Light and Fast Innovations In REI's Gear and Apparel Improve The Outdoor Experience; Looking to Go Faster and Farther Memorial Weekend?

Lifestyle Editors/Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2003

This summer, outdoor enthusiasts can travel faster and farther than ever before with new gear and apparel from Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) that delivers the latest advancements in product technology.

Using cutting-edge materials and designs, these products maximize the outdoor experience, answering campers' calls for lighter gear in time for Memorial Day weekend adventures.

Validating the demand for all-things-lightweight, "Outside" magazine noted the minimalist trend in this year's Buyer's Guide, specifically praising ultralight, ultra-durable and ultra-waterproof tents. "Outside" gave top honors to the REI Roadster tent with a "Gear of the Year" award. The single-person shelter weighs just 2 pounds 10 ounces yet provides ample living space of 15.5 square feet.

The two-person version is the REI Coupe tent. Although it weighs less than 4 pounds, it features two doors and two vestibules for easy access and gear storage. Both tents are fully-featured:

-- Single DAC Featherlite(R) pole and stake-out design

minimize weight

-- Taped, insider floor seams (pioneered by REI) optimize

floor space while providing superior waterproofness

-- Corner struts create vertical walls to maximize usable

interior space

-- Price: $129 for the REI Roadster; $169 for the REI

Coupe

Tents are not the only gear weighing less at REI this year -- the outdoor experts rolled Light and Fast technology into a pioneering set of jackets and pants designed for performance, functionality and style:

-- REI Mistral Jacket and Pants are lightweight outerwear

offering weather protection and superb breathability

for moisture management. Four-way stretch maximizes

performance and comfort, and Swiss-made Schoeller(R)

fabric resists wind, water and abrasion. Price: $150

for the REI Mistral Jacket; $100 for the REI Mistral

Pants.

-- REI Ultra Light Jacket is less than 12 ounces with a

2.5-layer design that saves weight while delivering a

waterproof, breathable shell with ample features.

Features include underarm zippers for ventilation,

zip-off hood for versatility and soft neck lining for

comfort. Price: $125.

-- REI Ultra Stretch Jacket is a 3-layer, waterproof,

breathable shell that weighs less than 18 ounces and

provides two-way stretch for increased mobility.

Water-resistant zippers provide added weather

protection with less weight. Price: $169.

Alongside its Light and Fast products, REI is offering limited edition REI Stewardship Tees ($24.50). For each shirt sold, REI will donate $10 to select organizations (The Yosemite Association, EarthCorps, Continental Divide Trail Alliance, Appalachian Trail Conference and Friends of the Boundary Waters) that provide stewardship to the five popular recreational destinations featured on the shirts.

For more information on REI's Light and Fast products or the REI Stewardship Tees, visit www.rei.com or any REI store nationwide.

About REI

REI was founded in 1938 as a consumer cooperative by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality climbing equipment. Today, REI has more than 2 million members and operates 66 retail stores in 24 states; two online stores (REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com); and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI sells all the top outdoor brands, including its own line of award-winning gear and clothing for hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, paddling and winter sports. A portion of REI's profit is set aside each year for support of conservation, outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship causes, with $1.8 million to be awarded this year and more than $9 million since 1976 awarded to such efforts around the country.