This sounds like the kind of abuse that led to changes in REI's returns policy. Back when you could return anything no questions asked for a full refund, people

This sounds like the kind of abuse that led to changes in REI's returns policy. Back when you could return anything no questions asked for a full refund, people would e.g. buy a tent, sleeping bag, and stove, hike the Apallachian Trail, and then just return all the gear. Or buy one of REI's touring bikes, cycle one of the Trans-American routes, and then return the bike, etc.