I'm an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here's Every Deal I'm Eyeing From REI's Anniversary Sale.

New York Times

16-05-2025

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter
Don't break a sweat trying to cram that last T-shirt into your carry-on. These lightweight ripstop nylon packing cubes held the most of any set we tested, while taking up the least amount of space when fully compressed. You may even wind up with extra room for souvenirs. $45 $31 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: Compression zippers can be finicky. The three-cube set includes small, medium, and large cubes, and the two-cube long set has one long small and one long large cube. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to an order of $60 or more.
Read more: The Best Packing Cubes Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set
With a newly updated design, these durable cubes — a longtime pick — repel water better and feel even sturdier than before. They stay upright when empty, and the tight-link mesh windows allow you to see inside a cube without opening it.
Other things to know: The street price increased with the redesign. We haven't tested the updated version for more than a year yet, but Eagle Creek offers a lifetime warranty to original owners. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code ANNIV2025.
Read more: The Best Packing Cubes Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Del Dia Travel Pack
Other things to know: Though well organized for packing, it's less ideal as a mobile office. Del Dia bags use deadstock fabric that might have otherwise ended up in a landfill. Choose black remnant fabric (Del Dia dark version) or random multicolor fabric (Del Dia). At REI membership is required, with single-use promo code ANNIV2025. At Public Lands, single-use discount reflects in cart when signed in with free account.
Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
We think most travelers will appreciate this adjustable and customizable pack's easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way it expands and contracts. If you spring for the extra organizers, it's a near-perfect system for photographers and gearheads.
Other things to know: Lifetime warranty. Committing to the whole system of packing and camera cubes adds extra cost to an already expensive bag. Matches the lowest prices we've seen in the past year. On sale for REI members with the single-use coupon code ANNIV2025.
Read our review of the best carry-on travel backpacks. Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L
This mobile-office-style travel bag is like a suitcase on your back, but more pleasant to carry thanks to its minimal external features. The large capacity is complemented by dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and personal items.
Other things to know: You wouldn't want to carry it all day, but it's comfortable enough. Meets most carry-on size standards, but we wish it came in a few more sizes. Fits 17-inch laptops. Stowable straps. On sale for REI members with single-use coupon code ANNIV2025. At Public Lands, single-use discount reflects in cart when signed in with free account. At Al's, use single-use code MEMORIALDAY25.
Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks Peak Design Wash Pouch
This minimalist-looking bag hides the most thoughtfully designed interior of any dopp-style pouch we tested: It opens accordion-style to reveal several specialized pockets that keep essentials secure and separate. Made of lightweight water-resistant recycled nylon, its wide base keeps it standing upright.
Other things to know: Shallower hook is more likely to slide off a towel bar when digging around in the bag; we think it works best sitting on a countertop. All pockets turn inside out for easy cleaning. Lifetime warranty. REI membership required; use single-use promo code ANNIV2025.
Read more: The Best Toiletry Bags Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Sack
We recommend this traditional compression stuff sack in our guide to overpacking. It can shrink to a third of its original size, squishing down a few days' worth of apparel to maximize packing space.
Other things to know: See it in action here. We haven't formally tested its waterproofing, but the brand claims it's more moisture-resistant than previous models. Less ideal for trips in which you're living out of your suitcase, but useful for single-destination journeys to reduce volume. Deal price is for the 13-liter size, but all sizes are on sale.
Read more: Overpacking 101: The No-Shame Guide to Stuffing Your Suitcase Silly Purist Mover Water Bottle
Other things to know: Includes the Element twist top that typically costs less than the spout lid. Not dishwasher-safe. Clunky to drink from. Our most expensive pick. REI membership required; get the deal price with single-use code ANNIV2025.
Read more: The Best Water Bottles
Caleigh Waldman/NYT Wirecutter
Capable of shrugging off unpredictable weather, this hardy tent is perfect for two people who won't let Mother Nature rain on their parade. A full rain cover, reinforced poles, wide doors, and spacious front and back vestibules make this robust tent an excellent choice for seasoned campers. It's backed by REI's legendary warranty and replacement program. $474 $332 from REI
Need a little extra room to fit the whole family? The larger version of this tent is just as durable and capable as the Base Camp 4. It has 40% more interior space than the two-person model. And with four stability-enhancing criss-crossing poles, it's just as good at shrugging off heavy winds. It's also covered by REI's warranty and replacement program. $550 $384 from REI
Other things to know: Interior areas are 60 square feet and 84 square feet, respectively, for the Base Camp 4 and Base Camp 6. Vestibules add a significant 44 square feet to each. We recommend the footprint, which is unfortunately sold separately for both the Base Camp 4 and Base Camp 6. Not the lowest prices we've ever seen, but still a good value.
Read more: The Best Camping Tents REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent
A redesign of REI's beloved Kingdom 6, this spacious, wagon-shaped tent has a massive interior and a room divider for added privacy. The updated pole design has increased stability against wind, the only major weakness of the old model. $499 $350 from REI
Other things to know: Partial fly. No vestibule but an attachable mudroom sold separately. Already-large tent may not be ideal at campsites with limited space. We're still in the process of long term testing it.
Read more: The Best Camping Tents Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Whether used indoors or outdoors, this reliable headlamp is bright enough to light the way in most situations. On top of easy-to-navigate buttons and a long-lasting battery life, it features a bright beam with the options of two beam shapes and two colors. $50 $37 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: The learning curve for clicking through the various modes is quick. Available in multiple colors. Select store pickup or add to an order of $60 or more to avoid shipping fees; REI members get free shipping.
Read more: The Best Headlamp Black Diamond Moji Lantern
Cute and straightforward to use, this palm-sized lantern is great on the road or in the woods. There's just a simple button on the side for power and brightness, and since it uses batteries, it's a great option for emergency situations in which you don't have access to charging. $25 $19 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: Not as bright as others we tested. Not rated for dust protection, and shouldn't be dunked. One-year warranty. Select store pickup or add to an order of $60 or more to avoid shipping fees; REI members get free shipping.
Read more: The Best LED Lantern Nemo Quasar 3D Lightweight Insulated Sleeping Pad
The most comfortable option we tested among sleeping pads that are light enough to carry long distances, this feels like a supportive mattress. The customized baffles contour to the body, and it's thick enough to support your back and hips.
Other things to know: Not everyone likes the built-in pillow. Not warm enough for winter. At 1 pound 12 ounces, may not be ideal for ultralight hikers, but packs down small. Lifetime warranty.
Read more: The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool
Fix things on the fly with our slim and lightweight top multitool pick. It's easy to carry, built to last, and has all the well-executed essentials you might need day to day (including two pliers, wire cutters, four screwdrivers, and a handy carabiner clip) with no filler.
Other things to know: Odd asymmetrical design, but it works well ergonomically. Some tools, like scissors, are not included. Handles may spread a little too wide for those with smaller hands. Expensive, but worth the investment. Blunt plier tips. 25-year warranty. REI membership required; use single-use code ANNIV2025.
Read more: The Best Multi-Tool Osprey Mira 22 and Manta 24 Hydration Packs
If you've got an all-day hike coming, check out the Osprey Manta 24. It has more storage space, better support, and is more comfortable than other hydration packs we've tested. Plus, it comes with a fantastic lifetime warranty. It's best for people over 5-foot-8.
Perfect for long days on the trail, this was the most comfortable hydration pack we tested. In addition to the 2.5-liter water reservoir, its updated design features an improved water bladder, better bite valves, and a better strap adjustment system. It's best for those under 5-foot-8.
Other things to know: They are typically nearly twice the price of our top pick, and made with the same materials. On the larger side, so a little too easy to overpack. Each bag comes with a lifetime guarantee, and reservoirs are covered for one year. The Mira is $10 less than the previous deal we saw.
Read more: The Best Hydration Packs for Day Hikers Yeti Camino 35 Carryall Tote
Other things to know: A touch larger than our top pick, but a similar capacity. Its interior pockets are zippered, and zippers don't play well with sand. At REI membership is required; use single-use code ANNIV2025. At Public Lands, single-use discount reflects in cart when signed in with free account.
Read more: The Best Beach Bag
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
Our kid testers loved this sleeping bag the most. It has a recycled polyester shell and lining to insulate against cold and is coated with a durable water repellent. The handy cinch feature customizes the sleeping area based on a child's size. $70 $49 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: Bulky when packed, making it better suited to car-camping and sleepovers than backpacking. Stuff sack is permanently attached to the foot of the bag, making it easy to keep track of (and to pack up the bag). Available in two colors. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 Kids Sleeping Bag
This rugged rectangular sleeping bag has a polyester construction similar to that of our top pick. But it lies flat when unzipped, so it can double as a comforter at camp, on sleepovers, or at home. $70 $49 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: Temperature rating of just 40˚F is not as warm as our top pick, the Kindercone 25. Roomier than a mummy-shaped sleeping bag. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags REI Co-op Tarn 12 and Tarn 18 Kid's Hiking Backpacks
This durable and reasonably priced pack helps smaller kids hit the trail with everything they need. It's got water bottle pockets, a stretchy mesh front pocket, space for a bladder, and an emergency whistle in the chest strap. It's comfortable, too, with padded straps and an adjustable waist belt. $40 $28 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Also built to be comfortable for hours on end, our top camping and hiking backpack pick for bigger kids has all the features of the smaller version above, plus 6 additional liters of interior capacity for a bigger bladder or more belongings. Its hip belt is padded to make it a breeze to carry. $50 $35 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: REI suggests the smaller pack for kids 4 to 7, but we've used them with children as young as 2. The 18-liter pack is suggested for kids over 6, but even a small adult can use it. Each has a one-year warranty. Water bladders not included. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to an order over $60.
Read more: The Best Kids Hiking Backpacks REI Co-op Cycles REV 12 Kids' Balance Bike
Solid and durable, this is an excellent choice for taller children thanks to its higher stand-over height, higher seat adjustment, and more-adjustable handlebar. And since it's preassembled, there's no waiting for impatient kids (or fuss for adults) after purchase. $149 $119 from REI
Other things to know: Lacks a quick-release seat post, brakes, and a footrest for gliding. Recent increase in street price means this isn't the lowest sale price we've seen, but it's still a solid deal relative to the higher price. Select store pickup to avoid a $30 oversize shipping fee.
Read more: The Best Balance Bike
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
One of our favorite sun-protective hoodies, this good-all-around pullover has a nice balance of price, performance, and style. The UPF 50+ fabric wears like a T-shirt, but feels soft and cool to the touch.
This sun-protective pullover is suitable for hiking, drinking iced coffee on your deck, or walking a dog. The UPF 50+ fabric wears like a T-shirt, but feels soft and cool to the touch. $50 $35 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: Has no pockets and is not the most breathable hoodie we've tested. REI members get free shipping; others can select store pickup or add to an order over the $60 minimum to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: Sun-Protective Clothing Is a Reliable UV-Blocker. Here Are Some Options We Love. Goodr OG Sunglasses
Cool and casual, the Goodr OG pay homage to the iconic Ray-Ban Wayfarer but without a triple-digit price tag. They come in plenty of colors and lens tints, and the rubberized coating on the frames help them stay put during vigorous activity.
Other things to know: The rubberized coating makes these shades a touch more casual and less versatile than some of our other picks. Plastic hinges rather than metal. 139-mm width. REI membership required; use single-use code ANNIV2025.
Read more: The Best Cheap Sunglasses REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top
Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is a great option for people who prefer to avoid merino wool. Whether worn layered or on its own, it's soft and fitted without being too tight for all-day wear. $55 $38 from REI
For those who prefer to avoid merino wool, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is soft enough to wear all day. It's fitted without being too tight, and can be worn layered or on its own. $55 $38 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: A good choice if you aren't ready to invest in wool thermal underwear, though it might not last as long. REI members get free shipping; others can select store pickup or add to an order over the $60 minimum to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms
These stretchy, ultra-comfortable leggings are made from polyester and spandex blend, so they're form-fitting without feeling overly tight. They're substantial enough to be styled on their own, but you can also layer them under clothes for extra warmth. $55 $38 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Stretchy, form-fitting, and extremely comfortable, these base layer bottoms deftly transition between outdoors and indoor activities. Their design also includes a fly, a feature even more expensive leggings often don't have. $55 $38 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: No longer a formal pick, but we did test and do recommend these bottoms. None of our testers had anything bad to say about them, but we think merino base layers are a better investment. REI members get free shipping; others can select store pickup or add to an order over the $60 minimum to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear
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. Here's what the Wirecutter Deals team is looking for when they hunt for the best prices on Wirecutter picks every day of the week.
The Wirecutter Deals team breaks down a few simple ways to save money all year long.
What I Cover
I'm based in San Francisco, and I oversee a team of writers and editors covering travel gear and outdoors gear, including cycling gear.