Your REI dividend just landed, and now comes the fun part – deciding how to spend it! This annual reward, typically 10% of your eligible purchases, arrives each March like a gift from your past outdoor adventures. Smart members know the key is maximizing every dollar to fuel future escapades. Ready to turn that dividend into your next great adventure?
1. Gear Up During Member Spring Sales
March brings both your dividend and REI’s biggest member sales – talk about perfect timing! Smart shoppers stack their dividend with the exclusive 20% off coupon for maximum savings.
High-ticket items like premium tents, technical backpacks, and sleeping systems become much more affordable. Your dividend essentially becomes free money toward gear you’ve been eyeing all year.
Pro tip: Make a wishlist beforehand so you’re ready when sales go live.
2. Splurge on Big-Ticket Outdoor Essentials
Sometimes the best adventures require serious gear investments. Your dividend makes those dream purchases – like ultralight backpacking tents or premium sleeping bags – suddenly within reach.
Quality equipment lasts for decades and transforms your outdoor experiences completely. Think of it as investing in countless future adventures rather than just buying gear.
Focus on items you’ll use repeatedly, ensuring every dividend dollar works harder for your outdoor lifestyle.
3. Stock Up on Everyday Trail Gear
Trail essentials disappear faster than snacks on a long hike. Your dividend covers those constant replacements – merino wool socks, hydration bottles, and camp cookware.
Buying quality basics means fewer gear failures when you’re miles from civilization. Plus, having backup gear enables spontaneous weekend adventures without frantic packing.
Consider seasonal items too, like microspikes for winter hiking or lightweight rain gear for spring trips.
4. Upgrade to Comfort and Convenience Items
After conquering challenging trails, comfort becomes priceless. Your dividend can fund luxury upgrades like ENO hammocks, inflatable pillows, or lightweight camp chairs.
These items transform rough camping into comfortable retreats, making longer trips more enjoyable. Better rest means better adventures the next day.
Comfort gear also makes outdoor experiences more appealing to hesitant friends and family members you want to convert into adventure buddies.
5. Try New Activities or Classes
Your dividend opens doors to REI’s incredible class offerings and guided experiences. Rock climbing lessons, kayaking workshops, or photography classes expand your outdoor skill set dramatically.
Learning from experts accelerates your progress and builds confidence for independent adventures. Plus, classes connect you with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts in your area.
Adventure trips led by experienced guides introduce you to new destinations safely and memorably.
6. Buy Outlet Sale Items with Extra Leverage
REI’s outlet section hides incredible deals on quality gear. Your dividend stretches even further here, especially during special outlet promotions.
Previous season’s colors or slightly updated models offer the same performance at significant savings. Smart shoppers find premium gear at budget prices.
Watch for those magical moments when outlet items get additional coupon discounts – your dividend becomes incredibly powerful then.
7. Donate to the REI Foundation
Feeling generous? Your dividend can support outdoor access and environmental stewardship through the REI Foundation. This option creates positive impact beyond personal gear acquisition.
The foundation funds trail maintenance, youth outdoor programs, and conservation efforts nationwide. Your contribution helps ensure future generations enjoy the same wild places you love.
It’s a meaningful way to give back to the outdoor community that has given you so much.
8. Cash Out or Request a Check
Between July and January, some stores allow dividend cash redemption – though availability varies by location. This option provides maximum flexibility for your reward.
Cash gives you freedom to shop elsewhere or save for non-outdoor purchases. However, you lose the gear-focused benefits that make REI dividends special.
Most outdoor enthusiasts find better value using dividends for actual gear, but cash remains an option when circumstances require it.
9. Combine Rewards with REI Mastercard Perks
REI Mastercard holders unlock additional earning potential beyond standard dividends. Card rewards stack beautifully with your annual dividend for serious purchasing power.
The card earns rewards on sale and garage sale items that normally don’t qualify for dividends. This combination maximizes your REI spending efficiency year-round.
Strategic card use throughout the year amplifies your next dividend, creating a positive cycle of outdoor gear accumulation and savings.
10. Buy REI Brand Bargains for Double Perks
REI Co-op branded gear often offers extra rewards – sometimes 10% back on purchases over $50. Combined with your dividend, this creates incredible value.
REI’s house brand delivers quality comparable to premium brands at lower prices. The additional rewards make these items even more attractive financially.
From base layers to backpacks, REI Co-op gear performs admirably while keeping your wallet happy and your future dividends growing.
