REI announced the honorees of this year’s REI Vendor Partner of the Year Awards,* which the retailer said it recognizes as a brand that significantly impacted various aspects of its business over the past year. According to a media release from the outdoor specialty retailer, these include brand innovation, environmental impact, inclusion, operations, and outdoor education—core tenets of REI’s mission of “inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone.”

Osprey | Awarded Overall 2024 Vendor Partner of the Year
Osprey, headquartered in Cortez, CO, was honored with REI’s 2024 Vendor Partner of the Year Award. Osprey has been a long-time partner with REI and an iconic outdoor industry brand in the packs category.

“Any vendor that’s been nominated for this award brings an exceptional commitment to REI and our customers, but a few brands stand out in each category, and one stands out as exceptional and is the ‘overall’ Vendor Partner of the Year,” said Susan Viscon, interim chief merchandising officer and executive director of Path Ahead Ventures. “It’s no surprise Osprey is a multi-year winner for this honor, as they continue to bring thoughtful designs to our customers, support REI’s impact initiatives, and raise the bar in collaborating with us on every facet of their business.”

This is Osprey’s second time being named the overall winner of the REI Vendor Partner of the Year. The company was also the overall winner in 2007 and has been the camp category winner eight times since 2006.

Divisional Award Recipients
In addition to naming an overall Vendor Partner of the Year, REI recognizes leading partners across several categories, including footwear and basics, apparel, outdoor hardgoods, and action sports.

Altra Running | Footwear and Basics
Headquartered in Denver, CO, REI said Altra Running “offers an innovative and distinctive fit that promotes the foot’s natural movement through its signature FootShape and Zero to Low Drop Silhouettes.” Reportedly a favorite among customers and REI staff nationwide, Altra is said to “continuously bring innovation to the market. Whether through the launch of the FWD Experience in the fall of 2023 (its first non-zero drop shoe) or through an exclusive release to REI members of the Altra Timp 5 in 2024, REI reported that “Altra challenges the status quo to help runners of all shapes and sizes ‘stay out there’ and fall in love with the outdoors.”

Arc’teryx | Apparel
Headquartered in North Vancouver, BC, REI said Arc’teryx “specializes” in technical outdoor gear for mountaineering and alpine sports and focuses on “delivering unrivaled durability and performance in extreme conditions.” REI also noted that Arc’teryx is a “dynamic partner”— from releasing product exclusives to REI’s growing community, making improvements in its supply chain and delivery process, ensuring frequent inventory, and that Arc’teryx is “committed to meeting the distinct needs of REI’s members and customers.”

Big Agnes | Outdoor Hardgoods
Headquartered in Steamboat Springs, CO, REI said Big Agnes specializes in “high-quality camping equipment through innovative tent sleeping systems, backpacks and apparel.” Though a relatively small company, Big Agnes is “intentional, focused and continues to make a big impact in the outdoor industry.” Over the years, Big Agnes has reportedly worked closely with REI to “push the boundaries of specialty design.” This year is no different. The company introduced the Rapide Sleeping Pad to “mass appeal at an approachable price to unlock more value for REI’s customers.”

Petzl | Action Sports
With its U.S. headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, REI said Petzl is “renowned for high-quality climbing equipment and its focus on durability and safety.” Petzl has partnered with REI for many years to offer climbers a wide range of climbing equipment. As a “leading partner” with the co-op, Petzl has reportedly “made an investment and commitment to engage and train REI store teams.” REI said Petzl has also “prioritized supply chain management to ensure a seamless, continuous supply for REI’s customers.”

*REI established the Vendor Partner of the Year Awards in 1993. Each year, the co-op’s four merchandising divisions—footwear and basics, apparel, outdoor hardgoods, and action sports—nominate companies for partnering with REI to meet customer needs and raise the bar for product quality.

Image courtesy REI Co-op