My favorite sale of the year – REI’s Anniversary Sale – is here! Taking place May 16-26th, 2025, this is the REI Co-op’s biggest sale, and I’ll be honest that – in my opinion – it’s one of the best Anniversary Sales in years.
There are so many brands on sale that rarely get discounted, and you can save up to 30% in this year’s REI Anniversary Sale.
To save you time scouring the REI website, I’ve handpicked my favorite deals on apparel, hiking, camping, backpacking, and van life gear. You’ll see in the photos below, I actually own and use this gear that I’m recommending here. These are items that my team and I 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 Traveller Tale. Their 1-year return policy for Members is hands-down the best in the industry, and Members also get 10% back on their purchases every year.
This post may contain affiliate links.
REI Sale Highlights
First – here are some of the top deals that really grabbed my attention in this year’s REI Anniversary 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 ANNIV2025.
If you’re not a Member already, here are 12 reasons why you should join the REI Co-op).
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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.
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
Quick dry towels are a must for any trip, whether I’m car camping, backpacking, or traveling on a plane. From showering, drying my dishes, or lounging in the sun, I appreciate how these Nomadix Towels pack small and dry much quicker than traditional towels. I find that quick dry towels always come in handy, so pick up a few right now for 25% off.
Nomadix Festival Blanket – 25% OFF
I always keep the Nomadix Festival Blanket in the van because it comes in handy for just about everything. Whether I’m heading to an outdoor concert, a beach day, or a picnic by the lake, this blanket is my go-to. Now that I have a toddler, it’s even more of a staple. It gives us a clean, comfy spot to sit, snack, or play wherever we are.
It’s lightweight, easy to pack, machine washable, and comes in tons of fun patterns. Plus, the material dries quickly and doesn’t collect a bunch of sand or dirt, which makes cleanup a breeze.
Rumpl Blankets – 25% OFF
Rumpl blankets are my go-to for camping and van life—I’ve used the 2-person Original Puffy as my comforter in the van since 2017. They’re soft, cozy, and surprisingly durable (even with a toddler and two dogs).
I love that they’re water-resistant, shake off dirt easily, and can be tossed in the washing machine when they need a refresh. Rumpl offers a few different insulation options, including recycled synthetic, NanoLoft, and down, depending on how warm you want to go.
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.
Hydro Flask Camp Bowl and Camp Plate – 25% OFF
I’ve been trying to phase out plastic out of my camper van kitchen essentials, so recently invested in a set of Hydro Flask Camp Bowls and matching Camp Plates. They are made of food grade stainless steel, are lightweight, super durable, and just the right size for everything from a big bowl of soup, my toddler’s meals, or a full camp breakfast. I love that they don’t get too hot or cold to the touch, which makes them perfect for eating outdoors or straight from the camp stove.
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 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 that would be perfect for overseas trips. All these styles are 30% off 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.
Nemo Moonlander Dual Height Table – 25% OFF
This NEMO Moonlander Table is hands down my favorite compact camp table. It’s small enough to store in the gear box on the back of our rig, but sturdy enough to handle my toddler’s rough-and-tumble mealtimes. Herbie loves eating on it, and honestly, he’s gotten so good at setting it up he can do it himself in about 90 seconds (it takes me less than 30).
It has two different heights – standard camp chair height and a mode that’s low to the ground.
Helinox Sunset Chair – 25% OFF
I travel with two Helinox Sunset Chairs in our van, and they’re my favorite for kicking back after a long day. The high back is super supportive, and the built-in headrest adds comfort, especially if you stuff it with a jacket or towel.
They’re lightweight (under 3.5 lbs), pack down small, and we can even store them fully set up in the van, which makes campsite setup a breeze. The only downside I can think of is that there is no cup holder. They’re definitely a splurge, so the Anniversary Sale is a great time to grab one and save on the comfort and quality.
Helinox Stargazer Chair – 25% OFF
I don’t own the Helinox Stargazer Chair yet, but my partner Ryan has been begging for one for years. After lounging in a friend’s on our winter trip to Baja this year, I finally see what all the hype is about.
It really does feel like a hammock with the easy setup of a camp chair—perfect for kicking back, stargazing, or hanging around the fire. This is what I’ll personally be picking up during REI’s Anniversary Sale this year.
REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent – 30% OFF
The REI Base Camp 4 tent has been through it all with me—desert downpours, freezing mountain nights in Utah, even a dusty music festival—and it’s held up every time. It’s incredibly sturdy and does a great job in wind and weather. I love how much airflow it offers with all the windows, and you still get plenty of privacy when you need it.
At 5’5″, I can almost stand up inside, which makes changing clothes and moving around way more comfortable than your average tent. It’s roomy, reliable, and one of my favorite picks for car camping trips with the family. Check out my detailed REI Base Camp 4 tent review for more thoughts.
Best Deals on Hiking & Backpacking Gear
Garmin fenix 8 AMOLED Sapphire Multisport GPS Watch – $200 OFF
If you’re in the market for a GPS watch, you can snag the Garmin fenix 8 AMOLED GPS Watch for $200 off during REI’s Anniversary Sale! This watch is a pretty big investment, so it’s best for people who are serious about tracking their activities or upping their fitness game.
With its built-in GPS and topo maps, it provides accurate tracking of my route and location, so I don’t have to constantly pull out my phone.
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’ve also used it in my van. One time our battery died outside of Sun Valley Idaho in winter in 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.
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 with the inflation sack.
The NEMO Tensor comes in regular, wide, and long sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your body! I personally prefer the wide, so I don’t roll off it in the middle of the night. 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
I’ve been a committed Jetboil fan for nearly 20 years. I got my first one right when they first launched back in 2004. I love the Jetboil Flash Cooking System because it heats water in ~90 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 sometimes unreliable. But you can quickly light it with a lighter or matches, which you should always carry with you on a backpacking trip anyways.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles – 25% OFF
I love my Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles because they’re super lightweight and fold down smaller than other trekking poles, which makes them easy to pack for any trip (including air travel). They’re fully adjustable so you can change the length depending on whether you are going up or down, and they help me feel sturdier on steep, rocky trails. The foam grips are comfortable for long days, and the total weight of the pair is extremely light at ~1 pound.
Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray – 25% off
If you’re hiking or camping in grizzly country—like parts of Canada, Alaska, Montana, or Wyoming—carrying bear spray is a must. I always bring Counter Assault Bear Spray when I’m in these areas. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need to use, but having it on hand gives me peace of mind and an added layer of safety. It’s easy to carry, has a strong spray range, and is one of the most trusted brands out there for a reason.
Just make sure you know how to use it before hitting the trail—this post on wildlife safety tips walks you through how to carry and use bear spray properly.
Best Deals on Apparel
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie – 30% OFF
You’ll hardly ever catch me outside in summer without a sun shirt on, and the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (the men’s version is here) is one of my favs. I wore it for a week straight in Maui without washing it and found that it didn’t stink, and the loose fit keeps me surprisingly cool even in warm weather. It’s one of my staples in my truck camper too. I especially love how much coverage the hood provides.
Check out my full sun protection for hiking guide for more product recommendations and tips.
REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt – 30% OFF
The REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt (the men’s version is here) is a BFT Team favorite. The fabric offers UPF 50+ sun protection, plus it’s breathable and quick drying, making it ideal for sunny days and extended outdoor adventures when you don’t want to wear long sleeves (like in high humidity).
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. The buttons and loose fit provide for great 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!
Carve Designs Dylan Gauze Shirt – 25% OFF
I always pack one of these Carve Designs Dylan Gauze shirts in my truck camper for those moments when I want to wear something other than hiking clothes. The fabric is light and breathable—perfect for hot days—and it comes in a bunch of cute colors and patterns. It’s easy to dress up with jeans or toss over a swimsuit, and it hardly takes up any space. Just a solid, comfy staple that helps me feel a little more pulled together on the road.
I should add that the lighter colors can be a bit see-through so you’ll want to wear a light tank underneath or choose a darker color.
Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants – 25% OFF
The Mountain Hardwear Dynama 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 Shorts – 30% OFF
The REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts (the men’s version is here) have become a go-to in my adventure wardrobe. I wear them often on hikes and around camp, and I love the high-waist fit and lightweight feel. The elastic waistband is super comfortable, and the quick-drying fabric makes them perfect for active days on the trail. Plus, the pockets are actually functional—with plenty of room for snacks or small essentials.
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. 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!
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie – 25% OFF
I absolutely love the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie (the men’s version is here) because it is incredibly warm, lightweight, and packs down small, making it perfect for everything from chilly morning hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
The 800-fill down feels like you’re wrapped in a cloud, and the waterproof shoulders add extra protection if you get caught in light rain or snow. It’s one of those pieces I always have in my pack because it delivers serious warmth without taking up much space.
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 of their swimwear is 25% off during REI’s Anniversary Sale if you want to check out their other swim styles.
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.
Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Hat – 25% OFF
If you’re looking for a lightweight 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 can get the perfect fit.
I like to wear it while hiking because it protects my scalp from the sun without making my head feel hot or itchy. It’s so light I can barely tell I’m wearing it, and it doesn’t push down on my sunglasses – so it’s really comfortable for hiking. It’s even cute to wear around town and to concerts.
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 sock are lightweight, comfy, breathable, and sweat-wicking. If you’re between sizes, I recommend sizing down.
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.
When backpacking with a heavier load, they’re my go-to boots thanks to 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.
Unless I’m on a hearty backpacking trip, these days you’ll find me wearing lightweight hiking shoes instead of bulkier boots. The Oboz Katabatic Low Hiking Shoe (the men’s version is here) has become my go-to choice. They’re lightweight, supportive, and comfortable right out of the box, and they provide great traction too. I feel very nimble in these.
I opt for the low ankle, non-waterproof (more breathable) version for more mellow hikes, but they also come in a mid-ankle GORE-TEX version as well.
I’ve worn them on everything from mellow neighborhood walks to local hikes and even errands around town. At under 1 lb, 4 oz per pair, they’re one of the lightest hiking shoes I’ve tried, but still feel sturdy enough to handle uneven terrain. If you’re looking for a do-it-all shoe that can transition from trail to town, this is a solid pick.
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 ANNIV2025.
Here’s a few items I recommend using your 20% coupon on:
More Outdoor Gear Recommendations
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