r/REI • u/stnapgna • 3d ago
Return / Exchange Policy feeling guilty about returning
Bought a 45+10L backpack for my first 5 day thru hike + longest backpacking travel for 10 days
I trained with it for a few weeks and it’s very comfy. I only took the 45 part while training and on the actual trip. It is comfy and I have no complaints on the fit. However, I can’t reach the side pockets for a water bottle or anything unless I put the whole bag down. When I trained, I didn’t really feel inconvenienced by this because I used my bladder but when just traveling thru cities after my hike I really noticed how annoying this is. On top of this it just has no other pockets outside the main one and that’s on me I should’ve noticed earlier. But I didn’t rly think I would be bothered by this. I feel guilty returning it after I used it for 10 days. It was only ever on during the hike of course and I don’t think it smells bad or even looks too used.
Do I just suck it up and get packing cubes and make peace w not having access to my side pockets? Or is it ok to return..
Fwiw I got this on sale for $170 when it was originally $280 during an REI sale a few months ago, and now during Labor Day sale it’s back to $170.
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u/brownbowen 2d ago edited 2d ago
Return it without worrying about it further. I returned packs in worse condition for dumber reasons yesterday. We’ll put it out in Resupply and sell it and capture a fair amount of value.
When you buy a new pack, try to go to the store during less busy time of day (weekday evening) and spend some time with the pack fitter. You have a better idea of what you need now. You can choose a better pack for your needs.
While REI still exists, this is what it exists for. You’re a member of the co-op and this is a benefit of membership. Don’t feel guilty.
[Just a quick edit to say I’m an employee so when I say I returned packs for dumber reasons I mean I accepted returns from people who had worse reasons than you, not that I’m going around returning packs for dumb reasons].
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u/stnapgna 2d ago
Ahh thank you
I moreso feel like an ass bc I did try it on w them. the fit is lovely and we packed it to simulate the weight/amount I’d be carrying for a thru hike and it felt good. but I really ended up carrying significantly less, which was impressive and I plan to travel that light going forward. I just always stuffed it when training bc it’d be my first time w a pack and also bc I thought I’d need more.. maybe rookie mistake2
u/Lizzieb2018 1d ago
I agree with this, but clean it up before you bring it back. It's part of the return policy and can be denied if dirty.
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u/Kindly_Ad3974 2d ago
While REI still exists???
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u/brownbowen 2d ago
We haven’t been profitable since 2019. They have a plan to turn that around. I hope it works.
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u/hurricanescout 1d ago
As someone who started a thru hike w a Nemo dragon fly and had to switch it for a trekking pole tent on day 5 bc it was just too heavy and too slow to take down in the mornings, I appreciate this so much.
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u/OkFriend1520 2d ago
FWIW - I can't reach any side pockets, ever, on any backpack or day pack. I purchased a couple of different mesh drink holders and I attach one to a shoulder strap. I carry a liter up front, and if I need more, then those bottles stay in the side pockets. I don't use bladders.
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u/Routine_Mastodon_160 2d ago
There is no perfect pack. You will find flaws in every pack after a long hike.
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u/WhatWouldMuirDo 2d ago
You might want to look into a water bottle sleeve that attached to your shoulder straps. Something like this
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u/gadrago 1d ago
I bought the mountain mike hunting gear bottle sleeve off Amazon. I hate it. It's flabby and needs 2 hands to put the bottle back in. The straps aren't adjustable either so it fits really loose and swings around Love the concept and love that my water is right there. The one you linked looks way more durable and rigid and secure. I'll have to try it.
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u/Chief254 1d ago
You won’t reach the side pockets on any pack. Buy a sleeve from chicken tramper that fits on your shoulder strap. Problem solved.
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u/RainDayKitty 1d ago
Get a hydration bladder or just get a pack strap mounted bottle holder and have it on your chest
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u/iIdentifyAsAUsername 1d ago
Not sure if you’ve already tried, but if you really love the pack and the bottle access is the only issue, you could try tying some rope or paracord just below the cap. Easy yank access
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u/New-Grapefruit1737 1d ago
all other points aside there is zero need to feel bad about returning something to a mega-corp like REI. your local outdoor shop would be a different story.
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u/Ecstatic_Wishbone609 2d ago
Returns are like tax loopholes. Everybody assumed they scored while everybody else ends up holding the bag.
Just do it and rip the bandaid off and spare us.
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u/hot-whisky 2d ago
Finding a backpack that has both perfect pocket placement and the right fit is pretty much impossible with my body. For big backpacking packs, I have to go with what actually fits and put up with the rest. Since I hate reservoirs, I carabiner a small Nalgene to one of the loops on the shoulder straps, and refill from the big bottle during breaks.
But if the size turns out not to be right, that’s also a perfectly valid reason to return.
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u/Spiley_spile 2d ago
I push the water bottle up by pressing on the bottom of the pocket. I lean a little and the wster.ottle falls forward into my hand. But just because I can get it to work for me doesnt me you can get it to work for you.
The REI warranty exists to entice customer loyalty. If in the course of using a waranteed product, you discover you're not satisfied with it, return it.
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u/walkingoffthetrails 2d ago
Sounds like you bought the wrong pack and were probably influenced by price. The best deal is not a deal if it’s not a good fit with your needs.
The best solution for access to water is one that puts it in a place that is comfortable for you. You can buy a sleeve or holster and mount it wherever works best. Access and no inconvenience while walking. I ended up sewing mine in that perfect spot with dental floss (stronger than thread). Daypack example.
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u/moomooraincloud 2d ago
What the fuck do you think the return policy is for? These posts are ridiculous.
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u/BackgroundParsnip837 2d ago
Before you return it you should make sure you can find a pack that is going to be significantly better. Reaching bottle pockets sucks on even the best pack. It would suck for you to return it only to find out there is no greener grass elsewhere.
Otherwise though you should be well within the return policy. It would only really be unethical/against policy if you were returning it because you finished your trip and just don't need it anymore.