We Examined 8,941 Deals From REI and Other Stores This Week. Here Are 10 We Love.
Kaitlin Mahar is a writer covering deals and sales. She strives to help readers make savvy purchases and steer them away from buyer’s remorse.
It’s holiday gifting season, when retailers pull out all the stops to plant visions of savings in our heads. REI is no exception, touting discounted outdoor gifts and gift cards through December 18 as part of its Holiday Warm Up sale.
We’ve vetted those beguiling bargains, along with discounts from other retailers on everything from last-minute teacher-appreciation gifts to end-of-year sales on clothing essentials. We’ve made our list—and checked it twice—to gather the deals actually worth shopping.
LifeStraw Go Series water bottle (1 liter)
From microplastics to E. coli, this bottle’s replaceable microfilter straw protects against a variety of contaminants wherever your travels may take you. Each filter cleans 1,000 gallons, which translates to roughly five years of daily use.
Other things to know: A little pricey, but eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles. The 1-liter-capacity bottle is on sale in select colors.
Read our review of the best gifts for frequent travelers.
Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20 Degree sleeping bag
This combination down and synthetic-fill sleeping bag features an easy-to-find zipper and a wide middle section, so you can change positions without feeling constricted.
Buying Options
Other things to know: Comes with a limited warranty on manufacturing and material defects but no coverage for wear and tear. The women’s version is also on sale for $210, but it has slightly smaller dimensions (2 inches shorter, 3 inches narrower at shoulder, 1 inch wider at hips).
Read our review of the best sleeping bag.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat (regular)
This three-season sleeping pad offers back and hip support, with quilted air pockets to prevent slippage and a wider mummy shape to reduce your chances of rolling off overnight.
Buying Options
Other things to know: Slightly heavier and harder to pack than some competitors. Deal price listed is for the regular size, but the large and short sizes are also discounted. Available only in pewter color.
Read our review of the best sleeping pads for backpacking and car camping.
Microsoft Xbox Series X
A must-have for those who prefer physical media, this Xbox console supports latest-generation 4K gaming with stellar graphics, a built-in UHD Blu-ray Disc drive, and 4K streaming software. Gamers can also enjoy a library of older games on this backward-compatible console.
Other things to know: Might be overkill for those not needing 4K resolution. 1 TB expandable storage drive. Was briefly available with Diablo IV at this price, but now is just the Series X console (still a great deal).
Read our article about choosing the right Xbox.
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve – Women’s
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve - Women’s
Our women’s long-sleeve base layer pick for outdoor activities
Whether worn layered or on its own, this versatile shirt is comfortable enough to wear all day—even in the afternoon, when the sun might warm things up. The tapered cut is fitted but not skintight, with offset shoulder seams that don’t chafe under backpack straps.
Other things to know: Fabric is 87% merino wool blended with nylon. Our testers did not like the fit of the matching bottoms for this top.
Read our review of the best thermal underwear.
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve – Men’s
Smartwool Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Long Sleeve - Men’s
Our men’s long-sleeve base layer pick for outdoor activities
This tagless base layer shirt has a less tapered cut than the women’s style, but it’s equally soft to the touch and well fitted but not skintight.
Other things to know: Fabric is 87% merino wool blended with nylon. Our testers did not like the fit of the matching bottoms for this top.
Read our review of the best thermal underwear.
Fly By Jing By Jing Box
Great for fans of heat and Sichuan spice lovers, this assortment of sauces and oils has something for everyone (and every dish). It’s crafted with a huge punch of traditional Chengdu flavor that’ll warm you from the inside out.
Buying Options
Other things to know: Includes Fly By Jing’s signature Sichuan Chili Crisp, Xtra Spicy Chili Crisp, sweet-and-spicy Zhong Sauce, super-versatile Chili Crisp Vinaigrette, legume-studded Chengdu Crunch, and Sichuan Gold chili oil. Use code WIRECUTTER35. Matches Black Friday’s lowest price. If you’re unable to add to cart, incognito mode is a good workaround.
Read our review of the best gift baskets.
Amphipod Xinglet Vest
The proper reflective gear can mitigate your risk of getting hit by a vehicle on early morning or late evening runs. This adjustable, minimalist vest fits a variety of body types and doesn’t hamper movement, leaving you highly visible from all angles.
Other things to know: Doesn’t require frequent washing. REI members qualify for free shipping. Others can opt for store pickup or add to a combined order of $50 or more to avoid shipping fees.
Read our review of the best running gear.
LilySilk 25 Momme Oxford Envelope Luxury Pillowcase (standard size, set of two)
Lilysilk 25 Momme Oxford Envelope Luxury Pillowcase
A staff-favorite silk pillowcase for reducing hair breakage and frizz
With arid, frosty temps, the weather outside is frightful—especially for curly hair. These lustrous, weighty silk pillowcases can help your locks feel healthier, more hydrated, and less frizzy. And our testers liked them even more after the first wash.
Buying Options
Other things to know: 25-momme count indicates a good weight of silk, while 6A rating indicates good strand length. Add two standard-size pillowcases to cart and use code WC1 for the deal price of $88. Also available: two queen-size pillowcases for $103 with code WC2 and two king-size pillowcases for $116 with code WC3.
Read our article about this silk pillowcase loved by Wirecutter staff.
Sackcloth & Ashes Blanket
Gorgeous, toasty, and exceptionally soft, this recycled-wool-blend blanket feels like a cross between wool and PolarFleece, so it’s not scratchy. For every blanket purchased, the company donates one to a homeless shelter.
Buying Options
Other things to know: A magnet for lint, and its fuzz can be ticklish if you have allergies. Recycled-wool blend is 50% polycotton, 25% polyester, 20% wool, and 5% other. Select color patterns are down to a new low price.
Read our review of the best throw blankets.
Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.
This article was edited by Nathan Burrow.
Meet your guide
Kaitlin Mahar is a staff writer for Wirecutter’s Deals team. Her byline has appeared in Delish, Esquire, and Town & Country. When she’s not hunting for deals and fiercely defending the Oxford comma, she’s a proud cat parent, an avid yogi, and a co-producer and co-host of the podcast Crime Culture. Please tell your pets and grandparents she says hi.