REI Co-op

REI’s Purpose

The outdoor retailer seeks to connect every person to the power of the outdoors and engage them in the fight to protect it. REI Co-op believes that it’s in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves, so our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors for all. Since 1938, REI Co-op has been the local outdoor co-op working to help people experience the transformational power of nature. The co-op brings top-quality gear and apparel, expert advice, rental equipment, inspiring stories of life outside, and outdoor experiences to enjoy alone or share with your friends and family.

For years, Outdoor Afro and REI Co-op have centered the voices of Black adventurers. Recently, the network and co-op have conducted extensive research resulting in a new chapter. Our Founder and CEO Rue Mapp established Outdoor Afro Inc.  in 2021 to solve the unmet needs and design barriers in outdoor industry gear and equipment. A for-profit business, Outdoor Afro Inc. co-created a hike collection with REI Co-op that launched September 2022. The collaboration works with and for the Black community in fit, fashion, and functionality.