Today is the last day of REI’s Holiday Sale. For the past decade, REI has closed its doors on Black Friday, encouraging customers to enjoy the outdoors instead. While that’s solid advice, Black Friday is still a major shopping day, and being a for-profit co-op means REI has to find a balance. The answer? An early holiday sale, of course.
We’re moving into the final weekend of REI’s Holiday Sale, which runs from November 14 to 24. This year, there are two member-exclusive coupons: one for 20% off a regular-priced item at REI and another for 20% off anything at REI Outlet. Use the code HOLIDAY2025. Many of the top deals this year are on REI’s house-brand gear, but we’ve also gathered discounts from Backcountry, Six Moon Designs, Zenbivy, and other boutique retailers. Below, we’ve listed the best offers on tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, pads, cookware, outdoor apparel, and more.
Not sure what you need? Explore our various outdoor gear guides, which include the best backpacking tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, base layers, merino wool clothes, rain jackets, and other well-tested recommendations.
Updated November 23: We want to remind you that REI’s Holiday Sale ends tonight, and we’ve added a few new deals from Gossamer Gear.
WIRED Featured Deals
Can’t You Just Put Links to All Your Outdoor Guides Right Here?
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Sure. Here you go:
– Hiking & Backpacking Gear Guides
– Camping Guides
– Outdoor Apparel Guides
– Winter Sports
– Backpack Deals
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The Flash 22 is probably the best value daypack available, especially on sale. It’s lightweight and minimalist but surprisingly comfortable. It can carry loads up to 15 pounds without straining your shoulders, and the side pockets fit a Nalgene bottle or rain jacket. Made from 70-denier recycled ripstop nylon, it holds up well even on rough cross-country hikes.
The ultralight version, the Flash 18, lacks a hip belt, side pockets, and a floating lid, resulting in a bare-bones pack. However, it’s perfect for stuffing into a carry-on and has limited capacity—only for 8 pounds of gear. Avoid pointy items since there’s no padding, but as long as you know its limits, it’s a great little pack.
This practical daypack suits loads up to around 10 pounds and includes ample pockets for organizing your gear. The ripstop nylon material is DWR-coated, and the back is sturdier than the Flash packs, offering more comfort. The U-shape access panel resembles the design of Mystery Ranch’s Ripruck series, with two zipper sliders to access the main compartment quickly. Big side pockets can fit a Nalgene bottle, and daisy chains allow you to clip additional items.
From Six Moon Designs comes a travel backpack that balances air travel optimization with comfortable long-distance carrying. This is the only bag I’ve used that maximizes your carry-on space while remaining comfortable for city walking or day hikes. Its square shape and suitcase handle make compliance easy, but adjustable shoulder straps from a serious backpacking brand improve comfort. Water bottle holders and zipped pouches for snacks or a flashlight are helpful as well. —Martin Cizmar
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
If I were going to live out of a single bag for the rest of my life, the GR2 would be it. As a gear-hauling powerhouse with excellent organization, the 40L version is the perfect size for #onebag travel. It qualifies as a carry-on for US flights (though you might face issues overseas). The 34L waxed canvas version is also on sale for $340 ($115 off). Yes, it can double as a rucker, though there may be better options for that purpose.
This deal is available for only a couple of colors and the X-Pac fabric, making it the best price we’ve seen for the GR1 recently. The GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Review) is the original pack that started it all and is still the most versatile in the lineup. This deal is for the smaller 21L pack, ideal for rucking, daily use, and weekend getaways. I’ve managed to live out of the 21L bag during a week-long trip, though it was tight—it worked.
If rucking is your thing, the Rucker is the GoRuck for you. It’s similar in size and layout to the GR1 but features extra handles on both sides for workouts. It includes a Ruck Plate pocket for carrying weights (the 20L version fits 3-pound plates, while the 25L handles up to 45 pounds). The interior pockets are the same as on the GR1 but have Velcro instead of zippers.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The best ultralight day hiking pack, the Cima 15, is made of 100D recycled ripstop and features a UHMWPE stretch mesh for its side pockets and back pocket. It has supremely comfortable straps, unlike most small-capacity packs. Surprisingly, the 15L capacity manages to hold essentials plus camera gear, binoculars, and more. There’s an internal sleeve for a water bladder, which also fits a 13-inch laptop for commuting.
Gossamer Gear offers some of our favorite packing cubes for travel and backpacking. These lightweight, spacious dual-chamber dirty/clean cubes have a “dirty” side that seals tightly, keeping everything tidy. The clear cube ($15, $5 off) is excellent too, perfect as a clear bag for liquids at airport security or a tech pouch for chargers and other small items when camping.
I’ve surprisingly become a fan of lumbar packs, and the Tour is our top choice for all-day outings due to its numerous pockets. It lets you carry your camera, binoculars, snacks, rain jacket, and more. With a shoulder strap (sold separately, $14) and a belt that can be tucked away, the Tour can transition into a shoulder bag as well. I even modified mine with loops to secure it to my bike’s handlebars.
Photograph: Adrienne So
Photograph: Adrienne So
Nemo’s Resolve offers a great design with a low-waste footprint. It uses solution-dyed fabrics and replaces straps and buckles with bungees and pull-tabs. While it takes some getting used to for adjustments, once dialed in, the fit feels just right. At 1 pound, 15 ounces, it’s also lightweight.
My kid began hiking in this pack, which has taken him from Colorado’s mountains to the warm, barren landscapes of Chaco Canyon. It’s pricier, but built well, stable, and comfortable. Plus, it’s the easiest kid-hiking pack to put on and take off.
Tent Deals
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Six Moon Design’s Lunar Solo (7/10, WIRED Review) is my top pick for a single-wall ultralight solo tent. It weighs only 26 ounces (740 grams) and offers great ventilation. The front door can be raised when the weather cooperates. The tent only requires one trekking pole (or a pole if you don’t hike with trekking poles). You’ll struggle to find another tent this nice for the price.
The Big Agnes Copper Spur tents are a fixture at WIRED, and while none of us work from an office, we still love the Copper Spur. The only one on sale at REI this year is the spacious five-person model. While I haven’t tested this specific model, I’ve taken my three kids backpacking in the four-person version and wished for the five-person size. Typically, Copper Spur tents are more comfortable when you accommodate one extra person. Amazingly, this five-person tent weighs only 7 pounds, 5 ounces, which isn’t bad at all when divided among four people. Do note, this is an REI Outlet deal, so members can get an additional 20% off with the coupon HOLIDAY2025, dropping the price to $467—a steal for this tent.
Kudos to Public Lands for putting the two-person Copper Spur on sale. It’s our top choice for lightweight freestanding backpacking tents and has consistently been a hit among our readers. This high-quality tent is lightweight, easy to set up, and roomy enough for backcountry living. The “awning” design (with trekking poles or sticks) is a great addition, and its combination of 15D nylon and 20D ripstop holds up surprisingly well.
Sea to Summit’s “3-plus season” tents are built to handle almost any weather while remaining lightweight—just 3 pounds, 12 ounces for this two-person model. I took the three-person version on a five-day trip to Loon Lake in northern California in early October, dealing with highs in the 80s and lows in the 40s, and wind gusts of up to 60 mph. One design detail I love is the rigid pole bag that clips to the tent’s ceiling—perfect for illuminating your space with a headlamp. —Michael Calore
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Nemo’s Dagger Osmo tents are reasonably light with spacious interiors and have proven to be storm-resistant in my tests. The three-person version has been my go-to for trips with my kids. Setup is simple, thanks to the single main pole design, which branches at both ends and has a middle cross pole. It includes two large vestibules for gear storage, and if you ditch the rainfly, the mesh room offers fantastic stargazing.
The Nemo Mayfly is a three-season backpacking tent weighing 3 pounds, 8 ounces for the two-person version I tested. Divided between two people, that’s under 2 pounds each. The semi-freestanding design keeps weight minimal but requires staking out the foot end. While it’s on the small side at 27.9 square feet, I find it perfectly livable for two, and the cross pole offers a wider roof area.
Sea to Summit’s ultralight Alto tent (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is designed to minimize weight for solo adventures. At just 33 ounces for a semi-freestanding tent, it remains a standout for those prioritizing pack weight. For something warmer, the Plus version—featuring less mesh—is also on sale for $412 ($137 off), making it another fantastic deal.
Gossamer Gear’s The Two is an ultralight, two-person shelter at around 2 pounds (more with trekking poles for setup). One of the highlights is its compact size when packed—about the size of a Nalgene water bottle, so it easily fits in your pack’s side pocket. The seams are factory-taped, and dual doors make entry and exit easy.
Camping and Backpacking Deals
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
I rarely take a chair backpacking, but the Nemo Moonlite Elite would make the cut if I did. At 18 ounces, it’s among the lightest available, packs down easily, and is comfortable and surprisingly stable. The base pad prevents it from sinking into soft ground.
The Flexlite Air camp chair exemplifies the value of REI brand gear: it offers 90% of the performance of higher-end options at around 70% of the price. It’s not quite as nice as the Nemo but is still comfortable (with a slight wobble) and nearly half the cost.
If you’re looking for a cozy way to relax around the campfire, the bigger versions of this chair are worth it, despite the awkward folding and carrying. The three-person model is also on sale for $108 ($71 off).
When trying to lighten loads with smaller backpacks, many struggle fitting all their gear. Compression stuff sacks are the solution—they vastly reduce the volume of sleeping bags and clothing, especially puffer jackets and fleece.
Photograph: REI
The Petzl Tikka is the best headlamp out there. My Tikka has lasted 14 years and is still strong. While it caps at 450 lumens, it provides ample light for cooking in the backcountry. It features three brightness modes and a red light mode for night vision, powered by three AAA batteries (we recommend Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable batteries) lasting over 5.5 hours.
I’ve never slept better camping than on my Therm-a-rest Megamat. Though technically the car-friendly model, it shares similar comfort features with the others. In our guide to car camping pads, the Therm-a-rest MondoKing edges out the Megamat for top spot, but I prefer the Megamat for its warmth (R-value of 8.1 vs. the MondoKing’s R 7.0) and its soft surface, which is comfortable enough to sleep on directly.
If you’re after a pad that’s cushy enough for car camping but lightweight enough for backpacking (2 pounds, 2 ounces for the regular size), this is the one to get. Its versatility makes it our favorite for car camping. While there are lighter pads, the Comfort Plus delivers the best of both worlds.
For camping with a buddy, this plush two-person sleeping pad is our top pick. Rated for cold weather with a 5R rating, this pad remains sizeable and heavy when cinched into its stuff sack, making it better for car camping or canoe trips rather than backpacking. Each side has its own valve, allowing sleep partners to inflate the pad to their preferred firmness. —Michael Calore
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
The Yeti Hopper Flip 12 is a great personal-size cooler. It seals with a waterproof zipper, and I’ve never experienced leaks. With a 12-quart capacity, it’s not massive—ideal for a six-pack and a sandwich, depending on how you keep things cold (ice packs work best).
Stove and Camp Cooking Deals
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
The Firebox Nano is my top choice for serious cooking in the backcountry. It features a titanium (or steel) shell that fits an alcohol burner or an isobutane burner. You can also cook directly over flames using wood, which is perfect given frequent burn bans in many areas. The best cooking system for backpacking is the Firebox Gas Burner, although it weighs just 4.25 ounces for the titanium version.
The Stash is our favorite all-in-one backcountry cooking system. The heat diffuser design speeds up boil times (Jetboil claims 2.5 minutes, which I’ve only matched indoors), and the entire kit packs together neatly. For weekend trips, this setup is the simplest I’ve tested for cooking for two.
Camp Chef’s Explorer 2 is a robust option that cooks incredibly hot. While it’s less powerful than our top Camp Chef stove, it remains free-standing and well-built. This stove will boil a large pot of water for spaghetti quickly, though simmering isn’t its strong suit. Consider a heat diffuser for that—great for large groups like scout troops or guided trips.
Courtesy of Coleman
This is your chance to grab an upgraded stove. While the standard version is functional, the Cascade’s cast iron burners are far superior and durable. The griddle plate also comes in handy for cooking pancakes. My only wish? There should be an option for two griddles, as I find the grill not as useful.
Walk through any campground in America, and you’ll see plenty of these stoves. They’re easy to use, durable, and budget-friendly. The 10,000-BTU burners work with almost any pan (I use cast iron), and the electronic ignition means no lighter is needed.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
To skip the green propane bottles, the Ignik Deluxe is a stylish 1.2-pound propane tank with a padded sleeve and strap for easy carrying. It certainly looks better than a typical tank and saves your shins from those inevitable bumps from lugging a heavy propane container. This size is equivalent to five green propane bottles.
While these pots may not fit the “ultralight” label and have received mixed reviews, they’re solid. The hard-anodized aluminum provides good heat transfer, and the ceramic nonstick coating aids in cleanup. The 1.3L capacity is perfect for two.
I used to make fun of my editor for loving this bamboo spoon, but it’s become a favorite of mine as well. There’s just something wonderful about it. My daughter tries to steal it from me, too! It’s only $4—much lower than my usual coffee purchase.
EBike Deals
Photograph: Stephanie Pearson
REI offers excellent commuter bikes at reasonable prices. Plus, they’ll assemble them in-house and provide a year of free adjustments. This great deal on our favorite commuter features a Class 3 motor (pedal assist up to 28 mph) on a step-through frame.
Cannondale’s Adventure Neo line (8/10, WIRED Recommends) features a 250-watt Bafang motor with a Bafang sensor and thumb throttle, making it a class 2 ebike (max assist at 20 mph). While it’s not the most powerful bike, it features reliable Shimano and Bosch components, plus great shocks and a suspension seat post.
Aventon models have impressed us with quality at an affordable price. This fat-tire ebike (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is versatile with built-in commuter features. We also recommend the Soltera.2 and Abound, both currently on sale.
Outdoor Apparel Deals
Courtesy of REI
This budget-friendly rain jacket is still the best out there. REI’s Rainier Jacket is impressively waterproof and long-lasting for only $70. It features PFAS-free DWR, taped seams, and an adjustable hood—great features often missing in this price range.
REI’s Sahara Shade Hoodie offers UPF 50+ fabric (polyester and spandex blend) to protect you from harsh sunlight. It’s soft, stretchy, and has thumbholes at the sleeves. The three-panel hood has a drawstring for cinching down to cover your neck. Though I prefer merino sun hoodies, those are typically double the cost.
My favorite travel pants are these; I wore them for two weeks traveling to Southeast Asia and during business trips. Their dark colors look professional while remaining functional, made from a durable cotton blend that stays presentable after long flights and cleans easily. The drawcord ensures a comfortable fit, and the zippered pockets keep essentials secure.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Smartwool’s 100% merino Classic Thermal base layer is a heavy 250-gsm merino, perfect for cold weather. It’s our top heavyweight base layer. The looser fit makes it versatile to wear over other base layers when it’s very cold, ideal for draping over Ibex Woolies during extreme temperatures. The bottoms are on sale too (Men’s/Women’s).
Icebreaker’s 200 Oasis base layer weighs in at 200 gsm, offering a good mid-weight option for various activities, from cool-weather hiking to skiing. The merino fibers efficiently regulate body temperature and wick moisture away.
REI’s base layers provide great value. You can get a crew top and bottom for less than the cost of one merino garment or branded synthetic. This mid-weight version is 220 GSM (92% recycled polyester, 8% spandex), snug but comfortable for layering, with handy thumb loops on the sleeves.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
I’ll keep recommending this shirt until every WIRED reader owns it. If you live in a colder climate (even if it’s not Canada), you’ll love this cozy wool shirt. It’s soft, warm, and comfortable—don’t let the wool intimidate you!
There are many neck gaiters out there, but this is my favorite (I own a slightly longer version). Merino wool keeps me warm in winter and protects my neck from the sun in summer without overheating. These make excellent gifts for outdoorsy friends too.
Fjällräven’s hiking pants are a top pick of mine. The G-1000 fabric consists of 65% recycled polyester and 35% organic cotton, with tons of pockets and features like ventilation zippers, reinforced knees (with pad openings), and even an axe loop. Does your current pair have an axe loop? I doubt it. Note that Fjällräven recently updated the fit, so if you’re a longtime wearer, consider sizing up.
Courtesy of Smartwool
The Smartwool Classic merino tee gets an honorable mention in our merino wool t-shirt guide. It’s a great shirt, especially at this price, which undercuts even the cheapest options. The Nuyarn blend (88% merino, 12% nylon) holds up remarkably well after several years, while the looser fit allows for comfort.
These socks are versatile enough for everyday wear aside from hiking. They’re a blend of 54% merino wool, 37% recycled nylon, 6% nylon, and 3% elastane, ensuring some stretch. I find they wick moisture better than many other merino options.
Merrell’s Vapor Glove shoes remain a WIRED favorite, topping our Barefoot Shoes guide for years. They’re thin (6mm stack height) and flexible, allowing your feet to move naturally. However, the Vapor Glove (and the Trail Glove) lacks the wide toe box found in some barefoot shoes. The fit is excellent for ankles and arches, but I wish for a little more room for my toes.
Hiking Tech and Fitness Deals
Photograph: Kieran Alger
Here’s a solid deal on Garmin’s popular satellite messenger, though it’s worth noting that not everyone needs one. If you often hike alone or engage in high alpine climbing, it’s probably a smart addition. Just remember to subscribe to a safety plan on top of buying the device. For occasional big trips, consider a personal locator beacon (PLB) instead.
The Instinct 3 is our top-rated Garmin watch, and you can snag the solar version for the same price as the regular one in this sale. The Instinct watches have all the backcountry features of Fenix models at a more affordable price. This latest version includes a built-in flashlight and a metal-reinforced bezel that meets the MIL-STD 810 standard for thermal and shock resistance.
GoPro’s Hero 13 Black is our favorite action camera for recording outdoor adventures. It has an interchangeable lens system for diverse shooting options (though Insta360 just added lenses to its Ace Pro 2). It recognizes the attached lens and adjusts settings automatically, so you can focus on capturing your experience. The video quality remains excellent.
These binoculars strike a fantastic balance between optical power, quality, and price. Nikon’s M5 model includes phase-coated roof prisms and ED glass, minimizing chromatic aberration. They provide bright views with little distortion, making them great for birding. The eyepieces feature large lenses, allowing a full field of view without discomfort.
Sleeping Bag and Quilt Deals
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
REI’s Magma 15 is among our top sleeping bags. It stays warm (comfort rated to 21°F) with a 15-denier nylon ripstop shell that’s Bluesign approved, featuring a non-fluorinated DWR coating to keep moisture at bay. Variably spaced baffles minimize cold spots, and the cozy hood stays in place throughout the night. There’s even a stash pocket for your headlamp.
Nemo’s Forte 20 is a 30-degree (comfort rated) synthetic-fill bag, making it ideal for summer. It’s our favorite synthetic option. The roomy torso down to the knees provides a nice mix between a mummy and traditional square sleeping bag. It offers plenty of space and comfort.
We’re still compiling our guide to backpacking quilts, but this is our current pick for best value. Like the Magma 30 sleeping bag, it’s not the lightest or warmest option, but it offers plenty for a reasonable price. With a 15-denier shell enclosing 850-fill-power water-resistant goose down, it’s comfort-rated down to 30°F. Weighing just 1 lb. 6 oz. for long versions, it’s light for the temperature rating, and it features a zipping and drawstring foot box for versatility.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Zenbivy is running a site-wide sale on some of our top backcountry sleeping bags, and I particularly like the Light Bed. If you haven’t tried a Zenbivy, you’re in for something different. It combines a quilt with a sheet, making it feel like sleeping in your own bed while camping. Note that you’ll need to sign up for the mailing list to obtain the deal code.
In winter, I often glance longingly at my sleeping bag and think, “Why don’t I live somewhere warm all the time?” There are lighter options, but this one is hard to beat for the price: it offers 650-fill-power down, which is plenty warm for summer trips, and packs down small. The dual side zippers allow for a more quilt-like experience when it’s warm.
Closed-cell foam pads, like the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol, are essential. Weighing only 10 ounces for the small version, they fold compactly, making them easy to attach outside any pack, doubling as a chair or extra padding on cold nights. I’m too soft for a minimalist lifestyle, but I always take one on trips.
Photograph: REI
For summer car camping, our favorite sleeping bag, the Siesta, doesn’t boast luxury but suits your needs. If all else fails, you can retreat to the car. Don’t splurge on an expensive car camping bag when the Siesta is available for three-season use. Its roomy rectangular shape has a 20-degree rating, and it even includes a hood—rare for this type of bag. If a hood isn’t necessary, check out the new Campwell 30-degree bag for $70 ($30 off).
Think of a Rumpl blanket as a hybrid of your sleeping bag and the coziest lap blanket from your childhood. Made from durable, DWR-treated ripstop polyester, they’re strong and warm, perfect for cuddling on the couch. They come in various colors and patterns, although only a few patterns are on sale right now. —Adrienne So
Puffer Jacket and Winter Gear Deals
It’s already snowed where I am, so now’s the time to score ski gear—jackets, helmets, gloves, and goggles are all discounted.
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
With 850-fill-power goose down and a recycled ripstop nylon shell, this is one of the warmest jackets in our best puffer jackets guide. A zippered chest pocket (plus two zippered hand pockets, one of which compresses the jacket) is a handy touch. Weighing just 12.5 ounces, this jacket is surprisingly light for its warmth. It has a wind flap on the front zipper and a draft collar—features you rarely see at this price.
For a budget-friendly three-season puffer jacket, look to the REI 650 down jacket. It’s not as warm as the Magma but offers incredible value for a packable jacket to keep you warm on chilly nights or summits. With stitched-through baffles, it’s less warm and more wind-susceptible, yet for this price, it’s hard to resist.
Initially, I didn’t see the appeal of a down vest, but living somewhere cold shifted my perspective—certain temperatures call for this layering option. Pair it with a good base layer or hoodie for warmth while keeping your arms free to swing an axe during winter chores.
Fjällräven’s hybrid fill jacket features 700-fill-power down but uses recycled polyester insulation over the shoulders to resist moisture. The hood effectively retains warmth without disturbing your activities, thanks to its adjustable drawcords.
Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer down jacket is a strong choice for technical needs. It has 800-fill down, making it light, warm, and compressible. The medium weighs about 8 ounces, but some find it runs small, and I had to size up to large. Unfortunately, men’s sizes are nearly sold out, but there are a few options left. The jacket version without a hood is also discounted.
Paddleboard and Kayak Deals
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
It’s unusual to buy a paddleboard in November, especially with snow on the ground, but this is a great deal on one of our favorite Bote paddleboards. This large, stable SUP is excellent for beginners, tracking well while remaining surprisingly nimble. With added accessories, you can convert it into a kayak-SUP hybrid, enhancing its versatility.
The Isle Switch 3 is my favorite inflatable paddleboard. It’s solid and stable for relaxed paddling with your dog while watching fish. If you prefer a more vigorous workout, attach a seat and brace it for a more intense paddle. It can even transition between SUP and kayak paddles—a feature I wish I had discovered sooner. This deal includes a free electric pump. —Adrienne So
The Breeze Aero inflatable paddleboard (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is durable, well-built, and packs small for easy transport. It’s incredibly stable, making it perfect for beginner paddlers. Although inflating it by hand takes some effort, it’s easy to stash after deflation. This deal is on the 11’6″ model, supporting up to 355 pounds.
I’ve never personally tried Oru’s folding kayaks, but my editor loves them. The Inlet is one of Oru’s beginner models, designed to grow with your skill level. It’s lightweight and swift, folding origami-style into a box about the size of an oversized briefcase, perfect for fitting in your trunk. It weighs only 20 pounds and can carry one person up to 6’2″ and 275 pounds.
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