REI 4th of July Sale: Key Details and Membership Perks
The REI 4th of July sale runs from June 26 through July 6, 2026, offering deep discounts on hiking, camping, and backpacking essentials. Some REI Outlet discounts end July 2. Backcountry and Public Lands are also running sales through July 6. You don’t need to be a member to save, but REI Co-op members earn 10% Member Rewards on all purchases and get a coupon for 20% off any one full-price item. New members who spend $50 on gear can sign up and receive a $30 bonus card, effectively making membership free.
Rain Jackets and Outdoor Apparel Deals
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
The Rainier is WIRED’s favorite budget rain jacket, especially on sale. This deal, though limited in color options, is the lowest price seen in 5 years. It uses high-quality three-layer, seam-taped, laminate waterproofing that is non-fluorinated (no PFAS). Features include pit zips, a weatherproof center zip, and an adjustable, stowable hood. The 2024 version has taped seams and welded construction, with side zip vents running from hem to bicep for excellent ventilation.
Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
The women’s version of this classic rain jacket is nearly half off in some colors and sizes. The AR (all-round) is the beefiest of Arc’teryx’s Beta jackets, with 40-denier fabric (80D reinforced areas) and Gore-Tex Pro 3L membrane, making it highly waterproof and durable.
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket and Vest
This is one of our favorite packable down jackets—cheap, warm for cold summits or stargazing. The stitched-through baffles make it less warm than some and more susceptible to wind, but at this price it’s worth buying. The vest is also on sale.
REI Co-op Snowballer Down Jacket (Kids)
A steal on REI’s warmest down jacket for kids. My son wore it all winter; it’s machine washable and tumble dryable. Uses 650-fill-power down, feeling more generously stuffed and warmer than the adult version.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket
This is my favorite ultralight down jacket. Weighs just 6.7 ounces for men’s medium (7.3 for large), packs into its own pocket, and uses 1,000-fill-power goose down for an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Unfortunately, the men’s version is not on sale right now.
Duckworth Voodoo Wool Shirt
If you live in a cold climate, this ultrawarm wool shirt (or shirt jacket) is cozy, comfortable, and not itchy.
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer
The best value pick on our guide—soft, quick-drying, comfortable with a tight but not overly tight fit. Features thumb loops and flatlock stitching to prevent rubbing.
REI Co-op Merino Base Layers
These 100% merino wool base layers are some of the best deals on merino wool, especially on sale. Both crew and bottoms are discounted.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
A great alternative to sunscreen, protecting you without feeling too stuffy. Better for high altitude sun than humid conditions.
Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Crew
The best synthetic base layer we’ve tested. Super soft and stretchy, made from 100% recycled polyester (not polypropylene). Nearly as comfortable as merino wool, light and quick-drying. Matching bottoms are also on sale.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Our favorite merino wool socks—the most versatile style. Good for hiking, backpacking, and casual wear. Some padding but not excessive.
Daypacks and Hiking Gear Deals
Nemo Resolve Backpack
Our favorite sustainable pack. Uses solution-dyed fabrics and bungees/pull-tabs instead of straps/buckles. Once adjusted, it’s comfortable. Frameless but feels structured, sits high on the back, and weighs just over two pounds.
Deuter AC Lite Daypack
A comfortable, capable day pack with the best ventilation system I’ve used—keeps your back from sweating. The suspension system handles loads well.
Mystery Ranch Coulee 22
Impressed with the ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ripstop body fabric—durable but not crinkly. 22 liters, spacious for day hikes, mesh rear pocket expands capacity.
Gregory Protium 27
Our favorite youth pack. Comfortably hauls up to 20 pounds. Hook-and-loop mesh backing slides to adjust fit for heights from 5’4″ to 5’11”. Shoulder straps can feel thin under heavy loads. Includes rain cover.
Mountainsmith Lumbar Pack
Most used pack due to its convertible nature—worn as lumbar pack or shoulder bag. Can be strapped to bike handlebars or to the outside of a backpack. Available in 9L and 13L versions.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Long-time WIRED favorite. Chic, understated, endlessly adaptable. Features quick-release loops on arm straps for easy access while walking.
REI Co-op Tarn 18 Pack (Kids)
A great pack to start kids backpacking. One-size fits ages 8–12 years, best for heights 4’9″ to 5’3″.
REI Co-op Big Haul Duffel
A durable, water-resistant bag for carrying everything. Customizable strap system can convert to backpack.
Ebikes and Outdoor Tech Deals
Lectric XP Ebike
The most popular electric bike (second only to Tesla Model Y and Model 3 in popularity). Easy to assemble (20 minutes), foldable, portable. Powerful 750-watt motor, battery lasts over 50 miles even with 225 pounds of rider.
Ride1Up Prodigy TrailRush Ebike
Tops out at 28 mph with Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, 120mm RockShox Judy Silver TK Air Fork, Tektro Orion Quad Piston brakes, dropper seat post, and 29-inch Maxxis Minion tubeless-ready tires. Great less expensive option compared to $11.5k models.
Aventon Level 2 Ebike
High quality for a relatively low price, with better accessories than Lectric. Affordable, versatile, with built-in commuter essentials. The Aventon Soltera is also on sale.
GoTrax Folding Ebike
Decent 20-mile range and commuter essentials for under $1,000, though heavy and awkward.
Zoleo Satellite Communicator
Tiny (3.5 ounces), uses Iridium satellite network for rapid SOS. Features waypoints, interval tracking, and works with Garmin devices.
Garmin Venu 4
Notable for introducing sleep coaching based on circadian rhythm.
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Our favorite solar-powered watch. Multi-band GPS, stellar battery life, durability like the Fenix 8 but cheaper and lighter. Recharges in the sun.
Garmin Forerunner 265
Best watch for runners. Bright AMOLED screen, up to two weeks battery life. Running-specific features include Running Tolerance score measuring acute impact load.
Camping Deals
REI Co-op Base Camp Tent
Best family tent we’ve tested. Dome design with two crossed poles and two side poles. Floor is 150-denier polyester, sides are mesh and 40D nylon. Lots of storage, double doors, great vents, huge windows. Nearly full-length rain fly in 75-denier polyester.
Marmot Halo Tent
Our favorite tent. Low-profile design with steep sidewalls and full-length rain fly. Unusual pole design with side poles connecting halfway up gives more usable space. Cannot stand up in it.
REI Co-op Campwell 30 Sleeping Bag
Budget camping gear line. Handles summer camping, plenty warm, fully unzips to double quilt, packs down small.
REI Co-op Kindercamp Sleeping Bag (Kids)
Good sleeping bag for younger kids.
Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camping Stove
Cast iron burners are nicer and more durable than basic versions. Griddle plate perfect for pancakes. Wish it could have two griddles.
Coleman Classic Propane Stove
Easy to use, long-lasting, not expensive. 10,000-BTU burners work with any pan, electronic ignition.
REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair
Compact camp chair. Sturdy, well-made, reasonably light. Outlasted the more expensive Nemo Moonlight Elite.
Kelty Loveseat
Best way to sit around the fire as a family with a couple of these.
Bote Aero SUP
Favorite paddle board for lazy lake days. Large, stable, great for beginners. Nimble with good tracking. Two-in-one kayak/SUP hybrid design, can turn into fishing rig with add-ons.
Oru Lake Folding Kayak
All the boat, none of the size. Light, reasonably fast, cheapest folding kayak. Folds origami-style to 30x30x15 inches.
Backpacking Deals
REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent
Our favorite light backpacking tent. Sturdy, quick to set up, fits two people and gear. Includes footprint.
Zenbivy Light Bed Sleep System
Hands-down our favorite sleep system. The Light Bed is 1 pound 12 ounces (793 grams) for the 25°F large version. Consists of the 25°F quilt or 30°F Flex sheet paired with the Mattress Sheet.
Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Our favorite headlamp. Plenty of light for backcountry cooking, runs on three AAA batteries (use rechargeables), lasts over 5.5 hours. Compatible with Petzl’s Core rechargeable battery.
Firebox Nano Stove
Best stove for legit backcountry cooking. Twig stove option, but gas burner and diffusion plate combo spreads flame enough to cook on 10-inch pan like at home. Only 8 ounces.
GSI Cascadian Pot 3L
Lightest large pot for group cooking. Hard-anodized aluminum, good heat transfer, ceramic nonstick coating for easy cleanup. Can nest the 2L pot inside.
GSI Outdoors Scraper
Backpacking must-have. Turns cleanup from tedious to seconds. Use with boiling water to loosen burnt bits.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Combo with Cnoc Bladder
Combo of our favorite squeeze filter and top-pick water bladder. Use as squeeze or gravity filter. Sawyer Squeeze is also available alone.
Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
Our favorite lightweight filter (2.3 ounces). Filter inside collapsible container—scoop, screw, drink.
Matador FlatPak Soap Bag
Our favorite toiletry bag for backcountry. Tiny dry bag with Dry-Through fabric that keeps soap dry.
Matador FlatPak Toiletry Bag
Larger cousin with sealed zipper, light at 1.1 ounces, contains leaks.
What to Get with Your Yeti Coupon
During the REI 4th of July sale, REI Members get a coupon for 20% off one full-price Yeti item. Our recommendation: the Yeti Tundra Haul cooler. It’s our favorite cooler—expensive and big but keeps stuff cold longest. Rotomolded with 3-inch insulated walls, heavy aluminum arm, puncture-proof wheels. Fits in trunk or truck, lasts five days of cold even in Florida humidity.