This is a sponsored post brought to you by REI. REI Co-op 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.
WWith hiking season starting and the promise of warmer days just around the corner, March is the perfect time to upgrade your gear wardrobe. March is also an important time for REI Co-op members for two special reasons:
- REI recently posted its annual member awards on March 1st. If you’re a 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 dozens of trail runners a year and don’t have the ability to control the pressure, is a huge payoff in itself.
- March 13th – 23rd are REI member days. During this event, all members can take 20% off full price plus one Outlet item and enjoy special discounts on selected gear. Use the code MEMBER26 at checkout.
Not yet an REI member? Membership costs only $30 and is valid for life. Chances are high that this money will pay for itself quickly. Joining is easy: you can add membership to your cart and immediately start enjoying the benefits.
Find Your REI Member Rewards Here
Not sure how to use your member rewards and coupons? We get it – choosing can be overwhelming! Read on to see our top REI gear recommendations for backpackers and hikers — plus a few members-only discounts.
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Altra Lone Peak 9 For Women | For men
- MSRP: $145
- With 20% off coupon: $116 (savings: $29)
- Weight: 1 lb 3 oz women | 1 lb 6.4 oz for men
The Altra Lone Peaks has always been one of the most popular shoes among hikers by a significant margin. Everyone’s feet and preferences are different, but these lightweight shoes seem to work for a lot of hikers. If you’re new to backpacking and not sure what shoe is right for you, these are worth a shot. And if you’re in the know, you know how many pairs of trail runners an avid hiker can go through in a year. Now is a great time to grab your next pair at a discount.
REI Flash Shade Hoodie for Women | For men
- MSRP: $69.95
- With 20% off coupon: $56 (savings: $14)
Weight: 5.3 oz women | 6 oz for men
During thousands of kilometers of hiking, many hikers come to the same conclusion: there is simply no better solution for layering closer to the skin than an old-fashioned sun hoodie. Cool and lightweight, the sun hoodie provides protection from the elements without overheating. And when paired with a brimmed hat, it provides terrific 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.
Cassira 2 Released Tent – Only at REI Through 4/15
- MSRP: $529.95
- With 20% off coupon: $424 (savings: $106)
- Weight: 2 lb 8.5 oz (minimum trail weight)
Swiss gearmaker Exped has taken the backpacking world by storm in recent years with its unique warm, lightweight sleeping pads, and its new Cassira 2-person self-contained tent promises the same exceptional quality in a light-back shelter. This tent is definitely worth a look.
The Cassira will be sold exclusively by REI until April 15, so check it out now during the Membership Days event to get the most bang for your buck.
Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2
- MSRP: $549.95
- With 20% off coupon: $440 (savings: $110)
- Weight: 2 lb 13 oz (minimum trail weight)
Lightweight yet durable, the Dragonfly OSMO 2P hits the sweet spot for hikers looking for a standalone tent without the crippling weight penalty. It comes in at less than three pounds of trail weight and features OSMO’s proprietary NEMO fabric, which offers improved water repellency and reduced stretch when wet—helping maintain a solid pitch in wet conditions. The tent has a very important cross bar at the top to create more effective headroom.
Beach to Summit Ultralight XR Insulated Sleeping Pad – Only at REI Through 4/30
- MSRP: $149 (regular size)
- With 20% off coupon: $119 (savings: $30)
- IR-value: 3.6
- Weight: 14.6 oz (regular)
A quality inflatable sleeping pad can turn a backcountry sufferfest into an ideal retreat in The Nature. With the Ultralight XR, Sea to Summit prioritizes comfort, using reflective materials to increase the warmth of the pad and featuring 151 of the brand’s proprietary Air Sprung Cells to contour your body for a comfortable, supportive sleep.
The XR is the newest addition to Sea to Summit’s Ultralight lineup and will be sold exclusively at REI through 4/30.
Deuter Women’s Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL and Men’s Aircontact Core 60+ 10 (Only at REI through 5/15)
- MSRP: $280 (Women’s Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL) | $300 (Aircontact Core 60 + 10 for men)
- With 20% off coupon: $224 (women’s; savings: $56) | $240 (men; savings: $60)
- Weight: 4 lb 2 oz (Women’s Aircontact Core 45 + 10 SL) | 5 lb 3 oz (Men’s Aircontact Core 60 + 10)
The expandable columns on these packs add an extra 10 liters of storage capacity, enabling you to keep your gear slim and fit no matter how much you’re carrying. Although far from the lightest packs in the world, the Aircontact line makes up for its weight with exceptionally balanced loading, excellent bending, and simple organizational features as a separate bottom part of your sleeping bag.
These two great looking packs will be sold exclusively at REI until mid-May.
This is the Skytera Lite Trekking Poles
- MSRP: $149 (size 100-135 cm)
- With 20% off coupon: $119 (savings: $30)
- Weight: 15.3 oz
For everything from packing an ultralight tarptent to saving your joints on steep terrain, hiking 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 choice for hikers looking for lightweight, adjustable poles with the relative strength of aluminum.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Women’s Rain Jacket | For men
- MSRP: $189
- With 20% off coupon: $151 (savings: $38)
- Weight: 12.4 oz women | 14.1 oz men
Hiking raincoats are a tough nut to crack, but the Patagonia Torrentshell consistently ranks as one of the most popular and efficient options. If you’re looking for something solid, reliable, and ethically produced, this is a great option.
Jetboil Flash
- MSRPPrice: $144.95
- Fast boiling: Boil two cups of water for 120 seconds
- Weight: 13.1 ounces
For those of us who care deeply about fuel economy and/or are generally impatient for our hot food and drinks to be ready, there is no better solution than the Jetboil integrated stove. Flash boils water inside, yes, light, and it is stable and easy to use. As a fully integrated system, it comes with a built-in windshield, pot, cozy pot, and fuel tank support. The only thing you will need to buy separately is the fuel itself.
Special Member Deals
40% off REI Campwell and Wonderland Tents and Footprints
These two open tent lines are perfect for car camping. They are obviously not intended for hiking but would be perfect for a backcountry camp or a casual weekend getaway with a large group.
25% off All Cocoon Lines, Sheets, and Pillows
Ultralight at less than five ounces, Coccoon’s silk liner is perfect for keeping your sleeping bag clean while maximizing its warmth. Silk feels smooth on the skin, too.
50% off Special Collection at REI Outlet (through 3/17)
Your REI member coupon is good for 20% off one full-price and one Outlet item through March 23. But in addition to that deal, REI has selected a collection of Outlet items that will be available to members for half off starting March 13.
20% off one REI Re/Supply item on 3/23, in-store only
Formerly known as the REI Garage Sale, the REI Re/Supply program offers gently used returnable items at very low prices. This is an in-store offer only, so your mileage will vary based on availability and discounts available.
Not sure what you need here? You can use your member rewards and coupons on all kinds of other goods. Go to REI now.
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Featured image: Graphic design by Zack Goldmann.
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