REI Anniversary Sale 2026: The 20 Deals Actually Worth Buying

The REI Anniversary Sale is back, and it’s the biggest sale of the year for outdoor gear. Running May 15 through May 25, 2026, this year’s event features over 6,000 discounted products across every category — tents, sleeping bags, camp furniture, hiking footwear, coolers, and more. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your outdoor setup for summer, this is the moment.

But here’s the thing: not every “deal” is actually worth your money. We sorted through the noise to find the 20 deals that genuinely deliver the best value — gear we’d actually buy, at prices that actually make sense.

The Member Deal That Pays for Itself

Before we get to the gear, a quick note: if you’re not an REI member yet, the 30-dollar lifetime membership is a no-brainer during this sale. Members get a 20% off coupon for one regular-price item (code ANNIV26), plus an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item. That coupon alone can save you more than the membership fee on a single purchase. You also get the famous 10% dividend on full-price purchases and a one-year return window. It’s one of those rare memberships that actually pays you back.

Tents: Shelter Deals That Stand Out

Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 — 25% Off

The Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is the gold standard for two-person backpacking tents. It’s freestanding, ridiculously easy to pitch, and packs down small enough that you’ll forget it’s in your pack. Dual doors and vestibules mean no climbing over your partner at 2 AM. At 25% off, this is the best tent deal of the sale. (Amazon direct)

Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 — 25% Off

If the Copper Spur is the gold standard, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 is the ultralight champion. At just 2.5 pounds packed, this semi-freestanding tent is perfect for mile-hungry backpackers who count every ounce. A clever brow pole adds surprising interior space, and the ceiling gear pocket is one of the best storage solutions we’ve seen. (Amazon direct)

NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 — 25% Off

The NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 is built for fast-and-light missions where weight is everything. NEMO’s OSMO fabric repels water faster than standard nylon, and the pocket organization is genuinely excellent — not an afterthought. This tent consistently ranks in the top five backpacking tents year after year. At 25% off, it’s a serious upgrade for serious hikers.

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus — 25% Off (Select Colors 40% Off May 15-17)

The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus is the workhorse tent for anyone who wants quality without breaking the bank. Generous peak height, two large doors, and a footprint included? That’s unusual at this price. Pro tip: the Earthen Grey colorway drops to 40% off during the first three days of the sale (May 15-17). That’s an absurd deal on a tent this good. For more on why quality camping gear matters, see our guide to camping gear worth the money. (Amazon search)

Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 — 25% Off

The Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 might be the most livable three-person tent at this price point. It’s the tent you buy when you actually want to enjoy being in your tent — not just survive the night. Plentiful storage, easy setup, and a smaller packed size than you’d expect. This one consistently tops camping tent roundups for a reason.

Camp Furniture: Sit Smarter

Helinox Chair Zero LT — 25% Off

At just over a pound, the Helinox Chair Zero LT is the lightest camping chair worth owning. The new GhostGrid mesh adds two-way stretch and breathability that standard camping chairs can’t match. The 285-pound weight capacity is impressive for something that packs down to 14 inches. If you’re backpacking and want to sit like a human at camp instead of perching on a log, this is the move.

NEMO Stargaze Evo X Reclining Chair — 22% Off

The NEMO Stargaze Evo X is a reclining camp chair. Yes, reclining. It auto-reclines based on your body position, so you lean back to stargaze and it follows you smoothly. It’s the closest thing to a La-Z-Boy that you can fit in your car trunk. At 22% off, this is luxury camping at a discount.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock — 25% Off

The ENO DoubleNest Hammock needs no introduction. It’s the default camping hammock for good reason — durable, packable, and big enough for two (comfortably for one). 25% off is the best price we see all year on these. Pair it with a set of ENO straps and you’ve got the ultimate camp lounge.

Kelty Low Loveseat — 25% Off

The Kelty Low Loveseat is exactly what it sounds like: a two-person camp couch. Low to the ground, perfect around a fire pit, and surprisingly comfortable. If you and your partner are tired of separate chairs with a gap between you, this solves that problem for under 80 dollars on sale.

Coolers and Camp Kitchen: Keep It Cold, Cook It Right

Igloo Latitude 60 Wheeled Cooler — 50% Off

Fifty percent off the Igloo Latitude 60 is the single best cooler deal of this sale. This 60-quart wheeled cooler has THERMECOOL insulation, a telescoping handle, and cup holders in the lid. It’s not a Yeti, but at half price it doesn’t need to be. For car camping, tailgating, and backyard cookouts, this is unbeatable value.

Dometic CFX2 28 Powered Cooler — 20% Off

The Dometic CFX2 28 is a portable electric cooler that actually freezes — not just chills. Plug it into your car’s 12V outlet or a portable power station and you’ve got a fridge and freezer on the road. Dometic is the name in powered cooling, and 20% off is rare for these. If you’re building out a car camping setup, this is the centerpiece.

Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove — 24% Off

The Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 is one of the most versatile camp stoves you can buy. Two burners with 24,000 BTUs of cooking power, push-button ignition, and interchangeable cooktops mean you can grill, boil, or fry depending on what you’re making. At 24% off, this is the camp kitchen upgrade that actually changes how you cook outdoors. For more affordable gear picks, check out our best EDC gear under 50 dollars.

Hiking Footwear: Sandals That Actually Hike

KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandals — 25% Off

The KEEN Hyperport H2 is the closed-toe hiking sandal that doesn’t compromise. Grippy outsole for slick rock, bungee cord for a snug fit, and quick-drying fabric that won’t cause blisters. These double as water shoes for creek crossings and camp shoes for kicking around after a long hike. 25% off is the best price we’ve seen this year.

Bedrock Cairn Evo Sandals — 25% Off

The Bedrock Cairn Evo is the minimalist’s trail sandal. Vibram soles, adjustable heel and toe straps, and an open-toe design that gives you that barefoot feel with actual protection. These are the sandals you wear when you want to feel the trail underfoot. They’re not for everyone, but if you lean minimal, Bedrock is the brand.

Essential Accessories: The Stuff You Always Need

Hydro Flask Lightweight Vacuum Water Bottle 24 oz — 24% Off

The Hydro Flask Lightweight 24 oz is the Trail Series version — lighter than the standard Hydro Flask without sacrificing insulation. It keeps water cold for 24 hours and fits in most pack side pockets. At 24% off, it’s cheaper than buying retail and you’ll use it every single day. See our guide to rain gear for dogs and humans for more everyday essentials.

Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box — 20% Off

The Yakima SkyBox NX 18 adds 18 cubic feet of weatherproof storage to your vehicle. Dual-sided opening means you can access your gear from either side of the car, and the tool-free mounting system is genuinely easy to use. If your car camping trips involve too much stuff and not enough trunk, 20% off this roof box is a practical investment.

REI Co-op Big Haul 60 Duffel — 25% Off

The REI Co-op Big Haul 60 is a 60-liter duffel that handles expedition-level packing without expedition-level pricing. Removable shoulder straps, reinforced handles, and a clamshell opening that makes it easy to find your stuff. Made from recycled materials. At 25% off, this is the bag you buy once and use for a decade. (Amazon search)

Quick Hits: More Deals Worth Grabbing

Marmot Tents (Online Only) — 30% Off: Skip the store, shop online. The Marmot Tungsten 4 is roomy, easy to pitch, and handles bad weather well.
Sea to Summit Telos TR2 (Online Only) — 25% Off: The Telos TR2 prioritizes comfort above all — tall ceilings, great airflow, and clever design for stormy nights.
Kelty Discovery Basecamp Bundle — 40% Off: Tent, two sleeping bags, two sleeping pads — everything a new camper needs for under 200 dollars.
Danner FullBore Sandals — 25% Off: Danner FullBore brings mesh panels and a closed-toe design for hikers who want protection and breathability.

How to Maximize Your Savings

1. Use the 20% member coupon on your most expensive regular-price item. The bigger the price tag, the more you save.
2. Stack the Outlet coupon (also 20%) on clearance gear. That’s potentially 20% off already-discounted items.
3. Shop the first weekend for flash deals. The Half Dome 2 in Earthen Grey was 40% off May 15-17 only. Watch for similar doorbusters.
4. Don’t sleep on small accessories. Tent stakes, stuff sacks, and water bottle caps are cheap enough that 25% off barely moves the needle — unless you’re buying several. Stack those savings.

The sale ends May 25. After that, most of these prices go back up. If you see something you need, pull the trigger now — especially on the member-exclusive coupon deals, which disappear fast.

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