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Your REI dividend has just arrived, and now comes the fun part: deciding how to spend it! This annual reward, typically 10% of your qualifying purchases, arrives each March as a gift from your past outdoor adventures. Smart members know the key is to maximize every dollar to fuel future getaways. Ready to turn this dividend into your next big adventure?
1. Prepare during the Spring Membership Sale
March brings both your dividend and the biggest sales to REI members – talk about perfect timing! Smart shoppers stack their dividend with the exclusive 20% off coupon for maximum savings.
Big-ticket items like high-end tents, technical backpacks and sleeping systems are becoming much more affordable. Your dividend essentially becomes free money for the equipment you’re considering all year long.
Pro tip: Create a wish list in advance so you’re ready when sales go live.
2. Splurge on Expensive Outdoor Essentials
Sometimes the best adventures require serious investments in equipment. Your dividend makes your dream purchases – like ultralight backpacking tents or premium sleeping bags – suddenly within reach.
Quality gear lasts for decades and completely transforms your outdoor experiences. Think of it as an investment in countless future adventures rather than just a gear purchase.
Focus on items you’ll use repeatedly, ensuring each dollar’s dividend is more effective for your outdoor lifestyle.
3. Stock up on trail gear every day
Trail essentials disappear faster than snacks on a long hike. Your dividend covers those constant replacements: merino wool socks, hydration bottles, and camp cooking utensils.
Buying quality essentials means fewer equipment breakdowns when you’re miles from civilization. Plus, having backup gear allows you to have spontaneous weekend adventures without having to pack frantically.
Also consider seasonal items, like microspikes for winter hikes or lightweight rain gear for spring trips.
4. Upgrade to Comfort and Convenience Items
After conquering difficult trails, comfort becomes invaluable. Your dividend can fund luxury upgrades like ENO hammocks, inflatable pillows or lightweight camping chairs.
These items transform wild camping into comfortable shelters, making long 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 companions.
5. Try new activities or classes
Your dividend opens the doors to REI’s incredible course offerings and guided experiences. Climbing lessons, kayaking workshops or photography classes greatly expand your outdoor skills.
Learning from experts accelerates your progress and builds the confidence needed 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 in a memorable way.
6. Buy Sale Items with Extra Leverage
REI’s outlets section hides incredible deals on quality gear. Here your dividend extends even further, especially during special promotions at points of sale.
Previous season colors or slightly updated models offer the same performance at significant savings. Smart shoppers find premium gear at economical prices.
Watch for those magical moments when point-of-sale items get extra discounts – then your dividend becomes incredibly powerful.
7. Donate to the REI Foundation
Are you feeling generous? Your dividend can support outdoor access and environmental stewardship through the REI Foundation. This option creates a positive impact beyond the acquisition of personal equipment.
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 or request a check
Between July and January, some stores allow cash dividend redemptions, although availability varies by location. This option provides maximum flexibility for your reward.
Cash gives you the freedom to shop elsewhere or save for non-outside purchases. However, you lose the gear-focused benefits that make REI dividends special.
Most outdoor enthusiasts find it more beneficial to use dividends to purchase equipment, but cash is still an option when circumstances demand it.
9. Combine rewards with REI Mastercard benefits
REI Mastercard holders unlock additional earning potential beyond standard dividends. The card’s rewards stack beautifully with your annual dividend for significant purchasing power.
The card allows you to earn rewards on sale and yard sale items that don’t normally qualify for dividends. This combination maximizes the efficiency of your REI spending all year round.
Using the card strategically throughout the year amplifies your next dividend, creating a positive cycle of accumulating and saving outdoor gear.
10. Shop REI Brand Bargains for Double Benefits
REI Co-op branded gear often offers additional rewards – sometimes 10% off purchases over $50. Combined with your dividend, this creates incredible value.
The REI house brand offers quality comparable to premium brands at lower prices. The additional rewards make these items even more financially attractive.
From base layers to backpacks, REI Co-op gear performs admirably while keeping your wallet happy and your future dividends growing.