The time has come: REI Co-op's biggest sale of the year kicks off on Friday, May 17. The outdoor retailer hosts their Anniversary Sale each spring, and this year, it runs through Monday, May 27 (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, our favorite discounted items, and how to shop both in-store and online. Given the extensive scope of this year’s sale, we’ve also included a curated list below our picks highlighting more of the biggest and most notable deals.
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 17-27, 2024
From May 17 through May 27, you can shop in-store or online at REI.com and save up to 30% or more on products from top brands like Nemo, Thule, Big Agnes, REI Co-op, Osprey, and many more. We recommend doing your research ahead of time and shopping sooner rather than later due to limited inventory. In addition, each member receives two 20%-off coupons using the code ANNIV24: One provides a discount on a full-price item (with some exclusions) and the other can be used at the REI Outlet (online only). A lifetime membership to the co-op costs just $30 and comes with tons of other benefits, including annual dividends on full-price purchases, discounts on bike and snow shop services, and the ability to buy and sell used gear through REI's Re/Supply program. Below we outline some of our top picks for on-sale gear, including backpacking equipment, camping gear, rain jackets, hiking footwear, bike racks, and more.
Our Favorite Anniversary Sale Deals
The North Face Wawona 6 Tent: 40% Off
Car camping can be downright comfortable with the right gear, and that starts with a quality camping tent. The North Face’s Wawona 6 earns our top billing for 2024 with a spacious, tunnel-like interior that sleeps up to six, a massive front vestibule that doubles as a covered seating area, and a hybrid double-wall construction that vents well and isn’t prone to condensation buildup. Available in four, six, and eight-person capacities, we love the six-person model even for smaller families (it’s great for hanging out in inclement weather), and the 76-inch peak height means that most won’t have to hunch over inside. It’s no small investment at $500 full MSRP, but 40% off during the Anniversary Sale translates to a substantial $200 savings—for that price, you’d be seriously hard-pressed to find a better combination of livability and build quality.
See The North Face Wawona 6
Lowa Men's Renegade Mid GTX and Women's Renegade Mid GTX: 25% Off
Hiking boots range from lightweight designs for day hikes and fastpacking to substantial leather models for shuttling serious weight over long distances. Lowa’s Renegade Mid GTX falls into the latter camp, offering a noticeably sturdy and planted feel with great protection and isolation from rocks and roots below. It’s also highly comfortable out of the box with great cushioning around the ankle and a wide variety of size and colorway options, including dedicated narrow and wide widths for those with harder-to-fit feet. And at just 2 pounds 7 ounces for the men’s pair, the Renegade manages to pull it off at a pretty reasonable weight (expect small sacrifices in durability compared to heavier designs). All told, if you’re looking for a boot for backpacking over rough terrain with a full pack, the Renegade is a well-rounded option with a long track record of great overall performance to back it up. Other standout leather hiking boots to consider are Keen’s wallet-friendlier Targhee IV Mid WP, La Sportiva’s lighter-weight Nucleo High II GTX, and Salomon’s more aggressive Quest 4 GTX—all of which are discounted by 25%.
See the Men's Lowa Renegade Mid GTX See the Women's Lowa Renegade Mid GTX
Thule T2 Pro XTR Hitch Rack: 20% Off
Thule is an irrefutable leader in the hitch-mounted bike rack market, and their flagship T2 Pro XTR is one of the most premium and well-built designs available in 2024. The rack’s user-friendly tilt feature is best-in-class, providing quick and easy access to the rear of the vehicle, and its versatile carrying system is compatible with a wide range of wheel and tire sizes without an adapter (not always the case in this category). The T2 Pro XTR also includes all the features you’d expect at this price point, including a wobble-free build, robust attachment system, integrated lock, and even a set of wheels at the base for easier shuttling to and from the garage. Cost is often the biggest downside to this high-end rack, but at a significant $150 discount during the Anniversary Sale, the T2 Pro XTR is worth a serious look. E-bike and fat bike riders may also want to check out Thule’s ramp-equipped EasyFold XT, which is discounted by around $200.
See the Thule T2 Pro XTR
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad: 25% Off
Camping gear has gotten pretty luxurious of late, and Exped’s MegaMat Duo 10 two-person sleeping mat is a case in point. In sum, the MegaMat combines the dimensions of a full-size air bed with the cushy comfort of a self-inflating foam pad. The 3.9-inch-thick cushioning nicely isolates you from the cold and hard ground below, the pad is nicely insulated for year-round use with an R-value of 8.1, and the intuitive double-valve system makes inflation and deflation pretty painless. In fact, we’ve even used the MegaMat as a backup bed for guests at home (with no complaints to date). It’s a sizable purchase at $400 MSRP (and $350 for the smaller Medium Double size), but this is a great time to save some serious cash. A couple other luxurious staff favorites are the Nemo Roamer and Hest Foamy, both of which are also 25% off.
See the Exped MegaMat Duo 10
Jetboil Flash Cooking System: 25% Off
Dehydrated meals have gotten downright tasty in recent years, and many backpackers now use their stove primarily to boil water. If this sounds like you, Jetboil’s Flash is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use designs currently on the market. This all-in-one stove offers fast boiling with an included insulated koozie that attaches directly to the stove via a heat exchanger, making it efficient and weather-resistant (a key point of distinction between the Flash and non-integrated alternatives). The Flash can boil one liter of water in around 3.5 minutes, and the total weight of 13.1 ounces is reasonable considering you don’t need an additional pot. Fuel canisters and attachments are not included, although Jetboil’s cookware and accessories—including their Summit Skillet, Fuel Can Stabilizer, and Pot Support—are also 25% off.
See the Jetboil Flash Cooking System
REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent: 30% Off
Quality backpacking tents are generally a pricey bunch, but REI Co-op’s Half Dome SL 2+ stands out for its hard-to-beat combination of price and performance. At just $349 full MSRP and around $245 during the sale, the Half Dome is the tent we recommend most to family and friends: It’s roomy for two (not always the case with backpacking tents), well built and durable, very easy to set up and take down, and comes with ample mesh for stargazing and ventilation. The Half Dome isn’t the lightest option available at 4 pounds 11.5 ounces all in (if weight is a top priority, check out Big Agnes' Copper Spur HV UL2 that's also discounted), but it’s affordable, livable, and stands up well to long-term use—a winning recipe for many. Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention that all REI tents are discounted by 30% through Memorial Day, and a few other staff favorites include the budget-friendly Trail Hut 2, weather-ready Base Camp 6, and luxurious Wonderland 6 (the latter two are spacious and fully featured camping designs).
See the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+
Danner Men’s Trail 2650 and Women’s Trail 2650 Shoes: 25% Off
The Lowa Renegade above is one of our favorite hiking boots on the market, but not all hikers want or need the added ankle support. For moving quickly on the trail, we turn to lightweight, low-top designs like Danner's Trail 2650. All told, these shoes are comfortable right out of the box, grippy with a Vibram outsole, and impressively light at 1 pound 8 ounces per pair (for the men’s version). Build quality is top-notch, too: The leather upper is durable and offers a foot-hugging feel, while the mesh liner and textile collar add a nice dose of breathability. Finally, we love how good-looking and everyday-friendly these shoes are, giving them excellent versatility whether you’re bagging peaks or grabbing a post-hike beer in town. Note: We include the non-waterproof, low-top Trail 2650 here, but the waterproof and mid-height boot variations are also 25% off.
See the Men's Danner Trail 2650 See the Women's Danner Trail 2650
REI Co-op Men’s Rainier and Women’s Rainier Rain Jacket: 30% Off
REI continues to expand and improve their in-house outerwear collection, and we really like what they came up with in the Rainier. This rain shell earned our top budget pick for 2024 thanks to its good all-around protection, functional features like pit zips and a visor-equipped hood with dual adjustments, and a clean look that wears well on the trail or around town. A final advantage is the healthy selection of colorways and available sizes, which should make it easy for most to find a great fit (note: Sizing does run fairly big). For a step up in performance, their Flash Stretch Rain Jacket (discounted from $169 to around $120) includes 12% spandex for added mobility, comes fully seam sealed (the Rainier is taped), and boasts a standing collar with a brushed tricot lining for added comfort.
See the Men's REI Rainier Jacket See the Women's REI Rainier Jacket
Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box: 20% Off
Yakima SkyBox is one of the most ubiquitous rooftop cargo boxes on the market—we see it on more vehicles than any other carrier. With a generous 18-cubic-foot interior (Yakima also sells a smaller SkyBox NX 16 that's 20% off), there’s ample space for hauling skis and bulky camping equipment, and we appreciate that the mounting hardware barely protrudes from the floor to maximize storage. It’s also very user-friendly with access points by both the driver and passenger sides and impressively easy setup and removal. Finally, the design is well built for the price, including a quality lock system, full metal handle, and smooth finish. All in all, it’s a capable and reliable hauler at a good value, and the 20% discount only adds to the widespread appeal. For a step up in fit and finish, Thule’s Motion 3 XL is also 20% off through Memorial Day and an expertly built alternative for those willing to spend up (it’s around $160 more than the SkyBox NX 18 during the sale).
See the Yakima SkyBox NX 18
Nemo Men’s Disco 15 and Women’s Disco 15 Sleeping Bag: 25% Off
Nemo’s spoon-shaped sleeping bags are a hit for comfort seekers and side sleepers, and their Disco 15 combines that accommodating shape with quality down insulation and thoughtful features. In terms of protection, the 650-fill-power down has a hydrophobic treatment for fending off light moisture with waterproof panels at the hood and foot box for added assurance. Other details include a built-in sleeve at the hood for keeping your pillow in place, zippered “gills” at the top of the bag to release hot air in warm weather, and a draft collar to combat the cold. The spacious design and mid-range down fill do add some weight and bulk, but there’s no denying the roominess, comfort, and functional features. Plus, with the most recent update, the bag is now part of Nemo’s sustainably built—and fully recyclable—Endless Promise collection. For a lighter and more premium option, REI’s Magma 15 is reduced from $429 to around $300 during the sale.
See the Men's Nemo Disco 15 See the Women's Nemo Disco 15
Osprey Men’s Atmos AG 65 and Women’s Aura AG 65: 25% Off
Osprey’s flagship men's Atmos AG and women's Aura AG have been go-to packs of ours for years. The attention grabber is the “Anti-Gravity” suspended mesh backpanel, which replaces the protruding foam found on more traditional designs to maximize both ventilation and comfort. But that’s not all the Atmos/Aura has going for it: The pocket design is thoughtfully laid out with plenty of options to divvy up gear, the Fit-on-the-Fly harness and hipbelt offer an easily customizable fit, and the premium materials hold up well to rough treatment. Overall, it’s an extremely well-rounded pack that works great for anything from quick overnight trips to extended jaunts into the backcountry. For a lighter and cheaper option, REI's streamlined Flash 55 checks in around 2 pounds less than the Atmos and is on sale for just $140 through May 27. While less feature-rich and more susceptible to tears than the Atmos, it's a great option for minimalists who don't mind sacrificing some creature comforts to shave weight.
See the Men's Osprey Atmos AG 65 See the Women's Osprey Aura AG 65
Garmin inReach Mini 2: $100 Off
For reliably staying in touch during far-off adventures in the mountains or across the world, we turn to satellite messenger devices, with Garmin’s inReach Mini 2 leading the pack. Don’t be fooled by the diminutive size: This device packs a serious punch with texting capabilities, weather forecasting, navigation and tracking functionality, an impressively long battery life (up to 14 days), and a last-resort SOS feature to coordinate a rescue in the event of an emergency. We bring along our inReach pretty much any time we’re going to be out of cell service—whether we’re headed abroad without international coverage or embarking on a multi-day backpacking mission closer to home. These devices don’t come cheap and require an active subscription for use, but it’s hard to put a price on having a dependable safety net. For those more interested in Garmin's navigational features and training metrics, their Fenix and Epix sports watches are $200 off through Memorial Day.
See the Garmin inReach Mini 2
Additional Anniversary Sale Highlights
There are a surprising number of excellent deals at this year’s REI Anniversary Sale, and the products mentioned above are just a small snapshot. There are several other notable discounts to have on your radar, and below we highlight some of the additional standout savings on camping and backpacking gear, clothing, hiking footwear, and more. Note: The top two deals are flash sales that only last a couple days, so mark your calendars and be ready to buy between the dates listed.
- 70% off all REI Co-op Flash TT hiking boots (May 21 through May 23)
- 50% off all REI Co-op 650 down jackets and vests (May 17 through May 20)
- 40% off all Mountain Hardwear tents and footprints
- 30% off all REI Co-op clothing, footwear, and gear (excluding bikes)
- 25% off Nemo sleeping bags, sleeping pads, pillows, and Moonlite Reclining camp chair
- 25% off all Exped and Kelty sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and accessories
- 25% off Salomon Speedcross 6, X Ultra 4, XA Pro 3D v9, and Quest 4 footwear
- 25% off all La Sportiva, Keen, and Oboz footwear
- 25% off all Black Diamond gear
- 25% off all Outdoor Research clothing, hats, gloves, and accessories
- 25% off all Cotopaxi clothing and tech hats
- 25% off all Prana Stretch Zion and women’s Halle pants and shorts
- 25% off all Chaco Z sandals
- 20% off all Co-op Cycles bikes
- 20% off all Dometic electric coolers, camp furniture, and hydration systems
- 15% off all Bote and Tahe stand up paddle boards
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. 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).
In addition to discounting gear by up to 30%, REI is giving each member 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 ANNIV24 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 from the sale, including bike simulators, ski and snowboard equipment (including skis, snowboards, boots, and bindings), kayaks, canoes, rafts, GPS-equipped electronics, and more. The coupons also won’t work on sale products, clearance items, or used gear. For a full list of exclusions, you can view REI’s details on the sale here under “terms and conditions.”
Shop the 2024 REI Anniversary Sale