Our Travel and Outdoor Writer’s Guide to the REI Anniversary Sale
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REI Co-op’s anniversary sale runs through May 25, and if you’re thinking of going hiking or camping or biking or running this summer, it’s the best time to pick up any necessary clothing and gear. Items across a range of outdoor brands are up to 25 percent off (sadly, a 5 percent drop from last year’s sale), with REI’s own in-house line seeing the biggest discounts.
Below, I’ve found the best deals on lots of gear that we’ve been testing and recommending for years, including our best overall tent, some of our favorite hiking shoes, and useful hiking pants. It’s also worth noting that for the duration of the sale, REI Co-op members can take 20 percent off one full-price, non-sale item. So in the final section, I’ve highlighted a few big-ticket purchases that aren’t discounted for the general public but would certainly be worth flexing your membership benefits for. (Co-op membership costs $30 and lasts a lifetime.)
Clothing and shoes
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Smartwool’s lightweight wool base layers (ideal for hiking or cozying up in while camping) are an investment that’ll last for years. They’re more breathable and odor resistant than synthetic layers.
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One of our big discoveries during Coat Week was that REI’s down jackets are surprisingly great. And these are less than $100 right now.
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Sun-hoodie season approacheth. These protective shirts are useful for just about any outdoor activity, and the colors are nice.
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Some Mountain Hardwear stuff is also on sale. I think the company makes some of the best-looking hiking gear out there, and its sun shirts are particularly striking.
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When I tried on all of the hiking pants at REI, I found these pull-ons to be just as comfortable as sweatpants or yoga pants but a lot more lightweight and breezy to wear.
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And of all the pants I tried, these convertibles seemed the most durable and practical as well as timeless in look.
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These crew socks are very solid dupes for our favorite Darn Toughs.
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These are good for hiking, yes, but can also be paired with a springtime skirt.
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Bedrock sandals are real IYKYK outdoorsy-person sandals and rarely on sale.
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Many, many hikers I’ve interviewed over the years have recommended Keen’s sturdy and waterproof Targhees.
Camping and hiking gear
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The comfiest car-camping mattress ever.
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One of our longtime favorite sleeping bags.
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A love seat we love. Camping can be just as romantic as a resort getaway.
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REI’s comfy, slouchy Helinox camping chair dupe packs up nice and small.
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Our best overall tent is currently 25 percent off.
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Our best compression packing cubes are part of the sale, too. You can fit so many shirts in these!
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Jetboil Flash Stove
A superfast stove for coffee at camp.
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And a larger two-burner for making breakfast.
Biking and running gear
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For the zero-drop crowd.
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Room for water and lots of energy gels.
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Zoom around the city on this bike instead of taking the stinky subway during the summer.
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And here’s a handlebar bag for all your bits.
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Panniers for bikepacking or just cycling to the grocery store.
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Dare I call this a cool-looking bike helmet?
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Stand out in a sea of fellow road cyclists.
Members-only deals
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If you’re a Co-op member, you can grab our favorite hiking shoes for 20 percent off.
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Our best tent for car camping is praised by many experts, especially for family trips.
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The best convertible weekend bag would be a wise use of your discount.
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As would our favorite carry-on travel backpack.
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I don’t really understand why REI sells Danskos, but they’re having a Zendaya-approved moment right now and would also be a fun way to use up that 20 percent discount.
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
