Does REI sell Patagonia products?

Yes, REI carries hundreds of Patagonia products as of 2026. REI operates as a multi-brand cooperative retailer, offering Patagonia alongside competitors like The North Face. REI frequently runs sales on Patagonia items, providing an alternative to buying direct from Patagonia's website.

What's the main difference in waterproof technology?

Patagonia's premium outerwear uses GORE-TEX, the industry standard for waterproof/breathable protection, while REI's house brands and many partners use proprietary waterproof shells. GORE-TEX offers superior breathability and durability, making it better for intensive use, though proprietary shells work adequately for occasional use.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Patagonia leads in sustainability as an industry pioneer with comprehensive environmental practices, circular economy programs, and repair initiatives. While REI ensures 96% of its brand partners complete sustainability assessments, Patagonia's direct control and commitment make it the stronger choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Should I buy from REI or Patagonia directly in 2026?

Choose REI if you want budget pricing, variety, and frequent discounts for occasional outdoor use. Choose Patagonia direct if you prioritize durability, sustainability, exclusive new designs (like Spring 2026's optimistic color palette), and are willing to invest in premium quality. REI is better for exploration; Patagonia is better for commitment.

REI vs Patagonia

Updated April 25, 2026

REI

Outdoor retail cooperative offering multi-brand selection and competitive pricing.

Budget-conscious casual outdoor enthusiasts and occasional users seeking value

Patagonia

Premium direct outdoor brand focused on sustainability, durability, and environmental responsibility.

Committed outdoor enthusiasts, environmentally conscious consumers, and long-term gear investors

Short Answer

REI is a cooperative retailer offering diverse outdoor brands at competitive prices with good occasional-use gear, while Patagonia is a premium direct brand known for sustainability, durability, and BIFL (Buy It For Life) products. Patagonia excels in longevity and environmental commitment, whereas REI provides better value and selection for budget-conscious shoppers.

Our Verdict

REI is the better choice for price-conscious buyers seeking variety and occasional-use gear, while Patagonia is superior for those prioritizing durability, environmental impact, and long-term investment in quality outerwear. The choice ultimately depends on whether you value affordability and selection (REI) or sustainability and BIFL quality (Patagonia).

REI7

8Patagonia

Choose REI if

Budget-conscious casual outdoor enthusiasts and occasional users seeking value

Key Differences at a Glance

🔹

Business Model: Retail cooperative/marketplace vs Direct brand manufacturer

🔹

Durability & Longevity: Patagonia wins (BIFL quality; lasts with regular wear vs Good for occasional use; shorter lifespan)

🔹

Waterproof Technology: Patagonia wins (Premium GORE-TEX integration (Jackson Glacier) vs Proprietary shells without GORE-TEX)

See all 8 differences

Key Facts & Figures

Metric	REI	Patagonia	Diff
Expected Lifespan (Regular Use)(years)	3-5 years	10+ years (BIFL)	-60%
Average Price Range (Winter Jacket)(USD)	$150-$300	$400-$600	-55%
Brand Partners with Sustainability Certification(%)	96%	100% (single brand)

Key Differences

REI

Attribute

Patagonia

Retail cooperative/marketplace

Business Model

Direct brand manufacturer

Good for occasional use; shorter lifespan

Durability & Longevity

BIFL quality; lasts with regular wear🏆

Proprietary shells without GORE-TEX

Waterproof Technology

Premium GORE-TEX integration (Jackson Glacier)🏆

Related Comparisons

Patagonia vs The North Face

products

iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S26

technology

PS5 vs Xbox Series X

technology

Mac vs Windows

technology

Apple vs Samsung

brands

Android vs iOS

technology

Nike vs Adidas

brands

NVIDIA vs AMD

technology

Coca-Cola vs Pepsi

brands

Spotify vs Apple Music

technology

McDonald's vs Burger King

brands

Gucci vs Louis Vuitton

brands

technology

Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest

Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.

technology

Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide

Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.

Explore Entities

More Products

People Also Compare

Last updated: April 25, 2026AI generated

Committed outdoor enthusiasts, environmentally conscious consumers, and long-term gear investors

All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated May 2026.

Competitive with frequent sales/deals🏆

Premium pricing, less discounting

96% of partners completed sustainability assessment

Sustainability Focus

Industry leader in sustainable fashion practices🏆

Multi-brand selection (hundreds of options)🏆

Product Range

Focused single-brand collection

Depends on partner brands

Design Innovation

Proprietary design (Spring 2026 color palette launch)🏆

Budget shoppers & casual users

Best For

Committed outdoor enthusiasts & sustainability advocates

Business Model

REI

Retail cooperative/marketplace

Patagonia

Direct brand manufacturer

Durability & Longevity

REI

Good for occasional use; shorter lifespan

Patagonia

BIFL quality; lasts with regular wear🏆

Waterproof Technology

REI

Proprietary shells without GORE-TEX

Patagonia

Premium GORE-TEX integration (Jackson Glacier)🏆

Price Point

REI

Competitive with frequent sales/deals🏆

Patagonia

Premium pricing, less discounting

Sustainability Focus

REI

96% of partners completed sustainability assessment

Patagonia

Industry leader in sustainable fashion practices🏆

Product Range

REI

Multi-brand selection (hundreds of options)🏆

Patagonia

Focused single-brand collection

Design Innovation

REI

Depends on partner brands

Patagonia

Proprietary design (Spring 2026 color palette launch)🏆

Best For

REI

Budget shoppers & casual users

Patagonia

Committed outdoor enthusiasts & sustainability advocates

Full Comparison

Attribute	REI	Patagonia

Waterproof Technology Standard	Proprietary waterproof shells	GORE-TEX premium technology

Expected Lifespan (Regular Use)(years)	3-5 years	10+ years (BIFL)

Average Price Range (Winter Jacket)(USD)	$150-$300	$400-$600
Average Price Index(relative to market average)	Premium	—

Brand Partners with Sustainability Certification(%)	96%	100% (single brand)

Product Variety (Outerwear SKUs)(estimated options)	500+	80-120

Projected Revenue Growth 2026-2027(%)	Estimated 8-12%	10.2% (average forecast)

Design Innovation Cycles	Varies by partner brand	Proprietary seasonal releases (Spring 2026)

Discount Frequency	Frequent (hundreds of deals year-round)	Minimal discounting, brand-controlled

Sustainability Rating	Industry-leading	—

Outerwear Collection Coverage(%)	Outerwear-focused	—

2026 Holiday Growth Rate(%)	Steady baseline	—

Design Freshness Score(1-10 scale)	Optimistic & Bold	—

Spring 2026 Collection Pieces(count)	Full range	—

Brand Market Dominance(position)	Niche premium leader	—

Material Innovation Index(1-10 scale)	Sustainable focus	—

REI

Patagonia

Waterproof Technology Standard

Proprietary waterproof shells

GORE-TEX premium technology

Expected Lifespan (Regular Use)(years)

3-5 years

10+ years (BIFL)

Average Price Range (Winter Jacket)(USD)

$150-$300

$400-$600

Average Price Index(relative to market average)

Premium

—

Brand Partners with Sustainability Certification(%)

96%

100% (single brand)

Product Variety (Outerwear SKUs)(estimated options)

500+

80-120

Projected Revenue Growth 2026-2027(%)

Estimated 8-12%

10.2% (average forecast)

Design Innovation Cycles

Varies by partner brand

Proprietary seasonal releases (Spring 2026)

Discount Frequency

Frequent (hundreds of deals year-round)

Minimal discounting, brand-controlled

Sustainability Rating

Industry-leading

—

Outerwear Collection Coverage(%)

Outerwear-focused

—

2026 Holiday Growth Rate(%)

Steady baseline

—

Design Freshness Score(1-10 scale)

Optimistic & Bold

—

Spring 2026 Collection Pieces(count)

Full range

—

Brand Market Dominance(position)

Niche premium leader

—

Material Innovation Index(1-10 scale)

Sustainable focus

—

Visual Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes

Pros & Cons

REI

5 pros5 cons

Pros

Hundreds of brand options including Patagonia, The North Face, and house brands
Frequent sales and promotional deals throughout the year
Cooperative membership benefits and rebates
Accessibility for budget-conscious consumers
One-stop shopping for diverse outdoor needs

Cons

Shorter product lifespan for occasional use
Less consistent quality across different brands
Waterproof shells lack premium GORE-TEX technology
Limited control over sustainability across all partners
Not ideal for BIFL (Buy It For Life) investment

Patagonia

6 pros5 cons

Pros

BIFL quality engineered for regular heavy use and longevity
Industry-leading sustainability and environmental practices
Premium GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable technology
Innovative seasonal design (Spring 2026 optimistic color palette)
Consistent brand quality and heritage since founding
Strong commitment to circular economy and repair programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Patagonia is significantly better for long-term investment due to its BIFL (Buy It For Life) quality and durability. With proper care, Patagonia gear lasts 10+ years of regular use, whereas REI products typically last 3-5 years. While Patagonia's higher upfront cost ($400-600) exceeds REI's ($150-300), the cost-per-wear over a decade makes Patagonia more economical.

Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights

Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.

Full Comparison

Attribute	REI	Patagonia

Waterproof Technology Standard	Proprietary waterproof shells	GORE-TEX premium technology

Expected Lifespan (Regular Use)(years)	3-5 years	10+ years (BIFL)

Average Price Range (Winter Jacket)(USD)	$150-$300	$400-$600
Average Price Index(relative to market average)	Premium	—

Brand Partners with Sustainability Certification(%)	96%	100% (single brand)

Product Variety (Outerwear SKUs)(estimated options)	500+	80-120

Projected Revenue Growth 2026-2027(%)	Estimated 8-12%	10.2% (average forecast)

Design Innovation Cycles	Varies by partner brand	Proprietary seasonal releases (Spring 2026)

Discount Frequency	Frequent (hundreds of deals year-round)	Minimal discounting, brand-controlled

Sustainability Rating	Industry-leading	—

Outerwear Collection Coverage(%)	Outerwear-focused	—

2026 Holiday Growth Rate(%)	Steady baseline	—

Design Freshness Score(1-10 scale)	Optimistic & Bold	—

Spring 2026 Collection Pieces(count)	Full range	—

Brand Market Dominance(position)	Niche premium leader	—

Material Innovation Index(1-10 scale)	Sustainable focus	—

REI

Patagonia

Waterproof Technology Standard

Proprietary waterproof shells

GORE-TEX premium technology

Expected Lifespan (Regular Use)(years)

3-5 years

10+ years (BIFL)

Average Price Range (Winter Jacket)(USD)

$150-$300

$400-$600

Average Price Index(relative to market average)

Premium

—

Brand Partners with Sustainability Certification(%)

96%

100% (single brand)

Product Variety (Outerwear SKUs)(estimated options)

500+

80-120

Projected Revenue Growth 2026-2027(%)

Estimated 8-12%

10.2% (average forecast)

Design Innovation Cycles

Varies by partner brand

Proprietary seasonal releases (Spring 2026)

Discount Frequency

Frequent (hundreds of deals year-round)

Minimal discounting, brand-controlled

Sustainability Rating

Industry-leading

—

Outerwear Collection Coverage(%)

Outerwear-focused

—

2026 Holiday Growth Rate(%)

Steady baseline

—

Design Freshness Score(1-10 scale)

Optimistic & Bold

—

Spring 2026 Collection Pieces(count)

Full range

—

Brand Market Dominance(position)

Niche premium leader

—

Material Innovation Index(1-10 scale)

Sustainable focus

—

Visual Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes

Cons

Premium pricing with limited discounting
Narrower product selection vs. multi-brand retailers
Higher upfront investment required
May be overkill for casual/occasional users
Less accessible to budget-limited consumers

REI vs Patagonia

REI

Patagonia

Short Answer

Our Verdict

Key Differences at a Glance

Key Facts & Figures

Key Differences

Related Comparisons

Related Articles

Explore Entities

More Products

People Also Compare

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Pros & Cons

REI

Pros

Cons

Patagonia

Pros

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources & Learn More

Wikipedia

Videos

Full Comparison

Visual Comparison

Cons