Best REI Anniversary Sale Deals in 2026
If you love hiking, camping, backpacking, kayaking, road tripping, or spending time outdoors in general, this guide covers some of the best REI Anniversary Sale deals in 2026 that are worth shopping this year. The REI Anniversary Sale is easily one of the best sales of the year for upgrading your outdoor gear collection before summer adventure season kicks off.
As someone who spends a ton of time hiking around the Pacific Northwest, camping, and testing gear, I know how overwhelming the REI Anniversary Sale can feel. There are SO many products included every year and it can honestly feel overwhelming to decipher what’s actually worth buying.
That’s exactly why I put together this guide featuring the products I personally love, use constantly, and genuinely recommend! Keep reading to learn more about what the REI Anniversary Sale is (and when it happens), as well as learn about my favorite items to shop for during the sale and why I recommend them.
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What is the REI Anniversary Sale?
The REI Anniversary Sale (also called “A-Sale”) is basically the Super Bowl of outdoor gear sales!
Every May, REI discounts some of their most popular hiking, camping, travel, and outdoor products, including gear that rarely goes on sale throughout the rest of the year. It’s one of my favorite times to stock up on outdoor essentials, replace worn out gear, and finally buy the items I’ve had sitting on my wishlist for months!
When is the REI Anniversary Sale?
This year the 2026 REI Anniversary Sale runs from May 15 through May 25, 2026. I’d definitely recommend shopping earlier rather than later if you have specific items in mind because popular colors, sizes, and higher demand gear can sell out pretty quickly once the sale starts.
You can shop the sale in-store or online and REI Co-Op members get free shipping on all orders! If you’re not a Co-Op member, you can still get free shipping on orders over $60.
My Top REI Anniversary Sale Picks for 2026
As an avid hiker, camper, and backpacker, I’ve tested a lot of outdoor gear over the last few years, both here in the Pacific Northwest and on trips across the US. With so many products included in the 2026 REI Anniversary Sale, it can honestly feel overwhelming trying to figure out what’s actually worth spending your money on.
If you only shop a few deals during the REI Anniversary Sale this year, make it these ones. These are the products I personally think offer the best value, biggest discounts, or are genuinely worth investing in for hiking, camping, travel, and outdoor adventures. They’re also the items I reach for most often in my own day to day adventures, which is exactly why I recommend them so highly.
My Outdoor Research Aspire Jacket has been my go-to rain jacket for years!
I don’t leave the house without my Aspire Jacket in my bag for when it rains!
Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Jacket
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you probably already know that I talk about this jacket constantly. It’s genuinely my favorite rain jacket and one of the purchases I’ve gotten the most use out of over the years. I first bought it back in 2022 and it’s held up through rainy hiking seasons in the Pacific Northwest, camping trips, travel days, and everyday life in Seattle.
What I love most about the Outdoor Research Aspire 3L Jacket is that it actually keeps me dry without feeling heavy or uncomfortable to hike in. It’s lightweight, breathable, and packs down easily, which makes it super easy to throw into a hiking pack or carry on. I genuinely think this jacket is worth the investment, especially during the REI Anniversary Sale!
REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Pants
These rain pants have saved me on so many hikes and camping trips. They’re lightweight, compact, and easy to toss into the bottom of my hiking pack just in case the forecast changes halfway through the day.
One of my favorite features is the zipper along the lower leg, which makes them super easy to pull on over hiking boots without having to take your shoes off on the side of the trail. If you hike regularly in rainy or shoulder season conditions, these are absolutely worth having in your pack.
If you want to pair it with the same style rain jacket, the REI Co-Op Rainier Rain Jacket also happens to be on sale!
JetBoil Cooking System
What I love most about the Jetboil is how quick and user friendly it is. It boils water incredibly fast, packs down compactly, and is super easy to set up even if you’re newer to camping or backpacking. I’ve used mine for everything from backpacker meals to morning coffee, and it’s easily one of my most used camping gear items.
One important thing to note here is that fuel is excluded from the REI Anniversary Sale but the rest of the JetBoil cooking system set-up is included in the sale. You can’t go wrong with grabbing this on sale now if it’s been on your wishlist.
Best Hiking Gear Deals
Hydrapak Hydration Reservoir
I switched to a Hydrapak hydration reservoir a few years ago and honestly don’t think I could go back. I use this piece of gear on almost every hike because it’s so much easier to sip from than other hydration methods.
What I love most about the Hydrapak reservoirs is that they’re durable, lightweight, and way easier to clean and refill than some other hydration bladders I’ve used in the past. If you hike regularly, this is one of those small upgrades that makes a surprisingly big difference.
REI Co-Op Flash 18 Pack
The REI Co-Op Flash 18 is one of my favorite lightweight daypacks for shorter hikes and travel days. It’s super lightweight, surprisingly roomy for how compact it is, and really easy to throw into a suitcase or larger backpack when traveling.
It’s also a great budget-friendly pack that still performs really well outdoors. I genuinely think the Flash 18 is one of the best value items REI makes.
Black Diamond Headlamp
A good headlamp is one of those outdoor essentials that you don’t realize you need until you really need it.
I bring my Black Diamond headlamp on basically every camping trip and hike, especially for sunrise hikes, sunset hikes, backpacking trips, or even just getting around camp after dark. I love how bright Black Diamond headlamps are and they’re definitely worth the investment!
Best Apparel Deals
REI Co-Op Trailmade Fleece Jacket
This is probably my favorite affordable fleece jacket that REI makes and one of the pieces I wear the most in everyday life. I throw it on constantly for coffee runs, casual walks around town, camping trips, and layering on hikes when temperatures start cooling down.
It’s lightweight, comfortable, and surprisingly warm for the price, which makes it a really great budget-friendly outdoor layer if you don’t want to spend a fortune on a fleece. I also love that it works just as well for everyday wear as it does for outdoor adventures, so I end up getting a ton of use out of it year-round!
The Trailmade Fleece comes in some really fun color ways and patterns right now, so it’s a great time to buy. I’ll actually be purchasing another in THIS pattern during the sale!
REI Co-Op Sahara Shade Hoodie
This is one of my favorite layers for summer hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and basically any outdoor activity where I know I’m going to be out in the sun all day.
I especially love wearing this on the water because it dries quickly and keeps the sun off my shoulders and arms without needing to constantly reapply sunscreen everywhere! These tend to run large, so I recommend sizing down slightly if you want a more fitted look.
Kuhl Frost Softshell Pants
These are hands down my favorite winter and shoulder season hiking pants and one of the best outdoor clothing purchases I’ve made over the last few years. I wear my Kuhl Frost Softshell Pants all the time for cold weather hikes, snowy trails, camping trips, and even mountaineering adventures because they’re incredibly durable, comfortable, and warm without feeling too restrictive!
One of the biggest reasons I love these pants is that they hold up really well in rough outdoor conditions while still being flexible enough to move comfortably on steep trails and longer hiking days. I also wrote a full in-depth review of these pants if you want a more detailed breakdown of the fit, performance, and why I love them so much!
Best Footwear Deals
Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes
The Oboz Sawtooth X Low Hiking Shoes are genuinely some of the best low profile hiking shoes on the market, especially if you want a shoe with great traction, support, and durability for longer hiking days.
One of the biggest things I love about these shoes is the traction and underfoot support, especially on rocky or uneven trails. They also hold up incredibly well over time, which makes them a really solid investment if you hike regularly. If you want a hiking shoe that feels durable, grippy, and trail ready right out of the box, I genuinely think these are worth grabbing during the REI Anniversary Sale.
Danner Mountain 600 GTX Hiking Boots
The Danner Mountain 600 GTX boots are such an amazing investment if you want a waterproof hiking boot that’s built to last for years of outdoor adventures. The cushioning on these is outstanding, and I love that they feel supportive and durable without being overly stiff like some traditional hiking boots can be.
One of the biggest reasons these boots are so popular is the combination of waterproof GORE-TEX protection, great traction, and long-term durability. They perform really well in wet and muddy conditions, which makes them especially great for hiking in places like Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re looking for a hiking boot that can handle everything from casual hikes to rougher trails while still being comfortable enough for all day wear, I genuinely think these are worth the investment!
Smartwool Socks
I genuinely don’t think I can ever go back to regular cotton socks after switching to Smartwool hiking socks. They’re insanely durable, super comfortable, and one of the easiest upgrades you can make for hiking, camping, and traveling.
One of the biggest reasons I love Smartwool socks is that they help keep my feet dry and comfortable instead of sweaty and miserable halfway through a hike. The merino wool blend is naturally moisture wicking, breathable, temperature regulating, and odor resistant, which makes a huge difference on long outdoor days. They also have great cushioning and support without feeling bulky inside hiking boots or trail runners.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, these are 100% worth stocking up on during the REI Anniversary Sale!
Best Camping and Backpacking Gear Deals
REI Co-Op Flash 55 Pack
The REI Co-Op Flash 55 was my very first backpacking pack that I ever used and honestly it’s such a great beginner-friendly option if you’re just getting into backpacking. I used this pack while section hiking parts of the Pacific Crest Trail when I was still pretty new to backpacking, and it helped make getting into the sport feel way less intimidating.
What I love about the Flash 55 is that it’s comfortable, lightweight, and adjustable without being ridiculously expensive like some backpacking packs can be. It has enough space for multi-day trips while still feeling streamlined and easy to carry on trail. I also think it strikes a really nice balance between traditional backpacking comfort and lightweight design, which is why so many newer backpackers end up loving it.
If you’ve been wanting to get into backpacking this summer, the REI Anniversary Sale is honestly one of the best times to finally invest in a good backpacking pack!
Need a little extra room for your backpacking trip? The REI Trailmade 60 is slightly larger than the REI Flash 55 and still just as affordable. Plus, the REI Trailmade 60 is also on sale during the Anniversary Sale!
BearVault Canister
A bear canister is one of those pieces of gear that’s more of a necessity than a luxury. Many national parks, wilderness areas, and recreation sites throughout the US actually require bear canisters for food storage in order to help protect both wildlife and campers.
I like the BearVault canisters because they’re durable, reliable, and easy to use compared to some other options out there. The transparent design also makes it much easier to find your food and gear without unpacking the entire canister at camp. Even beyond the regulations, properly storing your food is incredibly important for keeping bears and other wildlife from becoming habituated to humans.
Since bear canisters can be pretty expensive at full price, the REI Anniversary Sale is honestly one of the best times to finally buy one if you’ve been putting it off!
REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair
The REI Co-Op Flexlite Camp Chair is one of my favorite camping comfort items and something I bring on almost every camping trip. It’s lightweight, packs down surprisingly small, and takes less than a minute to set up once you get the hang of it.
What I love most about this chair is that it’s actually durable enough to last through years of camping trips while still being compact and easy to transport. I’ve used mine at campsites, beaches, parks, and while hanging out around camp after long hiking days. It’s one of my favorite camp chairs and it’s on an incredible discount during the sale!
REI Co-Op Half Dome Tent
I have the old REI Co-Op Passage 2 tent (discontinued) and I love it. REI always makes a great tent at a decent price, which is why I highly recommend picking one up when you can. This year, the REI Half Dome Tent is featured in the sale and happens to be very similar to the Passage tent series.
The REI Co-Op Half Dome Tent is one of the best affordable tents on the market right now. If you’ve been thinking of going camping or backpacking and need a durable tent that won’t break the bank, this is it!
Need more room inside your tent? The REI Co-Op Westward 6 Tent is also 25% off during the Anniversary Sale and it has 6-foot ceilings inside!
Best Budget-Friendly Picks Under $50
Mountain House Backpacker Meals
You really can’t go wrong with Mountain House meals for camping and backpacking trips. They’re packed with protein, easy to carry, super filling, and honestly taste way better than what a lot of people expect from backpacking food. After a long hiking day, having a hot meal that’s actually satisfying makes such a difference.
I also love that most of the meals are super easy to make with just boiling water, which is exactly why I use them constantly with my Jetboil while camping and backpacking.
Some of my personal favorites are the Biscuits and Gravy, Buffalo-Style Chicken Mac and Cheese, and the Chicken and Mashed Potatoes. If you’re planning any camping trips this summer, the REI Anniversary Sale is a great time to stock up on these while they’re 25% off!
REI Co-Op Nalgene Bottle
You honestly can’t go wrong with a classic Nalgene water bottle, especially when they’re 40% off during the REI Anniversary Sale!
I love throwing my Nalgene into my hiking backpack or travel bag before adventures because they’re lightweight, durable, and super easy to clean. They also make such a good affordable gift for outdoorsy friends, especially if you want a practical item that people will actually use constantly!
Nomadix Towel
A good camp towel is one of those outdoor essentials I never used to think about until I finally got one and now I carry one on almost every hike! I especially love bringing a Nomadix towel on alpine lake hikes, kayaking trips, camping weekends, and beach days because they’re super compact and easy to throw into a backpack without taking up much space.
One of the biggest reasons I love these towels is how fast drying they are compared to regular towels. They also pack down really small, which makes it so much easier to carry one up a trail.
Final Thoughts: Best REI Anniversary Sale Deals in 2026
The REI Anniversary Sale is honestly one of my favorite times of the year to stock up on outdoor gear before summer adventure season fully kicks into gear. Whether you’re planning camping trips, national park adventures, backpacking weekends, or just want to spend more time outside this year, this is one of the best opportunities to save money on quality gear that you’ll actually use for years.
I also really wanted this guide to focus on the best REI Anniversary Sale deals that are genuinely worth the investment instead of just throwing together a giant list of random sale products. Every item featured in this post is something I personally love, regularly use, or would genuinely recommend to friends heading out on outdoor adventures!
And trust me… if there’s something you’ve had your eye on, don’t wait too long to grab it. The best colors, sizes, and popular gear always sell out fast during the REI Anniversary Sale. Happy shopping and happy adventuring!
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➡️ Read Next: Want to read more about my favorite outdoor gear and apparel? Check out my blog post breakdown where I share all of my favorite items for visiting the PNW!
