Who we are

Opt Outside

Those two words express us best. When given a choice, life is better when you choose to go outside. It doesn’t have to be up a mountain and it doesn’t have to be for weeks. But getting outside in all forms connects us to the best part of life.

We are Recreational Equipment Inc., a consumer co-operative that exists to inspire and equip everyone to get outside.

We’ve been on this mission since the co-op came together way back in 1938 with 23 friends, a shared love of the outdoors, and a first store that was nothing more than a shelf in a gas station. Each member contributed what they could. Some sewed products at home to make them affordable. Others organized stewardship events to protect the environment.

Over time, the people who the co-op brought together pioneered many firsts of what we love so much about the outdoors. From those early stewardship events to the labs we created to push gear to its limits, when "me" became "we," it radically changed how we all access and experience outside.

And that’s what a co-op is: The people it brings together. The we.

Today, we’re over 24 million members strong. Our people still bring joy, value and a shared love of the outdoors to each other and the world. And members still are at the center of our organization, meaning each and every one of us has a voice in shaping the outdoors for today, tomorrow and the next generation.

If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll opt outside with us.