It is almost summer time. The flowers are in full bloom, the birds are properly 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 Might 16 and runs by way of Memorial Day, Might 26. Many objects are as much as 30 p.c off, however REI Co-op members save as much as 20 p.c off any full-price merchandise of their selection and an further 20 p.c 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 you’ll find on Storage Grown Gear. We’ve highlighted some offers on gear we’ve cherished over our years of testing. There’s one thing for almost all our favourite summer time actions—tents, stoves, sleeping baggage, and loads of out of doors attire. Remember to take a look at our guides to out of doors gear, just like the Finest Day-Climbing Packs, Finest Tents, Finest Sleeping Baggage, Finest Backpacking Sleeping Pads, Finest Rain Jackets, Finest Backpacking Water Filters, Finest Merino Wool, and Finest Binoculars.
Up to date Monday, Might 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
Remember to take a look at our information to the Finest Day-Climbing Backpacks and the Finest Journey Baggage.
{Photograph}: REI
The Flash 22 is probably the best-value day pack available on the market, particularly on sale. I used to be stunned by how comfy 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 facet stash pockets are fabulously massive—large enough for a Nalgene bottle or rain jacket. The Flash 22 is made from 70-denier recycled ripstop nylon, which is on the lighter facet, however mine has held up properly, even coming by way of 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, facet stash pockets, and floating lid. What you are left with is a stripped-down, bare-bones pack that is nice for touring, since you possibly can stuff it all the way 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 drugs although, and keep away from something with pointy bits, as there is not any padding right here.
One in every of our favourite 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 cushty pack that is mild (1 lb, 6 oz) and packable, making it an awesome further pack when touring. The facet 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 beneath the seat of even small planes. This can be 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 one hundred pc recycled, infinitely adjustable, and repairable, and as soon as it’s reached the tip of its life, it may be despatched again to Nemo for complete recycling. The Resolve has a considerably unusual system of bungees and pull-tabs, as an alternative of straps or webbing, but it surely’s comfy, 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 favourite mountain climbing boots—the corporate provides spectacular ranges of safety and traction, whereas being light-weight and remarkably simple 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 greatest working shoe in order for you a shoe that has a barefoot really feel (zero heel to toe drop, huge 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 street working shoe. If you’d like a really cushioned shoe however are hooked on Altra’s huge toe field (no should be embarrassed, I’m too), these are the footwear to get. Additionally, remember to take a look at our information to the Finest Barefoot Footwear. —Adrienne So
Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Offers
Confused by the choices? Take a look at our guides to the Finest Sleeping Baggage and the Finest Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
REI Co-op’s Magma 15 is our favourite bag for shoulder-season journeys when the temps may drop greater than anticipated. It has a superb draft collar that’s excellent at preserving out the coolness. 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 by way of, which helps the fill keep put and minimizes chilly spots. The Magma would not have quite a lot of frills; it simply will get the job performed.
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 lower makes for a a lot roomier, extra comfy bag. The Siesta’s 20-degree score 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 score is 30 levels. In my testing, this feels extra like the place you’d wish to keep temperature-wise with this bag. The outer shell makes use of a 30-denier recycled polyester ripstop with an inside liner constructed from 20-denier recycled polyester taffeta. It does a superb job of holding again the moisture that usually kinds inside a tent, which I found after one very soggy night time of testing. The fill is what Nemo calls Zerofiber insulation, which is constructed from one hundred pc 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 Go 30 provides one of the best warmth-to-weight ratio whereas additionally managing to pack down small and never be too costly. It is not excellent, but it surely strikes one of the 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. Be aware that for the lads’s bag, solely the lengthy model is on sale. Each the lengthy and common measurement ladies’s 30 baggage are on sale.
I have never had an opportunity to jot down about it but, however I examined the Bishop Go 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 score of 13 Fahrenheit) and stayed heat. I did put on some merino base layers and a wool hat, however sleeping bag consolation scores assume this. In case you want a colder-weather bag, with out dipping into excessive temps (and very expensive sleeping baggage), this can be a good possibility.
The Zenbivy Mattress 25 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is hands-down essentially the most comfy backcountry sleeping expertise I’ve ever had. It would not be my prime decide for excessive conditions, however as long as your anticipated temperatures slot in Zenbivy’s vary (the consolation score is 35 levels Fahrenheit), it would not get extra comfy 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 Mild 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 cherished in regards to the unique above, however lighter weight. I am going to have a full evaluate very quickly, however should you’ve been tempted by the Zenbivy, however needed to maintain your base gear weight down, that is the choice you’ve got been search for. The worth I’ve put right here contains each the mattress/sheet portion and the quilt. Be aware that Zenbivy is having a 25 p.c 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 one of the best R-value-to-weight ratio of something I’ve examined, and the All-Season is our prime decide for backpacking journeys. It has an R-value of 5.4 and weighs 18.2 ounces. That alone is spectacular, however what I like in regards to the Tensor is that it is thick, comfy, and most significantly, almost silent. The marginally lighter Path mannequin can be on sale, as is the Excessive Circumstances 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 decide for backpackers seeking to shed pack weight however protect some margin of consolation. The XLite delivers a cushty night time’s sleep whereas remaining properly beneath 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 situations.
Sea to Summit’s Ether Mild 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 facet sleepers. I additionally occur to love the baffle design higher too, and it appears to be slightly extra sturdy, making this a superb various ultralight pad. Be aware that this one is an REI Outlet deal, the XT has been changed by a more recent mannequin.
Tent Offers
Take a look at our Finest Tents information for extra WIRED-tested suggestions.
Our decide for Finest Two-Particular person Backpacking Tent, REI’s Half Dome is rugged and light-weight (4 kilos), and provides beneficiant dwelling house for 2 with gear. The tent physique is made 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 simple 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 worth it is arduous to move up. The mesh netting helps hold weight down, although for one thing hotter, the Plus model, which has much less mesh, can be on sale for $275 ($275 off), an equally excellent deal.
Sea to 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 saved 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 fairly mild with roomy interiors. The three-person model (additionally on sale) has lengthy been my tent of selection for journeys with my youngsters. Setup is straightforward because of the only fundamental pole design (which forks at every finish) with a cross pole within the center. There are two spacious vestibules for storing gear, and should you depart 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 beneath 2 kilos. The Mayfly saves on weight through the use of a semi-freestanding design, which suggests you need to partly stake it out. It is on the small facet as properly, at 27.9 sq. ft of dwelling house, 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 time tenting. The Lunar Solo makes it simple to fight the primary downside with single-wall tents: condensation. Due to loads of mesh, and a prime vent within the vestibule (like my all-time favourite backcountry shelter, the Hilleberg Akto (10/10, WIRED Recommends), I have never had a lot situation with condensation within the Lunar Solo. It isn’t with out its quirks (learn the pitching ideas), however in order for you one thing greater than a tarp, that also weighs simply 26 ounces (740 grams), this one is difficult to beat.
Climbing Attire Offers
Yearly, I repurchase one in all these rain jackets for every of my youngsters. It is arduous to seek 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 (learn: 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 in all these shirts final yr. Roark Clothes is a small firm that makes a few of my favourite lively attire, and the Bless Up shirt is the proper summer time shirt. It is perforated and constructed from artificial fibers, so it is excellent for super-humid seashore days when the temperatures are above 90 levels.—Adrienne So
I have never had an opportunity so as to add them to my Finest Merino Wool Clothes Information, however these are one of the best merino ankle working socks I’ve tried. They are not the very best merino content material (54 p.c, the rest is nylon and elastane), however they’re skinny, mild, and work properly with barefoot footwear (and different footwear). Additionally they resist odor surprisingly properly for less than about half merino. —Adrienne So
I nonetheless choose Darn Powerful’s light-weight mountain climbing socks, however these Smartwool socks are a detailed second, and properly value shopping for at this worth. Are you able to ever have too many wool mountain climbing socks? I might say no. These are 56 p.c 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 comfortable.
That is wildly reasonably priced in comparison with the opposite solar hoodies we examined for our Finest Solar Safety Clothes information. WIRED reviewer Jaina Gray discovered it tremendous tender and breathable, with thumb holes to guard the again of your palms. It is UPF 50, and it might be quite a bit 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 remaining stage of testing for a backpacking range information that shall be up very quickly, and the MSR PocketRocket 2 shall be our prime decide for propane canister stoves. It is easy to make use of and boils water shortly (about 3.5 minutes for 1 liter at sea stage). It is also extra sturdy and subsequently 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 have been to convey 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 possibly can ship a fast SOS from just about anyplace. There are further options like waypoints and interval monitoring, and it performs good with appropriate 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 quite a lot of boating throughout the summer time, and whereas my partner insists that canine can swim, I’m not fairly certain I belief her. On the very least, it offers my canine just a few handles for me to seize if she will get swept away. —Adrienne So
Do you crave a chair while you’re backpacking? If that’s the case, that is one to get. It is simply in regards to 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 tender floor.
Nalgene water bottles for half off, what’s to not love? I’ve at all times most popular the timeless traditional to the most recent model, which could be a part of why I’ve by no means used one other water bottle (properly, not counting reusing Smartwater bottles when backpacking). Nalgenes are lighter than stainless-steel and, frankly, the one sane possibility for mountain climbing. Seize two of the huge 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 flamboyant model of our favourite camp range. 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 faux influencer opinions on the market, however they’re really fairly good. And should 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 cleanup (particularly paired with the GSI scraper under). You may as well nest the 2L model ($49) inside this one for extra cooking choices on the path. If you wish to go nuts with it, I have never tried it, however you possibly can theoretically additionally nest the 1.3L model ($49) contained in the 2L.
Sea to Summit’s Frontier pan is my all-time favourite backcountry cooking vessel. It isn’t ultralight to convey an 8-inch frying pan backpacking, however while you’re prepared to maneuver past boil-in-a-bag meals and no matter these disgusting gel tubes are, the Frontier pan is the best way to do it. Whenever you wish to construct a cream sauce from dried milk (it may be performed!) or must sauté these brook trout, a superb pan that distributes warmth fairly evenly is indispensable. The Frontier manages to do this, and it has a pleasant curved edge, making it simple to work with and straightforward to scrub up. The Frontier pan checks all of the bins because of its nice design and ceramic coating, and it one way or the other manages to weigh simply 13 ounces.
No, it is not an earth-shattering deal, however that is probably one of the best piece of backpacking gear I personal. GSI’s pot scraper is the unsung hero of backcountry cooking, turning cleanup from a tedious chore to a few seconds’ work. Now, should you critically 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, scraping down your pot with this software will get you 99 p.c of the best way to a clear pot. I take into account this one indispensable; you may as properly seize one whereas it is a couple bucks cheaper.
