I received my EVite for the REI garage sale again this year and have always skipped it in the past. Has anyone actually found some extra special deals in years past?

A lot of VERY deep discounts on broken gear. I'm sure there are a couple of gems to be had, but not worth the effort in my opinion. Once was more than enough for me.

It really varies.

I got 2 perfectly new EXPED chair kits for 6 bucks a piece--normally 50-60 dollars a piece.

A lot of times there is nothing.

A few years back I got what appeared to be a brand new REI 2 person tent for 20 bucks---someone returned it and said it leaked---it doesn't---that $150 tent was only 20 bucks.

That being said---I haven't been for a few years as I hate crowds :)

T

I've not had a lot of luck when going to the REI garage sales. One year I did find a really nice pair of Keen Summit county boots that were my size however I had just bought a pair and had no use for another pair. I seem to find the shoes and boots all too small and the clothes too ripped up for me to repair.

When I was gearing up for backpacking I would go to every sale. It has been a couple years since I have went. The shortest lines were always in the winter so those were my favorite. I got some amazing deals many times, but I also walked out empty handed sometimes as well.

My son and I love to go the REI garage sales. I have found tents, chairs, biolite accessories and stadium chairs. One of the best deals was a Granite Gear 4 for $15. It was a REI Rental that was pretty rough, needed a new buckle. But for the cost, I was very excited. Last winter the Maple Grove decided not to hand out numbers (which allows a small group to shop at at time). By time the doors opened, it was so crammed that we didn't look too long. The REI exchange policy has changed so that people need to return things within 1 year. So there isn't as much stuff, but I believe there is less trash. I was really bummed to see that they scheduled the next sale on Sunday, so not sure if I will go.

If you have some sewing skills you could get some good deals on clothing that is always ripped up or needing a new zipper.

quote OldFingers57: "If you have some sewing skills you could get some good deals on clothing that is always ripped up or needing a new zipper."

What OldFingers57 said!

Several years ago, and long before North Face became a fashion statement, I picked-up a North Face fleece jacket and North Face fleece vest with defective zippers.

I don't recall exactly what I paid for them, but they were heavily discounted from their original retail price. After my wife replaced the zippers, they were as good as new.

Hans Solo

I went this morning and they didn't really have anything, some clothes and a couple of car camping BA tents. Was pretty disappointed, but I guess it's always worth a peek.

Nothing worth a darn at the Schaumburg, IL ,store.

I saw some photos of the lines at REIs in Ohio and out east. Couldn't believe how long they were.

I picked up:

Exped Downmat UL7 Reg for $40

Womens Kelty Cosmic 20 Down Sleeping Bag $50 (for daughter)

Columbia Canoe Pants $15

MSR Dromedary 10 liter $18

Sea to Summit Travelling Light Packing Cell $7

All flawless or already fixed

Normally go to REI to get an item needed/desired. I an a regular since I became a REI member in the 70's.
This time for the "Garage Sale", Brookfield Milwaukee store. Hard to tell there was a sale by marked prices, few items at any worthwhile reduced cost. I was within the first 150 people into the store (which was busier than I have ever seen), just nothing I could not obtain for the marked prices at other times/places.
Oh well, fun drive in the snow, good opportunity to check out my winter tires! No money spent. Back to checking my Ebay watch list!

butthead

I checked out the Bloomington MN sale when it opened this morning. What a disappointment. There was hardly anything there; in fact I think it was pretty much the same beleaguered items that have been in the scratch N dent room for the last few weeks and months. I think that because this store maintains a scratch N dent room they don't have a selection of goods to put out for the garage sale.