One of the biggest perks of being an REI member is the 10 percent dividend you receive on all full-price purchases you make throughout the year. If you’re a member, you should have received your dividend in the mail by now. If not, you can find yours . (Not a member? It’s just $20 for .) Now comes the fun part: deciding how to spend it. To help you out, we asked ϳԹ’s editors to tell us what they’re planning to buy. Here’s what they had to say.
Sea to Summit Alpha Long Spork ($10)
“If you’ve ever tried to scoop food out of a Jetboil or a Mountain House bag with a regular fork, you know how messy it can be. My measly dividend will be a good excuse to upgrade from my regular spork to . It’s made from lightweight and durable titanium and will put an end to mac-and-cheese-covered fingers.”
Dividend Amount: $11.83
REI Member Since: 2014
—Ben Fox, affiliate reviews manager
ENO DoubleNest Hammock ($70)
“I spent most of last year saving up to buy essential camping and hiking gear, after years of borrowing from friends or renting things. That meant extra gear that I didn’t need (like a hammock) was a no go. Now I can finally buy something just because I want it, and my dividend makes more affordable, so I don’t have buyer’s guilt. Plus, getting the DoubleNest means there’s plenty of room for me and my dog to lounge after a long day on the trail.”
Dividend Amount: $25
REI Member Since: 2018
—Abbey Gingras, social media editorial assistant
Oiselle Flyout Short Sleeve Top ($58)
“My husband is a member, and I used his dividend over the weekend to buy . I was browsing while waiting to pick up my skis from the shop, and I touched this and had to have it. It’s so light and soft, it’s going to be perfect on midsummer mountain-bike rides.”
Dividend Amount: $94
REI Member Since: 2008
—Katie Cruickshank, digital marketing manager
Gu Energy Chews ($2)
“I’m in the depths of Ironman training, so any extra money I have lying around tends to go toward food. This year I’ll be using my dividend for during my next workout.”
Dividend Amount: $3.39
REI Member Since: 2015
—Claire Bruce, video producer
REI Co-op Multi Towel ($10)
“I never regret throwing in my backpack. Lightweight and compact, they’re great for everything from wrapping wet hair after a dip to handling scalding cookware in the backcountry.”
Dividend Amount: $0.60
REI Member Since: 2014
—Alison Van Houten, editorial fellow
Vuori Halo Performance Short ($56)
“Gym shorts aren’t the easiest item to find a great fit for, so when I tried on and saw how good they looked and felt how incredibly soft they were, I had to see if they’d perform in the gym, too. I worked out in them the next morning—and every morning since.”
Dividend Amount: $111.59
REI Member Since: 2015
—Jenny Earnest, audience development director
Nike Pro Indy Sports Bra ($35)
“Before working at ϳԹ, I had a fun stint at Nike and fell in love with its sports bras. Post–KonMari method, I’ve been wearing the same Outdoor Voices bra for all my workouts, so it was time to get a new one to add to the rotation. I tried on practically every low-impact style in REI but walked out with I’ve always loved.”
—J..
Black Diamond FreeWire Quickdraw Quickpack ($80)
“My climbing kit is perennially missing some crucial items, and draws are the last piece of the puzzle. I’ve always borrowed my friends’ climbing gear for sport climbs, but I won’t have to anymore with the addition of .”
Dividend Amount: $58.93
REI Member Since: 2014
—Jeremy Rellosa, assistant editor
Nathan Trail Mix Plus Hydration Waist Pack ($50)
“Although my dividend is laughably small, I’ve been looking for a hydration waist pack that I can use during the Leadville Heavy Half Marathon in June. With a small pocket for my phone and energy gels, and a shock cord in the front to stash a just-in-case light jacket, looks like a winner.”
Dividend Amount: $0.50
REI Member Since: 2017
—Kelsey Lindsey, assistant editor