Archive for the ‘REI’ category

Brunton Discontinuing The Best Compass Ever (Brunton 54LU)

June 21st, 2010

Brunton 54 LU

While I was at the Washington Search and Rescue conference I took the map and compass class. The instructors showed us the Brunton 54LU. What makes this compass special is the ability to hold the bezel at eye level and read your bearing in a gun-sight like fashion. You look though the bezel, at a line, which you align with your landmark, below that line you can plainly read the degrees. This thing is sooo slick. Of every compass that was brought to the class, this was by far the most accurate.

Brunton 54LU
Image shamelessly stolen from http://www.thecompassstore.com/54lu.html, who is selling the 54LU from $90, $20 more than REI.

Today for kicks I decided to see if it was on Brunton’s site. And to my surprise it was not! Some poking around and I found it in REI’s outlet AND buried an discontinued notice on Brunton’s site.

I am totally puzzled as to why Brunton would do this. Maybe they are coming out with something better? Or maybe the love they were getting from search and rescue was just not enough. Either way, I did not take any chances on missing this so I ordered mine from REI.

The original list price on these things was around $180, so $70 at REI is not that bad. Why such an expensive compass? Well take a range of compasses out and do some sighting, you will find that not all are created equally.

Just as a closing note for you survival/outdoorsy types. Maps and compass never run out of batteries and should be one of your core skills

REI 20% Win.

March 24th, 2010

I have found that the cashiers at REI A) do not read the fine print on their coupons and B) do not actually scan the coupons instead opting to type in the discount directly.

Cashier: “Are you a member?”
Me: “yup” as I hand her my well abused member card
Cashier: “Would you like to use your 20% coupon?”
Me: “sure”
Cashier: types in -20%, “and your dividend”
Register Reads: “-$39.99″
Me: “yup”
Register Reads: “-$23.00″

The result is I was able to pick up a GPS unit using both my 20% coupon and dividend. I knew that it should not work but I was not about to volunteer that information.

My accountant wife informed me that the technical term for this is “poor internal controls”. However, I would say these little quirks, along with the great service, good sale prices and generally fun stores are the reasons why I remain a die hard REI shopper.

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket

October 8th, 2009

Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket

I have kinda been on a firearm and flashlight tangent for a while. Now its time to review a item that has been on my list for a long time. Mountain Hardwear’s Alchemy Jacket is probably the best jacket I have ever owned. Its perfect for all manor of active cold weather activities, let me tell you why:
» Read more: Mountain Hardwear Alchemy Jacket

20% Coupon at REI Outlet

June 3rd, 2009

Just found this:

20% coupon at REI-OUTLET Valid June 5-11. To use, click the link, shop and when you check out the coupon should be applied on the last page of the checkout process.

Because its the second one I have found I am starting a deals page.

Update: This is expired. If you are really desperate you could try, but knowing that the people over at REI are sharp, the coupon is probably expired.

EASY UPDATE BANNER 250X250