Their Return, Your Score: Funny Reasons People Return Gear

Read the funny reasons people return gear at REI and how you can score those deals.

We’ve all been there. We purchase a new ski jacket, a fresh pair of hiking boots or the latest backpacking tent—only to realize we need a different version, a bigger size or another colorway instead. REI makes it easy to return items. That’s because the co-op stands behind the gear it sells. If a purchase doesn’t work out, customers have 90 days to return the item for a replacement or refund, and Co-op Members have a full year to make REI returns.

Another win: These returns make it easy for others to shop gently used items for a lot less because once they’re accepted, they are often assorted within the REI Re/Supply program. People have returned tents after a single use or taken back shoes that didn’t quite fit their growing child. This is good news for you. Because whether you’re in the market to buy a new tent, invest in a pair of skis or upgrade your growing little’s winter jacket, chances are good that you can find what you’re looking for at REI Re/Supply in store or online.

Don’t believe us? We’ve rounded up a few recent REI return tags—including one from a customer who realized a backpack made her look too reptilian and another who lost interest in backpacking after a backcountry breakup. Some of these reasons may make you laugh. All will show you there are some gems to be found at REI Re/Supply.


Too Reptilian

Return tag that reads: "customer's girlfriend thought the bag made her look like a ninja turtle"

“customer’s girlfriend thought the bag made her look like a ninja turtle”

Frowny Face

Return tag that reads: "Customer did not like snowboarding :("

“Customer did not like snowboarding :(“

Backcountry Breakup

Return tag that reads: "used one time, broke up with partner and never want to backpack again"

“used one time, broke up with partner and never want to backpack again”

Tight Squeeze

Return tag that reads: "squeezed outer toesies, decided diff model."

“squeezed outer toesies, decided diff model.”

Color Conundrum

Return tag that reads: "Hates the color 'Makes me want to throw up'"

“Hates the color ‘Makes me want to throw up'”

Tough Crowd

Return tag that reads: "Used a few times but made fun of by friends so she returned them"

“Used a few times but made fun of by friends so she returned them”

Not Cool Enough

Return tag that reads: "didn't like it. customer said, 'son didn't like it. it doesn't look cool enough.'"

“didn’t like it. customer said, ‘son didn’t like it. it doesn’t look cool enough.'”

Buyer’s Remorse

Return tag that reads: "customer states 'never used, brought it on a trip and set it up only to realize it was not a bag'"

“customer states ‘never used, brought it on a trip and set it up only to realize it was not a bag'”

Too Dark

Return tag that reads: "too dark inside for customers needs"

“too dark inside for customers needs”

Wrong Item

Return tag that reads: "Customer says they did not use. meant to buy tent not a vestibule."

“Customer says they did not use. meant to buy tent not a vestibule.”

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