I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are the Best Deals We’ve Found From REI’s Big Sale. (2024)

Table of Contents
Here’s the deal Tent deals The North Face Wawona 6 Tent (2023) The North Face Wawona 6 Tent (2023) Our upgrade tent pick Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent The best two-person camping tent REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent A tent we like for longer stays or families with older kids Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove Our runner-up camping-stove pick Sleeping bag deals Nemo Disco 30 Sleeping Bag NEMO Disco 30 Sleeping Bag - Women’s A sleeping bag we like for campers who sleep hot NEMO Disco 30 Sleeping Bag - Men’s A sleeping bag we like for campers who sleep hot Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad (Medium) Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Our comfortable double-pad pick for couples and families Exped MegaMat 10 Sleeping Pad (Regular Wide) Exped MegaMat 10 Our comfiest sleeping pad pick for car-camping wheelchair users Nemo Quasar 3D Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad Nemo Quasar 3D Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad Our sleeping pad pick for backpackers REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Kids Sleeping Bag REI Co-op Kindercone 25 The best first sleeping bag for kids REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 Kids Sleeping Bag REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 Our kids sleeping bag pick for sleepovers Clothing deals REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket Women’s Our budget pick for the best down jacket REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket Men’s Our budget pick for the best down jacket Outdoor Research Swift Training Cap Outdoor Research Swift Training Cap A staff favorite running cap REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top - Women’s Our budget pick for the best thermal underwear top REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top - Men’s Our budget pick for the best thermal underwear top REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights - Women’s The matching bottoms for our thermal underwear budget pick REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms - Men’s The matching bottoms for our thermal underwear budget pick Hiking boot deals Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots (Women’s) A hiking boot we like for hiking in colder temperatures Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot (Men’s) A hiking boot we like for hiking in colder temperatures Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe (Women’s) A staff favorite hiking shoe Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe (Men’s) A staff favorite hiking shoe Travel deals Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack Cotopaxi Allpa 35L The best small carry-on bag for most situations Outdoor and camping-gear deals Black Diamond Spot 400 The best headlamp Black Diamond Astro 300 Black Diamond Astro 300 Our budget headlamp pick Garmin Varia RTL515 Garmin Varia RTL515 A taillight we recommend as a gift for cyclists Osprey Poco Baby Carrier Osprey Poco Our runner-up hiking baby carrier pick Pet deals Ruffwear Front Range Harness Ruffwear Front Range Harness Our pick for the best harness for most dogs

Here’s the deal

  • Tent deals
  • Sleeping bag deals
  • Clothing deals
  • Hiking boot deals
  • Travel deals
  • Outdoor and camping-gear deals
  • Pet deals

Tent deals

I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are the Best Deals We’ve Found From REI’s Big Sale. (1)

The North Face Wawona 6 Tent (2023)

The North Face Wawona 6 Tent (2023)

Our upgrade tent pick

Roughing it doesn’t have to be quite so rough. This family-size tent comes fully loaded with nearly vertical walls, high ceilings, and a mudroom-size vestibule. Even setting up camp is a breeze, thanks to its sturdy, lightweight materials.

Buying Options

$500 $300 from REI

You save $200 (40%)

Other things to know: Expensive, but you get value for your money. The Wawona 6’s footprint, or protective groundsheet, is sold separately but also on sale. We recommend two people for setup, but one person can manage in about 15 minutes. Limited lifetime warranty. Available in bright orange and a less-loud grey/green. Down to the lowest price we’ve seen so far.

Read more: The Best Camping Tents

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 Tent

The best two-person camping tent

Durable, lightweight, and spacious, this tent offers ample protection against the elements for three seasons of multipurpose camping. It has a full mesh dome that allows for a closer connection to nature, though we recommend sleeping with the adaptable fly secured.

Buying Options

$360 $225 from REI

You save $135 (38%)

$225 from Mountain Hardwear

Other things to know: Easily fits two people at 42.5 square feet. Comes with only six ground stakes.

Read more: The Best Camping Tents

REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent

REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent

A tent we like for longer stays or families with older kids

During our tests, this tent handled 35 mph winds on the North Shore of Oahu with no problem. Its delightful wagon-shaped design boasts two big, round doors, a partial fly, and a massive interior with ample storage space and an optional room divider for privacy.

Buying Options

$550 $275 from REI

You save $275 (50%)

Other things to know: Partial fly. No vestibule, but an attachable mudroom is also on sale, along with the matching footprint. Adding the mudroom may not be ideal at campsites with limited space.

Read more: The Best Camping Tents

Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove

Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camping Stove

Our runner-up camping-stove pick

We recommend this camping stove for its greater precision control over cooking temperatures. It boils water a bit faster than our top pick and has a handle, so it’s easier to carry.

Buying Options

$170 $128 from REI

You save $42 (25%)

$170 $128 from Coleman

You save $42 (25%)

Other things to know: Heavier and more expensive than our top pick. Has a piezo electric ignition, which tends to break over time. Three-year limited warranty.

Read more: The Best Camping Stove

Sleeping bag deals

I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are the Best Deals We’ve Found From REI’s Big Sale. (6)

Nemo Disco 30 Sleeping Bag

NEMO Disco 30 Sleeping Bag - Women’s

A sleeping bag we like for campers who sleep hot

Ideal for side-sleeper backpackers, this sleeping bag’s zippered “thermo gills” provide ample ventilation for those who tend to sleep hot. It was a solid performer during our tests, and we particularly liked the giant draft collar and stretchy hood cinch cord.

Buying Options

$270 $202 from REI

You save $68 (25%)

NEMO Disco 30 Sleeping Bag - Men’s

A sleeping bag we like for campers who sleep hot

In our testing, we liked the giant draft collar and stretchy hood cinch cord of this sleeping bag. Its zippered “thermo gills” offer plenty of ventilation for side-sleepers who get warm easily.

Buying Options

$270 $202 from REI

You save $68 (25%)

Other things to know: We couldn’t lie comfortably in a fetal position, and the exterior zippered pocket barely fits a phone. Available in regular and long lengths.

Read more: The Best Sleeping Bags

Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad (Medium)

Exped MegaMat Duo 10

Our comfortable double-pad pick for couples and families

A wilderness luxury, this astonishingly comfortable couple-sized sleeping pad accommodates side-sleepers’ hips and shoulders while providing good lower-back support for stomach- and back-sleepers. It’s the largest and warmest option we tested, and it also self-inflates.

Buying Options

$350 from Amazon

Other things to know: Somewhat cumbersome to pack, inflate, and carry. 3.9 inches thick. Weighs about 7.5 pounds. Deal price is for the medium double size.

Read more: The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping

Exped MegaMat 10 Sleeping Pad (Regular Wide)

Exped MegaMat 10

Our comfiest sleeping pad pick for car-camping wheelchair users

Ideal for three-season camping, this sleeping pad is self-inflating, durable, and well insulated. It provides optimal cushioning and warmth while you sleep, and it can also be used as an exercise mat, if you need to stretch during the day.

Buying Options

$240 $180 from REI

You save $60 (25%)

Other things to know: 4 inches thick. Comes with a carrying pack. Deal is for the regular wide size.

Read more: The Best Car-Camping Gear for Wheelchair Users

Nemo Quasar 3D Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad

Nemo Quasar 3D Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad

Our sleeping pad pick for backpackers

Among sleeping pads light enough to carry long distances, this pad was the most comfortable one we tested: It felt like a supportive mattress. The customized baffles contour to your body, and it’s thick enough to support your back and hips.

Buying Options

$160 $120 from REI

You save $40 (25%)

$200 from Amazon

Other things to know: Not warm enough for winter; best for backpacking trips in the spring, summer, and fall (R-value 3.3). Feels more like a supportive mattress with the customized baffles. Weighs just under 2 pounds, but packs down small.

Read more: The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping

REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Kids Sleeping Bag

REI Co-op Kindercone 25

The best first sleeping bag for kids

Our kid testers loved this sleeping bag the most—and the adults did, too. It has a recycled polyester shell and lining to insulate against the cold, and it’s coated with a durable water repellent. An added bonus is the handy cinch feature, which customizes the sleeping area based on your child's size.

Buying Options

$60 $50 from REI

You save $10 (17%)

Other things to know: Bulky when packed, making it better suited to car-camping and sleepovers than backpacking. Stuff sack is permanently attached to the foot of the bag, making it easy to pack and keep track of. Available in limited colors.

Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags

REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 Kids Sleeping Bag

REI Co-op Kindercamp 40

Our kids sleeping bag pick for sleepovers

This rugged rectangular sleeping bag has a polyester construction that’s similar to that of our top pick. But it lies flat when unzipped, so it can double as a comforter at camp or at home.

Buying Options

$70 $50 from REI

You save $20 (29%)

Other things to know: Temperature rating of just 40˚F, not as warm as our top Kindercone 25 pick. Roomier than a mummy-shaped sleeping bag.

Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags

Clothing deals

I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are the Best Deals We’ve Found From REI’s Big Sale. (14)

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket Women’s

Our budget pick for the best down jacket

Stylish and easy to layer under, this no-frills 650-fill down jacket provides plenty of extra insulation for chilly nights. It’s warmer than other inexpensive options we’ve tried, with stitching that’s sturdy enough to withstand at least a few seasons of wear.

Buying Options

$100 $65 from REI

You save $35 (35%)

REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket Men’s

Our budget pick for the best down jacket

Compared with other inexpensive options, this 650-fill jacket is warmer, and it has a more attractive fit that’s easy to layer under. This coat is a solid performer in moderately cold climates, and it should last for at least a few seasons. Plus, it packs down small.

Buying Options

$130 $65 from REI

You save $65 (50%)

Other things to know: Lacks the additional features of our other (pricier) picks. Nylon taffeta shell isn’t as durable as ripstop. Wide baffles shed some down. DWR coating isn't fully waterproof. Zippers occasionally get stuck. Available in a variety of sizes and a rainbow of colors. Select store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.

Read more: The Best Down Jacket

Outdoor Research Swift Training Cap

Outdoor Research Swift Training Cap

A staff favorite running cap

This running cap offers more than a comfortable, secure fit and a sleek silhouette. Our fitness experts swear by the protective, cooling design of this hat: It has a ventilating mesh liner, UPF 50 fabric along the crown, and a brim that provides solid coverage from the sun.

Buying Options

$30 $23 from REI

With store pickup or REI membership

$30 from Outdoor Research

Other things to know: Made to fit heads 21.5 to 24 inches in circumference. Available in three color options. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees. Zappos and Amazonalso have limited colors on sale for a few bucks less.

Read more: What a Wirecutter Writer (and Personal Trainer) Uses to Work Out at Home

REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top

REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top - Women’s

Our budget pick for the best thermal underwear top

Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is a great option for those who prefer to avoid merino wool. Whether you layer it or wear it on its own, this shirt is soft and fitted, without being too tight for all-day wear.

Buying Options

$55 $38 from REI

With store pickup or REI membership

REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top - Men’s

Our budget pick for the best thermal underwear top

For those who prefer to avoid merino wool, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is soft enough to wear all day. It’s fitted without being too tight, and you can layer it or wear it on its own.

Buying Options

$55 $38 from REI

With store pickup or REI membership

Other things to know: A good choice if you aren’t ready to invest in wool thermal underwear, though you may need to wash it more often. Free shipping for REI members. Non-members can opt for store pickup or get free shipping on combined orders over $50.

Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear

REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms

REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights - Women’s

The matching bottoms for our thermal underwear budget pick

These stretchy, ultra-comfortable leggings are made from a blend of polyester and spandex, so they’re form-fitting without feeling overly tight. They’re substantial enough to be styled on their own, but you can also layer them under your clothes for extra warmth on chilly days and nights.

Buying Options

$55 $38 from REI

You save $17 (31%)

REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms - Men’s

The matching bottoms for our thermal underwear budget pick

Stretchy, form-fitting, and extremely comfortable, these base-layer bottoms deftly transition between outdoors and indoor activities. They also have a fly, which is something even pricier leggings often don’t have.

Buying Options

$55 $38 from REI

With store pickup or REI membership

Other things to know: No longer a formal pick, but we did test and do recommend these bottoms. None of our testers had anything bad to say about this option, but we think merino base layers are a better investment. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.

Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear

Hiking boot deals

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Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots (Women’s)

A hiking boot we like for hiking in colder temperatures

Ideal for carrying a heavy pack during cold-weather hikes, these boots provide good ankle support and traction, even when trekking over loose, rocky terrain. The lacing system locks your heels in place, and the tongue comes up high enough to prevent dirt from getting in your shoe.

Buying Options

$255 $191 from REI

You save $64 (25%)

Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot (Men’s)

A hiking boot we like for hiking in colder temperatures

These boots aren’t as well ventilated as our picks, but they offer excellent traction—even over loose rocks—and good ankle support if you’re carrying a heavy pack. The lacing system locks heels in place, and the tongue reaches high enough to keep debris from spilling into your shoe.

Buying Options

$255 $191 from REI

You save $64 (25%)

Other things to know: An all-leather upper and insulated insoles make these boots too hot for hiking in warmer temperatures. Multiple testers reported these boots were stiff out of the box and required a lot of breaking in.

Read more: The Best Hiking Boots

Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe

Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe (Women’s)

A staff favorite hiking shoe

A low profile and mesh exterior make these lightweight hiking shoes ideal for shorter day trips, when you don’t need full-on boots that lace up to the ankle. The toe box isn’t overly narrow or restrictive, and there’s zero break-in time, so you can jump feet-first into warm-weather adventures.

Buying Options

$170 $127 from REI

You save $43 (25%)

$190 from Amazon

Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe (Men’s)

A staff favorite hiking shoe

Great for situations when you don't need full-on hiking boots that lace up to your ankle, these hiking shoes have a wide, roomy toe box, and no break-in time is needed. With a low-top style and mesh exterior, they’re ideal for warmer weather.

Buying Options

$170 $127 from REI

You save $43 (25%)

Other things to know: Low-top style is ideal for shorter day hikes and situations when you don’t need full-on hiking boots that lace up to your ankle. Available in multiple colors and sizes.

Read more: The Best Gear to Bring to a National Park

Travel deals

I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are the Best Deals We’ve Found From REI’s Big Sale. (27)

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

The best small carry-on bag for most situations

With an easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps, this backpack can make traveling an organized breeze. It has a rainfly to protect your gear and handles on all four sides for easy in-and-out of overhead compartments. It's also protected by a full lifetime warranty, with the build quality to back it up.

Buying Options

$200 $150 from Backcountry

You save $50 (25%)

$200 $150 from REI

You save $50 (25%)

$200 from Amazon

$200 from Cotopaxi

Other things to know: Minimal amount of administrative organization. We’d love to see a permanent all-nylon alternative to the TPU-lined front panel, which can flake over time. Free shipping. On sale in two colors at REI and five colors at Backcountry.

Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

Outdoor and camping-gear deals

I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are the Best Deals We’ve Found From REI’s Big Sale. (29)

Black Diamond Spot 400

The best headlamp

Whether used indoors or outdoors, this reliable headlamp is bright enough to light the way in most situations. On top of its easy-to-navigate buttons and a long-lasting battery life, it also features a bright beam, with the option of two beam shapes and two colors.

Buying Options

$50 $37 from REI

With store pickup or REI membership

$50 from Amazon

$37 from Black Diamond

Other things to know: You’ll have to experiment with clicking through the various modes, but the learning curve is fairly quick. REI members get free shipping. Otherwise, opt for store pickup to avoid shipping charges. Available in multiple colors.

Read more: The Best Headlamp

Black Diamond Astro 300

Black Diamond Astro 300

Our budget headlamp pick

This inexpensive yet reliable headlamp is just as bright as our top pick—but it’s half the price (and it weighs less). With a 10-hour battery life when used on high, this lamp is a solid choice for tinkering around a campsite or your house.

Buying Options

$20 $15 from REI

With store pickup or REI membership

$20 from Amazon

$20 from Black Diamond

Other things to know: Not quite as comfortable to wear and lacks some useful features. No battery light indicator or red light. REI members get free shipping, but others can opt for store pickup.

Read more: The Best Headlamp

Garmin Varia RTL515

Garmin Varia RTL515

A taillight we recommend as a gift for cyclists

For cyclists who like to pedal alone on busy roads, we recommend this nifty gadget. It’s smarter than your average taillight, with handy features like radar detection for cars and alerts for rear-approaching vehicles.

Buying Options

$200 $150 from REI

You save $50 (25%)

$200 $150 from Amazon

You save $50 (25%)

Other things to know: Garmin bike computer sold separately.

Read more: The Best Gifts for Cyclists

Osprey Poco Baby Carrier

Osprey Poco

Our runner-up hiking baby carrier pick

Hit the trail with your tot—and the roomiest seat of any hiking carrier we tested. This carrier is a great choice for anyone with a kid who likes to take frequent trail breaks to explore. Plus, you’ll appreciate how the attached sunshade folds into its own pocket so it doesn’t get lost.

Buying Options

$320 $218 from REI

With store pickup to avoid oversized shipping fee

Buy from Amazon

Other things to know: We wish it had more padding on the hip belt. New low price. Choose black or blue. From REI, opt for store pickup to avoid $30 oversize shipping fee. Other retailers offer free shipping.

Read more: The Best Hiking Baby Carriers

Pet deals

I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are the Best Deals We’ve Found From REI’s Big Sale. (34)

Ruffwear Front Range Harness

Ruffwear Front Range Harness

Our pick for the best harness for most dogs

This dog harness proved to be sturdy, lightweight, and comfortable, and it didn’t twist or slip around on our canine testers’ bodies. Its head-in design includes several built-in safety details, like reflective stripes and an ID pocket.

Buying Options

$50 $37 from REI

With store pickup or REI membership

$50 from Amazon

Other things to know: Fits most dogs with chests ranging from 13 to 42 inches, but it might be too bulky for some smaller dogs. Six colors. Select store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.

Read more: The Best Dog Harness

Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.

This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.

I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are the Best Deals We’ve Found From REI’s Big Sale. (2024)
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