The 37 best deals from the 2025 REI anniversary sale have been hand-picked by us
It’s almost summer.
The flowers are in full blossom, the birds have moved north and REI has started its annual anniversary sales, which is the biggest sale the company makes all year. The REI anniversary sale runs from May 16 through Memorial Day on May 26. REI Co-op Members can save up to 20% on any item at full price and get an additional 20% off REI Outlet items. To get the discount, add the promo code ANNIV2025 at checkout.Several other retailers have also launched early Memorial Day sales, including Backcountry and Public Lands, plus some of our favorite smaller retailers like Sea to Summit and Zenbivy, along with many others you can find on Garage Grown Gear. We’ve selected some of the best deals we’ve found on gear that we’ve tested over the years. Check out our guides to outdoor gear, including the Best Day-Hiking Packs, Best Tents, Best Sleeping Bags, best backpacking sleeping pads, best rain jackets, and best backpacking water filters. Be sure to look at our guides to outdoor gear, like the Best Day-Hiking Packs, Best Tents, Best Sleeping Bags, Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads, Best Rain Jackets, Best Backpacking Water Filters, Best Merino Wool, and Best Binoculars.
Updated Monday, May 19, 2025
: We’ve added deals from other sales, like Sea to Summit, Roark, Altra, and Six Moon Designs, along with some new REI deals on camp cookware and hiking apparel.WIRED Featured Deals
Backpack Deals
Don’t forget to check out our guide to the Best Day-Hiking Backpacks and the Best Travel Bags.
Photograph: REI
The Flash 22 is possibly the best-value day pack on the market, especially on sale. The Flash 22 is surprisingly comfortable, even with its lightweight straps and minimal padding. The side pockets can hold a Nalgene or rain jacket, and it can carry loads of up to 15 pounds. The Flash 18 is the ultralight version of the Flash 22. It lacks the hipbelt, side stash pockets and floating lid. The result is a minimalist, stripped-down pack, which can be stuffed into a carry-on and used as a backpack when needed. The pack is not padded, so don’t overload it with anything heavier than 8 pounds. Also, avoid any sharp edges. This results in a pack that is comfortable, light (1 lb 6 oz), and easily packable. It’s a great travel pack. The side pockets can hold a Nalgene bottle, and the 25-L volume is enough to carry everything you need for an entire day. This pack is perfect for walking around town or hiking on the trail. The Nemo Resolve is our favorite pack for eco-conscious travelers who want to travel light. It is 100% recycled, infinitely adjustable, and repairable. Once it reaches the end of its useful life, you can send it back to Nemo to be completely recycled. It’s a comfortable pack that sits high on the back. The Resolve uses a strange system with bungees instead of straps. It’s a pretty lightweight bag, especially considering the amount of hardware it contains. Salomon is our favorite brand of hiking boots. They offer impressive levels in terms of protection and traction while also being lightweight, easy to put on and take off. The heel grips well so that I don’t crush my toes when going downhill. It’s also so sticky, I can climb rocks like an insect. I have worn this shoe in the women’s size for many years. Altra is a great running shoe for those who want to have a barefoot feeling (zero toe to heel drop, large toe box) while still having traction and protection from rocks and prickers. Altra’s version is the Brooks Glycerin Max, a super-plush and comfortable road running shoe. These shoes are for you if you are looking for a cushioned shoe, but love Altra’s large toe box. (Don’t be embarrassed; I do too.) Don’t forget our guide on the Best Barefoot Shoe. –Adrienne So
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Deals
Confused by the options? Check out our guides to the Best Sleeping Bags and the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
REI Co-op’s Magma 15 is our favorite bag for shoulder-season trips when the temps might drop more than expected. The bag has a draft collar which is very effective at keeping the cold out. Outside is a 15 denier nylon ripstop. (Bluesign approved, with non-fluorinated DWR to keep moisture away. The baffles are not stitched in, so the fill stays put and cold spots are minimized. The Magma is a simple sleeping bag that does the job. The bag is not a mummy because you are not going to climb Denali. Why cramp yourself up if you do not have to? The rectangular shape of the Siesta makes it a more spacious and comfortable bag. The Siesta’s 20-degree rating makes it enough for three-season trips, and unlike most rectangular bags, the Siesta has a hood, which helps on those cold nights.
Nemo’s Forte 20 is a 20-degree synthetic-fill sleeping bag, but the comfort rating is 30 degrees. This is where I would want to be if you were using this bag. The outer shell is made of a 30 denier recycled polyester with a 20-denier recycled poly taffeta lining. After a very wet night of testing, I found that it does a great job at preventing moisture from forming inside the tent. This is the most compact synthetic-fill bag I’ve tested in this temperature range. It retains its ability to trap warmth even when wet. The Zerofiber packs down remarkably small–this is the most compact synthetic-fill bag I’ve tested in this temp range–and it retains its ability to trap warmth even when wet.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Our favorite backpacking sleeping bag, the Bishop Pass 30 offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio while also managing to pack down small and not be too expensive. The Bishop Pass 30 is not perfect, but for most backpackers it’s the best compromise. It was hot enough to sleep in it for two weeks. The temperatures ranged from 28 degrees to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This bag is very versatile. The long and regular size women’s 30 bags are both on sale. The women’s 30 bag is on sale in both the regular and long size. I wore it on several nights when the temperature dropped below 13 Fahrenheit (below the comfort ratings). It kept me warm. Sleeping bag ratings assume that you wear merino underwear and a wool cap. This is the best option for a bag that can handle colder temperatures without being too expensive. This is not my first choice for extreme conditions, but if your temperatures are within the range of Zenbivy (the comfort rating in Fahrenheit is 35), you won’t find a more comfortable sleeping bag. Zenbivy’s is more than just a sleepingbag. It’s a sheet, hood, and quilt-style bag that can be combined in various ways.
Zenbivy’s Light Bed is a brand-new option that takes the basic clip design of other Zenbivy beds and lightens up the load. This bag is the same as my original, but it’s lighter. I have been using this bag for a few months and I love everything about it. This bag is a great option for those who want to reduce the weight of their base gear but still like the Zenbivy. I will have a review up soon. Zenbivy is currently running a 25 percent off sale on almost everything. Note that Zenbivy is having a 25 percent off sale on almost everything on its site right now.
Nemo Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad
Photograph: Nemo
Nemo’s new 2024 Tensor-insulated sleeping pads (8/10, WIRED Recommends) have the best R-value-to-weight ratio of anything I’ve tested, and the All-Season is our top pick for backpacking trips. The All-Season has an R value of 5.4, and weighs 18 ounces. The Trail model, which is slightly lighter, is also on sale, as is the Extreme Conditions pad, which is the lightest, warmest sleeping pad available. The slightly lighter Trail pad is also available, as well as the Extreme Conditions pad which is the lightest and warmest sleeping mat on the market. The XLite is a lightweight sleeping pad that provides a comfortable sleep. It weighs less than 1 pound in the regular size. At 3 inches thick, it’s plenty of protection from the ground, and the R-Value of 4.5 means it’ll be plenty warm in most three-season conditions.
Sea to Summit’s Ether Light XT is only marginally heavier than the Therm-a-Rest above. Sea to Summit’s Ether Light XT is only marginally heavier than the Therm a Rest pad above. It also offers a lot more cushioning, with a 4-inch pad compared to 3 inches for Therm-a rest X-Lite. This makes it a better option for ultralight side sleepers. This is an REI Outlet deal, the XT has been replaced by a newer model. Note that this one is an REI Outlet deal, the XT has been replaced by a newer model.
Tent Deals
Check out our Best Tents guide for more WIRED-tested recommendations.
REI Half Dome SL 2+
Photograph: REI
Our pick for Best Two-Person Backpacking Tent, REI’s Half Dome is rugged and lightweight (4 pounds), and offers generous living space for two with gear. The tent is constructed of a 40-denier ripstop for durability on the base and floor. A 20-denier mesh covers the body. It is nice that the Half Dome includes a footprint. This is rare these days and a very useful feature. Sea to Summit’s lightweight Alto (8/10) tent is made to reduce weight on solo adventures. It’s one of the lightest semi-freestanding options available, and it is hard to resist at this price. Sea to Summit’s 3-plus-season tents can handle almost any weather and are incredibly light. This three-person model weighs just 3 pounds, 12 ounces. It was used on a 5-day trip in early October to Loon Lake, northern California, which had daytime temperatures in the 80s and nighttime lows of 40 degrees. The trip was a “shoulder-season” trip, with highs in mid-80s during the day, but wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour at night. The pole bag has a rigid insert made of opaque white plastic. This is my favorite feature. Clip it on the ceiling of your tent, plug in your headlamp and light up your home. The Nemo Dagger Osmo line of tents (8/10, Wired Recommends), are relatively light and have spacious interiors. My favorite tent for family trips is the three-person model (also available). The single main pole (which forks on each end) and cross pole in middle make it easy to set up. There are two spacious vestibules for storing gear, and if you leave the rain fly off, the mesh room is excellent for stargazing.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The Nemo Mayfly (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a three-season backpacking tent with a trail weight of 3 pounds, 8 ounces for the two-person version I tested. Each person can carry less than 2 pounds if the tent is split between them. Mayfly is lighter because it’s semi-freestanding, so you only have to stake out a portion of the unit. The living area is small, measuring 27.9 sq. ft., and there are two vestibules of 7 sq. ft. The tent is a good size for two people, and it has a larger roof than other tents of this size. The white mesh is a nice change from the black and I like the simple clips to keep the rain fly in place. After spending a long time with this tent, I am a convert. At least for summer camping. I will be writing a full review later this month. The Lunar Solo is a great way to deal with condensation, which is a common problem for single-wall tents. The Lunar Solo hasn’t caused me any condensation problems, thanks to the large amount of mesh and the top vent in its vestibule. (Like my favorite backcountry shelter the Hilleberg Akto (10/10) from WIRED). It’s not without its quirks (read the pitching tips), but if you want something more than a tarp, that still weighs just 26 ounces (740 grams), this one is hard to beat.
Hiking Apparel Deals
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
Photograph: REI
Every year, I repurchase one of these rain jackets for each of my children. REI rain jackets are hard to beat for value. The 2.5-layer shell is non-fluorinated, meaning it’s PFAS free. It also has taped seams and an adjustable hood. They will last the whole year, provided your child doesn’t lose it. I bought these shirts for my husband, brother, sister-in law, father and father-inlaw last year. Roark Clothing makes some of my favourite activewear, and the Bless Up t-shirt is perfect for summer. The perforated synthetic fabric is perfect for hot, humid beach days. The socks are not as high in merino (54%) but they are thin and light and go well with barefoot (and other) shoes. The socks are also surprisingly odor resistant for being only half merino. I still prefer DarnTough’s lightweight walking socks but these Smartwool hiking socks are worth the price. Is it possible to have too many hiking socks made of wool? No, I would say. They’re made of 56 percent merino, which means they are stretchy and odorless. Grab two pair and rotate them to keep your feet dry and happy.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade
Photograph: REI
This is wildly affordable compared to the other sun hoodies we tested for our Best Sun Protection Clothing guide. Jaina Gray, a WIRED reviewer, found the hoodie to be incredibly soft and breathable. It also has thumb holes that protect your hands. It has UPF 50 and may make it easier for your children or sensitive family members wear clothing rather than smearing sunscreen all over them. –Adrienne So
Camping Deals
Photograph: MSR
We’re in the final stage of testing for a backpacking stove guide that will be up very soon, and the MSR PocketRocket 2 will be our top pick for propane canister stoves. It is easy to use, and it boils water fast (about 3.5 mins for 1 liter of water at sea level). It is also more durable, and therefore more reliable, than any other ultralight stove I have tested. It weighs only 2.6 ounces. This is the model I would choose if I was to take one with me. It is small, lightweight (3.5 ounces), easy to store and compact. The Iridium satellite system allows you to send an SOS quickly from anywhere. It has extra features such as waypoints, interval tracking and is compatible with Garmin watches. My spouse says that dogs are able to swim but I’m not sure I believe her. We go boating a lot during the summer. It gives me a few handles to grab onto if my dog gets swept off. Do you need a chair while backpacking? This is the chair you need if that’s what you want. It’s just about the lightest on the market at 18 ounces, packs down very small, and solves the number one problem with all pole chairs: the included base pad keeps it from sinking in soft ground.
Nalgene water bottles for half off, what’s not to love? I have always preferred the classic over the latest design, which may be why I’ve not used any other water bottles (except for reusing Smartwater bottle when backpacking). Nalgenes weigh less than stainless steel, and are the only sensible option for hiking. Grab two of the big 48 ounce bottles, stick them in the sides of your Mystery Ranch Coulee 30, and your family will never be thirsty again.
Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove
Photograph: Coleman
This is the fancy version of our favorite camp stove. You get electronic ignition as well as a pale green paint finish. Does it really worth $30 more? If not, you can get the less fancy version at Walmart for $59 instead. The less expensive version is available at Walmart for $59, but I’m not certain that it qualifies as “ultralight”. These pots have unfortunately been tarnished by a lot of fake influencer reviews. However, they are actually very good. If you are cooking for a large group, the 3-liter pot will be ideal. This is the pot I use for my family’s backpacking trips. Hard-anodized aluminium is durable and offers good heat transfer. It is easy to clean the ceramic nonstick coating (especially when used with the GSI Scraper). The 2L version ($49), which can be nestled inside the 1.3L version, will give you more options for cooking on the trail. You can nest the 1.3L version (49$) in the 2L if you really want to get crazy. I haven’t done it yet, but it’s possible. The 8-inch Frontier pan may not be ultralight, but it’s the best option for backpackers who want to go beyond the gel tubes and boil-in a bag food. You can make a creamy sauce using dried milk. If you want to cook brook trout or make a cream sauce, a pan that evenly distributes heat is essential. It is easy to use and clean, thanks to the curved edge of the Frontier pan. Its ceramic coating and great design make the Frontier pan a winner. And it weighs only 13 ounces. GSI’s Pot Scraper makes backcountry cooking a breeze. It turns a chore into a few seconds of work. This tool is not going to save you if you burn something (boiling water in the pan will loosen up the burned bits), but it will help you get 99 percent of your pot clean. This is a must-have tool. You might as well get one now while they’re a few dollars cheaper.
