REI Co-op 2026 Product Impact Standards Advance Product Quality and Expand Inclusive Sizing and Representation

SEATTLE – Every product REI Co-op brings to its members is a chance to do better for people and the planet. Since launching its Product Impact Standards in 2018, the co-op has worked with brand partners to raise expectations for how outdoor gear is made. This year’s updates focus on quality, inclusion and representation, reflecting evolving member expectations and where REI can make the greatest impact.

“As the largest specialty outdoor retailer, we have a real opportunity and responsibility to help move the industry forward,” said Brent Kawamura, sustainability manager of product. “These updates reflect what we are hearing from our members and where we can make the most meaningful difference. Our Product Impact Standards raise expectations for quality, longevity and inclusion and drive measurable progress across the products we sell and the brands we work with.”

What’s New in 2026:

Product durability

REI is raising the bar to support product durability, with updated standards that set clearer expectations for materials, construction and long-term performance to help products last longer and reduce waste. This builds on a legacy the co-op is known for: high-quality gear designed to perform over time and often across multiple users.

Beyond how products are made, REI helps extend their life through programs like Re/Supply, gear rentals and in-store shop services. Through Re/Supply, members can buy used gear or trade in items they no longer need. The co-op sells more than one million used items each year, helping keep gear in use and out on the trail.

Lifetime warranties

Added as a preferred attribute, lifetime warranties recognize brands that stand behind their gear for the long haul. When products are built to last, they stay in use longer and out of landfills. Repair services further support customers in keeping gear in use. Examples of brands with leading warranties include Patagonia, Darn Tough and Osprey.

Consistent pricing across sizes

Products offered in multiple sizes must be priced the same within a style, helping remove cost as a barrier and support a more inclusive outdoor experience.

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Inclusive representation

Updated expectations require brand partners to follow inclusion guidelines across all marketing, including photography and content. This includes broader representation across race, age, gender identity, body size and ability, and on-model imagery that reflects a wider range of body types, including at least one size outside the standard range.

“Our products should reflect who we are as a co-op,” said Nani Vishwanath, senior strategist of inclusive design. “By focusing on quality gear that lasts and more inclusive design, we are helping members choose products they can trust for the long term.”

Together, these updates are designed to deepen REI’s impact by supporting more sustainable consumption and advancing inclusion in the outdoors. REI tracks progress through an annual assessment completed by brand partners, with results used to inform merchandising decisions and guide ongoing engagement.

Progress in 2025:

REI and its brand partners continue to make measurable progress across the co-op’s assortment. Key indicators from 2025 include:

• Brand partners representing more than 96% of annual sales completed REI’s assessment of sustainability and inclusion practices
• 41% of sales came from more than 12,000 styles that included at least one preferred attribute, such as recycled materials, Climate Label, Fair Trade or organic
• 75% of brands by sales have set science-aligned emissions reduction targets

REI’s Product Impact Standards span environmental stewardship, inclusive design and responsible sourcing. They set clear baseline expectations for brand partners while highlighting preferred attributes, including voluntary certifications and product features that signal leadership in sustainability, climate action and social responsibility. The standards are designed to evolve alongside customer expectations and industry practices, helping drive continuous improvement across the outdoor industry.

For more information about REI’s Product Impact Standards, visit rei.com.

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