It is almost summer season. The flowers are in full bloom, the birds are effectively 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 via Memorial Day, Could 26. Many objects are as much as 30 % off, however REI Co-op members save as much as 20 % off any full-price merchandise of their selection and an additional 20 % 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 yow will discover on Garage Grown Gear. We’ve highlighted some offers on gear we’ve beloved 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. You should definitely have a look at our guides to out of doors gear, just like the Best Day-Hiking Packs, Best Tents, Best Sleeping Bags, Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads, Best Rain Jackets, Best Backpacking Water Filters, Best Merino Wool, and Best 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 mountain climbing attire.
WIRED Featured Offers
Backpack Offers
Do not forget to take a look at our information to the Best Day-Hiking Backpacks and the Best Travel Bags.
{Photograph}: REI
The Flash 22 is probably the best-value day pack on the market, particularly on sale. I used to be stunned by how snug this factor is, regardless of the light-weight straps and minimal padding. It carries masses as much as 15 kilos with out straining the shoulders, and the aspect stash pockets are fabulously giant—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 effectively, even coming via 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’ll be able to stuff it right down to nearly 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 is no padding right here.
Considered one of our favorite 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 mild (1 lb, 6 oz) and packable, making it an ideal additional pack when touring. The aspect pockets are large enough for a Nalgene water bottle and the 25-L capability carries the whole lot you want for a day. It additionally matches underneath the seat of even small planes. It is a nice little pack for hitting the path or simply strolling round city.
Our favourite day-hiking pack for the eco-conscious seeking to journey mild, Nemo’s Resolve pack is 100% recycled, infinitely adjustable, and repairable, and as soon as it’s reached the top 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 mild, 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 mountain climbing boots, which I simply examined over the weekend within the Columbia River Gorge. Salomon makes our favorite hiking boots—the corporate affords spectacular ranges of safety and traction, whereas being light-weight and remarkably straightforward 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 best running 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 in opposition to rocks and prickers. —Adrienne So
These are Altra’s model of the Brooks Glycerin Max—a super-plush, comfortable highway operating shoe. If you would like a really cushioned shoe however are hooked on Altra’s massive toe field (no have to be embarrassed, I’m too), these are the footwear to get. Additionally, do not forget to take a look at our information to the Best Barefoot Shoes. —Adrienne So
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Offers
Confused by the choices? Try our guides to the Best Sleeping Bags and the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
REI Co-op’s Magma 15 is our favorite bag for shoulder-season trips when the temps may drop greater than anticipated. It has a wonderful draft collar that’s superb at protecting out the chilliness. The skin 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 via, which helps the fill keep put and minimizes chilly spots. The Magma would not have lots of frills; it simply will get the job accomplished.
Our favourite summertime car-camping sleeping bag, the REI Siesta Hooded 20, is lots heat and reasonably priced. 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 minimize 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 need to keep temperature-wise with this bag. The outer shell makes use of a 30-denier recycled polyester ripstop with an inside liner constituted of 20-denier recycled polyester taffeta. It does a great job of holding again the moisture that always types inside a tent, which I found after one very soggy evening of testing. The fill is what Nemo calls Zerofiber insulation, which is constituted 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 capability to lure heat even when moist.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
Our favourite backpacking sleeping bag, the Bishop Cross 30 affords the very best warmth-to-weight ratio whereas additionally managing to pack down small and never be too costly. It is not good, nevertheless it strikes the very best 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. Notice 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 not had an opportunity to write down about it but, however I examined the Bishop Cross 0 over the winter and was pleasantly stunned 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 rankings assume this. Should you want a colder-weather bag, with out dipping into excessive temps (and intensely dear sleeping baggage), this can be a good possibility.
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 choose for excessive conditions, however as long as your anticipated temperatures slot in Zenbivy’s vary (the consolation ranking is 35 levels Fahrenheit), it would 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 varied methods.
Zenbivy’s Gentle Mattress is a brand-new possibility that takes the fundamental 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 the whole lot I beloved concerning the unique above, however lighter weight. I will have a full evaluate 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 worth I’ve put right here contains each the mattress/sheet portion and the quilt. Notice that Zenbivy is having a 25 percent off sale on nearly the whole lot on its web site proper now.
Nemo’s new 2024 Tensor-insulated sleeping pads (8/10, WIRED Recommends) have the very best R-value-to-weight ratio of something I’ve examined, and the All-Season is our top pick for backpacking trips. 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 Trail model is also on sale, as is the Extreme Conditions pad, which is the lightest, warmest sleeping pad available on the market.
The darling of ultralight hikers all over the place, the XLite NXT is our pick for backpackers looking to shed pack weight, however protect some margin of consolation. The XLite delivers a snug evening’s sleep whereas remaining effectively 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 circumstances.
Sea to Summit’s Ether Gentle XT is barely 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 possibility 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. Notice that this one is an REI Outlet deal, the XT has been changed by a more recent mannequin.
Tent Offers
Try our Best Tents guide for extra WIRED-tested suggestions.
Our choose for Best Two-Person Backpacking Tent, REI’s Half Dome is rugged and light-weight (4 kilos), and affords beneficiant residing 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 straightforward 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 available on the market and at this value it is onerous to go up. The mesh netting helps hold 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 nearly any climate whereas staying loopy mild—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 mild with roomy interiors. The three-person model (also on sale) has lengthy been my tent of selection for journeys with my youngsters. Setup is straightforward because of 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. Break up between two individuals, every is carrying underneath 2 kilos. The Mayfly saves on weight by utilizing a semi-freestanding design, which implies you must partly stake it out. It is on the small aspect as effectively, at 27.9 sq. ft of residing area, with two 7-square-foot vestibule areas. I discover it lots livable for 2, and the cross pole offers 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 hold the rain fly secured.
That is my favourite single wall ultralight solo tent. I’ve a full evaluate coming later this month, however after spending fairly some time with this tent I am one thing of a convert, no less than for summer season tenting. The Lunar Solo makes it straightforward to fight the principle downside with single wall tents: condensation. Because of 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 not had a lot situation with condensation within the Lunar Solo. It isn’t with out its quirks (read the pitching tips), 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 one among these rain jackets for every of my kids. It is onerous to search out rain jackets which can be higher worth than REI’s. The child’s model is a 2.5-layer shell with a non-fluorinated (read: PFAS-free) sturdy water-repellent (DWR) coating, taped seams, and an adjustable hood. These will final all yr (no less than, so long as your child would not lose theirs). —Adrienne So
I purchased my father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband every one among these shirts final yr. Roark Clothing is a small firm that makes a few of my favourite energetic attire, and the Bless Up shirt is the right summer season shirt. It is perforated and constituted of artificial fibers, so it is good for super-humid seashore days when the temperatures are above 90 levels Fahrenheit.—Adrienne So
I have not had an opportunity so as to add them to my Best Merino Wool Clothing Guide, however these are the very best merino ankle operating socks I’ve tried. They are not the best merino content material (54 %, the rest is nylon and elastane), however they’re skinny, mild, and work effectively with barefoot shoes (and different footwear). Additionally they resist odor surprisingly effectively for less than about half merino. —Adrienne So
I nonetheless desire Darn Tough’s lightweight hiking socks, however these Smartwool socks are a detailed second, and effectively value shopping for at this value. Are you able to ever have too many wool mountain climbing socks? I might say no. These are 56 % 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 ft dry and pleased.
That is wildly reasonably priced in comparison with the opposite solar hoodies we examined for our Best Sun Protection Clothing guide. WIRED reviewer Jaina Gray discovered it tremendous comfortable 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 youngsters or delicate members of the family 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 closing 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 choose for propane canister stoves. It is easy to make use of and boils water shortly (about 3.5 minutes for 1L at sea degree). 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 deliver one alongside, that is the one I might get. It is tiny, mild (3.5 ounces), and simply stashable. It makes use of the super-fast Iridium satellite tv for pc community, so you’ll be able to ship a fast SOS from just about wherever. There are additional options like waypoints and interval monitoring, and it performs good with compatible 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 lots of boating throughout the summer season and whereas my partner insists that canines can swim, I’m not fairly positive I belief her. On the very least, it offers my canine a couple of handles for me to seize if she will get swept away.—Adrienne So
Do you crave a chair whenever you’re backpacking? In that case, that is one to get. It is simply concerning the lightest available on the market at 18 ounces, packs down very small, and solves the primary downside with all pole chairs: the included base pad retains it from sinking in comfortable floor.
Nalgene water bottles for half off, what’s to not love? I’ve all the time most popular the timeless traditional to the newest type, which could be a part of why I’ve by no means used one other water bottle (effectively, not counting reusing Smartwater bottles when backpacking). Nalgenes are lighter than chrome steel and, frankly, the one sane possibility for mountain climbing. Seize two of the big 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 favorite camp stove. Right here you get digital ignition and a pleasant pale inexperienced paint job. Is it value 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 pretend influencer critiques on the market, however they’re really fairly good. And in the event you’re cooking for a bunch, this 3 liter pot is about as mild because it will get. That is my go-to pot for household backpacking journeys. The hard-anodized aluminum is sturdy and gives good warmth switch. The ceramic nonstick coating makes for straightforward clear up (esp paired with the GSI scrapper under). You can too nest the 2L version ($49) inside this one for extra cooking choices on the path. If you wish to go nuts with it, I have not tried it, however you’ll be able to theoretically additionally nest the 1.3L version ($49) contained in the 2L.
Sea to Summit’s Frontier pan is my all time favourite backcountry cooking vessel. It isn’t ultralight to deliver an 8-inch frying pan backpacking, however whenever you’re prepared to maneuver past boil in a bag meals and no matter these disgust gel tubes are, the Frontier pan is the way in which to do it. If you need to construct a cream sauce from dried milk (it may be accomplished!) or have to sauté these brook trout, a great pan that distributes warmth moderately evenly is indispensable. The Frontier manages to to that and it has a pleasant curved edge, making it straightforward to work with and simple to cleans up. The Frontier pan checks all of the packing containers because of its nice design and ceramic coating, and it in some way manages to weigh simply 13 ounces.
No, it is not an earth shattering deal, however that is probably the very best 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 significantly 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 instrument will get you 99 % of the way in which to a clear pot. I contemplate this one indispensable, may as effectively seize one whereas it is a couple bucks cheaper.
