The Best Deals for Backpackers at REI’s Anniversary Sale

The following is a Sponsored Post brought to you by REI.

REI’s annual anniversary sale starts today, and backpackers can save mucho dollars. Plus, members can also take 20% off one full-price item, and an extra 20% off an REI Outlet item (formerly REI Garage). If you’re looking to make a big purchase like a new tent or pack, this is a good time to do it. Use coupon code ANNIV18 at checkout.

There are too many category markdowns to list, but our favorites include 25% off of Altra trail shoes, 25% off Petzel headlamps, 25% off all Smartwool socks, and 20% off all Good to-Go backpacking meals. Don’t forget to check out the REI Outlet for up to 70% off backpacking items.

Here are our favorite items (including several from our 2018 Best-Of lists), all on sale from 5/18 to 5/28. 

Altra Lone Peak 3.5

$89.99 from $120: Save 25%

Men’s version here.

Altra Timp

$97.49 from $130: Save 25%

Primed to supplant the Lone Peak as Altra’s go-to thru-hiking trail runner. Women’s version here.

Backpackers Pantry Risotto

$7.19 from $9: Save 20%

Treat yo self

Copper Spur HV UL 2 Tent

$334.99 from $449.95: Save 25%

One of our Best Backpacking Tents of 2018. There’s a reason this is one of the most popular tents on the AT. Find the one-person model on sale for $284.89.

Brooks Chaser Shorts

$33.59 from $48: Save 30%

This is the 5-inch inseam, but these come in a few different lengths.

Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts 

$45.49 from $65: Save 30%

Lightweight, breathable, and made with recycled materials. Women’s here.

Original Buff

$14.89 from $20: Save 25%

One of the most versatile items in a long-distance hiker’s setup. You’ll never regret carrying one of these. Half Buff here.

Clif Nut Butter Bars

$1.39 from $2: Save 30%

Clif Bar hit a home run with this update to their classic bars. Blueberry Almond Butter is our top pick.

Clif Shot Bloks

$1.59 from $2.30: Save 30%

Easy on the stomach and simple to pop in your mouth on the go.

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Boxer Briefs

$19.49 from $26: Save 25%

Hiker stink meets its match.

ExOfficio Give-N-Go Bikini Briefs 

$13.49 from $18: Save 25%

This underwear was made to last a loooong time between washes

Garmin inReach Explorer

$374.99 from $450: Save 16%

For hikers hitting a trail without blazes every 100 feet

Fenix 5 GPS Watch

$449.99 from $550: Save 18%

Be the most boring person the government has ever stalked by tracking your mileage, elevation, and location at three miles an hour in one direction for six months

Gregory Paragon 48 Pack

$134.89 from $179.95: Save 25%

Gregory has stepped up its game with this pared-down pack. This option has plenty of features without being overly padded or heavy.

Gregory Maven 55 Pack

$172.39 from $229.95: Save 25%

One of Gregory’s newer options for hikers looking to trim the ounces without losing features.

GSI Pinnacle Soloist Cookset

$33.69 from $44.95: Save 25%

Everything you need for gourmet (?) instant noodles.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System

$48.89 from $69.95: Save 30%

PCT and CDT hikers will be happy to have these.

 Keen Targhee III Mid WP Hiking Boots

$115.89 from $144.95: Save 20%

Ankle support, burly outsoles, and time-tested design.

Merrell Moab 2 WP Low Hiking Shoes 

$95.99 from $120: Save 20%

A longtime hiker fave, these shoes have retained the same look for years without need for improvement. Men’s here.

MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Kit

$59.89 from $79.95: Save 25%

Get the whole setup and don’t waste any grams.

MSR Pocket Rocket Kit

$74.89 from $99.95: Save 25%

For backcountry cooks looking for a little more firepower.

Native Ashdown Polarized Sunglasses

$79.19 from $99: Save 20%

Stylish, durable, and protective. Get the Violet Reflex version on sale for $95.

Osprey Aether AG 60

$216.99 from $290: Save 25 %

All the features you could possibly want. Try being disorganized with this pack… we dare you.

Osprey Ariel AG 55 

$216.99 from $290: Save 25%

Packed with features, padding, and comfort.

Sombriolet Sun Hat

$31.49 from $42: Save 25%

Is this PCT staple fashionable? No. Does it do a stellar job protecting you from the sun? Yes.

Outdoor Research VersaLiner Gloves

$41.19 from $55: Save 25%

Once you’re out of the snow zone, these will be the only hand accessories you’ll need.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

$138.99 from $199: Save 30%

A classic for a reason. This hardy, lightweight layer is prime insulating for moderate conditions. Women’s here.

Patagonia Nine Trails Shirt

$30.99 from $45: Save 30%

The last short-sleeve tech shirt you’ll ever buy. Men’s here.

Petzel Tikka Headlamp

$22.39 from $29.95: Save 25%

Simple, durable, 200 lumens, and a red-light setting. What more could a thru-hiker ask for?

AirRail 1.5 Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad

$62.89 from $89.95: Save 30%

The “rails” keep you from rolling off the side of the sleeping pad at night.

REI Half Dome 2 Plus Tent

$159.99 from $229: Save 30%

REI continues to upgrade their selection of tents. Going solo? Grab the Half Dome 1 Plus on sale for $125.29

REI Passage Trekking Poles

$52.39 from $69.95: Save 25%

Your knees will thank you, your front teeth will thank you.

REI Joule 30 Sleeping Bag 

$188 from $269: Save 30%

One of our Best Sleeping Bags of 2018.

REI Igneo 17 Sleeping Bag 

$209.29 from $299: Save 30%

Also one of our Best Sleeping Bags of 2018, and one of the most popular bags on the AT.

Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light

$32.19 from $42.95: Save 25%

 

This pillow weighs two ounces. It doesn’t even count as a “luxury item.”

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 2

  • Yermo : May 19th

    Heading there 22 May. More Lone Peak 3.5 Hot damn

    Reply
  • SMK : May 22nd

    Just gonna chime in and say I hiked the entire AT with the Aether 60. Ultralight worshippers will hiss, but it is a phenomenal, durable, comfy pack.

    And exofficios are so good. I started wearing them on the thru-hike and now I just wear them 100% of the time.

    Reply

What Do You Think?