What We’re Spending Our REI Dividends on This Year

Note to our readers: When you purchase REI items through The Trek’s links, the site gets a portion of the sale. This will help keep us afloat during this uncertain time. Thank you!

Even though thru-hiking season is up in the air, that doesn’t mean there won’t be hiking and backpacking adventures awaiting this summer. REI is having a sale from March 20 until April 6, and due to the temporary store closures (through 3/27), they are offering free shipping on all orders at REI.com.

From March 20 through April 6, members can save 20% on one full-priced item and an extra 20% on one REI Outlet item. Use the coupon code MEMPERKS2020 at REI.com and REI Outlet.com. Plus, from 3/20 through 3/26, you can save an extra 25% off all Co-op brand items (except bicycles). Additionally, from 3/27 until 4/6, members can save up to 40% off by looking for member-exclusive priority product offers at rei.com.

REI stores are temporarily closed, but all shipping is currently free from REI.com, and you can find everything on sale here.

For those who don’t know how it works: REI members get 10% back on qualifying REI purchases. (This doesn’t include Outlet items, discounted gear, gift cards, and REI Adventures services). So if you buy a $300 tent, you’ll get $30 added to your dividend the next March. Pretty simple. That money can then go toward more gear.

Dividend Amount: $20 or Less

Sea to Summit Alpha Light Spork
MSRP: $10.95

Long spork, no tuna tidbits left out.

Backpacker’s Pantry Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
MSRP: $5.95

Stay fueled up for the long haul. These are two servings each, but we bet you’ll eat both of them with no trouble.

PROBAR Meal Bar
MSRP: $3.00

A meal in a bar. These sit like a brick in your stomach.

Clif Shot Bloks
MSRP: $2.30

These are fast calories and easy to digest.

REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Crew Socks
MSRP: $16.95

Blisters be gone. A good deal on merino socks that stay stink-free and won’t fall down.

Dividend Amount: $20-50

NUUN Sport Hydration Tablets
MSRP: $24.00

It can be hard to stay hydrated during long days in the desert. Nuun will help.

Black Diamond Spot 325 Headlamp
MSRP: $39.95

325 lumens is a good amount for night hiking that won’t kill your battery.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System
MSRP: $36.95

This is the go-to for a reason. Lightweight, fast flow, and threads onto Smartwater bottles.

Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool
MSRP: $29.95

Everything you need in a pocket-sized kit.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
MSRP: $44.95

Reliable at almost any elevation, boils fast, and ultralight.

NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad
MSRP: $39.95+

Inexpensive, comfortable, and easy to deploy in seconds. No inflation needed.

Dividend Amount: $50-100

REI Co-op Traverse Power Lock Cork Trekking Poles
MSRP: $100 (currently on sale for $69)

Trekking poles increase speed, stability, and efficiency for long-distance backpackers.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit
MSRP: $79.95

Get the stove and the cookware, all in one convenient package.

Smartwool Merino 150 Base Layer Long-Sleeve Top
MSRP: $80 (currently on sale for $55)

A reliable base layer top for chilly nights and early-morning starts.

Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
MSRP: $50+

Longer inseam helps prevent chafing, and the material is soft and sweat wicking.

Outdoor Research Wayward Shirt
MSRP: $85 (currently on sale for $59)

This tailored sun shirt is perfect for those hot days in the desert.

Dividend Amount: $100+

Patagonia Down Sweater
MSRP: $229 (certain colors on sale)

A classic with traceable down and a medium fit for easy layering.

Outdoor Research Helium II Rain Jacket
MSRP: $159 (certain colors on sale)

Weighing less than 6 ounces and redesigned for this year.

SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger
MSRP: $149.95

Keep your parents and friends happy knowing where you end up each night.

REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag
MSRP: $379+

Splurge on a cozy new bag for those high-elevation nights.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
MSRP: $144+

A fan favorite for a reason, with an all-new valve for faster inflating and deflating.

Lead image via Maggie Slepian