Best REI 4th of July Deals for Hikers and Backpackers

This is a sponsored post brought to you by REI. Save up to 50% on your favorite outdoor brands from June 27 through July 7 with REI 4th of July Deals.

REI 4th of July Deals are here, and it’s a perfect time to score quality backpacking gear at a steep discount. Whether you’re upgrading a big-ticket item like a tent or just looking to stock up on trail essentials, this sale has something for everyone — and the deals run now through July 7.

Our team combed through the full catalog to pick out the best offers for backpackers, from ultralight sleep systems to trail-tested apparel. Scroll on to see our top picks for hikers and backpackers.

Shop the REI 4th of July Deals

Best REI 4th of July Deals for Hikers

30% Off REI Trailmade 2 Backpacking Bundle
Sale $265.29 (Reg. $379)

• Weight: 11 lb 2.6 oz total
• Includes: REI Trailmade 2-person tent + footprint, Trailmade self-inflating sleeping pad, Trailmade 20 sleeping bag

Getting started in backpacking can be intimidating … and expensive. REI designed the Trailmade collection to make the gear simpler, more affordable, and all-around more accessible. This bundle will solve three of your biggest gear problems: encompassing your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, it’s basically your backcountry home away from home.

At 30% off during the REI 4th of July Deals, this is an amazing deal for three big-ticket items. 

20% Off BearVault BV500 Bear Canister
Sale $75.89 (Reg. $94.95)

• Weight: 40 oz
• Capacity: 11.5L

An Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee-approved bear canister is the best way to keep your food safe from wildlife and keep wildlife safe from your food. Also makes a great camp stool.

20% Off Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket Women’s | Men’s
Sale $135.99 – 143.99 (Reg. $170 – $180)

• Weight: 7 oz
• Materials: bluesign approved Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5-layer; bluesign approved 100% nylon, 30-denier ripstop

The OR Helium has been a staple piece in thru-hikers’ backpacks for many years, thanks to the build quality and insanely light weight. Waterproof gear is one of the Ten Hiking Essentials, and the Helium delivers.

 30% Off REI Flexlite Air Chair
Sale $69.89 (Reg. $99.95)

• Weight: 16 oz
• Materials: Aluminum frame, 70-denier ripstop nylon seat

Sitting? Off the ground? In an actual chair? With a back?! These are luxuries most backpackers rarely get to enjoy. But a growing number of hikers are absolutely balling out on trail by carrying lightweight camp chairs like the scoop-style Flexlite Air to make their camp experience more comfortable. With a 250-pound weight capacity, this compact little seat is surprisingly sturdy.

25% Off Deuter AirContact Core 60 + 10 Women’s Backpack | 65 + 10 Men’s Backpack
Sale $194.99 (Reg. $260)

• Weight: 4 lb 8.7 oz women’s | 4 lb 15.4 oz men’s
• Frame type: Aluminum

The AirContact is a great choice for beginners who want a straightforward starter pack, but also for hardcore hikers hauling heavier loads. With plenty of accessible storage and ample cushioning, this pack is great at making the weight of your gear feel less burdensome.

50% Off REI Swiftland SS Running Tee Women’s
Sale $19.89 (Reg. $39.95)

• Size range: XS – 3X
• Materials: 100% polyester

This thin, breathable running tee also makes a great base layer top for hiking. Thru-hikers are tough on their gear and clothing, but this shirt is well made and should withstand long miles of wear. The ladies’ version is 50% off during the REI 4th of July Deals, making an already affordable top even more appealing.

25% Off Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag
Sale $127.39 (Reg. $169.95)

• Weight: 2 lb 7 oz
• Fill: 550-fill down

The Kelty Cosmic was already one of the best deals on the market for a backpacking-grade down sleeping bag — and even more so right now. With over a pound of down insulation, this bag should keep you warm down to about 30 degrees, according to Kelty.

33% Off Spot Gen4 Satellite Communicator
Sale $99.99 (Reg. $149.95)

• Weight: 5 oz
• Batteries: 4 AAA lithium

The Gen4 is peace of mind in a roughly quarter-pound, fully waterproof package. It allows GPS tracking, one-way check-in messaging to friends and family, and the all-important SOS button should you get into trouble. 

25% Off Platypus QuickDraw Water Filter
Sale $29.89 (Reg. $39.95)

• Weight: 2.9 oz
• Output: 3L/min

Because no one wants to carefully plan their dream backpacking trip only to have it cut short by beaver fever. This compact hollow-fiber filter is known for its reliable performance, fast flow rate, and easy cleaning and maintenance. 

25% Off Therm-a-Rest ZLite SOL Sleeping Pad
Sale $44.89 (Reg. $59.95)

• Weight: 14 oz
• R-value: 2

The quintessential accordion-folding foam sleeping pad, the ZLite Sol has adorned the backpacks of many a thru-hiker. It’s no-frills, it’s reliable, and best of all: it can’t pop and deflate if a rogue thorn punctures it. 

25% Off Injinji Lightweight Liner Socks
Sale $9 (Reg. $12)

• Materials: 75% COOLMAX EcoMade polyester / 21% nylon / 4% Lycra spandex

Wearing a thin pair of liner toe socks underneath your regular hiking socks is one of the greatest thru-hiking life hacks. It aids in moisture wicking and reduces friction between your toes. Many hikers swear by Injinji liner socks as a way to prevent blisters.

20% Off All Mountain House Meals
Sale $3.99 – $9.59 each (Reg. $5 – $12)

We all love a good bowl of instant mashed potatoes, but there’s something incredibly comforting about having a proper meal — with, like, vegetables and seasonings and things — in the backcountry. The current REI 4th of July deals mean now is an awesome time to stock up on freeze-dried meals from Mountain House so you can mix up your resupply boxes a bit this hiking season. 

36% Off Komperdell FX P4 Approach Vario Trekking Poles (Past-Season Style)
Sale $159.73 (Reg. $249.95)

• Weight: 1 lb 2.3 oz
• Max length: 135 cm

You can save up to 50% off past-season styles right now. For instance, these lightweight, z-folding carbon fiber poles from industry leader Komperdell have been discontinued and are selling for more than a third off their list price. Grab a pair before they sell out.

40% Off InfinityLab InstantGo 10000 Wireless Power Bank
Sale $47.93 (Reg. $79.95)

• Weight: 8.2 oz
• Max output: 30W

The novel InfinityLab InstantGo power bank allows for wireless charging of up to three compatible devices at a time, even in the backcountry. This is a nifty concept that could potentially save you some weight and clutter in the form of charging cables, but it also has a USB-C port for standard wired charging. The power bank has been discontinued and is on sale for 40% off while supplies last.

Up to 45% Off REI 650 Down Jacket Women’s | Men’s
Sale: $69.93 and up (Reg. $129)

• Weight: 10.2 oz women’s | 10.9 oz men’s
• Materials: Nylon shell, 650-fill down insulation

Some past-season colorways of the ever-popular REI 650 Down Jacket are being discontinued. Remaining inventory is on sale at a steep discount — with the biggest savings on the burnt orange color in both men’s and women’s. This is a solid midlayer for backpacking.

Didn’t see just what you were looking for in the list above? These are our personal favorite deals, but there’s lots more to browse in the full sale, so head over to REI now to shop all the deals. The 4th of July Deals run through July 7 and inventory of some items is limited, so don’t wait too long. 

Shop the REI 4th of July Deals

Featured image: Photo by Greg Rosenke. Graphic design by Zack Goldmann.