REI Co-op Affiliate Program

REI is the member owned outdoor retailer that sells tents, backpacks, hiking boots, climbing gear, bikes and outdoor clothing from hundreds of brands, alongside its own REI Co-op label. It is the default store in American outdoor content: when a gear guide recommends a sleeping bag or a rain jacket, REI is usually where the link goes.

The affiliate program pays 5 percent per sale with a 15 day cookie. Applications go through Impact, where you create a publisher account, find the REI program and apply; the program was run on AvantLink in the past, so older guides may still say so. REI reviews applications by hand and favours content sites about hiking, camping, climbing and outdoor fitness. Payouts follow Impact's monthly schedule, and commissions are confirmed after the return window.

The rate is modest, but outdoor gear is expensive and orders often combine several items, so the commission per order holds up. REI's generous return policy and member dividends also make readers comfortable buying through your link.

REI converts from gear reviews, "best tent for beginners" style roundups, packing lists for specific trails, seasonal buying guides and comparisons of its own brand against premium labels. Its sales events, especially the anniversary sale, are the moments to plan content around.