REI Names Osprey 2026 Vendor Partner of the Year

REI Co-op honored Osprey with its top award while also recognizing Cannondale, Merrell and Patagonia in divisional categories.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Hiking

Bold flat-color vector editorial illustration of a single hiking backpack on a rocky ridge under a cream sky, evoking outdoor gear and retail supplier recognition. — REI Co-op named Osprey its 2026 Vendor Partner of the Year, its top honor, while Cannondale, Merrell and Patagonia won divisional awards in the program's 33rd year. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

REI Co-op awarded Osprey its overall 2026 Vendor Partner of the Year honor, marking the 33rd year of the program. The company also gave divisional awards to Cannondale, Merrell and Patagonia.

Why it matters

The awards recognize brands for product innovation, financial results, operational execution, customer focus and social and environmental practices, signaling which suppliers REI considers leaders for hikers and outdoor shoppers. For consumers buying hiking gear across the United States, the program highlights brands tied to REI's sustainability standards.

Nearly 90% of Osprey's 2025 sales at REI came from products with REI's preferred sustainability attributes. Osprey, owned by Helen of Troy, also won the overall award in 2007 and 2024, and REI will donate to its Cooperative Action Fund on Osprey's behalf.

The players

REI Co-op

REI Co-op is a member-owned outdoor retailer that runs the Vendor Partner of the Year program and the REI Cooperative Action Fund.

Osprey

Osprey is an outdoor pack and gear brand owned by Helen of Troy and a long-standing REI supplier.

The details

Osprey is a long-time REI supplier and carries an All Mighty Guarantee warranty and repair program, and it has set an approved science-based climate target. Merrell ranks as REI's leading hiking footwear vendor, and Patagonia received a divisional honor for its sustainability work.

2007: Osprey first named REI overall Vendor Partner of the Year.
2019: Cannondale named REI overall Vendor Partner of the Year.
2021: REI Cooperative Action Fund launched.
2024: Osprey named REI overall Vendor Partner of the Year again.
2026: Osprey receives the overall award for this year.

Season Trajectory

REI's Product Impact Standards, which rank Patagonia in the 95-100th percentile for overall sustainability, show how the retailer grades suppliers beyond sales. This year's awards extend that approach by tying vendor honors to measured sustainability results.

Hikers shopping at REI can look to these award-winning brands for footwear and packs backed by sustainability attributes. Buyers choosing between hiking gear can factor in warranty and repair programs like Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee.

The takeaway

When choosing hiking gear, check whether a brand's warranty and repair options match your expected use. Brands recognized for sustainability and durability can offer longer-lasting equipment for the trail.