Osprey Named REI Co-op's All-Around Vendor Partner of the Year for 2026

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op celebrated its vendor community at the 33^rd annual Vendor Partner of the Year awards. The program recognizes brand partners that demonstrate excellence in product innovation and performance, efficient and progressive business practices, customer and employee experiences, and responsible action for people and planet. Osprey received the overall 2026 Vendor Partner of the Year award, while Cannondale, Merrell, Patagonia and Osprey earned divisional honors. 

“Building strong partnerships is one way REI works to create greater access to the outdoors and its benefits. Each year, our Vendor Partner of the Year awards recognize the brands making a meaningful difference and delivering outstanding results driven by creating product our customers love. With more than a thousand brands available through the co-op, earning this recognition is an exceptional achievement,” said Kristin Shane, REI’s chief merchandising officer. “Osprey is a deserving choice for overall Vendor Partner of the Year, and we’re grateful to share their belief in the simple power of time spent outside and making the outdoors more welcoming and accessible to everyone.” 

"We’re honored to receive this prestigious recognition—an ongoing celebration of a partnership and shared success decades in the making,” said Darby McGuinn, Osprey Sales Director. “Osprey and REI have built that success on shared values, deep trust, and a commitment to helping more people experience the joy of being outdoors. We look forward to building on that legacy and creating even more shared success in the years ahead.”  

REI 2026 Vendor Partner of the Year overall winner 

Headquartered in Cortez, Colorado, Osprey is a premium outdoor manufacturer of backpacks and adventure travel solutions. The brand is a decades-long partner to REI and an outdoor industry leader renowned for consistently creating innovative, high-quality gear that stands the test of time. Through their industry-leading warranty and repair program - All Mighty Guarantee - Osprey repairs damage or defects free of charge, helping extend the life of its products. They are also a leader in sustainability practices with nearly 90% of its 2025 sales at REI coming from products with REI’s preferred sustainability attributes, including Bluesign® approved and recycled materials. In addition, Osprey set an approved science-based target to establish themselves as a leader in the fight against climate change, in part through their work alongside REI in the Outdoor Industry Association Climate Action Corps. The brand was REI’s overall Vendor Partner of the Year in 2007 and 2024. 

REI will make a donation on behalf of Osprey to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven nonprofit that provides grants to nonprofits working to connect everyone to the health and well-being of time outside. Since its 2021 inception, the Fund has granted over $45 million. 

REI Vendor Partner of the Year divisional awards 

In addition to naming an overall Vendor Partner of the Year, REI also recognizes leaders across footwear, apparel, outdoor hardgoods, and action sports. For 2026, divisional awards went to: 

Footwear – Merrell: Headquartered in Rockford, Michigan, Merrell's founding in 1981 was rooted in the belief that stepping outside, even briefly, can be a catalyst for mental reset, movement, and new perspective. The brand blends proven outdoor innovation with modern design, style-conscious footwear, and inclusive storytelling that reflects how people experience the outdoors today. As REI’s No. 1 hiking footwear vendor, Merrell delivered sales growth in 2025 and has also been instrumental in modernizing REI’s assortment through focused initiatives.

• Apparel – Patagonia: Founded in 1973 and based in Ventura, California, Patagonia designs outdoor clothing and gear for the silent sports: climbing, surfing, skiing and snowboarding, fly fishing, and trail running. Known for its environmental activism and high-quality gear, Patagonia is a leader in science aligned emissions reduction targets and ranks in the 95-100th percentile of overall sustainability efforts for REI’s Product Impact Standards. They elevate the member experience through industry-leading products, innovation, and authentic storytelling. Their assortment combines technical performance, durability, and responsible design while inspiring outdoor participation across key categories. Through enhanced digital content, in-store experiences, education, and values-driven campaigns, Patagonia helps REI deliver a more compelling and differentiated experience for members. 
• Outdoor Hardgoods – Osprey: While this year’s overall Vendor Partner of the Year winner, Osprey has also been selected as the Outdoor Hardgoods Shop award recipient. Their commitment to exclusive products, customized assortments, Green Vest education, and member-focused storytelling helps REI deliver a differentiated customer experience while reinforcing REI’s specialty leadership. Combined with strong sustainability credentials, disciplined execution, and a transparent partnership approach, Osprey continues to create meaningful value for REI, members, and employees.

• Action Sports – Cannondale: Bicycle manufacturer Cannondale, a premium brand of Dorel Industries, Inc. headquartered in Wilton, Connecticut, is widely regarded as the bike industry's leading innovator of game-changing technologies. From product design and inventory flow to inspiring consumer events, staff expertise, marketing collaborations and store experiences, Cannondale invests in our mutual success, always with customers in mind. The brand was REI’s overall Vendor Partner of the Year in 2019.

REI Co-op Vendor Partner of the Year criteria 

Established in 1993, REI’s Vendor Partner of the Year awards program honors brand partners that demonstrate remarkable philosophy and partnership with the co-op and that drive impact for the outdoor industry.  

Award criteria include inspiring people with innovative and sustainable products, delivering positive financial results, and seamlessly executing operational business practices, all while keeping REI's customer for the future in mind, driving participation and frequency. All brands considered for recognition also play a key role in advancing key social and environmental best practices as outlined in REI’s Product Impact Standards. 

Past recipients of the REI Vendor Partner of the Year Award include Arbor Collective (2018), Arc’teryx (2025), Atlas Snowshoe (1999), Black Diamond Equipment (1994, 2006), Bell Sports (1997), Brooks (2012, 2016), CamelBak (2008), Cannondale (2019), Cascade Designs (2001), Columbia Sportswear (1998), Eagle Creek (2000, 2005), Eagle Nest Outfitters (2014), HOKA ONE ONE (2020), Keen Footwear (2004), Kühl (2013, 2015), NEMO Equipment (2017), On (2023), Osprey (2007, 2024), prAna (2003), Smith Optics (2002, 2009), Vasque (1995, 1996), Vibram (2010, 2011) and Yakima (1993). 

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