10 Items I'd Get from the REI Anniversary Sale If I Didn't Already Have Them
- 5 days ago
- 13 min read
Plus A Few Other Summer Sales to Note
Getting outside should be simple, right? It doesn't take a lot of time, gear, or money to go for a walk around your neighborhood, or read on your porch, or have a picnic with your friends in a nearby park.
Even activities like hiking should be fairly budget-friendly, as you probably already have most of the items you need lying around your house to get started. (Check out this post to see everything you need to begin your hiking journey; you may be surprised to see how much of it you already have!) However, it is no secret that activities like backpacking, skiing, and climbing -- activities that require specific gear in order to safely participate -- are higher-barrier entry activities, largely due to the up-front cost of gear.
When I began backpacking after college, I spent a lot of my graduation money on the Big 4 (backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad), but not nearly as much as I would have had I not stumbled upon the REI Anniversary Sale. REI is a staple for outdoor recreationalists, no matter what the activity is, because they carry such a wide variety of gear from many reputable brands. When I first began my backpacking journey in 2019, I didn't have a resource for how to begin, but I did know that people who considered themselves "outdoorsy" were obsessed with REI, and over the years, I've come to develop my own addiction to their shelves. The way millennials joke about Target runs ("I told myself I'd stick to this short list, but I've somehow spent $400 on this whole cart's worth of stuff!) is how I feel about REI: I'll run in for a water filter replacement, and somehow I leave with way more. In fairness, much of it does come from the garage sale section, where people can return lightly-used items for a full refund, and REI sells them for a lower price. But still... I do love my REI shopping trips, and it does not help me that the biggest and most well-stocked REI in the state is walking distance from my house.
(I would be remiss to not mention that REI is far from a perfect company from a corporate standpoint: they briefly endorsed Doug Burgum to head the Department of the Interior despite his open desire to sell off public lands for corporate interests, and they only rescinded their endorsement after widespread member backlash; they are openly anti-union for their employees, even though there's a major public outcry to allow their workers to unionize; and they significantly reduced classes and guided experiences that were often people's entryway into the outdoors in a safe and organized manner. However, it's hard to match their convenience and accessibility for gear, especially when it comes to these massive sales. If you are looking for a way to purchase new gear to help you make headway in new outdoor activities, this anniversary sale is one of the best possible ways to do that.)
This year's REI Anniversary Sale is running until May 25th. Here are, in my opinion, 10 of the best deals you can find from that sale, as well as 3 excellent ultralight backpacking items from Featherstone Outdoor's Memorial Day Sale (ends May 25th as well) and a special promotion from AllTrails (ends May 28th).
Backpacking Deals
REI Item #1: Osprey AG 50 Pack (Aura - Women's) (Atmos - Men's)
Sale Price: $262.49
Regular Price: $350.00
When Mitch and I first began our foray into backpacking in 2019, the 65L versions of these packs are what we were directed to when we entered REI. These packs have served us well over the years, including joining us on the Appalachian Trail for the whole journey. The AG (anti-gravity) system works wonders; despite the packs being fairly heavy and bulky as far as backpacking packs go these days, the weight from the gear was distributed beautifully. On top of that, Osprey gear comes with a lifetime warranty, so if you ever get a tear or break in an Osprey pack, you can send it to the company to repair or replace, no matter how long you've had it. Although I have since replaced mine in favor of smaller, lighter packs, we both still have our Ospreys. I have no intention of ever needing a pack as large as 65L moving forward, which is why I'm recommending the 50L alternative, but either way, this pack is really great for the majority of backpackers.
REI Item #2: Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
Sale Price: $149.89 - $179.89
Regular Price: $199.95 - $239.95
Everyone has a different opinion about the best sleeping pad, and it's largely whichever you started backpacking/camping with, but I don't foresee myself changing from this sleeping pad ever. Most modern sleeping pads have an R-value (which measures a sleeping pad's ability to prevent heat loss between your body and the ground) between 1.0 and 6.5, and the Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLite NXT's R-value is 4.5 -- pretty dang good for heat retention, especially for its weight!
Inflatable sleeping pads are always a trade-off: on the one hand, they take up less space and weight than a closed-cell foam pad, and they provide more padding and comfort once inflated, but the other hand is that you have to inflate and deflate the pad every time you use it, and the nature of sleeping on the ground is such that it's not unlikely that it will get punctured or leaky at some point.
The price difference accounts for the various sizes that this pad comes in; it ranges from Short to Large, with Regular and Regular Wide in between. I'm 5'4", so I can get away with the Short, but most people I know use Regular Wide for extra roominess on the pad.
REI Item #3: REI Half Dome 3 Tent with Footprint
Sale Price: $299.19
Regular Price: $399.00
This is an updated version of the tent that Mitch and I share when we backpack together. When I backpack by myself, I bring a 1-person tent, but a 2-person tent for both of us + gear is a little cramped. Can we do that? Sure. But especially in the backcountry, where coziness limited, we take what comforts we can, and a 3-person tent is one of them. On the Appalachian Trail, we called this our palace, and we joke that it's the first home together. I'm telling you that if we could live in this for 4.5 months and not feel cramped, it will work for you and your partner just fine. Maybe even a pet or two.
With enough room on the inside to comfortably accommodate 2 adults + an assortment of gear, and vestibules on the outside large enough to fully cover our packs, shoes, and whatever else we didn't want to bring "inside," and two entryways so we could both enter or exit without disturbing the other, this tent impressed both of us. We really put it through the ringer, and it came out only a little worse for the wear with just a couple easily-patchable holes in the rain fly. It's obviously heavier than most backpacking tents, but for the amount of space it provided us, it was worth it. (I suppose I'm speaking on behalf of Mitch for this part, as he's the one that carried the tent... We briefly debated splitting up the parts, but since he always got to camp before me by a good margin, it made more sense for him to be able to set it up. But I promise he speaks fondly of this tent, too!)
Sale Price: $134.99
Regular Price: $179.99
Tent technology has gotten more advanced in recent years, utilizing trekking poles in lieu of a spinal pole to hold a tent up. It's a genius idea, because most backpackers already are using trekking poles, so may as well give them another use overnight.
If I were on the fence about trekking pole tents, this is one I'd definitely try. You won't find these for under $200, let alone under $150. At just over 1.5 lbs, this tent is barely heavier than its sil-nylon fabric competitors while still being wildly affordable.
Sale Price: $103.99
Regular Price: $129.99
A backpacking tent for $100 -- even $130 at full price -- is insane. It weighs about 2.5 lbs when the packaging is pared down, which is a little heavy for my backpacking preferences, but if you're not aiming to go too ultralight, having a freestanding tent has so many perks.
I've only used this tent while car camping, but I was pleasantly surprised with how intuitive it was to set up, and it was really spacious for a 1-person tent. Its shape isn't entirely symmetrical, so it tapers in a little as it goes from your head to your foot, mirroring mummy-shaped gear like many sleeping pads and sleeping bags.
Sale Price: $215.99
Regular Price: $269.99
I started my backpacking journey with a sleeping bag, and I wish I'd switched to a quilt sooner. The idea behind a quilt is that there's a whole side of the sleeping bag -- the one that you're lying on -- that is too compressed to actually provide warmth, so quilts remove that whole side in favor of an open blanket with buckles and straps to secure it around your body as needed.
The quilt I use for backpacking is a 10° bag because I personally run really cold, even in summer conditions, but most people, 25° is warm enough for most backpacking conditions. I've been loving my Moondance 25 for camping out of our truck topper. It's so lightweight, so warm, and so versatile. Plus, it's over $100 less expensive than the sleeping bag I purchased when I first started backpacking, which is... wild.
REI Item #4: BearVault BV425 Sprint Bear Canister
Sale Price: $67.89
Regular Price: $84.95
It's no secret to anyone that I am a BearVault enthusiast. Despite being far heavier than their bag counterparts, I only trust bear canisters to securely store my food overnight, regardless of what kinds of animals are around. (If you think an enthusiastic mouse can't wriggle its way into your Ursack with enough effort, you're kidding yourself.)
BearVault bear canisters come in a variety of sizes, depending on the length of your journey between food supplies. I began my backpacking journey with the BV450, which, at the time, was the smallest size, and I used the BV475 (the second largest size) on the Continental Divide Trail. However, for most people, the BV425 should be sufficient. If you don't intend to do longer than one night in the backcountry, this size is perfect for you.
Recently, BearVault released the BV ONE, which is an adjustable canister that gets up to just under the BV475 and goes down to the BV425 so that, as your trip goes on, you can condense the size of the canister in your pack. It's not currently eligible for REI's Anniversary Sale, but if you're looking to get something like this (can confirm, it's amazing), REI members can use the code ANNIV26 to take 20% off of one item at checkout, and this is an item that I think is worth using that on.
Car Camping Deals
REI Item #5: Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove
Sale Price: $97.49
Regular Price: $130.00
The beauty of car camping, as opposed to backpacking, is that the weight and space of gear doesn't matter, so long as it fits in your vehicle. Since you don't have to carry all your food on your back, why not make some delicious meals while camping?
This is something that Mitch and I use every time we car camp. It's a 2-burner propane stove, and we've cooked up some gooood meals using it. Most recently, we made ground chicken tacos with an assortment of chopped vegetables, and I think my favorite thing we've made on this stove is a one-pot shakshuka bastardization that steams the eggs with the skillet lid on instead of baking them in an oven.
All our pots, pans, cooking utensils, cutting boards, and even the table we cook on are thrifted. We keep a bin (also thrifted!) in the back of the truck that functions as our camp kitchen. This stove and the propane it uses are the only kitchen items we got new.
REI Item #6: Eno DoubleNest Hammock
Sale Price: $56.19
Regular Price: $74.95
A portable hammock is the secret to happiness. I'm convinced lying down in a hammock resembles the comfort of being in the womb, which is why it's so universally-beloved. Mitch and I both have a DoubleNest, so we can share one, but we both often prefer to use our own. I like having the option to share or not. But there is something so relaxing about reading with a light breeze surrounded by nature.
Portable hammocks require a little extra hardware to be functional. The most common way to use these is by strapping them to nearby trees. The straps do not come included in the hammock purchase, but they're $10 off with this sale (sale price: $29.89; regular price: $39.95). Alternatively, you can bring a portable stand (sale price: $164.89; regular price: $219.95), so you don't have to worry about if there are well-spaced, well-sized, well-placed trees.
REI Item #7: Rumpl Travel Puffy Blanket
Sale Price: $67.39
Regular Price: $89.95
I take after my mom. I am chronically cold. If I am standing still or sitting down, no matter what time of year, I like having a blanket wrapped somewhere around my body. Conventional blankets are awesome if I'm inside where I don't have to worry about it getting dirty, but if there's any chance of the blanket getting dirty, I love having this particular blanket. It doesn't absorb dirt or moisture or odors like other blankets, but it still keeps me cozy and warm.
All Rumpl products are awesome, but I love my travel-sized blanket. I bring it everywhere. Like... everywhere. Road trips, day hikes, plane rides, park hangs with friends. This travel blanket is a perfect size to bring wherever I'm going without it taking up too much space. Honestly, the ability to bring it on planes alone makes it worth it for me.
Clothing Deals
Sale Price: $52.39
Regular Price: $69.96
I'm a big believer that, as far as clothing goes, you can mostly use what you already have. You probably already have clothes that you exercise in, and when you begin hiking, or even backpacking, these clothes are more than adequate. I did the Appalachian Trail in a thrifted running shirt that I had gotten at the beginning of college. But when you start hiking in highly-exposed locations where the sun is more intense (like, for example, much of Colorado, and not at all like, for example, the green tunnel of the AT), having sun-protective clothing becomes pretty important. I didn't realize that when I did a section of the Colorado Trail in 2023... my entire face and the back of my neck were crispy. I don't burn easily, and that level of peeling was a brand new experience for me.
Enter: sun hoodies (and hats. I had always used headbands, and now I know to use hats). This particular sun hoodie has a UPF rating of 50+ and feels lightweight on my skin. I've tried a bunch of sun hoodies from different brands, and this is the most breathable one so far. I know I can trust the fabric of this shirt to keep my skin safe while I'm out in the sun for lengthy periods of time.
REI Item #9: Kari Traa Rose Base Layer Set (High-Waisted Pants)(Half-Zip Top)
Sale Price: $83.99 - $97.99
Regular Price: $120.00 - $140.00
Most of us have a variety of layers to keep our tops warm, but what about our legs? When I'm spending a lot of time outside in the winter, whether it's hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing, I often wear base layers underneath my clothes to ensure that my whole body stays toasty warm.
The Kari Traa Rose base layers are my favorite for a multitude of reasons. For starters -- and arguably the most important reason -- the patterns and colors are cute! Look good, feel good, ski/hike/climb good! That's the rule! I have a pink set, but if I didn't, I'd absolutely be after the butter yellow. Also, the base layers are made of merino wool, which wicks moisture and repels odors, so I can get multiple wears out of them without feeling gross.
Kari Traa makes clothes specifically for women, but there are base layers from other brands for men (and women, but Kari Traa is elite).
Navigation Deals
Sale Price: $17.99/year
Regular Price: $35.99/year
AllTrails is running a promo from now until May 28th that knocks 50% off of an annual plan price. The free version of the app is excellent, especially if you only do short hikes that aren't out of cell range. I, however, have the navigational skills of... well, someone whose trail name is Wrong Way. As you can imagine, I get turned around quite frequently, so having the ability to download maps for offline use and get warnings for being off trail is very valuable for me.
For the majority of users, the free version genuinely is fine. If, however, you find that, like me, your navigational skills are subpar at best, this is a very worthwhile $18 to spend.
REI Item #10: Garmin inReach Mini 3
Sale Price: $399.99
Regular Price: $450.00
A satellite communication device is one of the most important pieces of gear in my arsenal. I can use it to send preset messages while out of cell range. I can send custom messages using satellite transmitters instead of cell service. I can send an SOS to local emergency services if I find myself in danger (I've never had to use this feature, but it's one of the main reasons I have it). On top of the device itself, Garmin requires a monthly subscription plan in order to utilize its features. The Essential Plan is almost always enough for me.
I have the first iteration of the inReach Mini, and it works great for me, but I do have some qualms with its battery life. I had to be pretty conservative about power usage, especially when I had a long stretch between towns and therefore charging capabilities, and I know they've addressed that in later versions, with the Mini 3 having up to 350 hours of battery life with 10-minute tracking intervals. There's also a Mini 3 Plus, which allows for voice messaging, which would be so great on long trips. I would have loved that on the CDT.
The sale for these Garmin navigation devices ends June 29th, which is over a month later than the other sales, so there's plenty of time to think on this one! For me, it is an extremely worthwhile investment,
Don't Buy Anything If It Doesn't Serve You!!!
I feel so strongly about this. While I think these deals are all worthwhile, especially if you are looking to upgrade your gear closet, there is absolutely no need to purchase anything that doesn't serve a purpose for you. You also can find a lot of these things secondhand, which will save you even more money! Checking outlets like Facebook Marketplace, secondhand clothing apps, thrift stores, and even REI's Garage Sale section can be a great way to score new-to-you gear at a fraction of the cost. I never want to give the impression that I am pushing you to buy anything, especially new, especially if it's expensive. Ultimately, I want to draw attention to items that I regularly use and think are worthy investments in the hopes that you find what you are looking for to continue your journey in the outdoors.
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