REI famously shuns Black Friday, asking potential customers to instead get outside and enjoy the world around you. That’s great advice, but of course Black Friday is also one of the biggest retail spending days of the year, and REI is a for-profit co-op—what to do? Have your sale early, of course. The REI Co-op Winter Sale runs November 15 through November 25. Now is a great time to save some money on tents, backpacks, sleeping pads, and running shoes.
REI members get some extra savings during this winter sale, including 20 percent off one full-priced item and an extra 20 percent off one REI Outlet item with coupon code WINTER24 (and yes, you can use the discount on the outlet item even if it’s already on sale). Additionally REI is offering 20 percent off one Re/Supply item with the coupon code USED20. If you’re not a member you can join REI today and get a $30 gift card for joining.
Shopping for someone else? REI has put together some gift guides to help you out, and we also have some gift ideas for hikers, backpackers, and outdoorsy people.
Updated November 15, 2024: We’ve added apparel deals, along with some more deals on packs, tents, and REI Co-op gear.
Be sure to check out our many outdoor gear guides, including our Best Tents, Best Sleeping Bags, Best Sleeping Pads, Best Camp Stoves, and Best Rain Jackets for more well-tested picks. Are you working on your holiday shopping? Don’t forget our guide to the Best Gifts for Hikers and Outdoorsy People.
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WIRED Featured Deals
Backpack Deals
We’ve been testing day packs for years, and a few of our favorites are one sale now.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson; Getty Images
Mystery Ranch’s Coulee 30 pack (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is everything you need in a good hiking day pack. The suspension is cushy and provides a comfortable carry even with heavy loads. Mystery Ranch’s Signature Y-shaped zippers offer easy access to all your gear, and there are five externally accessible pockets for things you want close to hand.
I have not tested the GR2, but the GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Review) is my favorite backpack for everything but hiking. (That’s when I turn to the Mystery Ranch above, thanks to its nice hip belt.) The rest of the time—around town, traveling, as a camera bag—the GR1 is perfect. The GR2 is very close to the GR1, but with some larger options that make it good for travel. Like the the original, the GR2 is massively overbuilt with 1000D cordura on the back and sides. It has 210D cordura on the back panel and underside of the shoulder straps, which is a bit softer and easier on those merino T-shirts we love. The GR2 also has several additional pockets for organizing your gear.
REI’s Big Haul Duffel is perfect for getting your gear to where you need it, whether that’s a flight to Nepal or a drive to Florida. This bag swallows an impressive amount of stuff and remains comfortable. It’s got plenty of straps and handles to help you get everything secured and carry in comfort. There are a variety of sizes—the number refers to the carrying capacity in liters—and they are all on sale: 28 liter, 40 liter, and 120 liter.
Photograph: REI
The Flash 22 is possibly the best value day pack on the market, especially on sale. I was surprised by how comfortable this thing is, despite the lightweight straps and minimal padding. It carries loads up to 15 pounds without straining the shoulders, and the side stash pockets are fabulously large—big enough for a Nalgene bottle or rain jacket.
The ultralight cousin to the Flash 22, the Flash 18 lacks the hip belt, side stash pockets, and floating lid. What you’re left with is a stripped-down, bare-bones pack that’s great for traveling since you can stuff it down to almost nothing, stash it in your carry-on, and have a nice backpack whenever you need it. Avoid loading it down though, more than 8 pounds and this one gets uncomfortable.
This internal frame kids served all my children well from the ages of about eight on up to 12. That will of course vary depending on your kid’s size and growth rate, but we had two and one made it through two different kids, so they’re pretty durable (my kids typically only spend about a week a year on the trail). There’s plenty of storage space and a couple extra pockets to help organize. We’ve also used it as a carry-on on several trips.
The Best Deals on Tents
Camping is intense! Yup, I’m just going to keep putting that joke in any time I write about tents, because it never gets old. But your tent will. If you need a new one, there are some good ones on sale. We’ve spent years testing tents, and many of our favorites are on sale now.
Photograph: REI
REI’s Half Dome tent series is an incredibly popular backpacking tent for good reason—it’s reasonably priced (especially on sale), rugged, simple to set up, and offers generous living space for two with gear. It also comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days. It’s easy to set up thanks to the interchangeable poles. While it’s not the lightest, it’s also not too bad at just under 4 pounds.
If I had to pick just one tent to own, this would be it. The Dagger Osmo 2P (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a stout, low-to-the-ground (peak height is 42 inches), incredibly sturdy tent—it holds up really well even in high winds (45 mph when I was testing). Pair the sturdiness with large, spacious vestibules and a roomy interior, with excellent stargazing potential thanks to the mesh roof, and you have a great backcountry tent. If you want something roomier, the three-person version is also on sale for $420 ($180 off).
The Big Agnes Copper Spur series is the king of ultralight tents. I’ve used both the two-person and four-person models (on sale for $560) over the years, and Big Agnes has continually refined the design to the point that these are pretty near perfect. This is a high-quality, well-designed tent. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and stable even in strong winds. The steep sidewalls give you more livable space than most tents and the “awning” design (with trekking poles or sticks) is great. The only complaint I have is the price, but on sale it’s a little easier to handle.
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Deals
For more on our favorite sleeping bags, be sure to check out our guides to the best sleeping bags and best sleeping pads,
Photograph: Amazon
If you’re looking for a solid three-season quilt and don’t want to pay custom quilt prices, this is our top pick. The top-of-the-line Vesper has everything you could ask for in a lightweight quilt. It weighs less than a pound, and ratcheting down the included comprehension sack will get it to roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle. The 900-fill down insulation (more on fill power here) was more than toasty enough for nights in the low 40s in the Canadian Rockies. The down is hydrophobic, which means condensation on tent walls shouldn’t be an issue.
Your kids might not need a kid-specific bag (once they hit 4 feet, we say go with an adult bag), but for little ones, the Kindercone is great. It’s cut smaller so your kids don’t have to heat up a huge, adult-size sleeping bag to stay warm. There is no comfort rating here, but if there were, my guess would be around 35 degrees. The Kindercone makes a great car camping bag.
Our top pick for side sleepers, we love Nemo’s Disco 15. This down mummy bag was designed with a “spoon shape” for side sleepers and has a little extra room in the elbows and knees so you can roll over onto your side without feeling like you’re slipping into a straight jacket. It’s built for temps down to 15 degrees and has zippered gills you can open to avoid overheating in the 40s, though I kept them all closed in the mid-30s and wasn’t overly warm.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
At 2 pounds, 3 ounces, the Questar isn’t the lightest bag for the temp rating, but it is one of the warmest. Therm-a-Rest comfort-rates this bag to 32 degrees, but I used it several nights in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains in temps down to 25 and found it plenty warm. I really like the SynergyLink Connectors, Therm-a-Rest’s slightly ridiculous name for the nylon straps that secure the sleeping bag to the pad underneath. This, combined with the slightly wider cut, makes this one of the more comfortable bags I’ve used. This is the lowest price we’ve seen for this one.
The Bishop Pass without the GoreTex shell is our favorite backcountry sleeping bag. The main reason we don’t recommend this GoreTex model is because the outer shell isn’t worth the extra money, but with this deal you can get the GoreTex shell for $10 less than the price of regular bag—what’s not to love? The Bishop Pass 15 isn’t perfect, but it strikes the best compromise for most backpackers, being warm enough for the shoulder seasons and light enough (2 pounds, 5.4 ounces) that you won’t mind it even when you barely need it in the summer. If you need something warmer, the 0-degree Gore-Tex model is also on sale for $310 ($140 off).
Photograph: Sea To Summit
If you want to have just one pad that’s plush enough for car camping yet reasonably lightweight (2 pounds, 2 ounces for the regular size linked here) and small enough for backpacking, this is the pad to get. That’s why it’s our favorite sleeping pad. There are lighter pads, there are comfier pads, but the Comfort Plus sets itself apart by being able to gracefully slip between those worlds.
Deals on Puffer Jackets and Rain Jackets
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
We’re hard at work testing puffer jackets for an upcoming guide, but this REI Magma 850 is an early standout. With 850-fill-power goose down and a recycled ripstop nylon shell this is one of the warmer contenders I’ve used. I like the zippered chest pocket (there are also two zippered hand pockets, one of which the jacket stuff into), and at 12.5 ounces this jacket is surprisingly light for how warm it is. The front zip has a wind flap, and there’s even a draft collar, something you hardly ever find in puffer at this price. Even better the hood uses an elastic cord in the back that allows you to cinch it down and keep cold air from blowing in the sides. I’ve worn this in some pretty icy winds coming off Lake Superior I haven’t been anything but warm.
Our favorite bargain puffer jacket, the REI 650 Down Jacket isn’t as warm as the Magma above, but it’s hard to argue with this price. If you need a cheap, packable jacket for those cold summits or star gazing on chilly nights, this the jacket to get. The stiched through baffles mean this one isn’t as warm, and is more susceptible to wind, but at this price it’s worth buying.
If you want to go even lighter, the 650 Down Vest is the same as the jacket above, minus the arms. Provided you have a good base layer on your arms, a vest is the way to go for more active pursuits. I use a vest for all but the coldest weather since my arms rarely get cold and I prefer to have the increased range of motion.
Fjallraven’s Expedition down hoodie is slightly misnamed in my opinion. I like it a lot thanks to the excellent fit, but the performance in my testing is much more aligned with the REI 650 jacket and neither would be my choice for an expedition. The stitched baffle construction makes a seam where there’s no down, which means this isn’t as warm as something like the Rab Glaceon Pro (alas, not on sale), but it’s still a great jacket for more mild winter days.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
I probably wouldn’t wear this into the backcountry (it’s on the heavy side), but this is my favorite jacket for day hikes and around town. It’s plenty warm thanks to the flannel lining, and the waxed canvas sheds water better than half the modern fabrics I’ve tested. It’s also renewable. Just melt on some more wax and you’re back to where you started. I’ve come to think of this as the cast iron pan of jackets; it’s going to last forever.
I tested this jacket all summer and into the fall (admittedly, one of the driest ever where I live), and it’s performed incredibly well. I’ve twice had it in significant downpours and not had it wet through and the size zippers give you great ventilation options. The entire jacket is seam-taped, adding to the waterproofing, and the stretchiness of the shell fabric is great for a large range of motion when you’re hiking with a pack on. The only downside is that it weighs 15.3 ounces, which is on the heavy side.
For under $100, you really can’t beat REI’s outdoor apparel for hitting a sweet spot between functionality and affordability. The Rainier Rain Jacket is our pick for the best affordable rain jacket, thanks to its high-quality laminate waterproofing, seam taping, pit zips and fully adjustable hood, none of which is usually found at this price.
Clothing and Shoe Deals
Photograph: Darn Tough; Getty Images
Darn Tough makes our favorite merino wool socks. Just about all varieties are on sale, but if you don’t know where to start I like these Midweight Hiking Socks $22 ($7 off) for cooler adventures in fall and spring.
Prana is having an absolutely bonkers sale right now, offering 40 percent off certain styles. Reviewer Nena Farrell and I are both fans and have recommended Prana leggings in our Gifts for Mom guide. The fabric is ridiculously soft and thin, especially if you like hot yoga. The Halle Pants are also my go-to climbing and hiking pants.—Adrienne So
Fjallraven’s wool sweaters are some of the nicest I’ve tested. This isn’t as soft as merino wool, but it’s very soft for wool. The patterns are nice too, no snowflakes or other kitschness. Perfect for your fika by the fire.
Full disclosure: I have not yet worn these 72-hour merino wool pants for 72 hours yet. But I put them on yesterday, and 48 hours from now I’m pretty certain I’m still going to love them as much as I do now. They’re well-tailored, have an excellent fit and, best of all, are super stretchy. They’re the most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn to my curling league night and I’d also wear them out to a nice dinner without a second thought. Because they’re wool they’ll remain stank-less for several days of wear and with nice little details including a hidden zippered back pocket I’m in for three straight days. —Martin Cizmar
Photograph: Smartwool
Base layers are the perfect place for merino wool, and this is our top pick merino base layer. The softness of this Smartwool shirt is hard to beat, and the 100 percent merino means you get all of the temperature-regulating, odor-resisting goodness of wool without any synthetic fibers to drag it down.
It’s winter, and it’s getting colder. That means you’re probably heading to the climbing gym. These are some of the most comfortable and cheapest climbing shoes around, so they’re great for all-day wear, or beginners whose feet haven’t entirely converted into calloused toe claws.
I’ve been testing these for a few months now and I really like them. They’re perfect for early morning workouts when the weather turns cool (or evening if that’s how you roll). These are 56 percent merino wool with the 44 percent being recycled polyester. The result is a lot more stretch than 100 percent merino would give, which is nice for running. I did find the cut a little loose at times (my kettlebell occasionally snags mid swing), but I love the zippered pockets and overall fit.
Photograph: Hoka
The Hoka Speedgoats are our favorite trail running shoe, which makes sense, since the company started off making trail running shoes. It’s roomy in the toes for long runs and has a durable Vibram outsole, and it’s noticeably lighter than previous Speedgoat models. —Adrienne So
This is my favorite running shoe. Altra’s shoes have a roomy toe box and are zero drop, which means that they’re flat—the heels are not higher than the toes. which improves your posture and strengthens your lower leg. The Outroads are designed for both trail and roads. This is a very good all-in-one shoe over a variety of terrain. —Adrienne So
I bought these running socks earlier this year to replenish my stock, and I’m now going to buy more, because this is an unbelievable deal. These are great for winter running—synthetic quick-dry fibers are good for the rain, and the crew height keeps wet mud and dirt from sliding in next to my skin. —Adrienne So
Other Great Outdoor Deals
Photograph: Firebox
I love my Firebox stove. There are fewer and fewer places you can use these thanks to backcountry burn bans, but when you can, there’s nothing like cooking real food over an open flame after a long day’s hike. The Firebox is a stainless steel box you can fold up to be flat for easy packing. Most of the company’s stoves are on sale right now, but the the G2 is the best for most people. If you regularly cook for larger groups, the best option is the Freestyle Everything Kit for $120 ($74 off).
The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is our top pick for backyard fire pits. At 19.5 inches wide and 15 inches tall, it’s small enough to toss in the trunk and lug to the beach or a tailgate but big enough to gather a group of a half-dozen friends around without feeling like you’re sitting around a Sterno can. Made from stainless steel, it weighs about 25 pounds. This deal on on the bundle, which gets you the firepit, lid, stand, and handy carrying bag. If you want something bigger, the Yukon is also on sale for $580 ($70 off).
Nalgene is not the hip water bottle of the moment. That’s OK, because to the outdoors person, the timeless classic is always better than the latest style, and every outdoors person needs another water bottle. Nalgenes are lighter than stainless steel and, frankly, the only sane option for backpacking (unless you want to reuse a disposable bottle).
Photograph: Kieran Alger
Garmin’s InReach Mini is the satellite communicator in the ultralight and backpacking worlds. It’s tiny, weighs a mere 3.5 ounces, and uses the super-fast Iridium satellite network, so you can send a rapid SOS from pretty much anywhere, even the middle of the Indian Ocean. It can also do more mundane things like allow friends and family to track daily progress via a real-time map. As you would expect, it plays nice with compatible Garmin watches.
The Isle Switch 3 is by far my favorite inflatable that I have tested. Do you want to paddle out in glassy, still water and lie on your belly with your dog and watch fish? Then it’s a big, solid, stable paddleboard with a grippy, soft surface perfect for puppy paws. Is there a bit of a breeze and you want to put the full force of your paddling muscles in play? Slip the hooks into the eyes and tighten the straps to put on a big, comfy seat and foot brace. (I used mine as a seat for kids behind me.) Even the paddle converts from an SUP paddle to a kayak paddle. I can’t believe I’ve never tried one of these before. This deal includes a free electric pump.—Adrienne So
Goal Zero’s Yeti 1000X is a good choice for off-grid camping. It’s got enough power to recharge all your devices for a week or more, as well as power smaller appliances like a portable fridge. It offers a 60-watt USB-C power delivery port, 2 USB-A ports, a 12-volt port, and two 120-volt AC ports (1,500 watts, 3,000 watts surge). You can pair it with some solar panels if you’re going to be off grid for longer periods of time.
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