This is a sponsored post brought to you by REI. REI Cooperative Members Save 20% on one full-price item and 20% on one REI Outlet item during the REI Membr Days event (3/13 – 3/23) with code MEMBER26.
W.ith the start of hiking season and the promise of warmer days just around the corner, March is the perfect time to spruce up your gear closet. March is also the best time for REI Co-op members for two special reasons:
- REI just sent out their annual member rewards on March 1st. If you’re in the Co-op, that means you just got 10% back on all the gear you bought at REI last year, which, for some of us who go through a lot of trail running in a year and also lack impulse control, is a hefty payday in itself.
- March 13-23 are REI Member Days. During this event, all members can get 20% off one full-price item and one Outlet item and enjoy exclusive discounts on select gear. Use code MEMBER26 at checkout.
Not yet an REI member? Affiliation It only costs $30 and is valid for life. There is a good chance that this investment will pay for itself quite quickly. Joining is easy: you can add membership to your cart and immediately start taking advantage of the benefits.
Find your REI member rewards here
Not sure how to spend your member rewards and coupons? We get it: the options can be overwhelming! Read on to see our top REI gear recommendations for backpackers and hikers, plus some exclusive member discounts.
Altra Solitary Peak 9 Women’s | Men’s
- Recommended RRP: $145
- With 20% discount coupon: $116 (savings: $29)
- Weight: 1 pound 3 oz women | 1 pound 6.4 oz for men
Altra Lone Peaks are consistently one of the most popular footwear options among hikers by a significant margin. Everyone’s feet and preferences are different, but these lightweight shoes seem to work for a wide range of hikers. See also: psf3. If you’re new to backpacking and aren’t sure which shoe is right for you, these are worth a try. And if you’re experienced, you’ll know how many pairs of trail runners an avid hiker can go through in a year. Now is a great time to get your next pair at a discount.
REI Flash Shade Hoodie Women’s | Men’s
- Recommended RRP: $69.95
- With 20% discount coupon: $56 (savings: $14)
Weight: 5.3 ounces for women | 6 ounces for men
Over thousands of miles of hiking, many hikers come to the same conclusion: there is simply no better next-to-skin layering solution than a good old-fashioned sun hoodie. Cool and lightweight, a sun hoodie provides protection from the elements without overheating you. And combined with a brimmed hat, it offers formidable protection from the sun.
The REI Flash Shade Hoodie offers excellent UPF 50+ protection, uses two-thirds recycled polyester, and weighs just 6 ounces on average for men.
Exped Cassira 2 Tent – Only at REI until 4/15
- Recommended RRP: $529.95
- With 20% discount coupon: $424 (savings: $106)
- Weight: 2 lb 8.5 oz (minimum trail weight)
Swiss gear manufacturer Exped has taken the backpacking world by storm in recent years with its exceptionally warm and lightweight sleeping pads, and its new Cassira 2-Person Freestanding Tent promises the same exceptional quality in an ultralight backpacking shelter. This store is definitely worth checking out.
REI is exclusively selling Cassira through April 15, so check it out now during the Members’ Day event to get the most out of your investment.
Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2
- Recommended RRP: $549.95
- With 20% discount coupon: $440 (savings: $110)
- Weight: 2 lb 13 oz (minimum trail weight)
Lightweight but livable, the Dragonfly OSMO 2P is ideal for hikers who want a freestanding tent without a crippling weight penalty. It has a minimum trail weight of less than three pounds and features NEMO’s patented OSMO fabric, which offers improved water repellency and reduced stretch when wet, which is useful for maintaining firm ground in wet conditions. The tent features the all-important crossbar at the top to create a more functional free space.
Sea to Summit XR Ultralight Insulated Mat – Only at REI until 4/30
- Recommended RRP: $149 (regular size)
- With 20% discount coupon: $119 (savings: $30)
- R value: 3.6
- Weight: 14.6 ounces (regular)
A quality inflatable mat can turn a suffering party in the countryside into a restorative getaway into nature. With the Ultralight
The XR is the newest edition to Sea to Summit’s Ultralight line and will be sold exclusively at REI through April 30.
Deuteronomy Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL for women and Aircontact Core 60+ 10 for men (Only at REI until 05/15)
- Recommended RRP: $280 (Aircontact Core 45+10 SL for Women) | $300 (Aircontact Core 60+10 for Men)
- With 20% discount coupon: $224 (women; savings: $56) | $240 (men; savings: $60)
- Weight: 4 lb 2 oz (Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL for Women) | 5 lb 3 oz (Aircontact Core 60 + 10 for men)
The expandable collars on these backpacks add an additional 10 liters of storage capacity, allowing you to keep your gear comfortable and well-balanced no matter how much you carry. While far from the lightest backpacks in the world, the Aircontact line makes up for its weight with exceptionally balanced loading, excellent cushioning, and convenient organizational features, like a separate bottom compartment for your sleeping bag.
These stylish-looking two-packs will be sold exclusively at REI through mid-May.
Leki Skytera Lite trekking poles
- Recommended RRP: $149 (size 100-135 cm)
- With 20% discount coupon: $119 (savings: $30)
- Weight: 15.3 ounces
For everything from setting up an ultralight tarp to saving joints on steep terrain, trekking poles are a backpacker’s best friend.
Leki has long been one of the biggest names in hiking poles, and their new Skytera Lite poles are a solid option for hikers who want lightweight, adjustable poles with the relative durability of aluminum.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Waterproof Jacket Women’s | Men’s
- Recommended RRP: $189
- With 20% discount coupon: $151 (savings: $38)
- Weight: 12.4 ounces for women | 14.1 ounces for men
Rainwear for hiking is a tough nut to crack, but the Patagonia Torrentshell consistently ranks as one of the most popular and best-performing options. If you want something durable, reliable, and ethically made, this is a great option.
Jet Boiling Flash
- Recommended RRP: $144.95
- rapid boil: Boil 2 cups of water in 120 sec.
- Weight: 13.1 ounces
For those of us who care deeply about fuel efficiency and/or are usually very impatient for our hot food and drinks to be ready, there is no better solution than Jetboil’s iconic built-in stove. The Flash boils water, yes, in an instant, and is stable and easy to use. As a fully integrated system, it comes with a built-in wind shield, pot, pot cover and fuel container holder. The only thing you will need to purchase separately is the fuel itself.
Exclusive offers for members
40% discount at REI Campbell and wonderful world Tents and footprints
These two extensive lines of tents are suitable for car camping. They’re clearly not designed for hiking, but they would be perfect for a backcountry base camp or a casual weekend getaway with a larger group.
25% discount on all Cocoon Linings, sheets and pillows
Ultralight at less than five ounces, Coccoon’s silk liner is perfect for keeping your sleeping bag clean while also increasing its warmth. Silk also feels deliciously soft against the skin.
50% discount on Exclusive collection at REI Outlet (While supplies last)
Your REI member coupon is valid for 20% off one full-price item and one Outlet item through March 23. But in addition to that offer, REI has curated a collection of Outlet items that will be available to members for half off starting March 13.
20% off one REI Re/Supply item through March 23, in-store only
Formerly known as REI Garage Sale, the REI Re/Supply program offers returned items in good condition at much lower prices. This is an in-store only deal, so your mileage will vary in terms of the items available and the discounts you can get.
Cover image: Graphic design by Zack Goldman.
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