Arc'teryx Outlet vs REI: Where Should You Buy?
If you're shopping for Arc'teryx gear, the two best places to buy are the Arc'teryx outlet and REI. But which one is better?
The answer is: it depends. Let me break down the differences so you can choose the right one for your needs.
The Short Answer
- •Arc'teryx Outlet: Best for selection and deepest discounts on past-season gear
- •REI: Best for current-season gear, member rewards, and return policy
- •Our recommendation: Check both, set price alerts, and buy wherever you find the best deal
Price Comparison
Arc'teryx Outlet
- •Typical discount: 30-40% off retail
- •Best discounts: 50%+ off (rare, usually end-of-season)
- •Selection: Wide — lots of past-season colors and sizes
- •Inventory: Changes frequently (every 2-4 weeks)
REI
- •Typical discount: Rarely discounts current Arc'teryx
- •REI Outlet: Has past-season Arc'teryx at 20-30% off
- •REI Member Sale: 20% off one item coupon (a few times a year)
- •REI Dividend: 10% back on full-price items (for members)
Winner on price: Arc'teryx Outlet (usually 10-20% cheaper)
Selection Comparison
Arc'teryx Outlet
- •Selection: Very wide — hundreds of products
- •Sizes: All sizes, but popular sizes sell out fast
- •Colors: Lots of past-season colors (including unusual ones)
- •Products: Full range — jackets, pants, accessories, etc.
REI
- •Selection: Limited — only carries select Arc'teryx models
- •Sizes: Limited selection of sizes
- •Colors: Only current-season colors (usually)
- •Products: Limited range — mostly popular models
Winner on selection: Arc'teryx Outlet (much wider selection)
Warranty Comparison
Arc'teryx Outlet
- •Warranty: Full Arc'teryx limited lifetime warranty
- •Claim process: Direct with Arc'teryx
- •Coverage: Defects in materials and workmanship
REI
- •Warranty: Full Arc'teryx warranty + REI's return policy
- •Claim process: Can go through REI or Arc'teryx
- •REI return policy: 1 year for returns (very generous)
Winner on warranty: REI (extra return policy is nice)
Returns Comparison
Arc'teryx Outlet
- •Return window: 30 days
- •Return shipping: Free
- •Condition: Items must be unworn with tags
REI
- •Return window: 1 year (for members)
- •Return shipping: Free for members
- •Condition: Items can be used (very generous)
Winner on returns: REI (1-year return policy is unbeatable)
Member Benefits
Arc'teryx Outlet
- •No membership program
- •No rewards or dividends
- •Occasional outlet-exclusive promotions
REI
- •REI Membership: $20 lifetime
- •10% dividend on full-price purchases
- •Member-exclusive sales and coupons
- •Access to REI classes and events
Winner on benefits: REI (dividend and member sales are valuable)
When to Buy from the Arc'teryx Outlet
Buy from the outlet if you:
- •Want the widest selection of past-season gear
- •Want the deepest discounts (30-40%+)
- •Are flexible on color
- •Know your size and don't need to try it on
- •Want the full Arc'teryx warranty
- •Are looking for specific models that REI doesn't carry
When to Buy from REI
Buy from REI if you:
- •Want current-season colors and models
- •Want to try before you buy (in-store)
- •Value the 1-year return policy
- •Are an REI member and want the dividend
- •Find a good member sale or coupon
How to Get the Best Deal
Strategy 1: Check Both
Don't limit yourself to one retailer. Check both the Arc'teryx outlet and REI:
- 1Find the product you want
- 2Check the outlet price
- 3Check the REI price (including any member discounts)
- 4Buy from whichever is cheaper
Strategy 2: Set Price Alerts
Set price alerts on OutletSnap for the products you want. We track the Arc'teryx outlet, and you can set alerts for specific products at specific discounts.
Strategy 3: Time Your Purchase
- •End of winter (Feb-Mar): Best selection and discounts on winter gear
- •End of summer (Aug-Sep): Best selection and discounts on summer gear
- •REI member sales: Check for 20% off coupons (a few times a year)
- •Black Friday: Both retailers have sales, but the outlet usually has better deals
Strategy 4: Consider the REI Dividend
If you're an REI member, remember that you get 10% back on full-price purchases. This can make REI competitive with the outlet for current-season gear.
Example:
- •Arc'teryx Beta LT at REI: $450 full price - 10% dividend = $405 effective price
- •Arc'teryx Beta LT at outlet: $270-$315 (30-40% off)
In this case, the outlet is still cheaper. But for current-season colors that aren't in the outlet, the REI dividend helps.
Our Recommendation
For most people: Shop the Arc'teryx outlet. You'll get the best prices and the widest selection.
For REI members: Check REI for current-season gear and use your member benefits. Check the outlet for past-season deals.
For everyone: Set price alerts on OutletSnap so you don't miss any deals, wherever they are.
Ready to find the best Arc'teryx deals? [Browse our catalog](/brand/arcteryx) and set up price alerts — we'll notify you the moment prices drop.