Just as bears are waking up from hibernation and birds are migrating in spring, REI launches its grand anniversary sale every year around Memorial Day. This year’s event runs from May 20th to May 30th. Many items are up to 30 percent off, but REI Co-op members save up to 20 percent on any full-price item of their choice and an additional 20 percent on any REI outlet item with the code ANNIV22.
We’ve highlighted some of our favorite picks here. If you can’t find what you need, be sure to check out our summer guides to the best action cameras, the best portable grills, and the best reusable water bottles.
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Oru kayak inlet
Photo: Oru
Paddling is an easy introduction to watersports, but city dwellers often don’t have room in their homes for a kayak. Easy to store and transport, Oru’s foldable kayaks are not often found on sale. This is his smallest kayak, which is really only suitable for flat water. It weighs only 20 pounds and folds up in minutes. You will also likely need a personal buoyancy aid (PFD) and a paddle.
Fitness and clothing offerings
Garmin Forerunner 55
Photo: Garmin
If you’re just starting to run seriously, you don’t need to spend more than $200 on a running watch. Garmin’s Forerunner series is GPS-enabled to more accurately track your pace and distance, and Garmin’s software offers features like PacePro to help you optimize your workouts. Check out our guide to the best Garmin watches for more recommendations.
The brand name ‘Camelbak’ is synonymous with ‘drinking bag’, just as ‘Q-Tip’ means ‘cotton swab’. Several Camelbak backpacks are on sale, but this 2L pack is tough enough for your biggest adventures.
When you’re spending time outdoors, buffs are so useful (and so embarrassingly uncool, but I digress). I use mine as a headband to keep my bangs out of my eyes and sweat off my forehead or neck, as a half mask to keep dust out when mountain biking, or as a head warmer under my bike helmet when it’s raining or chilly outside.
Xero shoes Z-Trail
Photo: Xero Shoes
WIRED Senior Writer Scott Gilbertson loves these barely-there sandals so much he wrote an entire essay about them. Check out his guide to the best barefoot shoes for more information.
Like its tents, REI’s rain jackets offer incredible value for money. The Rainier is a perennial affordable choice in our guide to the best rain jackets.
Kari Traa Norwegian women’s specific sportswear could be a good option if you don’t like the fit or the ubiquitous pastel purple that many other manufacturers use for their women’s clothing. I tested this jacket and it fits well under my outer shell. See our layering guide for more information.
Being a REI member gives you access to more offers than just the full price item discount above. Some of us own this light weight small daypack in different colors. This is made from eco-friendly Bluesign certified materials and solution dyed in a process that reduces water usage. Our hiking guide 101 also has other packing options.
Camping and Cooking Offers
Poler The reversible napsack
Photo: Poler
I have nothing more to say about this convertible sleeping bag/coat, except that you absolutely need it. My kids and I both have our own and we all grope around the campsite like grubby worms, much to my wife’s annoyance. It’s Camp Slanket. you will wear it All. That. Time.
As we found in our tests for the best tents, REIs offer incredible value for money. I’ve been using my REI tent for a decade. It’s really hard to find another backpacking tent with these specs at this ridiculous price that includes a fly, groundsheet, guy lines and stuff sack.
MSR makes some of the best backpacking gear; My own backpack stove is a much older MSR Whisperlite. This all-in-one system conveniently packs into itself and the pot screws securely onto the burner. It’s both a great backpack stove and an extra kettle set when your two camp stove burners are busy with pancakes and eggs.
Hydro Flask 16 ounce mug
Photo: Hydro Flask
I seem to have to replace my insulated mugs for hot and cold camping drinks every year. How do these just disappear? We usually like Hydro Flask bottles, and you can check out our guide to the best travel mugs to learn more.
Mobile power plants are not only used to be able to work “out of the office” in the base camp. I have this in our emergency preparedness kit to charge my e-bike batteries, phones and laptops. For more (smaller) options, check out our guide to the best portable chargers.
If you’re living that #vanlife this summer, you can charge your electric cooler with your power plant so you don’t have to ice half the cooler. Like the Goal Zero Yeti, it can be powered from an outlet or solar panel.
I have no excuse for recommending these chopsticks other than that Snow Peaks are weighted and balanced to feel good in your hand. You’ll use your reusable gear a lot more if it’s beautiful and you enjoy holding it. Check out our guide to the best reusable products for more information.
Cycling and climbing offers
Electra Townie 7D Step Through Cruiser
Photo: Electra
Given the ongoing supply chain issues, if you can find a bike in stock, go for it. Electra is owned by Trek. The low Flat Foot geometry means you can sit comfortably upright while keeping both feet planted firmly on the ground when you stop – a boon for newbie bikers. Unfortunately, the electric version is not on sale.
I swear this is the summer my kids will learn to ride bikes. If you are a member, you can also exchange your children’s bike for a larger one.
If you’re still avoiding indoor gyms due to the ongoing pandemic, you can mount a hangboard over one of your doors to do pull-ups and maintain your finger strength. I own this very simple, reliable.
If you’re a serious cyclist who rides for hours, a wrist wearable probably isn’t for you anymore. The Edge helps you navigate; there’s two-way messaging when you’re offline; and it’s compatible with other Garmin devices, like a chest-strap heart-rate monitor or the Varia radar sensor, which helps spot passing cars (sort of).
Wahoo Fitness Kickr bike simulator
Photo: Wahoo Fitness
If you have the world’s best quads, a lot of money and not a lot of space, then you absolutely need this compact bike simulator that can recreate the feel of your exact bike, your ride and your shifters. It’s worth mentioning that you can also ride your real bike on one of Wahoo’s trainers.
Your helmet should have MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) technology, which allows it to rotate easily around your head in the event of an impact, absorbing more rotational forces. As a bonus, Nutcase helmets also make you look more like a cool skateboarder than stepping onto Le Tour de Dork.
Speaking of looking like a jerk, do padded gloves help reduce discomfort in both cycling and spinning? Unfortunately, they do. REI is offering a 25 percent discount on all Pearl Izumi gear for the duration of the sale.
Kryptonite New York bicycle chain lock
Photo: Hinterland
Your bike lock can be as personal as your bike; I use this highly rated chain lock because I have a cargo bike and don’t like fumbling around to get a U-lock to work with both my bike and standard bike racks. Many Kryptonite bike locks are on sale; Check out the guide to the best bike locks for more information.
When I run or ride my bike at night, I always wear this over my clothes. It’s lightweight and adjustable; I forget I’m wearing it, but cars don’t.