‘Tis the season for serious savings on outdoor apparel and gear. Here, we hand-pick 10 great deals from the REI winter sale
I’m not the sort of person who hankers after luxury items. I’m more likely to shop at Asos than I am at Harrods and I’m just as happy at Nando’s as I am at a Michelin restaurant. One arena in which I do fork out, however, is outdoor apparel and gear. The difference between a high-quality hiking boot and one that’s “good enough” is substantial – something I learnt the hard way on the slopes of Cotopaxi.
High quality, of course, comes with a price tag – one not easily affordable giving the rising cost of living. I personally have had to become more strategic with my spending, so when I saw that the REI winter sale was live, naturally I took a peek.
10 great deals from the REI winter sale
I have trawled through the REI winter sale and hand-picked 10 great deals so you can stock up on merino and down without blowing your budget.
1. Down jacket
Price: women’s $153.99 ($220.00); men’s $160.99 ($230.00)
Saving: 30%
REI
Get a whopping 30% off North Face down jackets
Stave off icy winds with The North Face Down Hoodie – Women’s. This water-repellent jacket pairs city style with expedition-tested features like down baffles and an insulated hood.
Similarly, The North Face Down Jacket – Men’s comes in a city-ready design but with expedition-tested features like 600-fill-power down baffles and a non-PFC durable water repellent (DWR) finish for added water repellency.
2. Base layer top
Price: women’s $67.49 ($90.00); men’s $86.19 ($115.00)
Saving: 25%
REI
We love Smartwool at Atlas & Boots
Made from a lightweight jersey, the Smartwool Merino Base Layer Top – Women’s is just as comfy layered under your down jacket as it is worn on its own for summer backpacking. Its core-spun technology wraps merino wool around a nylon core for extra durability while still keeping the comfort of ultrasoft merino wool next to your skin.
Made from premium merino wool, the Smartwool Merino Base Layer Top – Men’s helps regulate your temperature and keep you warm while hiking or skiing in cold weather.
3. Sweater
Price: women’s $59.73 ($100.00); men’s $78.69 ($105.00)
Saving: women’s 40%; men’s 25%
REI
Sherpa is another of our favourite outdoors brands
Lightweight, comfortable and supersoft, the Sherpa V-Neck Sweater – Women’s is warm without being bulky, making it a great layer for cool summer evenings or chilly autumn days. Made from extra-fine merino wool, it is naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial for long-lasting freshness.
Meanwhile, the Smartwool Crew Sweater – Men’s features the lightweight warmth of blended merino wool in a single-layer jersey knit. Ribbing at the collar, cuffs and hem help to seal in warmth.
4. Gilet
Price: women’s $59.89 ($99.95); men’s $59.89 ($99.95)
Saving: 40%
REI
Perfect for chilly winter walks
Layer up for chilly winter walks with the REI Down Vest – Women’s. This everyday gilet has 650-fill-power down, offering cosy, lightweight warmth. It is windproof and water-resistant, and comes with two hand pockets as well as two interior pockets.
The REI Down Vest – Men’s is similarly warm and lightweight. Both can be machine washed and tumble dried, ideally with two clean tennis balls to fluff up and separate the down.
5. Pants
Price: women’s $69.89 ($99.95); men’s $69.89 ($99.95)
Saving: 30%
REI
The Activator Pants are wind-resistant and water-repellent
The REI Co-op Activator Pants – Women’s are wind-resistant, water-repellent, breathable and stretchy – perfect for hiking and trekking.
The REI Co-op Activator Pants – Men’s are built to the same specs. Both have plenty of secure pockets (2 zippered hand pockets; 1 zippered thigh pocket; 2 back pockets with hidden plastic snaps) and come with articulated knees and a centre gusset to let you move freely.
6. Hiking boots
Price: women’s $59.83 ($150.00); men’s $164.89 ($219.95)
Saving: women’s 60%; men’s 25%
REI
Save up to 60% in the REI winter sale
Merrell’s top-rated hiking boot has got an upgrade with the Moab 3 – Women’s. Known for comfort and versatility, the latest iteration is softer, grippier and more supportive. Pigskin leather and mesh uppers have protective rubber toe caps and bellows tongues to keep out moisture and debris while the waterproof membranes seal out water and let moisture escape for added breathability.
The Danner GTX Hiking Boots – Men’s combines waterproof protection with Ortholite® Eco comfort, so you can get out exploring no matter the weather. The full-grain leather uppers are strong and durable; Danner use leather that’s been put through 6 different tests to ensure quality. What’s more, the boots are Recraftable by Danner, meaning they are eligible to be resoled, reconditioned and restitched.
7. Running shoes
Price: women’s $108.69 ($145.00); men’s $108.699 ($145.00)
Saving: 25%
REI
Tackle technical terrain with ease
The La Sportiva Trail-Running Shoes – Women’s let you tackle technical terrain with confidence and ease. Updated outsoles deliver more traction than before, while a secure fit and durable build hold up mile after mile.
The La Sportiva Trail-Running Shoes – Men’s are similarly sturdy. The slip-on construction wraps your feet like a sock without compressing or exerting pressure points while the updated side panels offer increased breathability.
8. Backpack
Price: women’s $79.83 ($159.00); men’s $79.83 ($159.00)
Saving: 49%
REI
His and hers backpacks
Keeping you supplied for everything from ultralight overnighters to epic day hikes, the REI Co-op Traverse 32 Pack – Women’s is durable, comfortable and easy to organise.
The REI Co-op Traverse 32 Pack – Men’s is slightly bigger but offers the same features. A padded harness and hipbelt give immediate, worn-in comfort while continuous padding from hipbelt to lumbar helps avoid hot spots and discomfort.
9. Sleeping bag
Price: women’s $179.89 ($299.95); men’s $179.89 ($299.95)
Saving: 40%
REI
Sleeping bags with a lifetime warranty
The NEMO Down Sleeping Bag – Women’s promises comfort on 3-season backpacking treks and can be used down to -9°C (15°F). It comes with premium 650-fill-power down and Thermo Gill™ vents on the chest for fine-tuned temperature control.
The NEMO Down Sleeping Bag – Men’s is built to the same specs. Both are protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty so you can buy with confidence.
10. Tent
Price: $208.83 ($349.00)
Saving: 40%
REI
A suprisingly spacious tent
Enjoy space for 2 people plus gear – or a pet – with this REI Co-op Half Dome Tent. Its Superlight (SL) construction is engineered for an impressive trail weight (3lbs, 15oz) that stands up to 3-season weather and doesn’t skimp on the beloved Half Dome features.
Its pre-bent pole architecture boosts livable space and provides generous head and shoulder room. Mesh panels in the upper portion improve ventilation and views while ripstop panels in the lower portion provide privacy, reduce drafts and lessen exposure to blowing dust.
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Lead image: Michaelnmn/Shutterstock
About the author
Kia Abdullah is a Times bestselling author and travel writer. She has been to over 70 countries and has written for The New York Times, The Times, The Guardian and the BBC among others. kiaabdullah.com