The holidays are a time to splurge on those you love, but shopping for a personalized gift can take a lot of time and effort. We’re here to help with our detailed gift guide for outdoor enthusiasts, with hand-picked options from our favorite outdoor co-op that have been broken down by price to make the buying process easier. Whether you’re shopping for a hiker, backpacker, camper, traveler, or skier in your life, the recommendations below represent some of our favorite and most frequently used outdoor products and accessories (spoiler: We spend a lot of time outside).
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.
Under $25
Camp Mug ($20)
While small, a quality camp mug can really elevate your outdoor experience, whether you’re embarking on a hut trip, camping in your local state park, or simply want to enjoy a hot beverage after a long day on the slopes. REI’s Camp Mug is a nice option at a great price. For $20, you get a double-wall stainless steel build that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours, a quality lid that minimizes spills, and a durable construction that holds up well over time (bonus: It doesn’t get fiery hot to the touch like some titanium cups and mugs we’ve used). Finally, we like the nice assortment of classy colorways and designs—if you don’t love the looks of the standard version shown here, check out the $3-pricier Graphic Camp Mug.
See the REI Co-op Camp Mug
Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks ($18)
Every hiker needs a quality pair of hiking socks, and REI’s Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks fit the bill for less than the competition. But don’t mistake “cheaper” for “cheap”—these socks stack up well to leading merino alternatives from brands like Smartwool and Darn Tough. For reference, merino wool is the gold standard among hiking designs, and the REI socks contain a whole lot of it at 79%, which gives them a noticeably plush feel, excellent stink prevention, and good wicking capabilities. They also boast reinforcements in friction-prone areas like the heel, toe, and footbed for added durability and all-day comfort. For those who prefer more padding, the midweight version costs just $2 more per pair and contains a little more merino.
See the Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Socks
$25-$50
Guide Insulated Gloves ($50)
A quality pair of ski gloves can run you upwards of $150, but REI’s Guide Insulated Gloves get the job done for a fraction of the cost. Like many of our favorites, the Guide features supple leather on the palm, a soft and breathable softshell fabric on the back of the hand, and a nice dose of insulation—in this case, synthetic fill and a plush shearling fleece lining—to keep your hands cozy and warm. Other highlights include ribbed cuffs that slide easily under jacket sleeves, a small suede patch for wiping your nose, and a classy look that belies the $50 price tag. All told, the Guide Gloves are a sleek and thoughtfully designed option for everything from skiing to outdoor chores like shoveling or chopping wood.
See the REI Guide Insulated Gloves
Trail 2 Waist Pack ($30)
Fanny packs are all the rage in 2023, and for good reason—they’ve a convenient and versatile way to carry the essentials whether you’re running errands or embarking on a short hike. REI’s Trail 2 stands out for its affordable and low-profile design that doesn’t compromise on storage. For just $30, you get a practical 2 liters of capacity with useful organization that comprises a zippered pouch at the front for separating small items and a sleeve at the back for keeping your phone or wallet handy but hidden. The Trail is also noticeably slim, which translates to an unobtrusive and barely-there feel (it’s a great option for wearing under a jacket in inclement weather). There’s also a larger 5-liter variation that tacks on daisy chain webbing, dual water bottle pockets, and a padded mesh backpanel for $20 more.
See the REI Trail 2 Waist Pack
Men’s Lightweight Base Layer and Women’s Lightweight Base Layer ($40)
Baselayers play a critical role in the layering equation by pulling moisture away from the body and helping regulate core temperature. REI’s Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top checks those boxes for considerably less than most competitors. The synthetic build has a soft and silky feel against the skin, and the small dose of spandex adds a nice bump in stretch and mobility. Finally, REI didn’t forget about the smaller details like flatlock seams to avoid chafing under a pack and slightly more length in the back to ensure the shirt stays tucked in. Paired with the matching bottoms, you can pick up a full long underwear set for $80 (which is still cheaper than many long-sleeve tops from brands like Smartwool and Icebreaker). For added warmth, REI offers a midweight version for $15 more.
See the Men's Lightweight Base Layer See the Women's Lightweight Base Layer
$50-$100
Flash 22 Pack ($60)
REI Co-op’s Flash line of daypacks has been a mainstay among hikers, travelers, and those on a budget for years. Simplicity wins out here: The Flash 22 is frameless by design, meaning it lacks the rigidity of many other designs but manages to keep weight extremely low at just 14 ounces (and even less if you take out the back pad or sternum strap). You don’t get a cushy hipbelt or shoulder straps, but the padded mesh along the back and shoulders does a good job at keeping you comfortable when carrying lighter loads. Perhaps most importantly, the Flash costs just $60, is well built overall, and has enough capacity for all-day outings on the trail (provided you pack relatively light). For a step up in support and structure, REI’s Trail 25 Pack is similarly popular and very competitively priced at $80.
See the REI Flash 22 Pack
Camp Dreamer Slip-Ons ($60)
A comfy pair of slippers is a must for the fall and winter months, and REI pulls the formula off nicely with their Camp Dreamer Slip-Ons. Comfort is excellent thanks to the shoes’ smooth lining and plush TrailBed insoles. The finer details are well sorted, too: The outsole is tough and decently grippy, the drawcord at the front is a nice touch for dialing in fit depending on your sock choice, and the slippers are easy to get on and off with just enough material at the back to keep your foot in place. All in all, it’s a cozy and long-lasting design at a great price, and we love the down puffy-like upper that looks the part both around the house and outdoors (it’s an equally great camp shoe).
See the Camp Dreamer Slip-Ons
Flexlite Camp Boss Chair ($90)
REI’s Flexlite camping chair collection ranges from the light and minimalist Flexlite Air to the durable, headrest-equipped Camp Dreamer. The Flexlite Camp Boss slots in right in the middle, combining a near-ideal mix of weight, comfort, and durability for many campers. Compared to the standard Flexlite ($70), the Camp Boss sports a bigger and more stable base, wider dimensions, and 50-pound-higher weight capacity. All in all, we’ve found it to be a well-balanced option for those who want to keep things light without throwing comfort and durability to the wind.
See the Flexlite Camp Boss Chair
$100-$200
Men’s 650 Down Jacket and Women’s 650 Down Jacket ($129)
A quality down jacket is a staple in any outdoor enthusiast’s closet, but quality down insulation typically doesn’t come cheap. This is what sets REI’s 650 Down Jacket apart from the rest of the market: For a very approachable $129, the 650 Down Jacket is reasonably light at 10.9 ounces (for the men's version), provides solid warmth with 4.2 ounces of mid-range 650-fill-power down, and includes practical features like interior drop-in pockets (plus zippered hand pockets) and a hem drawcord for sealing in warmth. Added up, the 650 Down Jacket offers seriously good bang for your buck with great versatility for daily use, travel, light adventuring, and as a midlayer for resort skiing. We’ve included the non-hooded version of the jacket here, but it’s also available in hoody ($149) and vest ($100) variations, along with a handful of kids’ designs.
See the Men's 650 Down Jacket See the Women's 650 Down Jacket
Big Haul 60 Recycled Duffel ($129)
Whether you’re hitting the gym or traveling across the country, you’ll likely need a convenient way to transport your gear and clothing from point A to point B, and duffel bags are a highly versatile option. REI’s Big Haul 60 checks all the boxes we look for in a quality all-rounder, including a tough construction, comfortable backpack straps, several handles for easy grabbing, and functional interior organization in the form of mesh pockets. And as its name suggests, the Big Haul reflects REI’s ongoing sustainability push with recycled and bluesign-approved materials. For easier portability, the co-op also makes the design in 30- and 34-inch rolling versions that are similarly well built. Finally, it’s worth noting that REI’s Roadtripper duffel is another staff favorite and a bargain at just $55 for the 60-liter capacity (there are also 40, 100, and 140L versions available).
See the Big Haul 60 Recycled Duffel
$200+
Men’s Stormhenge Down Hybrid and Women’s Stormhenge Down Hybrid ($279)
REI’s Stormhenge was a game changer when it hit the market a few years back for its combination of technical chops—including premium 850-fill down and a waterproof shell—and value pricing. The design has since been refined, including the addition of synthetic insulation in moisture-prone areas (like the cuffs and hood). In testing the latest iteration, we had a lot of high praise: The 2-layer waterproof construction is reliable in inclement weather, the pit zips and helmet-friendly hood add a nice performance slant, and overall warmth and comfort are excellent. The $279 price tag is the cherry on top and seriously hard to beat for such a well-built and versatile winter jacket. The design is also available in longer parka versions for $20 more.
See the Men's Stormhenge Down Hybrid See the Women's Stormhenge Down Hybrid
Half Dome SL 3+ Tent ($379)
It might feel wrong to daydream about summer during peak holiday season, but there’s no harm in wishful thinking. For warm-weather lovers who live for trips into the backcountry and nights under the stars, REI’s Half Dome SL 3+ is hard to beat. At a very reasonable $379, the Half Dome is the tent we recommend most to family and friends: It’s roomy for the capacity (the 3P model here is great for couples with a dog or two friends who like to sprawl out), well built and durable, very easy to set up and take down, and comes with ample mesh for stargazing and ventilation. It’s not the lightest option available at 5 pounds 11.7 ounces all in, but it’s affordable, livable, and stands up well to long-term use. A final bonus: It has enough space and storage to pull double duty for car camping, which can’t be said of many backpacking designs.
See the REI Half Dome SL 3+ Tent
How to Shop REI’s Holiday Selection
There are a few ways to shop at REI, and a decision will come down to which is most convenient for you. If you live near a brick-and-mortar REI, you can shop in store. This is a great way to check out gear and clothing in person and make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. 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 through REI.com. 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).
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