Hi! It’s me again, Christine Ryan, Wirecutter’s outdoor-gear editor. In San Francisco, where I live, it still feels like summer as I write this, but elsewhere, temperatures are dropping and ski resorts across the country are getting ready to open (or, in some cases—like Jackson Hole and Arapahoe Basin—they already have).
That makes REI’s annual winter sale rather timely. The selection of discounts aren’t quite as extensive as the co-op’s anniversary sale or Labor Day sale, but I do spot a few of our picks that could come in very handy, whether you’re heading to the mountains or even just traveling to chillier climes over the holidays. There are base layers to keep you warm on the slopes, headlamps to illuminate an unfamiliar ski condo keypad, and rugged travel backpacks that you can carry onto the plane—so if winter storms wreak havoc on your flights, at least you’ll have your bag with you.
You don’t need an REI membership to access these deals, but you may want one anyway—members save 20% on one full-priced item and 20% on one REI Outlet item with coupon code WINTER24 during this sale, among other benefits. Read our breakdown of whether the one-time $35 membership fee is worth it for you.
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Here’s the deal
Camping gear
Clothes and shoes
Travel deals
Fitness gear
Cycling deals
Camping gear
Our pick for best headlamp overall, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp, shown with its lamp turned on in front of a sand-colored background.
Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp
The best headlamp
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.
$50 $37 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
$50 from Amazon
$50 from Dick's Sporting Goods
Other things to know: You have to experiment with clicking through the various modes, but the learning curve is fairly quick. REI members get free shipping. Otherwise, opt for store pickup to avoid shipping charges. Available in multiple colors.
Read more: The Best Headlamp
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
Our budget headlamp pick
This low-profile, reliable headlamp’s brightness rivals that of our top pick—but at half the price (and it weighs even less). With a 10-hour battery life when used on high, it’s a solid choice for tinkering around a campsite or your house.
$20 $15 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
$20 from Amazon
$20 from Dick's Sporting Goods
Other things to know: Not quite as comfortable to wear as our top pick and lacks some useful features, like a battery light indicator and red light. Three-year warranty. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to a combined order of $60 or more.
Read more: The Best Headlamp
REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Kids Sleeping Bag
REI Co-op Kindercone 25 Kids 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 the cold, and it’s coated with a durable water repellent. An added bonus is the handy cinch feature, which customizes the sleeping area based on your child’s size.
$70 $52 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: It’s bulky when packed, making it better suited to car-camping and sleepovers than backpacking. Stuff sack is permanently attached to the foot of the bag, so it’s easy to pack and keep track of. Available in two colors. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 Kids Sleeping Bag
REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 Kids Sleeping Bag
Our kids sleeping bag pick 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 or at home.
$70 $49 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: Temperature rating of just 40 ˚F, not as warm as our top Kindercone 25 pick. Roomier than a mummy-shaped sleeping bag. Recently revamped and available in three colors. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
Clothes and shoes
REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top, women’s version.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top - Women’s
Our budget pick for the best thermal underwear top
Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is a great option for people who prefer to avoid merino wool. Whether worn layered or on its own, it is soft and fitted without being too tight for all-day wear.
$55 $38 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top - Men’s
Our budget pick for the best thermal underwear top
For people who prefer to avoid merino wool, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is soft enough to wear all day. It’s fitted without being too tight, and you can layer it or wear it on its own.
$55 $38 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: A good choice if you aren’t ready to invest in wool thermal underwear, though it might not last as long. Available in select colors and sizes. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights - Women’s
The matching tights for our thermal underwear budget pick
These stretchy, comfortable leggings are made from a blend of polyester and spandex, so they’re form-fitting without feeling overly tight. They’re substantial enough to be styled on their own, but you can also layer them under clothes for extra warmth.
$55 $38 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Bottoms - Men’s
The matching bottoms for our thermal underwear budget pick
Stretchy, form-fitting, and extremely comfortable, these base-layer bottoms deftly transition between outdoors and indoor activities. Their design also includes a fly, a feature even more-expensive leggings often don’t have.
$55 $38 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: No longer a formal pick, but we did test and do recommend these bottoms. None of our testers had anything bad to say about this option, but merino base layers are a better investment. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie Women’s
An all-around good sun hoodie we like
One of our favorite sun-protective hoodies, this good-all-around pullover offers a nice balance of price, performance, and style. The UPF 50+ fabric wears like a T-shirt but feels soft and cool to the touch.
$50 $35 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
$50 $35 from REI (plus sizes)
With store pickup or REI membership
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie Men's
An all-around good sun hoodie we like
This sun-protective pullover is suitable for hiking, drinking coffee on your deck, or walking a dog. The UPF 50+ fabric wears like a T-shirt but feels soft and cool to the touch.
$50 $35 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
Other things to know: No pockets. Not the most breathable hoodie we tested (fine for summer hikes in the Northeast, but we found it too warm for running on a 78 ˚F day). Less structured hood than other options we tried. Women’s comes in sizes XS to XL and 1X to 3X. Men’s comes in sizes S to XXXL, including tall sizes.
Read more: Sun-Protective Clothing Is a Reliable UV-Blocker. Here Are Some Options We Love.
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe (Women’s)
A staff-favorite hiking shoe
A low profile and mesh exterior make these lightweight hiking shoes ideal for shorter or warmer day trips when you don’t need ankle boots. The toe box isn’t overly narrow or restrictive and there’s zero break-in time, so you can jump feet-first into adventures.
$170 $127 from REI
You save $43 (25%)
$170 from Amazon
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe (Men’s)
A staff-favorite hiking shoe
Great for situations when you don’t need full-on hiking boots that lace up to your ankle, these hiking shoes feature a wide, roomy toe box and zero break-in time. With a low-top style and mesh exterior, they’re ideal for relatively warm conditions.
$170 $127 from REI
You save $43 (25%)
Other things to know: Available in multiple colors and sizes.
Read more: The Best Gear to Bring to a National Park
Saucony Guide 17 Running Shoes
Saucony Guide 17 (Women’s)
Our top stability running shoes pick
Cushioned but responsive, these running shoes offer tons of zip. The insoles have a plush and bouncy feel that's rare in a stability model. They’re great for wide feet, with sizes available in medium and wide widths.
$140 $105 from Amazon
You save $35 (25%)
$140 $105 from REI
(available in blue)
$105 from Zappos
Saucony Guide 17 (Men’s)
Our top stability running shoes pick
Cushioned but responsive, these running shoes offer tons of zip. The insoles have a plush and bouncy feel that's rare in a stability model. They’re great for wide feet, with sizes available in medium and wide widths.
$140 $105 from REI
You save $35 (25%)
$140 $105 from Amazon
You save $35 (25%)
$140 from Zappos
Other things to know: The heel-to-toe drop feels a little more pronounced compared with the previous version, giving them more of a tilted-forward feel. May be a hard shoe to break in if you have weaker ankles.
Read more: How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for You
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (Women’s Sizes)
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (women’s sizes)
Our budget pick for the best hiking boots
No-frills, trustworthy boots that provide decent ankle support for moderate-length hikes. Easy to lace. Fairly breathable. Extremely comfortable, with updated shock absorption and contoured foot bed.
$130 $60 from REI
(deal on granite)
$140 from Amazon
$150 from Zappos
Other things to know: Waterproof, but not for an extended period of time. Not ideal for longer hikes on rocky, steep, or wet terrain. Deal only on granite color.
Read more: The Best Hiking Boots
Travel deals
The Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview 40 Travel Pack, one of our also great picks for the best carry-on travel backpack, shown in black.
Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter
Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 Backpacks
Osprey Farpoint 40
The best carry-on travel backpack for long journeys on foot
A great starter option for one-bag travel, this backpack is simple to pack and the easiest to carry of all our picks. It’s built for travel but designed for hiking, so you’ll be comfy on journeys by trail or TSA.
$185 $140 from Amazon
You save $45 (24%)
$185 $140 from REI
You save $45 (24%)
$185 $140 from Backcountry
You save $45 (24%)
Osprey Fairview 40
Same backpack, but made for shorter torsos
With a slightly smaller capacity and lower shoulder straps, the Fairview 40 is a great carry-on backpack for people with smaller torsos. It’s just as durable and well made as the Farpoint 40, and the slight design difference doesn’t change the fact that it’s the easiest bag to carry out of all of our picks.
$185 $140 from Amazon
You save $45 (24%)
$185 $140 from REI
You save $45 (24%)
$185 $140 from Backcountry
You save $45 (24%)
Other things to know: Backed by Osprey’s excellent lifetime warranty. Capacity is a little less spacious than it seems. Among the first deals we’ve posted after some price hikes over the last couple years.
Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia
The best small carry-on travel backpack
A great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light. The clamshell design makes organizing your stuff easy, plus it's comfortable to carry and maneuver. Protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up.
$225 $180 from REI (non Del Dia model)
REI membership required, with single-use promo code WINTER24
$225 $172 from REI
REI membership required, with single-use promo code WINTER24
$215 from Amazon
$215 from Cotopaxi
Other things to know: The Del Dia version uses deadstock fabric that might have otherwise ended up in the landfill. Each pack is one-of-a-kind, but you can't choose the color combo you'll receive (though foor a little extra, you can opt for the Allpa with specific color choices). Doesn't have as much in the way of internal organization as we'd like. Deal for REI members with single-use code WINTER24.
Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
Fitness gear
A black Outdoor Research Swift Cap.
Ingrid Skjong/NYT Wirecutter
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
Outdoor Research Swift Cap
A staff-favorite running cap
This running cap offers more than a comfortable, secure fit and a sleek silhouette. Our fitness experts swear by the protective and cooling design, which features a ventilating mesh liner, UPF 50+ fabric along the crown, and a brim that delivers solid coverage from the sun.
$30 $23 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
$30 from Outdoor Research
Other things to know: Made to fit heads 21.5 to 24 inches in circumference. Available in three color options. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to an order over $60 to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: What a Wirecutter Writer (and Personal Trainer) Uses to Work Out at Home
Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles
Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch
Our pick for a firmer insole than most
A versatile model that even testers without high arches found to be supportive, these insoles are firmer than most others, with a deep heel cup. All of our testers reported that they held up well over four months of use, showing only normal wear.
$55 $41 from Amazon
You save $14 (25%)
$55 $41 from REI
With store pickup or REI membership
$55 $41 from Walmart
You save $14 (25%)
Other things to know: Not the most breathable insole, so if foot odor is a big concern, you might want to try a different model.
Read more: The Best Insoles for Running and Walking
Cycling deals
The Thule Epos on the back of a truck holding a bike.
Trey French/NYT Wirecutter
Thule Epos Bike Rack
Thule Epos
Our upgrade bike rack pick for carrying heavier electric bikes
This two-bike rack is great for carrying bikes weighing up to 75 pounds each. Lighter than competing models, it’s easy to install and load bikes onto, and it folds up to the size of a large airline carry-on bag.
$1000 $800 from REI
With store pickup
$1000 $800 from Amazon
You save $200 (20%)
Other things to know: Even on sale at this deal price, it’s more expensive than our top pick. Holds bikes by the frame. To avoid the oversize shipping fee, choose store pickup when buying from REI.