Topic: l love going into REI

[Mike]

REI is one of those places that I actually enjoy going into the store.  Needed/wanted a new day pack and hydro-pack.  Went in and started looking at the ~40L packs.  Spoke with an associate and he got me setup with a nice 18L Pack and 3L hydropack that is self standing (when filled) for less than the packs I was looking at.  The 18L is just the size I need for the gear I'm planning on carrying.  I think the best part was going over the features and setup and realizing that my extended backpack had a slot for the hydropack also.

It is also nice to get to the counter and find out you have a $30 dividend waiting

[Steve]

the backpacks that also house the hydro are the only way to go