The time has come: REI Co-op's "biggest sale of the year" kicks off on Friday, May 20th. The outdoor retailer hosts their Anniversary Sale each spring, and this year, it runs through Monday, May 30th (Memorial Day). For many outdoor enthusiasts (ourselves included), this much-anticipated event is a great opportunity to purchase big-ticket items for upcoming adventures, including tents, sleep systems, backpacks, footwear, and more. Below we outline the dates and details of REI’s yearly sale, how to make the most of it, and our favorite discounted items. We've also compiled a dedicated list of our top camping gear picks (some options below cross over), which you can check out here.
This article has been sponsored by REI, but the picks and descriptions below were made independently and based on our experiences with and opinions of the products.
Dates and Details: May 20-30, 2022
From May 20th at 12:01 a.m. PST through May 30th at 11:59 p.m. PST, you can shop in store, at REI.com, or through the online REI Outlet and save up to 30% on marked-down items from top brands like NEMO, Big Agnes, Osprey, Black Diamond, REI Co-op, and many more. In addition, each member receives two 20%-off coupons: One provides a discount on a full-price item (with some exclusions) and the other can be used at the REI Outlet (online only).
How to Shop the REI Co-op Anniversary Sale
We love a good game, and when it comes to sales, it helps to have a strategy. First, you’ll want to be an REI Co-op member to take full advantage of the Anniversary Sale (anyone can buy the discounted gear, but only members receive the two 20%-off coupons). A lifetime membership will cost you $30 and there are no annual dues. Second, we recommend shopping sooner rather than later. Inventory is limited, so it pays to do your research before the 20th and make your purchases early.
Once you’ve got your membership and decided what you need, you’re ready to shop. Your 20%-off coupon (online code: ANNIV22) will get you instant savings on the purchase of one full-priced item. We recommend saving the coupon for the most expensive item you’ll buy during the sale (the same goes for the REI Outlet coupon). Importantly, certain products are excluded, including bikes, snowshoes, kayaks, paddleboards, strollers, fitness trackers, and many ski and snowboard hardgoods (among others). For a full list of exclusions, you can view REI’s details on the sale here under “terms and conditions.” And keep in mind that the coupons are only one small part of your potential savings: The big price cuts of the Anniversary Sale are on discounted products, which are reduced up to 30%. Below we outline some of our top picks for on-sale gear, including hiking boots, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more.
Our Favorite Anniversary Deals
: 30% off REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 Tent with Footprint
REI’s Trail Hut 2 isn’t the lightest backpacking tent on the market, but it’s certainly one of the best values. For a reasonable $199 (discounted to around $140 during the sale period), the Trail Hut 2 offers a hard-to-beat combination of livability, durability, and weather protection. It’s spacious for a backpacking design with 31.7 square feet of floor space and a generous 40-inch peak height (the ridge pole helps stretch the sidewalls up and away). It also utilizes thick fabrics along the floor and rainfly and is very stable in rough and rowdy weather. In fact, on a recent trip to Patagonia, the Trail Hut 2 easily outperformed most other tents we had with us in the notoriously strong winds. Larger groups should also consider the Trail Hut 4, which is discounted from $299 to $210 during the sale.
See the REI Co-op Trail Hut 2
KEEN Men’s Targhee III WP Mid and Women’s Targhee III WP Mid: 20% off
KEEN is a leader in the hiking footwear market, and their flagship model is the Targhee. For years, this boot has been lauded for its great out-of-the-box comfort, very tough leather build, and sufficient grip and stability for everything from day hikes to easy to moderate backpacking trips. And importantly, despite the thick and durable construction, the Targhee still manages to check in at a reasonable weight (2 lbs. 2.8 oz. for the men’s pair) with a pretty nimble feel to match. If you don’t need over-the-ankle coverage, the low-top versions of the Targhee (offered with or without waterproofing) are also discounted during the sale. And summer adventurers may also want to check out the Targhee III sandals or closed-toe Newport H2.
See the Men's KEEN Targhee III See the Women's KEEN Targhee III
Osprey Talon 22 and Women’s Tempest 20: 25% off
Avid hikers know the value of a quality daypack, and no design puts it all together better than Osprey’s Talon 22 (and women’s Tempest 20). The 22-liter capacity is ample for shuttling a full day’s worth of supplies, the mesh backpanel is thoughtfully designed and breathes well, and overall comfort is excellent with good cushioning along the shoulder straps and hipbelt. Organization is another highlight, including easy access to the main compartment, zippered hipbelt pockets, plenty of exterior attachment points and compression straps, and dedicated storage for items like trekking poles, ice axes, a helmet, a bike light, and a hydration reservoir. Of note: The Talon is offered in capacities ranging from 11 to 44 liters (as well as a 6L waist pack), all of which are available for 25% off through Memorial Day.
See the Osprey Talon 22 See the Women's Osprey Tempest 20
NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair: 34% off
Camping gear has gotten really fun of late, and NEMO’s Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair is a shining example. Essentially a recliner and rocking chair in one, the chair’s mesh body is suspended above a sturdy aluminum frame, allowing it to swing back and forth, recline, or stay upright depending on how you position your back and feet. In addition to being highly versatile, the Stargaze is also very comfortable and comes nicely appointed with premium touches like a padded headrest, built-in cup holder, handy phone pocket, and functional storage case. It’s a steep investment at $250 MSRP, but the 34%-off discount (a significant $85 savings) makes it a lot more approachable.
See the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
Eureka Ignite Plus Stove: 25% off
Camping stoves make it quick and easy to whip up delicious meals in the wilderness, and Eureka’s Ignite Plus is one of the most well-rounded options on the market. The two 10,000-BTU burners pump out plenty of heat, the cooking area is wide and can accommodate bigger pots and pans, and Eureka didn’t skimp on features with good simmer control and push-button ignition, which keeps your hands safe from large bursts of flame and makes the prep process a bit quicker. All in all, the Ignite Plus is decently powerful, solidly built, and comes with all the trimmings we look for in a quality camp stove. Eureka also makes a cheaper version of the Ignite, which sports a smaller cooking space and less simmer control but remains a solid all-around choice (both are 25% off through Memorial Day).
See the Eureka Ignite Plus
Gregory Paragon 58 and Women’s Maven 55: 25% off
Backpacking packs run the gamut from ultra-thin and minimalist designs for thru-hikers to robust heavy haulers for long and demanding missions into the backcountry. Gregory’s Paragon 58 strikes a nice middle ground, combining a reasonable weight and functional capacity with most of the features we look for in a competitive all-rounder. The pack is easy to adjust with Velcro along the shoulder straps and hipbelt to dial in fit, sports plenty of mesh along the backpanel to keep you cool, and comes with thoughtful additions like a built-in rain cover and side zippered access to the main compartment, both of which are fairly uncommon in this price range. For shorter objectives and lighter loads, the Paragon is also sold in a smaller 48-liter capacity (the women’s counterpart is the Maven 45).
See the Men's Gregory Paragon 58 See the Women's Gregory Maven 55
Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike: 15% off
If you’ve been thinking of dipping your toes into cycling, now is a great time: REI’s Co-op Cycles line is 15% off through May 30th, including their entry-level DRT 1.1 mountain bike here. Like many of REI’s in-house products, the DRT is well built for the price with a sturdy construction and quality components including a Shimano drivetrain, Suntour front fork, and hydraulic disc brakes. Many will also appreciate the wide range of sizing options (from XS to XL) and two available colorways. Finally, it's worth noting that the 15%-off sale includes the popular kids' Rev collection.
See the Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Bike
REI Co-op Men’s Rainier and Women’s Rainier Rain Jacket: 30% off
REI continues to expand and improve their in-house outwear collection, and we really like what they came up with in the Rainier. This rain shell earned our top budget pick for 2022 thanks to good all-around protection (it uses a 2.5L construction with sealed seams), functional features like pit zips and a three-way adjustable hood, and a clean look that wears well on the trail or around town. A final advantage is the wide range of colorways and available sizes, which should make it easy for most to find a great fit. Note: Sizing runs pretty big (we ended up going down by a full size), so be sure to take that into account when buying.
See the Men's Rainier Jacket See the Women's Rainier Jacket
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket: 25% off
Car camping is all about maximizing comfort, and a quality camping blanket can go a long way toward keeping you warm and cozy outdoors. We recently tested a handful of blankets in Washington state, and Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket was quick to stand out: The blanket is warm enough for three-season use with thick synthetic insulation, features a reasonably hardwearing shell and water-repellent coating to fend off light precipitation, and comes in a wide selection of vibrant patterns and colorways (we like the national park-inspired designs in particular). Camping blankets are inherently a pretty basic bunch, but the Original Puffy’s corner loops and Cape Clip—which allows you to secure the blanket around your torso to go hands-free—are very thoughtful touches. Note: Rumpl’s lighter NanoLoft and Down Puffy models are also discounted during the sale (all three made our list of the best camping blankets this season).
See the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket
Eureka Space Camp 6 Tent: 25% off
REI’s Trail Hut 2 above is a nice value option for backpackers shuttling their gear into the backcountry, but car campers will benefit from the added roominess and fuller feature set of a more spacious design. Eureka’s Space Camp 6 is one of our favorite high-capacity picks for larger groups and families: The standing-height interior makes it easy to stand up and move around, the tent is solidly built with robust fabrics and a thick aluminum frame, and storage and ventilation are excellent with 10 total pockets and Eureka’s Air Exchange System to tweak airflow at the top and bottom of the tent depending on conditions. Their Copper Canyon LX 6 is another popular pick for bigger groups and also 25% off during the sale, but we prefer the Space Camp’s full-coverage rainfly and two-door layout (the Copper Canyon only has one).
See the Eureka Space Camp 6
IceMule Pro Cooler: 25% off
A quality cooler is a must-have for many outdoor-goers, regardless of how you choose to recreate. Hard-sided models lead the charge in ice retention and durability, but a backpack-style option like IceMule’s Pro Cooler is far more portable while still providing good insulation and overall performance for day trips. Unlike standard soft coolers, the IceMule Pro’s padded straps make it comfortable to carry when loaded down with ice, food, and drinks, and the ventilated backpanel does a nice job at keeping you cool. Durability is another hallmark, including an exceptionally tough and fully waterproof exterior that’s reminiscent of a dry bag. And a final bonus for water sports enthusiasts: It floats.
See the IceMule Pro Cooler
Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite Child Carrier: 25% off
For hitting the trail with a little one in tow, baby carrier packs make it easy and comfortable to shuttle a child and gear. And Kelty’s Journey PerfectFIT Elite stands out as one of the most well-equipped options on the market in 2022. Also offered in base and mid-range Signature options (both of which are also 25% off through Memorial Day), the Elite model here is Kelty’s top-end design and checks most of the boxes we look for in a premium child carrier. The namesake suspension system allows you to quickly dial in fit by pulling on two straps at the backpanel, and the feature set is well sorted with multiple grab handles and pockets (including a separate compartment for dirty clothes and gear), an integrated sunshade, and a wide seat with adjustable stirrups and removable drool pad. It’s a sizable investment at $340 MSRP, but buying during the sale will save you a significant $85.
See the Kelty Journey PerfectFIT Elite
MSR WindBurner Stove System: 25% off
Car campers can get away with large multi-burner stoves like the Eureka Ignite Plus above, but backpackers covering long miles on the trail will want something much lighter and more compact. And with the increased quality and selection of dehydrated meals, many backpackers now use their stove primarily to boil water, making integrated canister systems like MSR’s WindBurner very appealing. As its name suggests, this stove is extremely reliable in strong winds: After lighting the unit and snapping everything into place, the enclosed burner brings water to a boil quickly, even in gusty conditions. Build quality is also top-notch, making the WindBurner a great (albeit pricey) pick for those who frequent windy regions or expect a lot of exposure.
See the MSR WindBurner Stove System
HEST Sleep System Sleeping Pad: 25% off
Mixing premium materials and an innovative multi-layer design, HEST's Sleep System is one of the most comfortable and luxurious camping mats on the market. In fact, calling it a “camping mat” doesn’t really do it justice: The Sleep System is essentially two pads in one, combining an open-cell foam layer at the top with a denser blend on the bottom for added support and cushioning. Rounding out the build is an inflatable base that provides a solid and rigid structure to isolate you from the ground, resulting in excellent comfort and warmth (the 11.8 R-value means it’s great for year-round use). The Sleep System is on the heavy and bulky end compared to more standard camping mats, but there’s no denying the premium and plush feel, making it a standout pick for finicky sleepers in particular. For a lighter and more manageable option, HEST’s thinner Foamy is also marked down through Memorial Day (from $349 to $262).
See the HEST Sleep System Sleeping Pad
Five Ten Men’s Freerider Pro and Women’s Freerider Pro: 20% off
Five Ten’s Freerider is legendary in the world of mountain biking shoes, and the upgraded Pro variation here adds a nice boost in overall performance. For an additional $50, the Freerider Pro sports a lighter and more water-resistant synthetic upper, stiffer midsole for better shock absorption, reinforced toe box for added impact protection, and sleeker look that forgoes the standard model’s skate shoe-like styling. And importantly, you still get Five Ten’s legendary Stealth S1 rubber, which is one of the grippiest and most reliable compounds on the market. Added up, the Freerider Pro is an excellent pick for committed riders who frequent rough terrain and wet conditions. Note: The standard Freerider is also 20% off during the sale and the better all-rounder of the two shoes.
See the Men's Five Ten Freerider Pro See the Women's Five Ten Freerider Pro
Geyser Systems Portable Shower: 30% off
Camping can be a really fun experience, but not showering for days on end isn’t exactly a highlight for most. Enter Geyser Systems’ aptly named Portable Shower, a fully freestanding unit that’s reasonably light (just under 8 lbs.), easy to use, and provides reliable, consistent flow without the need for a separate pump. The process is fairly simple: Plug the attached power cable into a 12V power source, pour in 2 liters of cold water and 1 liter of boiling water from your camp kitchen, add a little soap to the attached sponge, turn on the pump, and open the control valve. In use, you can expect around 7 minutes at full tilt and more if you conserve water by turning the valve off and on as you go. All told, it’s an innovative and very functional design that we rely on frequently when road tripping and basecamping out of our van (and it sure beats most public showers).
See the Geyser Systems Portable Shower
Garmin Forerunner 745 Sports Watch: 30% off
A final discounted product to have on your radar is Garmin’s Forerunner 745, which is a sports watch purpose-built for endurance athletes. Like many of Garmin’s premium offerings, the Forerunner is feature-packed with multi-GNSS support (including compatibility GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite networks), a barometric altimeter and compass, optical heart rate monitor and pulse oximeter, music storage, and great navigation with preloaded maps. All in all, it's highly capable for tracking everything from all-day runs to post-work rides, and you also get detailed sleep data to help maximize performance. If you’re preparing for a triathlon or race or simply want to improve your training regimen, it’s a really well-executed and high-tech option.
See the Garmin Forerunner 745
Other Details on the REI Co-op Anniversary Sale
There are a few ways to buy during REI’s Anniversary Sale. If you live near a brick-and-mortar REI, you can shop in store. This is a great way to try on gear and clothing in person and make sure you’re getting the right fit. If an item is not in stock at your store, a sales representative can place the order for you online—you’ll have the option of picking it up in store or having it shipped to your home address. Alternatively, you can go online and make your purchases either on REI.com or through the REI Outlet (remember, you have a 20%-off coupon for both). Shipping is free on orders over $50 (members get free shipping regardless of the total), and you also have the option of sending your order to your local store for free pickup. Regardless of how you choose to shop, all items are covered by REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and can be returned either by mail or in store within one year of purchase for members (non-members have a 90-day return window).
Shop the 2022 REI Co-op Anniversary Sale