The 30 Best Deals from REI’s Annual Winter Sale
An excellent value in ski gloves
Our only touchscreen-compatible ski gloves pick will keep your hands toasty even when you’re texting. They’re almost as warm as our top pick, and they keep snow out. They’re a great option if you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, or you go infrequently.
These are the same gloves as above, in larger dimensions. They’re the warmest gloves we tested at this price, and should last several seasons. They have a leash, a soft nose wipe, and a long gauntlet.
Other things to know: Less durable, and boxier fit. Liners aren’t removable and can take longer to dry than our other picks. Can be too warm. REI members get free shipping; others can select store pickup or add to a larger order to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Ski and Snowboard Gloves
The very best hiking poles
These hiking poles are the most comfortable of all the models we tested — and among the quietest. Strong and flexible, they endured rough and sandy hikes and mountain runs without collapsing under our weight. They come in two sizes and are easy to adjust to different lengths.
Other things to know: Far from the most expensive we tested, but typically over double the price of our budget pick. 7001 series aluminum is not as stiff or as quiet as carbon-fiber poles. The street price has recently risen.
Read more: The Best Trekking Poles
An easy-to-use head lamp with a long-lasting battery
Whether used indoors or outdoors, this reliable headlamp is bright enough to light the way in most situations. On top of its easy-to-navigate buttons and a long-lasting battery life, it also features a bright beam with the choice of two beam shapes and two colors.
Other things to know: You’ll have to experiment with clicking through the various modes, but the learning curve is fairly quick.
Read more: The Best Headlamp
The most comfortable sleeping pad we’ve tested
Testers say our newly revamped car-camping pick for couples feels more like a real mattress than a sleeping pad. Containing 4 inches of self-inflating foam and air cores, it won’t bounce when your partner moves, and it’s warm enough for year-round use. It’s even ideal for side sleepers.
Other things to know: Replaces our former pick, the Exped Megamat Duo 10. Three sizes; the smallest may be too small for some adults to comfortably share. Deflating without a pump is a bear. Five-year warranty on defects; the company will repair rips and leaks for a fee.
Read more: The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping
A durable sleeping bag with comfy features
Our top car-camping sleeping bag is warm, roomy, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. It feels great on the skin, comes in a newly expanded size range, and is free of knowingly added PFAS and filled with Bluesign-approved recycled poly.
Other things to know: Has less padding and loft than our other picks. The only warranty that REI provides on REI Co-op gear is that it’s free from flaws or manufacturer’s defects at the time of purchase. However, the retailer’s return policy is generous: 90 days for non-members and a full year for members.
Read more: The Best Sleeping Bag
An ultralight bag for budget-conscious backpackers
This 850-fill-down bag weighs just 20 ounces in its smallest size and costs much less than many others in its class. It’s an accessible choice for people who want to take a first step into ultralight backpacking, with a great hood and zipper, too.
Other things to know: Narrow cut felt constrictive. Nylon lining and shell have a slippery ultralight fabric feel. Available in multiple lengths and widths. Not the lowest price we’ve seen, but still a good deal.
Read more: The Best Sleeping Bag
A generous sleeping bag for couples
One of the roomiest we tested, this queen-size sleeping bag is ideal for car campers who bunk together. It has an easy-to-clean water-resistant shell, side zippers, foot vents, and two sewn-in interior quilts, so each sleeper can adjust their own side.
Other things to know: Backed by a lifetime warranty. Rated to below 20 °F but lacks draft tubes or cinchable hood; it kept our testers warm in temps below the low 50s. Stuff sack included.
Read more: The Best Sleeping Bag
The best first sleeping bag for kids
Our kid testers loved this sleeping bag the most. It has a recycled polyester shell and lining to insulate against cold and is coated with a durable water repellent. The handy cinch feature customizes the sleeping area based on a child’s size.
Other things to know: Bulky when packed, so better suited for car camping and sleepovers than backpacking. Stuff sack is permanently attached to the bag, making it easy to pack and keep track of. Ships free for REI members; others can select store pickup to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
A sleeping bag great for sleepovers
This rugged rectangular sleeping bag features a polyester construction that’s similar to that of our top pick. But it lies flat when unzipped, so it can also double as a comforter at camp, on sleepovers, or at home.
Other things to know: Temperature rating of just 40 ˚F, not as warm as our top pick. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to an order over $60.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
A hiking backpack kids will love
This durable and reasonably priced pack helps smaller kids hit the trail with everything they need. It’s got water bottle pockets, a stretchy mesh front pocket, space for a bladder, and an emergency whistle in the chest strap. It’s comfortable, too, with padded straps and an adjustable waist belt.
Also built to be comfortable for hours on end, our top camping and hiking backpack pick for bigger kids has all the features of the smaller version above, plus 6 additional liters of interior capacity for a bigger water bladder or more belongings. Its hip belt is padded to make it a breeze to carry.
Other things to know: REI suggests the smaller pack for kids 4 to 7, but we’ve used them with children as young as 2. The 18-liter pack is suggested for kids over 6, but even a small adult can use it. Each has a one-year warranty. Water bladders not included. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to an order over $60.
Read more: The Best Kids Hiking Backpacks
