The 32 best items in 2025 REI Anniversary Sale

Who doesn’t like a sale?! I love them, and I’m sure you love saving money too! They’re branding it the biggest sale of the year. This May, the 2025 REI Anniversary Sale offers adventurers the ability to gear up at a discount. To me, there’s no better time to load up on gear that you have been holding out on or just realized needs to be upgraded after a winter of no use. (Check those water filters, ya’ll).

There are undoubtedly hundreds of good deals out there, but I’m focusing on the 32 best items in which I think you would find value while hiking, backpacking, camping, and traveling. Each item listed is less than full price, though the percentage off ranges from 20-30%.

The best outdoor gear for the REI Anniversary Sale 2025

When is the REI Anniversary Sale 2025?

The REI 2025 Anniversary Sale runs from May 16 to May 26. While you have ten days to decide what to get, don’t decide at the last minute, as REI could run out of some items.

Remember to sign up for a REI Membership.

First, ensure you’re an REI Member to get exclusive discounts.

If you’re not an REI member yet, I highly recommend joining. It’s a one-time cost, and you end up accruing 10% of your full-priced purchases each year in dividends that you can use on new gear next year. 

SIGN UP FOR AN REI MEMBERSHIP

Member Only Discounts

Do you like discounts? I sure do! Members can use the coupon code ANNIV2025 to receive 20% off one full-priced item and one REI Outlet Item.

The Best Hiking Deals of 2025

1 – Smartwool Socks (25% off)

These are some of the best wool socks on the market. I highly recommend Smartwool and Darn Tough, as they absorb moisture and help decrease your blister risk. They’re the only two brands I consistently wear on my treks. For this REI Anniversary Sale, though, only Smartwool socks are 25% off.

2- Black Diamond Jackets (25% off)

Everyone needs a comfy fleece or jacket for hiking, traveling, or camping. These Black Diamond options are perfect and at 25% off, much more affordable!

3 – NEMO Sleeping Bags, Pads, and Pillows (25% off)

If you’re looking to get a backpacking setup, dive into the NEMO products for all your gear. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and pillows are 25% off.

rei anniversary sale 2023
Wearing Prana Pants with a wide-brimmed hat

4 – REI Co-op Vented Trailsmith Hat

Sun protection has never been more important, and this wide-brimmed hat will help protect your face and neck from the sun. I recommend it as a must for the 2025 REI Anniversary Sale.

5 – Prana Zion II Pants (25% off)

They are probably my favorite hiking pants on the market, and I’m super stoked they’re included in the REI Anniversary Sale. You can wear these in all climates, and they will not fail you.

6 – Sahara Shade Hoodie

These are high-quality sun hoodies that will protect your skin as you adventure all summer. These have a bit heavier material than others, so keep that in mind. If you’re hiking in the 90s, I might opt for the Astroman or Patagonia below.

Since my cancer diagnosis, I’ve become a sort of sunshirt savant, as I have to limit my sun exposure now. The following are other brands and sun shirts I really like, but they might not be discounted for the REI Anniversary Sale 2025. (But you can use your 20% off coupon on them.)

Outdoor Research Astroman – Holy smokes, this is an incredible shirt. It’s comfy, stretchy, cool, and lets air flow. It’s risen to the top of my list of gear I use during hiking season. The only downside is no hoodie. Men’s | Women’s

REI Sahara Long Sleeve – This is a less stretchy shirt but still offers good airflow. I took this on a 30-mile backpacking trip into Kings Canyon with temps in the 80s, and it worked well.

Patagonia Capilene – A classic in terms of sun shirts. These are a favorite for hikers and backpackers, as you can wear them for multiple days with no issue.

7 – Outdoor Research GORE-TEX Rain Jacket (25% off)

While it might not seem like a traditional time to buy rain jackets, if you can get a good one on sale, do it! Plus, you never know when an afternoon rainstorm will hit you, and there’s nothing worse than being unprepared.

8 – Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots (25% off)

Salomon hiking boots have exploded onto the scene in the last couple of years, and they are phenomenal shoes.

9 – Hiking Day Pack

Most of REI’s daypacks are 30% off, and it’s a great time to snag one. I won’t recommend one specific one, as everyone is looking for something different. Just remember: less than 20L is a short day hike, 20-35 is a longer day hike, and 40+, you could possibly pack right to do an overnighter.

rei anniversary sale 2023

The Top Backpacking Gear You Can’t Pass Up

BONUS – Merrell Moab 3 (25% off)

One of the most classic hiking footwear brands on the market is Merrell. They were my first hiking/backpacking shoes, and I highly recommend them. They’re affordable and long-lasting.

10 – Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent (25% off)

One of the best and lightest backpacking tents on the market. They aren’t cheap, but you’re investing in quality. I own the 3P Copper Spur and have loved the extra room for my fiancée and me. Plus, it’s so light and amazing.

This is probably the biggest steal of the entire REI Anniversary Sale.

a big agnes copper spur UL3 tent with hiking boots in front
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/ @Alecoutside

11 – REI Trailmade Backpacking Bundle (30% off)

This is the most affordable way to get a tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag. This bundle deal is perfect for those just getting started backpacking and do not want to break the bank. It’s not the lightest, but you’re also not paying ultralight prices.

12 – Osprey Multi-day backpacking packs (Use your 20% off coupon)

It’s time to hit the trails for some overnights! Sadly, the REI Anniversary Sale doesn’t include Osprey Bags. But if you’re a member, you can use your coupon to score 20% off. I would opt for the 65L as this will allow you to do three and four-day trips with ease.

13 – REI Flexlite Air Chair (30% off)

When it comes to backpacking, having a place to sit with a backrest versus sitting on the ground can’t be beaten. At just over one pound, it’s a weight that I’m okay with taking on. And I find it’s more comfortable than other brands.

14 – Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass Sleeping Bags (25% off)

If you’re looking for a rock-solid sleeping bag, these ones from Mountain Hardwear are fantastic. And they’re a bit cheaper than other options, giving you a good bang for your buck. Most readers should stick with the 30-degree bag. If you’re planning to do the full three seasons, the 15 is a good bet too.

15 – REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag (30% off)

I have a 15-degree bag and love its versatility as I’m never cold in the mountains (three-season treks only), and if I’m warm, I just unzip. When looking for a good bag, look at fill (this one’s 800) and weight (right around 2 pounds). My fiancée owns this and sleeps like a baby. I highly recommend.

16 – JetBoil Flash (25% off)

Another one I’ve had since I started backpacking in 2018. My Jet Boil Flash keeps cruising along and has helped provide me warm food in some of the most remote parts of America. If you’re on the fence, I highly recommend.

17 – Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles – Pair (25% off)

I got these five years ago, and they are still going strong! They don’t allow you to resize them, but they fold up and are lightweight. They get my seal of approval! Also, all Black Diamond Gear is 25% off.

18 – Garmin Mini InReach 2 ($100 off/25%)

The REI Anniversary Sale 2025 is offering $100 off, which is a great time to buy this! I carry one on all of my hikes and trips. It offers peace of mind to my family and allows me to check the weather and communicate when I need to.

19 – Garmin Fenix 8X Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS Watch ($100 off)

One of the best hiking and backpacking watches on the market. I personally have the Fenix 7, and it’s excellent. If you’re looking to track your hikes this year, grab this one! Unfortunately, the deal isn’t as good as in past years. So, this may not apply to many. But if you’re keen on buying, you might as well save a little money.

rei anniversary sale 2023

Must-Have Camping Items for this Summer 

20 – Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp (25% off)

A no fuss hiking accessory you can count on. Everyone needs a headlamp for camping and finding their way in the dark. This Black Diamond Spot 400 is the perfect option and it’s won plenty of awards to back up that claim!

a climbers headlight flares as they walk uphill
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

21 – REI Co-op Camp Blanket (30% off)

It’s time to get cozy by the fire with this REI camp blanket. It’s perfect for colder nights or staying out for sunset while your partner does photography (like me, ha).

22 – REI Co-op Campwell Chair (30% off)

One of my favorite parts of the REI Anniversary Sale 2025 is the amount of top-quality gear on sale. This chair is no different. We got one to replace a broken chair and have been enjoying how comfy it is.

a hiker walks on a trail surrounded by grass and trees
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

23 – Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camp Stove (25%)

Time to get cooking! Every camper needs a trusty stove, and this one’s pretty good on a discount! If you don’t like this exact one, make sure to browse the entire REI Anniversary Sale—I’m sure you’ll find one that works for you!

24 – Dometic Electric Cooler (20% off)

You no longer have to worry about melting ice and going back into town to keep your food cold. Get an electric cooler and have cold food and drinks the entire weekend and road trip! These are not cheap at all, and likely more geared towards those spending days off the grid.

But if you’re in the market, there’s no better time to land a discount.

25 – ENO DoubleNest Hammock (25% off)

There’s nothing better than being in the forest with a cool breeze and in a hammock. Make this a reality with the ENO DoubleNest.

26 – GSI Cookware (25% off)

Whether you’re boiling water for coffee or whipping up a backcountry feast, GSI’s lightweight and durable cookware sets are perfect for camp chefs of all levels. With smart nesting designs and hard-anodized materials, they’re compact, easy to clean, and built to last. Score a great deal during the REI Anniversary Sale and upgrade your camp kitchen setup!

27 – The North Face Wawona 6 Tent (25% off)

You won’t run out of room in this tent, and I think you’ll be able to stand up (or close to it). My parents got this (seen below) for their camping adventures. It allows them tons of space and another vestibule to store their gear and get ready in the morning.

A picture of an orange tent with a fire in the foregroun.
Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch

28 – Gerber Knives and Tools (25% off)

Trusted by adventurers and everyday explorers alike, Gerber delivers rugged, reliable knives and multi-tools built for the wild. Whether you’re prepping kindling, cooking, or handling camp repairs, their gear is made to perform. With solid craftsmanship and ergonomic designs, Gerber tools are a steal during the REI Anniversary Sale

Traveling Gear for Your Next Adventure

29 – Motion 3 Roof Box – XL (20% off)

Planning road trips this summer? There’s no better way to go than to add a Thule to the top of your car and save space inside! You can save around $200 by buying during the REI Anniversary Sale 2025.

30 – REI Big Haul Rolling Duffel – 30″ or 34″ (30% off)

I just got the 30″ for our Ireland trip last week, and it was perfect for a week-long trip. It will be a staple for us going forward and may even need to get another one! We went with the slightly smaller one as we knew the cars in Ireland would be on the smaller side.

If you’re doing a longer trip or have a hiking/backpacking focus, the larger one may be better suited for you.

31 – Patagonia Duffel 100L (20% off w/coupon)

I’ve had my Patagonia duffel since 2017 and it’s still gong strong with no issues at all. I highly recommend going with quality. Yes, it’s a bit pricey but with 20% off, it makes it a bit easier to justify.

32 – REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set – Medium/Large (30% off)

I’ve found that packing cubes dramatically help with my packing efficiency and planning. If you’re holding out, it’s time to stop and join the packing cube family.

Bonus: LOWA Renegade Boots 20% off with coupon

Since 2019, I’ve been rocking my LOWA hiking boots for backpacking trips, snowshoeing, and other hikes that may require water crossings and other meandering where I need sturdy footing. I truly love them and have gotten my fiancée to wear them, too.

Wrapping Up – REI Anniversary Sale 2025

Summer’s nearly here (or already here for some of you), and it’s a perfect time to get geared up for your adventures. Use the REI Anniversary Sale 2025 to your advantage and land some great gear.

Happy trails and travels to you all!

Until next time, adventurers, take care and be safe.


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Author: Alec Sills-Trausch

Title: Founder of Explore with Alec

Expertise: Hiking, Backpacking, Photography, and Road Trips

Alec Sills-Trausch is a hiker, backpacker, landscape photographer, and syndicated travel writer. He enjoys showing off the beauty of the world through his photos, videos, and written work on ExploreWithAlec.com. Alec is also a 2x cancer survivor and bone marrow transplant recipient, showing the world that there is a future from this terrible disease.

He lives in Washington, where he gets to enjoy the stunning PNW mountains in addition to all the other places he attempts to visit each year! You can see more work on IG at @AlecOutside