I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are My Favorite REI Winter Sale Deals.
Christine Ryan is an editor overseeing coverage of travel and outdoors gear, which has entailed testing down-filled vests in Iceland in June.
Hi! It’s me again, Christine Ryan, Wirecutter’s outdoor-gear editor. In San Francisco, where I live, it still feels like summer as I write this, but elsewhere, temperatures are dropping and ski resorts across the country are getting ready to open (or, in some cases—like Jackson Hole and Arapahoe Basin—they already have).
That makes REI’s annual winter sale rather timely. The selection of discounts aren’t quite as extensive as the co-op’s anniversary sale or Labor Day sale, but I do spot a few of our picks that could come in very handy, whether you’re heading to the mountains or even just traveling to chillier climes over the holidays. There are base layers to keep you warm on the slopes, headlamps to illuminate an unfamiliar ski condo keypad, and rugged travel backpacks that you can carry onto the plane—so if winter storms wreak havoc on your flights, at least you’ll have your bag with you.
You don’t need an REI membership to access most of these deals, but you may want one anyway—members save 20% on one full-priced item and 20% on one REI Outlet item with coupon code WINTER24 during this sale, among other benefits. Read our breakdown of whether the one-time $30 membership fee is worth it for you.
Camping gear
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 its easy-to-navigate buttons and a long-lasting battery life, it also features a bright beam with the choice of two beam shapes and two colors.
Other things to know: You have to experiment with clicking through the various modes, but the learning curve is fairly quick. REI members get free shipping. Otherwise, opt for store pickup to avoid shipping charges. Available in multiple colors.
Read more: The Best Headlamp
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
This low-profile, reliable headlamp’s brightness rivals that of our top pick—but at half the price (and it weighs even less). With a 10-hour battery life when used on high, it’s a solid choice for tinkering around a campsite or your house.
Other things to know: Not quite as comfortable to wear as our top pick and lacks some useful features, like a battery light indicator and red light. Three-year warranty. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to a combined order of $60 or more.
Read more: The Best Headlamp
REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Kids Sleeping Bag
Our kid testers loved this sleeping bag the most. It has a recycled polyester shell and lining to insulate against the cold, and it’s coated with a durable water repellent. An added bonus is the handy cinch feature, which customizes the sleeping area based on your child’s size.
Other things to know: It’s 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, so it’s easy to pack and keep track of. 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 features a polyester construction that’s similar to that of our top pick. But it lies flat when unzipped, so it can also double as a comforter at camp or at home.
Other things to know: Temperature rating of just 40 ˚F, not as warm as our top Kindercone 25 pick. Roomier than a mummy-shaped sleeping bag. Recently revamped and available in three colors. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
Clothes and shoes
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 is soft and fitted without being too tight for all-day wear.
Our budget pick for the best thermal underwear top
REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top - Men’s
For people 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 you can layer it or wear it on its own.
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. Available in select colors and sizes. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms
The matching tights for our thermal underwear budget pick
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights - Women’s
These stretchy, comfortable leggings are made from a blend of polyester and spandex, 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.
The matching bottoms for our thermal underwear budget pick
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms - Men’s
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.
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 this option, but merino base layers are a better investment. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
One of our favorite sun-protective hoodies, this good-all-around pullover offers 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 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.
Other things to know: No pockets. Not the most breathable hoodie we tested (fine for summer hikes in the Northeast, but we found it too warm for running on a 78 ˚F day). Less structured hood than other options we tried. Women’s comes in sizes XS to XL and 1X to 3X. Men’s comes in sizes S to XXXL, including tall sizes.
Read more: Sun-Protective Clothing Is a Reliable UV-Blocker. Here Are Some Options We Love.
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes
A low profile and mesh exterior make these lightweight hiking shoes ideal for shorter or warmer day trips when you don’t need ankle boots. The toe box isn’t overly narrow or restrictive and there’s zero break-in time, so you can jump feet-first into adventures.
Great for situations when you don’t need full-on hiking boots that lace up to your ankle, these hiking shoes feature a wide, roomy toe box and zero break-in time. With a low-top style and mesh exterior, they’re ideal for relatively warm conditions.
Other things to know: Available in multiple colors and sizes.
Read more: The Best Gear to Bring to a National Park
Saucony Guide 17 Running Shoes
Cushioned but responsive, these running shoes offer tons of zip. The insoles have a plush and bouncy feel that's rare in a stability model. They’re great for wide feet, with sizes available in medium and wide widths.
price may vary by color or style
price may vary by color or style
Cushioned but responsive, these running shoes offer tons of zip. The insoles have a plush and bouncy feel that's rare in a stability model. They’re great for wide feet, with sizes available in medium and wide widths.
price may vary by color or style
price may vary by color or style
Other things to know: The heel-to-toe drop feels a little more pronounced compared with the previous version, giving them more of a tilted-forward feel. May be a hard shoe to break in if you have weaker ankles.
Read more: How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for You
Travel deals
Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Backpacks
A great starter option for one-bag travel, this backpack is simple to pack and the easiest to carry of all our picks. It’s built for travel but designed for hiking, so you’ll be comfy on journeys by trail or TSA.
With a slightly smaller capacity and lower shoulder straps, the Fairview 40 is a great carry-on backpack for people with smaller torsos. It’s just as durable and well made as the Farpoint 40, and the slight design difference doesn’t change the fact that it’s the easiest bag to carry out of all of our picks.
Other things to know: Backed by Osprey’s excellent lifetime warranty. Capacity is a little less spacious than it seems. Among the first deals we’ve posted after some price hikes over the last couple years.
Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
We think most travelers will appreciate this adjustable, customizable pack’s easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way it expands and contracts. And if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers, it’s a near-perfect system for photographers and gearheads.
Other things to know: Comes with a lifetime warranty. Committing to the entire system of packing and camera cubes adds extra cost to an already expensive bag. Not the absolute best sale we've seen, but a solid value.
Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L Travel Backpack
Take full advantage of that remote work policy. This bag is like a suitcase on your back, but more pleasant to carry thanks to a simple interior and minimal external features. Its large capacity is loaded with dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted items.
Other things to know: Meets most carry-on size standards. Fits 17-inch laptops. Stowable straps. Deal on black, green and gray. For Backcountry, the one-time price discount reflects in cart when signed in with free Expedition Perks membership. REI members, use single-use code WINTER24.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
A great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light. The clamshell design makes organizing your stuff easy, plus it's comfortable to carry and maneuver. Protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up.
Other things to know: Unlike the remnant-fabric Del Dia version, our top pick, this Allpa comes with specific color choices. Doesn’t have as much in the way of internal organization as we’d like. Deal for REI members with single-use code WINTER24.
Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
Fitness gear
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
This running cap offers more than a comfortable, secure fit and a sleek silhouette. Our fitness experts swear by the protective and cooling design, which features a ventilating mesh liner, UPF 50+ fabric along the crown, and a brim that delivers solid coverage from the sun.
Other things to know: Made to fit heads 21.5 to 24 inches in circumference. Available in three color options. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to an order over $60 to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: What a Wirecutter Writer (and Personal Trainer) Uses to Work Out at Home
Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles
A versatile model that even testers without high arches found to be supportive, these insoles are firmer than most others, with a deep heel cup. All of our testers reported that they held up well over four months of use, showing only normal wear.
Other things to know: Not the most breathable insole, so if foot odor is a big concern, you might want to try a different model.
Read more: The Best Insoles for Running and Walking
Cycling deals
Thule Epos Bike Rack
This two-bike rack is great for carrying bikes weighing up to 75 pounds each. Lighter than competing models, it’s easy to install and load bikes onto, and it folds up to the size of a large airline carry-on bag.
Other things to know: Even on sale at this deal price, it’s more expensive than our top pick. Holds bikes by the frame. To avoid the oversize shipping fee, choose store pickup when buying from REI.
Read more: The Best Bike Racks and Carriers for Cars and Trucks
Garmin Varia RTL515 Taillight
For cyclists who like to pedal alone on busy roads, we recommend this nifty gadget. It’s smarter than your average taillight, with handy features like radar detection for cars and alerts for rear-approaching vehicles.
Other things to know: Good for cyclists who like to pedal alone on busy roads. Garmin bike computer sold separately.
Read more: The Best Gifts for Cyclists
Editor’s note: The photos 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.
