SAVE UP TO 30%: The REI Winter Sale has hiking, camping, travel, winter sports, and fitness gear on sale through Nov. 25.
REI stands as one of the best outdoor retailers in the US. But it's famously rejected the notion that we should spend the holiday period of Thanksgiving at the mall. Since 2015, REI has closed its physical stores on Black Friday, adopting the slogan "Opt Outside," which encourages us (and REI employees) to take the day off as an opportunity to explore the outdoors. But since the weather in late November might be wet and cold, time outside requires good gear.
Thankfully, REI's Winter Sale is already underway, offering thousands of sale products that save you up to 30% through Nov. 25. The sale covers a massive range of products for camping, hiking, snow sports, and fitness trackers.
It's a great time to snag holiday gifts before the chaos of Black Friday arrives, which frees you up to enjoy a relaxing day off after Thanksgiving. If your holiday shopping list includes an outdoor enthusiast, the REI sale is worth checking out. Here are some of our top recommendations this year.
Best fitness tracker deal
Why we like it
The Garmin vivoactive 5 fitness tracker is ideal for anyone looking to keep tabs on fitness goals, whether you plan on walking around the neighborhood more often or start training for a marathon in 2025. The bright, AMOLED display means you'll be able to easily view your stats while getting up to 11 days of battery life. The Garmin vivoactive 5 also features the brand's Body Battery readout, which gives you an energy score based on metrics like activity level and sleep quality. Plus, the vivoactive 5 not only tracks your sleep, it has automatic nap detection.
The Garmin vivoactive 5 is also great for those who use a wheelchair, offering a mode that tracks pushes instead of steps.
More fitness deals
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar GPS Watch — $299.99 $400 (save $100.01)
Thule Urban Glide 3 Stroller — $519.89 $649.95 (save $130.06)
Polar Vantage V3 fitness tracker — $569.99 $599.99 (save $30)
Best camping deal
Why we like it
Winter camping can be one of the most rewarding experiences, with the right gear. You'll need a cozy and functional sleeping bag that's rated to handle chilly temps. Enter the REI Frostbreak 5 Sleeping Bag, which is on sale for only $104.29, down from the usual price of $149. Like the name implies, the Frostbreak 5 is rated to handle temps as low as five degrees Fahrenheit. The sleeping bag uses four layers of water-resistant synthetic fill to keep you cozy and warm during chilly nights.
With a mummy shape to the sleeping bag, the face muffler is also great for keeping warm, as is the draft tube which prevents any cold air from seeping in. The unisex sleeping bag comes in short, regular, and long size options so you can find the best fit.
More camping deals
Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45 — $44.89 $59.95 (save $15.06)
Nemo Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair — $149.89 $249.95 (save $100)
REI Base Camp 4 Tent — $331.79 $474 (save $142.21)
Best snow sports deal
Why we like it
Snowy winter adventures await with the MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes which are 20% off during the REI Winter Sale, bringing them down to $135.89 instead of the usual $169.95. While snowshoeing on a crisp winter day can be fantastic, getting the snowshoes on is no one's favorite part. The MSR Evo Trail aims to make that process easier with two roller buckles and toe stops that are designed to be simple to secure, even while you're wearing gloves. The stretch bindings secure your feet comfortably without squeezing or causing pressure points. The pair weighs about four pounds, so it won't be a massive weight to strap to your backpack should you be hiking up to the snowline.
More snow sports deals
Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter — $23.99 $32 (save $8.01)
Smith Rally Snow Goggles — $64.73 $90 (save $25.27)
Dakine Daytripper Snow Helmet — $71.19 $95 (save $23.81)
Rossignol Evo XT 55 Positrack Cross-Country Skis with Turnamic Bindlings — $174.89 $249.95 (save $74.97)
Best travel deal
Why we like it
If you'll be heading off on adventures over the holidays or in 2025, a set of compression packing cubes can be a life-saver. With one small and one medium cube, the Thule Compression Packing Cube Set is on sale for just $33.69 which is a solid 25% discount compared to the normal price of $44.95. Compression cubes help minimize space when packing clothing, so you can take along more outfits in less space. Thule uses high-quality YKK zippers for better durability and a rip-stop nylon material that's also water-repellant.
More travel deals
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag — $37.39 $49.95 (save $12.56)
Cotopaxi Coso 2-liter Hip Pack — $44.99 $60 (save $15.01)
REI Big Haul 30-inch Rolling Duffel — $195.29 $279 (save $83.71)
