Rei
What started in 1938 as a tight-knit crew of Pacific Northwest climbers pooling resources together has grown into something far bigger. Lloyd and Mary Anderson connected with 21 other passionate mountaineers who were frustrated by the lack of quality climbing gear available in their region, so they banded together and created a cooperative structure to import superior equipment directly from Europe. That simple idea—members helping members access the best outdoor tools—caught on fast. Other adventurers in the community recognized what they'd stumbled onto and joined in. Over the decades, the selection expanded well beyond those original ice axes and ropes, evolving into a comprehensive collection that keeps pace with how people actually spend their time outside. Even on those quiet, crisp winter afternoons when snow clings to the gear displays and fewer customers browse the aisles, the place maintains that original spirit of community and shared passion for getting outside, no matter the season.