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.
REI is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness fanatics alike—and if you regularly buy gear for camping, hiking, running, or travel, an REI membership may be right for you. REI Co-op members qualify for additional perks such as free shipping, an annual reward totaling 10% cash back on full-price purchases, a one-year return policy, and access to exclusives like REI’s annual Member Moment Sale—which is happening right now.
Through March 25, REI members can use the exclusive code MEMBER24 to save an extra 20% on a single full-price or REI Outlet item.
But be warned—not every discount is worth it, as even a 20% discount doesn’t approach the best prices we’ve seen on some gear. Below, we’ve highlighted only the best member deals on the gear our experts have tested and swear by.
Here’s the deal
- Osprey Mira 22 hydration pack
- NiteRider Swift 300 bike light
- Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel
- Giro Aries Spherical bike helmet
- Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots (men’s sizes)
- Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Pants
- Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot (men’s sizes)
- Snow Peak Ti-Single 600 Cup With Hotlips
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack
Osprey Mira 22 hydration pack
Perfect for long days on the trail, this was the most comfortable hydration pack we tested. In addition to a 2.5-liter water reservoir, its updated design features an improved water bladder, better bite valves, and a better strap-adjustment system.
Other things to know: Works best for people under 5-foot-8. Backpack comes with a lifetime guarantee; reservoir covered for only one year. On sale for REI members with single-use coupon code MEMBER24.
Read our review of the best hydration packs for day hikers.
NiteRider Swift 300 bike light
This small, sturdy commuter bike light can kick out 300 lumens for up to two hours and flash for 12. Cyclists will also appreciate the swiveling strap and decent side visibility, as well as its ability to adjust to fit most sizes and shapes of handlebars.
Other things to know: Not suited to longer or darker routes. Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, one-year warranty on its rechargeable battery cells. Already affordable but rarely sees discounts. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.
Read our review of the best commuter bike lights.
Yeti Panga 50L Waterproof Duffel
Boasting solid metal hardware and a myriad of lash points, this nearly indestructible bag can withstand even the wettest adventures. Whether you’re carrying it as a duffle or a backpack, it’s comfortable—despite being the heaviest option we tested.
Other things to know: It weighs more than 5 pounds empty. Pricey; typically double the cost of our top pick. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.
Read our review of the best duffle bags.
Giro Aries Spherical bike helmet
Ultra-serious road cyclists can’t go wrong with the lightest, best-ventilated helmet we’ve tested. It features a triangle of reflective safety tape on the back, and it’s the top-rated helmet in Virginia Tech’s safety test.
Other things to know: Our most expensive pick by far, but may be worth considering if you’re a committed roadie or extremely concerned about concussions. Considering the price, we wish Giro offered a more-generous crash-replacement policy. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.
Read our review of the best bike helmet for commuters.
Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots (men’s sizes)
Not only do these breathable, waterproof hiking boots offer trustworthy traction, but their design also includes a gusseted tongue and the widest toe box of any hiking boot we tested. With top-notch cushioning, they fit most foot shapes right out of the box and are supportive without feeling compressive.
Other things to know: Fairly bulky and the heaviest of all our picks. The laces are sheathed with a material that makes them harder to tie. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24. We’ve seen better prices in the past for fewer colors and less size availability.
Read our review of the best hiking boots.
Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Pants
Made of three-layer ripstop nylon, these rain pants are just as dry and comfortable in wetter conditions as our top pick, but they’re more breathable than many of the other options we tested. Articulated knees offer added mobility, while the long ankle zippers make it easier to pull them on and off.
Other things to know: If you’re shorter or taller than the inseams accommodate (they come in short and regular lengths), you may be tripping over these pants or finding that they don’t cover you adequately. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24. A rare deal, but still more expensive than our top pick.
Read our review of the best rain pants.
Vasque Breeze Waterproof Hiking Boot (men’s sizes)
Great for longer hikes, these boots offer all the comfort of a trail-running shoe with the ankle support of a traditional hiking boot. At just over 2 pounds per pair, they’re lightweight and flexible yet still substantial enough to support you while carrying a heavy pack.
Other things to know: Runs narrow—we recommend ordering at least a half-size up from your street-shoe size. Takes longer to break (about 10 miles) in than our top pick. On sale in nutria color for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.
Read our review of the best hiking boots.
Snow Peak Ti-Single 600 Cup With Hotlips
Campfire cooking is a breeze with this durable, smooth titanium mug, and the food-grade silicone HotLips help mitigate potential scorching while sipping. The cup’s roomy flip-out handle is easy to grip while in use, and you can attach it to a carabiner for external storage if you’re packing light.
Other things to know: Cup may be too hot to drink from on its own at first pour. Can also be used as a single-serving pot for boiling water. HotLips only fit on Snow Peaks mugs. Single-use coupon code MEMBER24 is only available for REI members.
Read our review of our favorite campfire cooking tips tricks and gear.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack
Highly adjustable straps, a rainfly, and handles on all four sides make this easy-to-pack clamshell backpack versatile enough for a week or a weekend. It’s protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back it up, with a 1680-denier ballistic nylon construction.
Other things to know: Minimal amount of administrative organization. We’d love to see a permanent all-nylon alternative to the TPU-lined front panel, which can flake over time. REI members can use single-use code MEMBER24. Also available from Moosejaw when you sign in with free Dick's ScoreCard account to get 20% off a single full-price item. On sale in select colors (more available from Moosejaw).
Read our review of the best carry-on travel backpacks.
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 Janie Campbell and 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.