It is almost summer season. The flowers are in full bloom, the birds are properly north, and REI is kicking off its annual anniversary sale, the out of doors firm’s greatest sale of the yr. This yr’s REI sale begins Could 16 and runs by Memorial Day, Could 26. Many gadgets are as much as 30 p.c off, however REI Co-op members save as much as 20 p.c off any full-price merchandise of their alternative and an further 20 p.c off any REI Outlet merchandise. To get the low cost, add the promo code ANNIV2025 at checkout.
A number of different retailers have additionally launched early Memorial Day gross sales, together with Backcountry and Public Lands, plus a few of our favourite smaller retailers like Sea to Summit and Zenbivy, together with many others you will discover on Storage Grown Gear. We’ve highlighted some offers on gear we’ve liked over our years of testing. There’s one thing for almost all our favourite summer season actions—tents, stoves, sleeping baggage, and loads of out of doors attire. Remember to have a look at our guides to out of doors gear, just like the Finest Day-Mountain climbing Packs, Finest Tents, Finest Sleeping Luggage, Finest Backpacking Sleeping Pads, Finest Rain Jackets, Finest Backpacking Water Filters, Finest Merino Wool, and Finest Binoculars.
Up to date Monday, Could 19, 2025: We have added offers from different gross sales, like Sea to Summit, Roark, Altra, and Six Moon Designs, together with some new REI offers on camp cookware and mountaineering attire.
WIRED Featured Offers
Backpack Offers
Do not forget to take a look at our information to the Finest Day-Mountain climbing Backpacks and the Finest Journey Luggage.
{Photograph}: REI
The Flash 22 is presumably the best-value day pack in the marketplace, particularly on sale. I used to be shocked by how snug this factor is, regardless of the light-weight straps and minimal padding. It carries hundreds as much as 15 kilos with out straining the shoulders, and the aspect stash pockets are fabulously massive—large enough for a Nalgene bottle or rain jacket. The Flash 22 is fabricated from 70-denier recycled ripstop nylon, which is on the lighter aspect, however mine has held up properly, even coming by some tough canyon hikes in Utah with none greater than mud stains.
The ultralight cousin to the Flash 22, the Flash 18 lacks the hip belt, aspect stash pockets, and floating lid. What you are left with is a stripped-down, bare-bones pack that is nice for touring, since you may stuff it right down to virtually nothing, stash it in your carry-on, and have a pleasant backpack everytime you want it. Do not load it up with greater than 8 kilos of substances although, and keep away from something with pointy bits, as there isn’t any padding right here.
One among our favourite day-hiking packs, This Thriller Rack pack was my introduction to wider shoulder straps, which give extra consolation with out the majority of additional padding. The result’s a snug pack that is gentle (1 lb, 6 oz) and packable, making it an incredible further pack when touring. The aspect pockets are large enough for a Nalgene water bottle and the 25-L capability carries all the things you want for a day. It additionally suits underneath the seat of even small planes. This can be a nice little pack for hitting the path or simply strolling round city.
Our favourite day-hiking pack for the eco-conscious trying to journey gentle, Nemo’s Resolve pack is 100% recycled, infinitely adjustable, and repairable, and as soon as it’s reached the tip of its life, it may be despatched again to Nemo for whole recycling. The Resolve has a considerably unusual system of bungees and pull-tabs, as an alternative of straps or webbing, nevertheless it’s snug, sitting good and excessive in your again. At 1 lb, 15 oz it is fairly gentle, contemplating all of the {hardware} that it has on it.
Path Operating and Street Operating Offers
That is final yr’s model of my favourite Salomon X Extremely 5 mountaineering boots, which I simply examined over the weekend within the Columbia River Gorge. Salomon makes our favourite mountaineering boots—the corporate gives spectacular ranges of safety and traction, whereas being light-weight and remarkably simple to take off and placed on. I like how the heel grips so I do not smash my toes whereas going downhill, and it is so sticky that I can climb up rocks like an ant. —Adrienne So
I’ve worn the ladies’s model of this shoe for years and years. Altra is the finest operating shoe in order for you a shoe that has a barefoot really feel (zero heel to toe drop, massive toebox) however retains traction and safety towards rocks and prickers. —Adrienne So
These are Altra’s model of the Brooks Glycerin Max—a super-plush, comfortable highway operating shoe. In order for you a really cushioned shoe however are hooked on Altra’s massive toe field (no must be embarrassed, I’m too), these are the sneakers to get. Additionally, remember to take a look at our information to the Finest Barefoot Footwear. —Adrienne So
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Offers
Confused by the choices? Take a look at our guides to the Finest Sleeping Luggage and the Finest Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
REI Co-op’s Magma 15 is our favourite bag for shoulder-season journeys when the temps may drop greater than anticipated. It has a wonderful draft collar that’s superb at holding out the coolness. The surface is a 15-denier nylon ripstop (Bluesign-approved, with a non-fluorinated DWR coating to maintain moisture at bay). Baffles are variably spaced and never stitched by, which helps the fill keep put and minimizes chilly spots. The Magma does not have numerous frills; it simply will get the job finished.
Our favourite summertime car-camping sleeping bag, the REI Siesta Hooded 20, is lots heat and inexpensive. It is also not a mummy bag, since you’re not climbing Denali; why cramp your self if you do not have to? The Siesta’s rectangular lower makes for a a lot roomier, extra snug bag. The Siesta’s 20-degree ranking makes it sufficient for three-season journeys, and in contrast to most rectangular baggage, the Siesta has a hood, which helps on these chilly nights.
Nemo’s Forte 20 is a 20-degree synthetic-fill sleeping bag, however the consolation ranking is 30 levels. In my testing, this feels extra like the place you’d wish to keep temperature-wise with this bag. The outer shell makes use of a 30-denier recycled polyester ripstop with an inside liner comprised of 20-denier recycled polyester taffeta. It does job of holding again the moisture that usually types inside a tent, which I found after one very soggy evening of testing. The fill is what Nemo calls Zerofiber insulation, which is comprised of 100% postconsumer recycled content material fibers. The Zerofiber packs down remarkably small—that is essentially the most compact synthetic-fill bag I’ve examined on this temp vary—and it retains its potential to lure heat even when moist.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
Our favourite backpacking sleeping bag, the Bishop Cross 30 gives the perfect warmth-to-weight ratio whereas additionally managing to pack down small and never be too costly. It is not good, nevertheless it strikes the perfect compromise for many backpackers. I’ve slept on this bag for greater than two weeks, with nighttime temps starting from 28 to 65 levels Fahrenheit, and, sure, it was an excessive amount of within the warmth, however on these hotter nights, I unzipped it and lined myself like a heat blanket. It is a versatile bag. Be aware that for the boys’s bag, solely the lengthy model is on sale. Each the lengthy and common measurement girls’s 30 baggage are on sale.
I have never had an opportunity to write down about it but, however I examined the Bishop Cross 0 over the winter and was pleasantly shocked at how heat it was. I took it out on a number of nights the place temps dipped into the only digits (under the consolation ranking of 13 Fahrenheit) and stayed heat. I did put on some merino base layers and a wool hat, however sleeping bag consolation scores assume this. Should you want a colder-weather bag, with out dipping into excessive temps (and very expensive sleeping baggage), this can be a good choice.
The Zenbivy Mattress 25 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is hands-down essentially the most snug backcountry sleeping expertise I’ve ever had. It would not be my prime decide for excessive conditions, however as long as your anticipated temperatures slot in Zenbivy’s vary (the consolation ranking is 35 levels Fahrenheit), it does not get extra snug than this. The Zenbivy is not only a sleeping bag. It is a sheet, hood, and quilt-style bag that may be mixed in numerous methods.
Zenbivy’s Gentle Mattress is a brand-new choice that takes the essential clip design of different Zenbivy beds and lightens up the load. I have been testing this bag for a number of months, and it’s all the things I liked concerning the authentic above, however lighter weight. I will have a full evaluation very quickly, however in the event you’ve been tempted by the Zenbivy, however wished to maintain your base gear weight down, that is the choice you have been search for. The value I’ve put right here contains each the mattress/sheet portion and the quilt. Be aware that Zenbivy is having a 25 p.c off sale on virtually all the things on its website proper now.
Nemo’s new 2024 Tensor-insulated sleeping pads (8/10, WIRED Recommends) have the perfect R-value-to-weight ratio of something I’ve examined, and the All-Season is our prime decide for backpacking journeys. It has an R-value of 5.4 and weighs 18.2 ounces. That alone is spectacular, however what I like concerning the Tensor is that it is thick, snug, and most significantly, almost silent. The marginally lighter Path mannequin can also be on sale, as is the Excessive Circumstances pad, which is the lightest, warmest sleeping pad in the marketplace.
The darling of ultralight hikers all over the place, the XLite NXT is our decide for backpackers trying to shed pack weight, however protect some margin of consolation. The XLite delivers a snug evening’s sleep whereas remaining properly underneath 1 pound for the common measurement. At 3 inches thick, it is loads of safety from the bottom, and the R-Worth of 4.5 means it will be lots heat in most three-season situations.
Sea to Summit’s Ether Gentle XT is simply marginally heavier than the Therm-a-Relaxation above. The additional 4 ounces for the Sea to Summit pad will get you fairly a bit extra cushion too—this can be a 4-inch thick pad, in comparison with the three inches of the Therm-a-rest X-Lite, which makes this a greater ultralight choice for aspect sleepers. I additionally occur to love the baffle design higher too, and it appears to be somewhat extra sturdy, making this a wonderful different ultralight pad. Be aware that this one is an REI Outlet deal, the XT has been changed by a more moderen mannequin.
Tent Offers
Take a look at our Finest Tents information for extra WIRED-tested suggestions.
Our decide for Finest Two-Particular person Backpacking Tent, REI’s Half Dome is rugged and light-weight (4 kilos), and gives beneficiant dwelling area for 2 with gear. The tent physique is fabricated from 40-denier ripstop nylon for sturdiness on the base and on the ground, with 20-denier nylon mesh for the physique. The Half Dome comes with a footprint, which is a rarity as of late, and good to have. The tent poles are aluminum and interchangeable, which makes them simple to arrange and take down.
Sea to Summit’s ultralight Alto (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is designed to maintain weight down in your solo adventures. At simply 33 ounces for a semi-freestanding tent, it stays one of many lighter choices in the marketplace and at this worth it is exhausting to cross up. The mesh netting helps maintain weight down, although for one thing hotter, the Plus model, which has much less mesh, can also be on sale for $275 ($275 off), an equally excellent deal.
Sea and Summit’s “3-plus season” tents are succesful sufficient in virtually any climate whereas staying loopy gentle—simply 3 kilos and 12 ounces for this three-person mannequin. I used it on a five-day journey to Loon Lake in northern California in early October, a real “shoulder season” journey with daytime highs within the 80s, nighttime lows within the 40s, and in a single day winds of as much as 60 mph. My favourite design element is that the pole bag is stored inflexible by an insert of opaque white plastic. Clip it to the tent’s ceiling, pop in your headlamp, and illuminate your abode. —Michael Calore
Nemo’s Dagger Osmo (8/10, WIRED Recommends) line of tents are moderately gentle with roomy interiors. The three-person model (additionally on sale) has lengthy been my tent of alternative for journeys with my children. Setup is straightforward due to the only major pole design (which forks at every finish) with a cross pole within the center. There are two spacious vestibules for storing gear and in the event you go away the rain fly off the mesh room is great for stargazing.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
The Nemo Mayfly (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a three-season backpacking tent with a path weight of three kilos, 8 ounces for the two-person model I examined. Cut up between two individuals, every is carrying underneath 2 kilos. The Mayfly saves on weight through the use of a semi-freestanding design, which implies you must partly stake it out. It is on the small aspect as properly, at 27.9 sq. toes of dwelling area, with two 7-square-foot vestibule areas. I discover it lots livable for 2, and the cross pole provides you a wider roof space than most tents this measurement. I like the white mesh (as an alternative of black) and the tremendous easy clips that maintain the rain fly secured.
That is my favourite single wall ultralight solo tent. I’ve a full evaluation coming later this month, however after spending fairly some time with this tent I am one thing of a convert, at the least for summer season tenting. The Lunar Solo makes it simple to fight the principle drawback with single wall tents: condensation. Due to loads of mesh, and a prime vent within the vestibule (ala my all-time favourite backcountry shelter, the Hilleberg Akto (10/10, WIRED Recommends)), I have never had a lot situation with condensation within the Lunar Solo. It is not with out its quirks (learn the pitching ideas), however in order for you one thing greater than tarp, that also weighs simply 26 ounces (740 grams), this one is tough to beat.
Mountain climbing Attire Offers
Yearly, I repurchase considered one of these rain jackets for every of my youngsters. It is exhausting to seek out rain jackets which might be higher worth than REI’s. The child’s model is a 2.5-layer shell with a non-fluorinated (learn: PFAS-free) sturdy water-repellent (DWR) coating, taped seams, and an adjustable hood. These will final all yr (at the least, so long as your child does not lose theirs). —Adrienne So
I purchased my father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband every considered one of these shirts final yr. Roark Clothes is a small firm that makes a few of my favourite energetic attire, and the Bless Up shirt is the proper summer season shirt. It is perforated and comprised of artificial fibers, so it is good for super-humid seashore days when the temperatures are above 90 levels Fahrenheit.—Adrienne So
I have never had an opportunity so as to add them to my Finest Merino Wool Clothes Information, however these are the perfect merino ankle operating socks I’ve tried. They are not the very best merino content material (54 p.c, the rest is nylon and elastane), however they’re skinny, gentle, and work properly with barefoot sneakers (and different sneakers). Additionally they resist odor surprisingly properly for under about half merino. —Adrienne So
I nonetheless choose Darn Powerful’s light-weight mountaineering socks, however these Smartwool socks are a detailed second, and properly price shopping for at this worth. Are you able to ever have too many wool mountaineering socks? I might say no. These are 56 p.c merino wool so there is a good little bit of stretchiness, but they keep fairly odor-free even after a pair days on the path. Seize two pair and rotate them to maintain your toes dry and completely satisfied.
That is wildly inexpensive in comparison with the opposite solar hoodies we examined for our Finest Solar Safety Clothes information. WIRED reviewer Jaina Gray discovered it tremendous smooth and breathable, with thumb holes to guard the again of your arms. It is UPF 50, and it might be loads simpler to get your children or delicate relations to put on clothes as an alternative of smearing sticky sunscreen throughout their our bodies. —Adrienne So
Tenting Offers
{Photograph}: MSR
We’re within the last stage of testing for a backpacking range information that will likely be up very quickly, and the MSR PocketRocket 2 will likely be our prime decide for propane canister stoves. It is easy to make use of and boils water rapidly (about 3.5 minutes for 1L at sea stage). It is also extra sturdy and due to this fact extra dependable than the opposite ultralight stoves I’ve examined. And it weighs simply 2.6 ounces.
I’ve but to do a visit with a satellite tv for pc communicator, however I do perceive why individuals use them. If I had been to convey one alongside, that is the one I might get. It is tiny, gentle (3.5 ounces), and simply stashable. It makes use of the super-fast Iridium satellite tv for pc community, so you may ship a fast SOS from just about wherever. There are further options like waypoints and interval monitoring, and it performs good with suitable Garmin watches.
That is my very own private REI buy for this yr, which is a life jacket for my 1-year-old pet. We do numerous boating throughout the summer season and whereas my partner insists that canines can swim, I’m not fairly certain I belief her. On the very least, it provides my canine just a few handles for me to seize if she will get swept away.—Adrienne So
Do you crave a chair while you’re backpacking? In that case, that is one to get. It is simply concerning the lightest in the marketplace at 18 ounces, packs down very small, and solves the primary drawback with all pole chairs: the included base pad retains it from sinking in smooth floor.
Nalgene water bottles for half off, what’s to not love? I’ve at all times most popular the timeless traditional to the most recent type, which may be a part of why I’ve by no means used one other water bottle (properly, not counting reusing Smartwater bottles when backpacking). Nalgenes are lighter than stainless-steel and, frankly, the one sane choice for mountaineering. Seize two of the massive 48 ounce bottles, stick them within the sides of your Thriller Ranch Coulee 30 and your loved ones won’t ever be thirsty once more.
That is the flowery model of our favourite camp range. Right here you get digital ignition and a pleasant pale inexperienced paint job. Is it price the additional $30? That is as much as you. If it is not, snag the much less fancy model for $59 at Walmart.
I am undecided this actually qualifies for the “ultralight” moniker, and these pots are sadly marred by having a ton of faux influencer evaluations on the market, however they’re really fairly good. And in the event you’re cooking for a gaggle, this 3 liter pot is about as gentle because it will get. That is my go-to pot for household backpacking journeys. The hard-anodized aluminum is sturdy and offers good warmth switch. The ceramic nonstick coating makes for straightforward clear up (esp paired with the GSI scrapper under). You may also nest the 2L model ($49) inside this one for extra cooking choices on the path. If you wish to go nuts with it, I have never tried it, however you may theoretically additionally nest the 1.3L model ($49) contained in the 2L.
Sea to Summit’s Frontier pan is my all time favourite backcountry cooking vessel. It is not ultralight to convey an 8-inch frying pan backpacking, however while you’re prepared to maneuver past boil in a bag meals and no matter these disgust gel tubes are, the Frontier pan is the best way to do it. If you wish to construct a cream sauce from dried milk (it may be finished!) or must sauté these brook trout, pan that distributes warmth moderately evenly is indispensable. The Frontier manages to to that and it has a pleasant curved edge, making it simple to work with and straightforward to cleans up. The Frontier pan checks all of the bins due to its nice design and ceramic coating, and it one way or the other manages to weigh simply 13 ounces.
No, it is not an earth shattering deal, however that is presumably the perfect piece backpacking gear I personal. GSI’s pot scrapper is the unsung hero of backcountry cooking, turning cleanup from a tedious chore to a few seconds work. Now in the event you severely burn one thing, this factor is not going to prevent (boil water within the pan to loosen the burnt bits), however for each different scenario scrapping down your pot with this software will get you 99 p.c of the best way to a clear pot. I take into account this one indispensable, may as properly seize one whereas it is a couple bucks cheaper.
