14 of the very best deals from REI’s 2026 anniversary sale, vetted by an outdoor enthusiast | Life and style
WWith warm, sunny days ahead, many of us are rummaging through bins of long-neglected outdoor gear… only to discover the holey hiking socks, worn-out boots, and broken camping chairs that we swore we’d replace over the winter and then forgot about altogether. You’re just in time: REI Co-op is hosting its annual anniversary sale.
Taking place May 15-25, the outdoor retailer’s biggest sales event of the year includes generous 25% discounts on more than 6,000 products, many from elite brands that rarely go on sale. REI members also receive a 20% off coupon on any full-price item, which can save hundreds of dollars on big-ticket purchases like bikes and kayaks.
As an outdoors writer who hikes, runs, bikes, and camps as often as possible, I often rush to my local REI to pick up a last-minute item: blister-proof socks for a mountain trail run, fresh water bottles for my hydration pack, extra layers for a cold-weather hiking trip. Most of the products in the Anniversary Sale are ones I’ve personally used and raved about, from tough-as-nails shoes for long hikes to a comfortable camping chair designed for relaxing with your favorite adventure partner. Take inspiration from my favorites and head out to discover some new ones – you have 11 days to stock up on some of the best gear designed for going outside.
25% off the Kelty low loveseat
My husband and I are that couple: those who hold hands on every walk and sit as close as possible around the campfire. The Kelty Low Loveseat allows us to continue disgusting everyone with our affection while we relax at camp (it’s also great on our patio). Many other hip-hung duos love this seat designed for two – it’s a best-seller in the Kelty range.
25% Off Exped MegaMat Sleeping Pad
Experienced
MegaMat sleeping mat
$194.89
When camping, your sleeping pad will make or break the quality of your sleep each night. I’ve found that Exped makes excellent ones: easy to inflate, wide enough to allow room to maneuver, with the perfect level of cushion between my back and the rocky ground.
Experienced
MegaMat sleeping mat
$194.89
25% off all Gregory Alpaca gearboxes, pods and baskets
Grégory Alpaga
Gearboxes and modules
Since $24.69
Oboz
Bridger Mid Boots
Since $164.99
25% Off All Buff Ties & Headbands
Chamois
CoolNet UV Multifunctional Tie
$18.69
Thanks to the Buff CoolNet UV Multifunctional Neck Gaiter for literally saving my neck from sunburn. This was essential during a 14-mile mountain race, where I ran for long hours in the high-altitude Colorado sun. It’s amazing, and a little counterintuitive, how this little scarf keeps my skin safely covered without making me feel warm.
Chamois
CoolNet UV Multifunctional Tie
$18.69
25% Off All Icebreaker Base Layers
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino Base Layers
Since $89.99
The Sportswoman
Prodigio Trail Running Shoes
$114.93
Light and fast, La Sportiva shoes are my favorite for fast training runs on the trails. The Prodigios provide great support and stability and provide reliable traction over roots and rocks. Besides their excellent performance, I love the bold and elegant design that sets the shoes apart.
The Sportswoman
Prodigio Trail Running Shoes
$114.93
25% off all Smartwool socks
Smart wool
Performance Hike Light Cushion Mid Crew Socks
Since $17.99
25% off all Black Diamond clothing
Black Diamond
Dogme Pants
Since $74.19
25% off all Salomon clothing
Solomon
Sense Aerodynamic Shorts
Since $56.19
Other
Experience Flow 2 Road Running Shoes
Since $109.73
25% Off All Rumpl Blankets
Rumpl
Original puffy blanket
$74.89
An extra blanket is essential for chilly evenings around the campfire, or for extra warmth in your tent when nighttime temperatures get colder than expected. I love the compactness and beautiful design of my Rumpl Puffy Blanket – the pop of color makes camping even more fun.
Rumpl
Original puffy blanket
$74.89
30% off all The Landmark Project t-shirts for adults
The historical project
T-shirt
$25.19
A large portion of my closet is devoted to The Landmark Project T-shirts. They’re made from soft cotton and feature nostalgic exterior graphics that quickly identify you as an outdoor enthusiast. In addition to making really fun clothing, the brand partners with conservation organizations to support wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, and accessibility to national parks and forests.
The historical project
T-shirt
$25.19
25% off all Petzl lighting
Petzl
Actik Core headlamp
$65.89
Petzl headlamps have lit me up on all kinds of outings, from night hikes in Costa Rica to 1 a.m. bathroom trips in the woods (when I reluctantly need to venture out of my tent). They provide a snug, comfortable fit on my head, provide a powerfully illuminating beam of light, and are easy to turn on with a simple click.
Petzl
Actik Core headlamp
$65.89
Other pieces you might enjoy from Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying less, better stuff:
