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REI Asks Gear Heads To “Find Out”

December 3, 2009 By 1 Comment



Dan Neil of LA Times doesn’t like REI’s new campaign from BBDO/Atlanta.

REI and BBDO have, in other words, made the daring creative choice to portray the backcountry as it is frequently experienced by most of us: cold, wet, often dreary, disappointing and downright uncomfortable. The company’s commitment to authenticity is commendable. It’s also a little nuts.
These ads do not make me want to run down to my REI store for more Gore-Tex. They make me want to pull the blanket over my head. They make me want to check into a four-star resort with extra-thick towels and extremely tall drinks.

That’s Neil’s call. But REI is appealing to another kind of adventurer, one who wouldn’t think of trading a wet tent for a four-star resort. Personally, I like how these spots don’t feel like commercials and my guess is the rugged sorts with REI memberships will too.

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About David Burn

I wrote my first ad for a local political candidate when I was 17 (she went on to win her race, and I felt the power of persuasive copy for the first time). Today, I live near Portland, Oregon and spend my days building brands for companies that matter.

  • td

    these are great for the very reason you suggest, db, but they’re overwritten. wouldn’t they be just as strong or stronger without the “[date], [name] finds out that” part of the VO? (i could also do without the fake stars when it’s not daytime, but i’ll suspend disbelief.)