It’s almost time for summer, which means my favorite sale of the year – REI’s Anniversary Sale – is here! Taking place May 17-27th, 2024, this is the REI Co-op’s biggest sale, and it’s a chance to score big savings on top outdoor gear. During the sale, you can save up to 30%, making it a great time to pick up those big-ticket items just in time for your summer adventures.
To save you time and make your shopping easy, I’ve handpicked the best deals on my favorite apparel, hiking, camping, backpacking, and van life gear. These are items that my team and I own, use, and love and think you will too!
Sponsored by REI Co-op
REI Co-op is my favorite outdoor gear retailer and a long-time supporter of my work here at Bearfoot Theory. Their 1-year return policy for Members is hands-down the best industry, and Members also get 10% back on their purchases every year.
Overview of REI Anniversary Sale Deals
Here are some of the deals I want to highlight in this year’s REI Anniversary Sale. Below I’ll share some of my favorite products that are currently on sale.
REI Member Exclusive Offers
During the Sale, REI members also get 20% off one full-price item, plus an extra 20% off one outlet item using the code ANNIV24. You can also get 20% off your entire order of used gear at Re/Supply with code USEDANV24.
If you’re not a Member already, here are 12 reasons why you should join the REI Co-op).
Best Deals on Apparel
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket – 30% OFF
The REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket (the men’s version is here) is already budget-friendly, so it’s a steal at 30% off during REI’s Anniversary Sale! BFT Contributor Linda says, “It’s my go-to shell for dicey weather because it’s durable, windproof, and has pit zips for ventilation.”
Plus, it’s light and packs down into its own pocket, making it compact and easy to take along on any adventure. The Rainier can be found on my list of best lightweight rain jackets and you can pair it with the Rainier Rain Pants (also on sale).
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie – 30% OFF
I’m a big fan of sun protection, and the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (the men’s version is here) is one of the best outdoor sun shirts I’ve tried. I wore it for a week straight in Maui without washing it and found that it didn’t stink, and the loose fit kept me surprisingly cool even in warm weather.
Check out my full sun protection for hiking guide for more product recommendations and tips.
I love my Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (the men’s version is here), especially when I’m hiking in the rain or on wet trails. The mid-ankle design offers ankle support as I hike and keeps water out – after all, no one likes to hike in wet socks. These boots are also a good option for backpacking or hiking on rough terrain as they are slip-resistant.
They’re my go-to backpacking boots because of their sturdiness, waterproofness, and grippyness from the lugs on the soles. Even better? No painful break-in period is required – the soft leather uppers make them ready for you to slip on straight out of the box.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle Pants – 25% OFF
The Mountain Hardwear Dynama/2 Ankle Pants have been one of my staples for hiking and backpacking trips for several years now (in fact, I’m wearing them right now as I type this). The elastic waistband is super comfortable, and because there is no button, drawstring, or zipper, they work really well when I’m wearing a backpack with a hip belt since there is nothing that will cause rubbing or discomfort.
You can find the Dynama pants on my list of best women’s hiking pants.
REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket – 30% OFF
The REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket (the men’s version is here) is a budget-friendly piece made for all body types that has become a staple in my closet. I like how the material is super soft, warm, and cozy yet breathable and quick drying.
The fit is loose and comfortable with room to move and has a high neckline for added warmth. I appreciate how the jacket is versatile, making it perfect for camping trips, outdoor adventures, and everyday wear. Plus, it’s cute to boot. Snag this jacket for 30% off during REI’s Anniversary Sale!
REI Co-op Flash Hybrid Tights – 30% OFF
I consider a good pair of leggings essential for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear, and the REI Co-op Flash Hybrid Tights are a great budget-friendly option. With their athletic design, these tights offer unrestricted movement. Yet they’re durable, so I don’t have to worry about snags.
They are also equipped with a convenient zippered pocket for storing small essentials and reflective details for added visibility in low-light conditions. Since I love taking photos on my phone when I’m outside, I love how the stretchy side drop-in pocket is big enough to hold a smartphone.
REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt – 30% OFF
Whether I’m hiking, camping, or simply exploring, the REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt (the men’s version is here) offers the perfect combination of comfort, sun protection, and durability. It offers UPF 50+ sun protection, plus it’s breathable and quick drying, making it ideal for sunny days and extended outdoor adventures when I don’t want to wear long sleeves. I love the comfortable cut that’s loose and provides space for movement yet isn’t too baggy.
REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts – 30% OFF
The REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts (the men’s version is here) have been a recent staple for BFT Contributor Courtney, who says, “I’ve been wearing them out on the trail and during my van travels. They have a great high-waist fit and are super lightweight with a comfortable elastic waistband.”
Madef with a blend of stretchy and lightweight fabrics, these shorts are quick-drying and moisture-wicking, perfect for the trail. Plus, they have two deep side pockets and smaller front pockets to store essentials. Snag these shorts for 30% off during REI’s Anniversary Sale!
Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat – 25% OFF
The popular Tilley LTM6 Airflo Broad Brim Hat is a functional accessory for those hot summer days. This hat is made with a blend of lightweight and breathable materials, allowing for optimal airflow and ventilation, especially with the mesh around the crown of your head. Plus the wide brim provides ample shade and shields your face and neck from harmful UV rays.
It’s more durable and more travel friendly than a lot of sun hats, and it is also water-repellent, making it suitable for paddling and other water activities. It’s unisex and comes in a bunch of different sizes, and in case you’re looking for a different style, all Tilley hats are currently 25% off!
Nani Swimwear Cut Back Crop Swimsuit Top – 25% OFF
I’ve been loving the Nani Swimwear Cut Back Crop Swimsuit Top and matching ruched bottoms. The swimsuit top is very supportive for large-chested women like myself, and the bottoms are full coverage and very flattering. This swimsuit stays put when I’m active, so I don’t have to worry about it shifting around. When I was in Maui, I would wear this on hikes instead of a bra, that way I was always ready to jump in a waterfall.
Nani Swimwear makes their swimsuits out of recycled plastic water bottles and are an all-women ran company. All their swimwear is 25% off during REI’s Anniversary Sale if you want to check out their other swim styles.
REI Co-op Trailmade Pullover – 30% OFF
The REI Co-op Trailmade Pullover is a great lightweight, quick-dry shirt that is perfect for both outdoor and everyday wear. I love this shirt because when I first had my baby, the buttons made it easy to breastfeed and also provided for better airflow. This shirt has a boxy fit and runs short, so it may not work for people with long torsos. It also wrinkles easily, so that’s something to keep in mind if you plan to travel with it. But, for an outdoor shirt that can pass as dressy, I’m sold on the design!
The Oboz Footwear Katabatic comes in both low hiking shoes and mid-ankle hiking boots (with waterproof and non-waterproof options for each). They’re light and fast – with the shoes weighing in at only 1 lb 4 oz, they’re some of the lightest hiking shoes you can find!
I have a pair of Katabatic low hiking shoes, and I find their low profile to be versatile enough to wear both on and off the trail. I like to wear them on neighborhood walks, day hikes, and everyday wear around town. And they always come with me in my van. You can read more about them in my Oboz Katabatic hiking shoe review.
Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Hat – 25% OFF
If you’re looking for a mesh hat that will keep your head cool in warm weather, check out the Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Hat. This adjustable hat has a nylon strap and a clip closure, so you’ll be able to get the perfect fit.
BFT Contributor Kaylin Zittergruen has this hat and says, “I like to wear it while hiking because it protects my scalp from the sun without making my head feel hot or itchy. I also wear it often in my van to hide my hair on days when I have to go without a shower. It’s cute to even wear around town to breweries and restaurants.”
REI Co-op All REI Co-op Brand Socks – 30% OFF
If you need new hiking socks, you’re in luck – all REI Co-op brand socks are 30% off in the Anniversary Sale! REI’s socks because they are lightweight, comfy, breathable, and sweat-wicking.
BFT Contributor Linda has the REI Co-op Coolmax Crew Socks and says, “If you’re between sizes, I recommend sizing down. I wear a size 7 shoe and wish I would’ve chosen a size small instead of a medium.”
Nani Swimwear Hybrid Uinta Shorts – 25% OFF
Not only do the Nani Swimwear Hybrid Uinta Shorts make excellent swim shorts – they’re also perfect for hiking! I wore a pair of Nani hybrid shorts while adventuring in Maui and liked how I could wear them for walks on the beach and waterfall hikes. The quick-drying, stretchy material makes them comfortable to wear while working up a sweat on the trail or chilling on the beach.
Best Car Camping & Van Life Deals
NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad – 25% OFF
Gone are the days of uncomfortable sleep on car camping trips. The NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad is 4 inches thick, which means I never feel the ground, and it’s very easy for me to blow up with a self-inflation mechanism that actually works.
At 5 lbs 8 oz, I like how it’s lighter and less bulky than other comparable car camping sleeping pads or a traditional blow-up mattress. Trust me – once you try the NEMO Roamer, it’ll be on your “must-have” list for camping forever.
Looking for a 2-person sleeping pad? The NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad – Double is also on sale. Read more about the pros and cons and my personal experience in my NEMO Roamer Double Sleeping Pad Review.
REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair – 30% OFF
The REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair is a versatile and lightweight option perfect for camping, van life, and other outdoor activities. This chair is designed with a compact and collapsible frame, making it easy to carry and even easier to store in tight spaces like my van. It offers three different sitting positions, allowing me to find the most comfortable posture for relaxation – snag it for 30% off during REI’s Anniversary Sale!
ENO DoubleNest Hammock – 25% OFF
What’s better than lounging in a hammock after a nice long hike or setting up camp? ENO helped pioneer basecamp relaxation, and I love using their DoubleNest Hammock on trips because it has ample room for two but packs down super small. I can easily toss it in my daypack to string up for a mid-hike nap!
All ENO hammocks are currently on sale, so you can take your pick of single or double and find just the right color or pattern.
Nomadix Quick Dry Towel – 25% OFF
I’ve learned over the years that quick dry towels are a must for any trip whether I’m car camping, backpacking, or traveling. From showering, drying my dishes, or lounging in the sun, I appreciate how these Nomadix Towels pack small, dry much quicker than traditional towels, and are easily washed. I find that quick dry towels always come in handy, so pick up a few right now for 25% off.
Hydro Flask 32oz. Wide-Mouth Water Bottle – 25% OFF
With all the great options for reusable water bottles nowadays, there’s really no need (or excuse) to buy single-use plastic ones. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle W/ Flex Straw Cap is one of my personal favorites. It’s a good size for all-day hydration, keeps my drinks hot or cold, has a straw for easier drinking on the go, and it’s easy to clean and carry. If you’re looking for something smaller or a bottle without a straw, Hydro Flask has lots of different styles and options, and many are on sale right now during REI’s Anniversary Sale.
Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket – 25% OFF
I love to bring my dogs with me on my adventures, whether that’s on land or water. The Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket features a strong handle that allows me to easily lift my dogs in and out of the water. I like how the life jacket is designed with clips, making it quick and easy to take on and off of my dogs. It also features a reflective trim so I can spot my dogs in the water right away.
REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 Double Sleeping Bag – 30% OFF
When I’m camping in the backcountry on a chilly night, it’s so nice to stay warm and cozy with my partner in a double sleeping bag like the REI Co-op HunkerDown 20 Double Sleeping Bag. I used this sleeping bag on my trip to Maui and liked using it as a soft blanket. Although you could use this sleeping bag for backpacking, it’s a bit on the heavier side at 6 lbs 11 oz, making it a better option for car camping. You can find this sleeping bag on my list of the best sleeping bags and quilts for camping and backpacking.
Dometic GO Compact Camp Chair – 20% OFF
One of my favorite camping chairs, the Dometic GO Compact Camping Chair is sturdy, comfy, and supportive. Featuring aluminum and beechwood armrests, it offers a convenient place to rest my arms and alleviates strain on my lower back.
The chair weighs just under 10 lbs and it’s easily collapsible, making it quick to set up and compact enough to store in my van with a carrying sack. I enjoyed using it when I spent time camping in British Columbia last year and highly recommend it for camping, backyard BBQs, and picnics. This chair is also included in my list of the best camping chairs.
The only downside of this chair is that it doesn’t have any pockets or cup holders near the armrests, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to accept.
Dometic GO Compact Camp Table – 20% OFF
Every van lifer and car camper needs a quality table, and the Dometic Go Compact Table is an excellent option. I like this table for its foldable design and three adjustable heights. I use the spacious, flat surface for cooking, dining, or as a convenient snack table alongside my camp chair.
Setting up the table is a breeze – all you have to do is simply unfold it, extend the legs, and flip it over to the right side. The table fits my family of three perfectly and could even fit a fourth person if we had a guest.
GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper Ceramic Cookset – 25% OFF
There is something extra satisfying about a cook set that stores inside itself, like the GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper Ceramic Cookset. It makes it so much easier to pack in your camping bin. This set includes a 5-liter pot, a 3-liter pot, a 9-inch frypan, 2 lids, a cutting board, a pot gripper, and a storage sack.
With the outside made of aluminum, the Bugaboo Cookset has held up well for me over time. I’ve use it when car camping to make delicious meals, including one of my go-to camping foods – spaghetti!
Note: this works wonderfully on a gas camp stove, but is it not induction friendly in case you van lifers were wondering.
REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel – 30% OFF
Duffel bags are incredibly versatile, serving purposes from organizing van life essentials to preparing for extensive travels. For quick getaways, my top pick is the REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel. I love how I can just toss it in the back of my van during road trips.
During winter, I rely on my duffel daily to keep all my ski gear neatly stowed and easily accessible in my car, including my helmet, goggles, mittens, boot heaters, and midlayers. Something special that sets this duffel apart from others is its convenient stowable backpack straps and accompanying storage sack, allowing me to store it compactly when I’m not using it.
For those requiring smaller or larger capacities, it is also available in 28, 60, and 90, and 120-liter versions, as well as a rolling duffel equipped with wheels. All these styles are 30% during the sale.
REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set – 30% OFF
In my van, packing cubes are essential for organization. I use the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set to sort my clothes (and make finding them much quicker and easier). This set includes three different sizes, making it convenient for me to know at a glance which one holds which items. I keep my tops in one, bottoms in another, and undergarments in the smallest cube.
REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent – 30% OFF
The REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent is the perfect tent to bring car camping. It fits up to four people and offers dependable shelter (even if you find yourself camping in wind and rain). The tent is compact enough to throw in the back of your adventure vehicle along with your other camping gear for a weekend getaway. I like how the setup is self-explanatory, quick, and easy (less than 10 minutes). I recently camped in this tent for a weekend trip and felt it was plenty spacious for my family of 3.
Best Deals on Hiking & Backpacking Gear
REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint – 30% OFF
If you’re looking to get into backpacking and want a great value tent, the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent 2 is a solid option. It’s a 3-season freestanding tent (meaning no trekking poles or guylines required for setup) that’s roomy enough for 2 (plus a pet!). I’ve found it also holds up really well in the wind.
At 4 lbs, it’s slightly on the heavier side for backpacking tents, but it’s a reliable, budget-friendly choice for casual or new backpackers – especially at 30% off!
Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar Multisport GPS Watch – $200 OFF
If you’re in the market for a GPS watch, you can snag the Garmin fenix 7X GPS Watch for $200 off during REI’s Anniversary Sale! This advanced smartwatch offers an array of functions to enhance your outdoor activities. With its built-in GPS, I like how it provides accurate tracking of my routes, distances, and elevation. The fenix 7X also incorporates advanced navigation features, including topographic mapping and route planning, ensuring I stay on track during my adventures.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 – $100 OFF
I think a Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a must-have item for all outdoor enthusiasts. This little handheld device keeps me safe in the backcountry where there is no cell service by tracking my location, providing 2-way texting, and sending out SOS signals should things go wrong.
I also used it in my van once when our battery died in a remote area in winter with sub-zero temps. I was able to text my dad with our GPS coordinates, and he then contacted a tow company to come help us. Without the Garmin InReach, we would have been waiting there for a very long time.
Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles – 25% OFF
A pair of lightweight trekking poles, like the Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles, is a must for hiking and backpacking, especially on those trails with lots of uphill and downhill to protect those knees and joints. These particular trekking poles have foam handles for extra comfort. I appreciate how they’re adjustable so I can get the size just right for myself and make them longer when I’m going downhill. They’re also budget-friendly, especially at 25% off!
NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad – 25% OFF
The NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is lightweight with insulated layers to keep you warm all night in the backcountry. The 3.5-inch thickness makes it a great option for side sleepers. I like how this sleeping pad packs down small in my pack, and once I get to camp, it’s quick to inflate and deflate. The NEMO Tensor comes in regular, wide, and long sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your body! You can find this sleeping pad in my collection of the best sleeping pads for backpacking.
REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag – 30% OFF
Coming in nine different unisex sizes, the newly updated REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag allows you to find your ideal fit for better sleep based on your measurements. BFT Contributor Kaylin Zittergruen tested this sleeping bag while backpacking in Havasu Falls and says, “I love how this sleeping bag is lightweight, warm, and soft. The 15-degree bag kept me really warm even when the temps dipped below freezing.”
Kaylin also said, “The design of the zipper makes it easy to unzip and rezip without snagging on the material, and the stash pocket fits my phone perfectly. I got some of the best nights of sleep I’ve ever had while sleeping in this bag!” To read more of Kaylin’s experience, check out her review of the REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag.
Jetboil Flash Cooking System – 25% OFF
The Jetboil Flash Cooking System stands out as one of the best backpacking stoves I’ve ever used. I like this stove because it heats water quickly and efficiently, boiling water in just over ninety seconds, and it’s just so easy to use. You don’t have to worry about knocking the pot off the burner, and the stove fits inside the pot along with a small fuel canister, so it takes up very little room in your pack. The only issue I have with the Jetboil is the push igniter is unreliable. But you can quickly light it with a lighter or matches, which you should always carry with you on a backpacking trip anyways.
How To Use Your Member Coupon
In addition to the sale deals, REI Members also get 20% off one full-price item, plus an extra 20% off one outlet item using the code ANNIV24.
Here’s a few items I recommend using your 20% coupon on:
