Key Takeaways:
- Merrell, Patagonia, and Cannondale also took divisional honors, and Osprey added one of its own.
- REI cited Osprey’s repair program and its sustainability record at the co-op.
- Osprey has won the co-op’s top vendor award before.
REI Co-op named Osprey its overall Vendor Partner of the Year for 2026, marking the 33rd year of the specialty outdoor retailer’s vendor awards program.
Osprey also won the divisional award for outdoor hardgoods. Merrell took the footwear award, Patagonia won for apparel, and Cannondale won for action sports.
The program recognizes brands for product innovation and performance, efficient and progressive business practices, customer and employee experiences, and responsible action for people and planet. REI, the nation’s largest consumer co-op, is headquartered near Seattle and has 26 million members.
“Each year, our Vendor Partner of the Year awards recognize the brands making a meaningful difference and delivering outstanding results driven by creating product our customers love,” Kristin Shane, REI’s Chief Merchandising Officer, said in a statement. “With more than a thousand brands available through the co-op, earning this recognition is an exceptional achievement.”
Osprey’s Third Overall Win
Mike Pfotenhauer founded Osprey in 1974, and the company makes technical and everyday packs from its headquarters in Cortez, Colorado. Helen of Troy Limited, which also owns Hydro Flask, has owned Osprey since acquiring it in December 2021 for $414.7 million in cash.
A decades-long REI partner, Osprey was also the co-op’s overall Vendor Partner of the Year in 2007 and 2024.
REI pointed to Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee, a warranty and repair program under which the brand repairs damage or defects free of charge to extend the life of its products.
Nearly 90% of Osprey’s 2025 sales at REI came from products with the co-op’s preferred sustainability attributes, including Bluesign approved and recycled materials. Osprey has also set an approved science-based target and works alongside REI in the Outdoor Industry Association Climate Action Corps.
For the outdoor hardgoods award, REI cited Osprey’s exclusive products, customized assortments, Green Vest education, and member-focused storytelling.
“Osprey is a deserving choice for overall Vendor Partner of the Year, and we’re grateful to share their belief in the simple power of time spent outside and making the outdoors more welcoming and accessible to everyone,” Shane said.
Osprey Sales Director Darby McGuinn said the brand was honored by the recognition.
“Osprey and REI have built that success on shared values, deep trust, and a commitment to helping more people experience the joy of being outdoors,” McGuinn said in a statement. “We look forward to building on that legacy and creating even more shared success in the years ahead.”
REI will make a donation on Osprey’s behalf to the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven nonprofit that provides grants to nonprofits working to connect everyone to the health and well-being benefits of time outside. The fund has granted more than $45 million since it launched in 2021.
Merrell, Patagonia, and Cannondale
Merrell won the footwear award. REI said the brand is its No. 1 hiking footwear vendor, delivered sales growth in 2025 and was instrumental in modernizing the co-op’s assortment through focused initiatives.
Patagonia won the apparel award. REI said the brand ranks in the 95th to 100th percentile of overall sustainability efforts under its Product Impact Standards and is a leader in science-aligned emissions reduction targets. The co-op also cited Patagonia’s digital content, in-store experiences, education, and values-driven campaigns.
Cannondale took the action sports award. REI pointed to the brand’s work on product design, inventory flow, consumer events, staff expertise, marketing collaborations, and store experiences. Cannondale was REI’s overall Vendor Partner of the Year in 2019.
How REI Picks Winners
REI established the awards in 1993. Criteria include innovative and sustainable products, positive financial results and smooth operational business practices, along with driving participation and frequency among REI customers. Brands considered also must advance the social and environmental practices outlined in REI’s Product Impact Standards.
Other past winners include Arc’teryx in 2025, On in 2023, Hoka One One in 2020, Brooks in 2012 and 2016, and Yakima, the first honoree, in 1993.
