The 31 Best Deals From REI’s 2025 Holiday Sale
REI is gearing up for its annual Holiday Sale, a highly anticipated event that strategically sidesteps the traditional Black Friday frenzy. For over a decade, REI has famously shut its doors on Black Friday, encouraging customers to "Opt Outside" and embrace nature. While this philosophy resonates deeply with outdoor enthusiasts, REI, as a for-profit co-op, also understands the significance of holiday spending. Their solution? An early holiday sale, offering exceptional deals well before the Black Friday rush.
This year, the REI Holiday Sale is scheduled to run from November 14-24, 2025. This extended period provides ample opportunity for members and non-members alike to snag some of the best gear at reduced prices. A significant draw for REI members are two exclusive coupons: one for 20 percent off a regular-priced item at REI, and another for 20 percent off any item at REI Outlet. These coupons represent substantial savings on high-value gear that rarely sees deep discounts. Many of the standout deals this year feature REI’s own trusted house brand gear, renowned for its excellent balance of quality and affordability. However, the sale extends beyond REI’s own offerings, incorporating competitive deals from other respected outdoor retailers like Backcountry, Six Moon Designs, Zenbivy, and various cottage industry brands, ensuring a comprehensive selection for every adventurer.
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker, a weekend camper, or simply looking to upgrade your outdoor wardrobe, this sale covers a vast array of products. We’ve meticulously curated the best deals across all our favorite categories, including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, cookware, and a wide range of outdoor apparel. If you’re unsure where to start or what gear best suits your needs, WIRED offers a wealth of expertly crafted outdoor gear guides. These comprehensive resources provide in-depth reviews and recommendations, covering everything from the best backpacking tents—evaluating factors like stability, weight, and ease of setup—to the best sleeping bags for diverse adventures, the most comfortable sleeping pads for backpacking, essential base layers, top-rated merino wool clothing for all-season comfort, and durable rain jackets designed to withstand the elements. These guides are your ultimate companions in making informed purchasing decisions.
Deals on Backpacks
REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack: This pack is arguably the best value daypack on the market, an even more compelling purchase when on sale. Its minimalist design belies a surprising level of comfort, effortlessly handling loads up to 15 pounds without shoulder strain. The spacious side stash pockets are perfect for a Nalgene bottle or a rain jacket. Crafted from 70-denier recycled ripstop nylon, it’s lightweight yet remarkably durable, proving its mettle on challenging cross-country hikes.
REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack: The ultralight sibling to the Flash 22, the Flash 18 sheds the hip belt, side stash pockets, and floating lid for a truly stripped-down experience. This bare-bones pack is ideal for those seeking extreme portability; it can be easily stuffed into a carry-on, providing a versatile daypack whenever needed. While perfect for light loads up to 8 pounds, its lack of padding necessitates careful packing, avoiding pointy items. It’s a fantastic minimalist option for specific uses.
Six Moon Designs Carry-On Backpack: This innovative travel backpack eliminates the dilemma of choosing between air travel optimization and comfortable long-distance carrying. It’s the only bag we’ve encountered that maximizes carry-on space while remaining comfortable enough for extended walks through a European city or even a day on the trail. Its square shape and suitcase handle simplify compliance checks, while adjustable shoulder straps, designed by a brand known for serious backpacking gear, provide superior comfort post-flight. Additional features include a padded harness with water bottle holders and zippered pouches for snacks or a flashlight.
GoRuck GR2 (40L): For those contemplating living out of a single bag—a true one-bag travel solution—the GR2 is unparalleled. It’s a gear-hauling powerhouse with extensive built-in organization, making the 40L version the perfect size for #onebag travel. It typically qualifies as a carry-on for US flights, though international regulations might vary. The 34L waxed canvas version is also available at a significant discount. While robust, it can double as a rucker, though more specialized options exist.
GoRuck GR1 (21L X-Pac): The GR1 (7/10, WIRED Review) is the foundational pack that launched GoRuck, and it remains the most versatile in their lineup. This deal features the smaller, 21L pack, an ideal size for rucking, everyday carry, and weekend trips. The X-Pac fabric offers exceptional durability and weather resistance. The 21L GR1 is deceptively spacious, consistently accommodating more gear than its size suggests.
GoRuck Rucker: Specifically designed for rucking enthusiasts, the Rucker shares many characteristics with the GR1 in terms of size, layout, and fabric. However, it distinguishes itself with additional handles on each side, allowing it to function as a weight or kettlebell in workouts. The interior includes a dedicated Ruck Plate pocket, capable of holding up to 3-pound plates in the 20L version and up to 45-pound plates in the 25L. Its internal pockets, while similar to the GR1, feature Velcro closures for secure storage.
Camping and Backpacking Deals
Six Moon Design Lunar Solo Tent (7/10, WIRED Review): This is my top pick for a single-wall ultralight solo tent. Despite a few quirks (requiring specific pitching techniques), it’s hard to beat for its weight (just 26 ounces or 740 grams) and performance. It offers excellent ventilation for a single-walled tent, with the ability to raise the front door in fair weather. Its single trekking pole requirement adds to its minimalist appeal, offering incredible value at this price point.
REI Co-op Compression Stuff Sack: For backpackers aiming to lighten their load and maximize space, this compression stuff sack is a game-changer. It effectively smashes soft items like sleeping bags and clothing—especially puffer jackets, fleece, and merino wool—to about half their original size, making it easier to fit essential gear into smaller, lighter backpacks.
REI Co-op Flexlite Air Camp Chair: Embodying the core value of REI’s house brand, the Flexlite Air camp chair delivers 90 percent of the performance of designer alternatives at 70 percent of the cost. While not quite as refined as higher-end models, it offers commendable comfort and is nearly half the price, making it an excellent budget-friendly option despite a slight side-to-side wobble.
Nemo Moonlite Elite Chair: As someone who rarely carries a chair while backpacking, if I were to, the Nemo Moonlite Elite would be my choice. At a mere 18 ounces, it’s one of the lightest and most compact chairs available. It offers comfort and reasonable stability, and crucially, Nemo has addressed the common issue of pole chairs sinking into soft ground by including a helpful base pad.
Nemo Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad: This is my absolute favorite backpacking sleeping pad. Boasting an R-Value of 5.4 and weighing only 18.2 ounces, the All-Season offers an unparalleled R-Value-to-weight ratio among tested pads. While lighter pads exist, they often compromise on warmth or comfort. The Tensor All-Season packs down exceptionally well, rolling into a tiny stuff sack about the size of a 16-ounce Nalgene bottle, and can be paired with a closed-cell foam pad for extreme cold.
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad: I have never experienced such luxurious sleep while camping as I have on this mat. Technically, I use the car-friendly model, but the comfort is identical. While our guide to car camping pads places the Therm-a-rest MondoKing slightly ahead, I personally prefer the MegaMat for its superior warmth (R-value of 8.1 vs. MondoKing’s 7.0) and its incredibly soft top texture, which makes sleeping directly on it a delight.
Exped Mini Pump: If you invest in the Exped MegaMat, you’ll attempt to inflate it manually exactly once before realizing the sheer necessity of this pump. Save yourself the effort and purchase it alongside the pad. You’ll be grateful for the effortless inflation and the promise of a good night’s sleep.
Firebox Nano Folding Stove (Titanium): My go-to stove for preparing actual meals in the backcountry, the Firebox Nano is a versatile titanium (or steel, but titanium is highly recommended) shell. It accommodates various fuel sources: an alcohol burner like the Trangia Spirit burner, an isobutane burner, or even wood for a primal cooking experience. For backpacking trips with frequent burn bans, the Firebox Gas Burner with its diffusion plate stands out as the best backcountry cooking system. While not the lightest option for the ultralight crowd, it allows for delicious, gourmet-level meals in the wilderness.
Outdoor Apparel Deals
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket: This remains our top pick for the best budget rain jacket. At its price point, REI’s Rainier Jacket delivers impressive waterproofing and decent longevity. It features a PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) coating that performs commendably, along with taped seams and an adjustable hood—premium features rarely found in jackets this affordable.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie: Offering UPF 50+ fabric (a comfortable polyester and spandex blend), the Sahara Shade Hoodie provides excellent protection from high-altitude or intense sun. Its soft, stretchy material ensures a full range of movement, while thumbholes prevent sleeves from riding up. The three-panel hood with a drawstring allows for a snug fit, keeping your neck fully covered. While merino sun hoodies are often preferred, this offers comparable protection at a fraction of the cost.
Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer (250-gsm): This 100 percent merino base layer is a heavy 250-gsm fabric, making it an exceptional choice for cold weather. It’s our top pick for heavyweight base layers, offering a looser, more comfortable fit that feels like a cozy shirt. This relaxed fit also allows for effective layering over lighter base layers, a combination I frequently use in Northern Wisconsin winters. Matching bottoms are also available on sale for both men and women.
Icebreaker 200 Oasis Base Layer (200-gsm): The Icebreaker 200 Oasis is a 200-gsm base layer, considered a midweight option, making it versatile for a range of activities—from cool fall hikes to front-country skiing. Its 100 percent merino fibers, while not as soft as the Smartwool Classic Thermal, excel at regulating body temperature and wicking away moisture. Notably, it’s also the fastest-drying merino top in our base layers guide.
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer: REI’s base layers consistently offer incredible value. For those seeking a versatile, do-it-all base layer without breaking the bank, these are an excellent choice. You can often purchase both a crew top and bottom for less than a single merino garment or a brand-name synthetic. This midweight version, made from 220 GSM (92 percent recycled polyester, 8 percent spandex), provides a comfortable, snug fit ideal for layering, complete with practical thumb loops.
Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter: This neck gaiter is a personal favorite (I own a slightly longer version). The magic of merino wool allows it to keep me warm in winter and protect my neck from the sun in summer without causing overheating. These also make fantastic, practical gifts for any outdoorsy friend.
Fjällräven Vidda Pro Ventilated Hiking Pants: These are among my absolute favorite hiking pants. Constructed from durable G-1000 fabric (65 percent recycled polyester and 35 percent organic cotton), they feature an abundance of pockets, ventilation zippers, reinforced knees with openings for pads, and even a unique loop on the leg to hold an axe. Note that Fjällräven recently adjusted the fit, so seasoned wearers may need to size up.
Sleeping Bag and Quilt Deals
REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag: The Magma 15 is consistently rated as one of our top sleeping bags. It offers impressive warmth, comfort-rated down to 21 degrees Fahrenheit, thanks to its 15-denier nylon ripstop nylon shell (Bluesign approved with a non-fluorinated DWR coating). Its variably spaced, non-stitched baffles prevent fill migration and minimize cold spots. The well-designed Magma hood provides excellent warmth and stays in place, while an interior stash pocket keeps essentials like a headlamp handy.
Nemo Forte 20 Sleeping Bag (Synthetic): This 30-degree (comfort-rated) synthetic-fill sleeping bag is our top recommendation for synthetic bags, making it perfect for summer adventures. A standout feature, common to most Nemo sleeping bags, is its wider cut through the torso and knees, providing a roomier feel that blends the comfort of a traditional square bag with the efficiency of a mummy design.
REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 30: While we’re still finalizing our guide to backpacking quilts, this is currently our top pick for best value. Similar to the Magma 30 sleeping bag, the Magma quilt strikes an excellent balance, offering impressive performance without being the absolute lightest or warmest. Its 15-denier shell encases 850-fill-power water-resistant goose down, comfort-rated to 30F. Weighing just 1 lb. 6 oz for a long size, it’s remarkably light for its temperature rating. The versatile footbox features a zipper and drawstring system, allowing it to be fully open or cinched down like a sleeping bag for colder nights.
Nemo Pulse Quilt (1000-fill duck down): The Nemo Pulse quilt is constructed with premium 1,000-fill duck down, providing exceptional warmth while maintaining an incredibly light weight (just 18 ounces for the regular size). I’ve found this to be one of the warmest quilts I’ve tested, rated to 20F, but capable of performing below that with a well-insulated sleeping pad. Its 10-denier ripstop shell contributes to its low weight and has proven durable in testing. My only minor critique is that the footbox does not fully open to lay flat.
REI Co-op Siesta 20 Sleeping Bag: Our favorite sleeping bag for summer car camping, the Siesta prioritizes practicality over extravagance—after all, a car is always nearby as a backup. There’s no need to overspend on a car camping bag, and the Siesta delivers with a roomy, rectangular cut and a 20-degree rating suitable for three-season trips. A bonus is the integrated hood, a feature often absent in bags of this type. Alternatively, REI also has the new Campwell 30 degree bag on sale for $70 ($30 off).
Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket: Imagine your favorite sleeping bag had a cozy baby with your grandma’s coziest knitted lap blanket—that’s the Rumpl. Made from DWR-treated ripstop polyester, these blankets are sturdy, durable, and resistant to moisture and stains. Yet, they are incredibly soft and warm, perfect for snuggling on the couch or adding an extra layer of warmth while camping. They come in a wide variety of stylish colors and patterns.
Puffer Jacket and Winter Gear Deals
Winter has already made its first appearance in many regions, making now the perfect time to invest in new ski and winter gear. Look out for fantastic deals on jackets, helmets, gloves, and goggles.
REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie: This is one of the warmer jackets featured in our best puffer jackets guide, boasting 850-fill-power goose down and a recycled ripstop nylon shell. I particularly appreciate the zippered chest pocket (in addition to two zippered hand pockets, one of which doubles as a stuff sack for the jacket). At just 12.5 ounces, it’s surprisingly light for its warmth. The front zip includes a wind flap, and there’s even a draft collar—a rare find at this price point. The cinchable hood further enhances warmth by sealing out cold air.
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket: Our favorite bargain three-season puffer jacket, the REI 650 down jacket, while not as warm as the Magma, offers unbeatable value. If you need an affordable, packable jacket for chilly mountain summits or stargazing on cold nights, this is the one. Its stitched-through baffles make it slightly less warm and more susceptible to wind, but at this price, it’s an essential piece of gear.
REI Co-op 650 Down Vest: Initially, I was skeptical about down vests, reasoning that if it’s cold enough for a down jacket, my arms would also be cold. However, after moving to a colder climate, I discovered the nuanced range of cold temperatures. For many of these "shades of cold," a vest is the perfect solution. Pair it with a good base layer, perhaps even a hoodie, and you get warmth without restricting arm movement—ideal for activities like chopping wood.
Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie: This hybrid-fill jacket uses 700-fill-power down for most of its construction, complemented by recycled polyester insulation over the shoulders for enhanced moisture resistance—a practical feature when snow is falling heavily. The hood effectively keeps you warm and out of the way, thanks to two front drawcord tabs and an elastic drawcord at the back. As its name suggests, it also packs down remarkably small.
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