Cabela’s carries a different and specialized product line. They carry a huge range of products for hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen (or at least what I grew up understanding to be the definition of outdoorsmen). If you need this type of equipment, if you aren’t looking for super light weight backpacking supplies, or need heavy duty outdoors equipment Cabela’s is your store. I was very impressed with their selection of knifes/tools, optics, camouflage clothing, and firearms. I have only been to one (Buda, TX) and was favorably impressed. The employees and their knowledge base are impressive and, like every REI I have visited, extremely friendly.

In this list, we’ll call it a tie for first between REI and Cabela’s. Item’s I cannot get from one I can from the other. Combine the two and I might as well just have my paycheck direct deposited into their accounts!