REI Co-op Anniversary Sale: 2022 Camping Gear Guide

REI Co-op’s Anniversary Sale runs from Friday, May 20th through Monday, May 30th (Memorial Day) this year and is a great time to save on many top-rated outdoor products. Their camping selection is particularly extensive, with steep discounts on big-ticket items from leading outdoor brands like NEMO, Eureka, Big Agnes, REI, and more. Below we outline some of our favorite discounted camping items, from necessities like a tent, stove, and sleep system to fun accessories like chairs and blankets. We've also compiled a more comprehensive list that covers other categories like hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking gear, 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.
 

Our Favorite Camping Deals

NEMO Aurora Highrise 6P Tent: 25% off

NEMO is one of the the most well-represented brands at this year’s Anniversary Sale with sizable discounts on their sleeping bags and pads, high-end Stargaze chair below, and new Aurora Highrise tent here. Offered in four- and six-person capacities (we’ve linked to the larger variation), the spacious design exudes luxury: You get a standing-height interior with a generous 77 inches of headroom and steep sidewalls, a massive 83-square-foot floor area, and two large doors and vestibules that make it easy to get in and out and provide ample space for stashing gear. And NEMO didn’t skimp on the smaller details, including windows at each side that remain protected from rain when open, a rainfly that can be staked out as an awning (poles sold separately), and high-quality materials throughout. Added up, it’s a highly competitive addition to the camping tent market and one of the most promising new designs we’ve seen in a while.
See the NEMO Aurora Highrise 6P Tent

Eureka Ignite Plus Stove: 25% off

The best camping stoves are powerful enough to quickly whip up diverse meals, offer convenient features like matchless ignition and good simmer control, and stand up well to regular use. Eureka’s Ignite Plus checks all those boxes emphatically, combining good heat output via two 10,000-BTU burners, a wide cooking space that can accommodate bigger pots and pans, and a solid steel build with tough components, including easy flame adjustments and push-button ignition. Like most Eureka stoves, the Ignite Plus can also be connected to other Eureka or Jetboil models to increase efficiency and speed when cooking more intricate meals. All told, it’s a quality all-around design that should meet the needs of even the most discerning camp chefs.
See the Eureka Ignite Plus

NEMO Jazz 30 Sleeping Bag and Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag: 25% off

A good sleeping bag can go a long way toward maximizing comfort outdoors, and NEMO’s Jazz 30 is one of the most luxurious options on the market. For reference, we’ve included both the single and double-wide variations here, the latter of which is excellent for those who frequently camp with a significant other. Regardless of which you choose, both bags boast fabrics that are soft to the touch, functional features like a built-in bedsheet and pillow pocket, and a rectangular shape with generous dimensions. All of the smaller components have a quality feel too, from the smooth-operating zippers to the Blanket Fold draft collar for trapping warmth. Finally, unlike many sleeping bags we’ve tested, the Jazz’s 30-degree rating actually feels pretty conservative–most campers should find it comfortable down to freezing or a little below (the large hood helps).
See the NEMO Jazz 30 Sleeping Bag  See the NEMO Jazz 30 Double Sleeping Bag

REI Co-op Outward Low Lawn Chair: 30% off

A reliable camp chair is a pretty versatile piece of gear, whether you’re basecamping in the woods or tailgating before a sporting event. And REI’s own Outward Low Lawn Chair has another feather in its cap: Not only does it look the part outdoors, but it can easily pull double duty on your patio or in the yard too. The wooden armrests and smooth nylon seat give the chair a sleek and classy look, while the sturdy aluminum frame offers a planted, confidence-inspiring feel whether you’re camping in the forest, hanging out on the beach, or enjoying a backyard cookout. And one of our favorite parts: The Outward takes essentially no effort to set up and pack away with a simple but effective bifold design and portability via the top handle or backpack straps behind the seat. In fact, we frequently reach for the REI over other camp chairs (especially on short day trips) simply because it’s so quick and painless to prop open and stash away.
See the REI Co-op Outward Low Lawn Chair

Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle: 25% off

We all know the value in staying hydrated, and Hydro Flask is a frontrunner in the hydration market with an extensive lineup of insulated bottles, tumblers, coffee mugs, and more. Their Standard Mouth Water Bottle here (and its Wide Mouth sibling) put the brand on the map and remains one of the most popular water bottles today. Its most impressive feature—and the reason it costs a pricey $35—is the insulated double-wall build that’s rated to keep drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a whopping 24 hours (we’ve found both calculations to be pretty accurate). The Standard Mouth is also cup holder-friendly, has a tough outer coating for fending off dings and dents, and is easy to drink from with an opening that nicely balances drinkability and spill prevention. For similar performance at a lower weight, Hydro Flask’s newer “Lightweight” variations are also marked down by 25% through Memorial Day. 
See the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle

Smartwool Men’s Hike Light Cushion and Women’s Hike Light Cushion: 25% off 

We can’t overstate the value and utility of a quality pair of hiking socks, and Colorado-based Smartwool is one of the best in the business. Their flagship model is the Performance Hike Light Cushion (formerly the PhD line), which combines merino wool, nylon, and light elastane for excellent comfort and moisture-wicking capabilities. In terms of padding, the Hike Light is sufficiently cushioned for isolating you from impacts but breathes well enough for most three-season adventures, and Smartwool added reinforcements in key areas to boost durability. Finally, like most of Smartwool’s socks, the Hike Light has a secure, foot-hugging shape that’s great for performance uses like hiking, backpacking, and even trail running.
See the Men's Performance Hike Light  See the Women's Performance Hike Light

NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair: 34% off

REI’s Outward Low Lawn Chair above is a solid all-around camping chair, but NEMO’s Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair adds a serious dose of fun and versatility. Unlike standard models, the Stargaze is essentially a recliner and rocking chair in one. How it works: The chair’s mostly mesh body is suspended above its aluminum frame, allowing it to swing back and forth, recline, or stay upright—all equally as easily—depending on how you position your back and feet. As we’ve come to expect from NEMO, the feature set and overall build quality are up to snuff too, including a thick and robust aluminum frame, nicely padded headrest, and dedicated storage for a drink and electronics. The price is steep at $250 MSRP (around $165 during the sale), but there’s no denying the Stargaze’s excellent comfort, high-end build, and serious fun factor. For a cheaper option from NEMO that reclines but doesn’t swing, their newer Moonlight is similarly comfy and available for 25% off during the sale.
See the NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair

Cotopaxi Men’s Fuego Down Jacket and Women’s Fuego Down Jacket: 25% off

You can get a lot of use out of a quality down jacket, whether you plan to wear it casually or on dedicated backcountry adventures. And Cotopaxi’s signature Fuego Hooded Down Jacket is a seriously versatile and good-looking option. What immediately stands out is the fun, retro styling with vibrant stripes across the chest, but there’s more to the Fuego than meets the eye: The jacket is well built with premium and lofty 800-fill down, a reasonably tough shell, and good crossover appeal for wearing from trail to town. For an alternate midlayer option, Cotopaxi’s popular Abrazo Half-Zip Fleece is also available for 25% off through Memorial Day and shares the same vibrant styling as the Fuego collection.
See the Men's Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket  See the Women's Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket

NEMO Roamer XL Wide Sleeping Pad and Roamer Double Sleeping Pad: 25% off

We covered NEMO’s Jazz bags above, and their Roamer is an equally premium and well-built camping mat to complete your sleep system. Made in XL Wide and Double versions (we’ve linked to both above), the Roamer is thick with 4 inches of cushioning between you and the ground, has an intuitive self-inflating design with dedicated valves for inflating and deflating, and is thoughtfully built with soft but durable fabrics that are comfortable and stand up well to regular use. In testing the Roamer, we were also struck by how compressible it was for such a roomy and plush design, which can make a significant difference for hauling in the back of a vehicle, especially for families and groups needing to bring along multiple mats and other bulky gear.
See the Roamer XL Wide Sleeping Pad  See the Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket: 25% off

A good sleeping bag is a prerequisite for spending the night outdoors, but a camping blanket can help you stay comfortable before it’s time to turn in. Rumpl’s Original Puffy Blanket is our favorite overall design this year, combining functional warmth for three-season use with a tear-resistant outer shell and durable water-repellent (DWR) coating to shed light moisture. The features are nicely sorted too, including a “Cape Clip” that allows you to secure the blanket around your shoulders to go hands-free, and corner loops to anchor it down in wind. And we love the extensive selection of vibrant patterns and colorways, from national park-inspired scenes to eye-catching mountainscapes. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or just curling up with a good book, the Original Puffy will keep you cozy while looking good in the process.
See the Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket

ENO DoubleNest Hammock: 25% off

Hammocks are a really fun way to relax outdoors, and Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO for short) makes some of the best on the market. The popular DoubleNest—their two-person model that extends up to 9.5 feet for sprawling out solo or cozying up with a partner—is discounted by 25% during the Anniversary Sale. The fabrics are comfortable, breathable, and quick to dry; the hammock is durable with triple-stitched seams and quality hardware and components; and the entire system packs down compactly into the integrated stuff sack. Finally, we love the customization potential: ENO sells add-ons including rain tarps, bug nets, underquilts, blankets, and more to transform the DoubleNest into a fully functional sleep system. Note: The DoubleNest comes with pre-attached carabiners, but you’ll need to purchase the anchoring straps and suspension system separately (you can snag their compatible Atlas straps for 25% off during the sale).
See the ENO DoubleNest Hammock

IceMule Pro Cooler: 25% off

Summer is approaching quickly, and a good cooler can be a great companion for everything from beach days to picnics and afternoon paddleboard sessions. Options range from large and pricey hard-sided models that can keep ice cold for days (or even weeks) on end to soft designs that are much lighter and easier to tote around. For those who want to maximize portability and only need to keep food and beverages cold for the day, IceMule’s Pro Cooler is one of our favorite options. The backpack-style design is comfortable to carry with well-padded shoulder straps and a ventilated backpanel, and the drybag-like build is exceptionally tough and stands up well to regular use. The Pro is also fully waterproof and floats, which makes it especially appealing for water-based activities.
See the IceMule Pro Cooler

Big Agnes Men's Torchlight Camp 20 and Women's Torchlight Camp 20: 25% off

NEMO’s Jazz 30 above is a supremely plush and roomy sleeping bag, but it’s fairly bulky and heavy at 6 pounds for the standard (one-person) model. If you prefer something a little lighter and more packable but don’t want to compromise too heavily on all-out comfort, check out Big Agnes’ Torchlight Camp 20. Unlike the rectangular Jazz, the Torchlight has a mummy shape (similar to many backpacking designs) that trims away excess material around the shoulders, hips, and feet to minimize cold spots and maximize warmth. However, while mummy bags often feel restrictive due to the narrower dimensions and tapered cut, Big Agnes smartly incorporated two long, expandable panels that add 5 inches of extra space on each side of the bag. The net result is a sufficiently roomy and highly comfortable design for a considerable $90 less than the Jazz (with the discounts factored in).
See the Men's Torchlight Camp 20  See the Women's Torchlight Camp 20

Xero Men's Z-Trail EV and Women's Z-Trail EV Sandals: 25% off

Inspired by the barefoot running movement, Xero Shoes offers a healthy selection of minimally padded sneakers, boots, and sandals for those who like the low-profile feel. All of their footwear is 25% off through Memorial Day, and we’ve really come to like the Z-Trail EV Sandals for daily wear and light outdoor adventuring. They’re impressively light (10.8 oz. for a men’s pair), very supple and flexible, and highly compact—great for rolling up or strapping to the outside of a pack and carrying in on backpacking trips or afternoons at the crag. They also float, which makes them viable for wearing while kayaking or paddleboarding. To be sure, the Z-Trail EV isn’t a standout in durability or support due to the streamlined build, but it has its place for dedicated minimalists and as a backup pair to bring along in the backcountry.
See the Men's Xero Z-Trail EV Sandals  See the Women's Xero Z-Trail EV Sandals

Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp: 25% off

Black Diamond recently overhauled their Spot headlamp collection, and the newest models are more competitive than ever. Compared to the past-generation version, the latest Spot 400 is noticeably more streamlined with a sleeker strap and body, much easier to operate, and boasts slightly better output with 400 lumens versus the prior model's 350. You also now get the ability to use either AAA batteries or Black Diamond’s rechargeable 1500 lithium-ion battery (sold separately), which adds versatility whether you’re venturing off-grid for long periods of time or staying close to home with easy access to charging. For those who don’t anticipate using AAAs, the Spot 400-R is a little pricier but comes with the aforementioned rechargeable battery. And we should mention that all of Black Diamond’s headlamps and lanterns are discounted by 25% through Memorial Day, which means most people should be able to find a light that fits their needs and adventures.
See the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp

Other Details on the REI Co-op Anniversary Sale

As we covered above, REI’s Anniversary Sale runs from May 20th through May 30th (Memorial Day) this year, and there are a few ways to shop. 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. 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. However 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).

In addition to discounting gear by up to 30%, REI is also providing each member with 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). If you’re shopping online, entering the ANNIV22 code at checkout will automatically apply the discount to the highest full-price and Outlet items in your cart, so be sure to shop accordingly to maximize the discounts. Importantly, certain products are exempt, 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.”
Shop the 2022 REI Co-op Anniversary Sale