Spring to me means blossoms, longer walks outside, dreaming about getting out on the water or to national parks—and refreshing my gear at REI. Every year, REI’s big anniversary sale hits right before Memorial Day weekend, to kick off summer with the store’s biggest discounts. That’s when I pounce on otherwise pricey big items like tents, backpacks, and boots. From May 16 to 26, you can get 15 to 30 percent off most items in store and online. After being a co-op member for several years (which gives an extra 20 percent savings), I’ve gathered a few opinions about the best sleeping pads, water containers, and even underwear. Here are some of my favorite deals they’ve announced this year.
Clothing and travel bag deals
REI Flash Packs
- Buy now: Starting at $19.83 (was $39.95) at rei.com
- Deal: 30–50 percent off
REI’s Flash Packs are popular for good reason, since they’re affordable and durable. Even my most well-used REI backpacks have lasted over 10 years, so the investment has been worth it. I prefer smaller 18-liter bags for casual day trips or traveling, and I like anything 50 liters or more for a multi-day trek.
DUER Pants
- Buy now: Starting at $59.19 (was $79.00) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
I normally agonize over how many bulky jeans will fit in my suitcase, or else I resort to wearing my heaviest denim during travel to avoid overloading my bags. But the lightweight feature of DUER’s “lite” denim pants is no joke. These jeans keep me cool in the summer and are a relief to my packing endeavors. Plus its designer seems to be on top of the latest trends.
Smartwool Merino Underwear
- Buy now: $34.73 (was $48.00) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
Smartwool socks are an absolute necessity (and are also on sale), but another moisture-wicking accessory that basically revolutionized my active wardrobe is the underwear and briefs made from the same Merino wool. Not only is the material soft, odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating, you can also say goodbye to concerns about chaffing or jock itch. I snatch up any pair I can find, no matter whatever color or pattern is left in the sale.
Courtesy of REI
Fjallraven Pants
- Buy now: Starting at $122.49 (was $175.00) at rei.com
- Deal: 30 percent off
The Scandinavian company truly understands sleek style paired with functionality. The brand’s various pants have lasted me years, with a level of quality I know to expect from Fjallraven. Even the carefully thought-out pockets are impressive. Plus, the brand is one of the most focused on sustainability for every component and impact.
Courtesy of REI
La Sportiva Bushido III Trail Running Shoes
- Buy now: $108.69 (was $145.00) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
The Bushido line from this well-respected shoe brand is my go-to trail runner for hiking. (I’ve even bought more than one pair at a time.) With breathable mesh, a rock plate in the sole, and its overall light weight, they are ideal summer shoes for outdoor adventure, whether you’re running an errand or trekking hundreds of miles on a thru-hike.
Camping gear deals
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad and Nemo Disco Sleeping Bag
- Buy now: Starting at $134.89 (was $179.95) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
Squeaky sleeping pads used to wake me up in the middle of the night when I changed positions, but then I found sweet relief in this quiet and comfy Tensor sleeping pad. It’s also insulated, so it stops you from losing heat through the ground. (The brand offers an extra-lightweight and an extra-warm option.) Plus Nemo’s Disco sleeping bag is designed for side sleepers, so it’s cushioned on the hips and has a flap near the top to keep your face warm without getting stuffy.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
- Buy now: $41.19 (was $54.95) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
It’s incredible how something so small can make such a difference to your beauty sleep. The Aeros blow-up pillow is easy to carry and it’s soft to the touch. Plus, it notches into the head cover of most mummy sleeping bags, so you don’t have to worry about it shifting around and getting lost in the dark during the night.
Helinox Chair One
- Buy now: $89.89 (was $119.95) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
It’s a quaint idea to sit on a log around a campfire, but it’s way more comfortable to spend time in a foldable chair. Rather than lug around something bulky or heavy, invest in an advanced camping seat. The sturdy Helinox Chair One snaps together in seconds and easily packs up small, while still sporting pockets for drinks or flashlights.
Reach peak relaxation this summer with a camping hammock.
Courtesy of REI
ENO DoubleNest Hammock
- Buy now: Starting at $41.19 (was $54.95) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
The DoubleNest Hammock can fit up to two people and support up to 400 pounds of weight, yet it stuffs down into a tiny carry sack. For every hammock purchase, ENO plants two trees through its partnership with Trees for the Future.
Don’t get left out in the dark.
Courtesy of REI
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
- Buy now: $37.39 (was $49.95) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
Headlamps are crucial for camping, and Black Diamond makes some of the best. You can get 25 percent off several different kinds from the brand right now, but my pick is the Spot 400 Headlamp. It emits 400-lumen white flood lighting with a beam distance of up to 100 yards, plus a red light for night time, and it has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
REI Half Dome Tent
- Buy now: $209.29 (was $299.00) at rei.com
- Deal: 30 percent off
The REI Half Dome is a rockstar tent. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, breathable (with a vent in the rain fly), and reliably sturdy. I’ve pitched this tent by myself many times over the years—and it kept me bone-dry during an unexpected downpour. What’s more, the vestibule give you extra space to store bags beyond the footprint of the tent itself, so you have more room for sleeping.
Black Diamond Trekking Poles
- Buy now: Starting at $74.89 (was $99.95) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
Maybe you didn’t realize you need trekking poles, that they enable you to walk longer distances by helping take the weight off your legs and alleviate knee or back pain. Some of the best ones on the market are from Black Diamond. The cork handles wick away sweat to prevent blisters, and they’re easy to adjust to different lengths for going uphill or downhill.
Deals on everything else
Osprey Hydration Packs
- Buy now: Starting at $83.93 (was $140.00) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
I wouldn’t drink nearly as much water if I didn’t have a hydration pack, because the tube is so easy to access as I’m on the move—no need to pause and take anything out of my bag. Osprey has my favorite design for the easy-to-use nozzle and large opening to fill the pouch with water. Be sure to buy a cap for the mouthpiece, which all too easily can fall in the dirt or (worse) on an airport floor.
The biggest discounts on the Hydro Flask 32 Oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle are for its national parks collection.
Courtesy of REI
Hydro Flask Water Bottles
- Buy now: Starting at $33.69 (was $44.95) at rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
If you do prefer to stick to water bottles, at Afar we love Hydro Flask. The brand’s double-wall insulation will keep your drinks temperature-stabilized for a full day’s hike—24 hours for ice-cold beverages and up to 12 hours for hot ones.
Courtesy of REI
Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Buy now: $299.99 (was $400.00) at rei.com
- Deal: $100 off
If you’ve ever worried about safety in the woods, this one is for you. This satellite communicator doesn’t require cell service—which is pretty much nonexistent in many forests, national parks, and other remote nature areas—to make calls or share your location. Let your loved ones know you’re OK, especially if you’re traveling solo.
BOTE Paddleboards
- Buy now: Starting at $475.09 (was $559.00) at rei.com
- Deal: 15 percent off
For those looking to get out on the water, BOTE makes it easy with inflatable kayaks and paddleboards, both the seated and SUP kind. The tough material can handle a lot of roughhousing, but the boards come with a repair kit just in case, as well as a hand pump and easy-to-assemble paddles. And the whole thing packs up into a convenient travel bag.
This article was originally published in 2021; it was updated on May 16, 2025, with current information. Lindsey Matthews previously contributed to the reporting of this article.
