basement near Bryant and Potrero is a vastly better experience.

Keisuke Nakagawa

What is there not to love about REI. Its a heaven for campers, hikers, rock climbers, and just plain old gadget lovers. Nice big store with friendly customers service. I always appreciate the fact that most of the people working their are avid backpackers themselves so theyve already field-tested most of the gear that youre thinking of buying. You get reviews and feedback that you just cant find on online stores like Amazon. I always ask the staff for their input and which product(s) theyve used. If you want to take full advantage of the natural beauty of Northern California, this is the place to get geared up!

A Private User

I enjoy the outdoors, camping and hiking. My profession put me inside, on the telephone or traveling through airports and in front of a computer or customers most of the time. The outdoors is my escape, and REI has provided much of the gear and clothing I take with me on these wonderful excursions. I have shopped online as well as in both Atlanta stores, Nashville and one in northern GA near Amicalola and the start of the AT. My wife joins me on these trips and has also shopped at REI. She likes REI, I really like REI, and became a member a couple of months ago. Thanks REI, you are the best.

Anouk Jorgensen

I was in the REI store today to purchase some hiking boots and I had the most helpful dude, Victor, sort out my confusions and guide me in the right direction. Even though it was ridiculously busy due to the super sale and it was a Sunday he went out of his way to get me boot after boot after trail running shoe after boot. He was also extremely knowledgable about every style and in what climates each shoe works best... so a big fat thank you for that and I hope that he is recognized for his amazing customer service because he definitely deserves it!