Help me spend at REI!

[hugosalt]

If not already covered, have bought/used their tubular webbing for chafing gear
on my soft shackles, dock lines. Also have made flexible loop ladder (forget name)
and have used to make additional harnesses.

[Volkeno]

Lots of great ideas so far.
I just used my 20% and dividend to buy an Oru folding kayak. It folds up to a large backpack size that can fit in a cockpit locker. The 20% knocks $235 off the price, so it's a pretty spendy item.
Of the items so far, I love the Teva sandals for walking in wet and dry conditions. I always wear mine for kayaking and dinghy rides. The fast drying underwear and shorts are great too.

[Rugger]

So for next year, I'd go for the yeti.... and the ENO Hammoc! Every sailboat needs a hammoc that compresses to a softball.

[Seaadventurers]

Thanks for all the great ideas! We ended up buying just a boring North Face duffle bag!

[exMaggieDrum]

Originally Posted by Seaadventurers

My wife and I received our US Sailing certifications recently and do not own a boat (yet). We are just a few years from retirement and plan to buy a liveaboard at that time.

We have our annual 20% off plus dividend to spend at REI. What fun, interesting, or needed sailing stuff have you purchased at REI? Looking for ideas!

I love Gore-tex jackets on a boat - windbreakers, parkas, whatever. Also Gore-tex shoes. You have a large selection at REI. It doesn't have to be Gore-tex brand, just a quality waterproof breathable fabric with taped seams.

I love REI and have a rebate and 20% coupon too. I don't have anything on my must have list at the moment so I will save the rebate for the future and may miss out on the discount.

[cwyckham]

Lots of great ideas. We have a drybag backpack that's awesome for dinghy rides and can then walk around town wearing it.

[CTKismet]

If you are cruising alone with your wife at some point you may need to go up the mast. If her ability to help you go up the mast is limited a good pair of "ascenders" are useful.

Ascenders enable you to go up the mast solo.

Some thoughts on using these...

- Get instruction! Practice in a safe environment.

- You will require other things also (e.g., good harness or bosuns' chair (or both) foot straps, etc. Online instructions will provide you ideas what you need.

My opinion, the Petzl ascenders are the best. Depending on your comfort level there are also self-belay ("go down" tools) available.

Good luck and have fun!

You can spend $$ at REI pretty fast.