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By Christine Ryan
Christine Ryan is an editor overseeing coverage of travel and outdoors gear, which has entailed testing down-filled vests in Iceland in June.
Check out our Deals page for more discounts on our favorite Wirecutter picks.
Hi! It’s me again, Christine Ryan. You may remember that I’m Wirecutter’s senior editor in charge of outdoor-gear coverage, but I also edit our travel-gear section. And when I skimmed the list of what’s included in this month’s big member sale at REI, I found some of our favorite picks from those guides that’ll set you up for your spring and summer trips. (Like me, REI isn’t only about hiking boots and sleeping bags!)
Those items include top picks from our guide to carry-on travel backpacks from tester favorites Patagonia and Cotopaxi. I use a Cotopaxi Allpa 35L myself, in fact, as my carry-on. And since we at Wirecutter are longtime evangelists for packing cubes, I was super happy to see that our two Eagle Creek picks are on the list, as well.
If you’re embarking on a warm-weather adventure close to home—or even in the backcountry—don’t feel left out. The sale also offers discounts on outdoors gear we recommend, from trekking poles to jogging strollers to a great wheeled cooler. You’ll even find a bike rack for your car that’s sturdy enough to carry an ebike.
Take note: Unless price-matched by competitors, most of these deals are available only to REI Co-op members with the single-use code MEMBER2025. If you’re not already a member, first take a look at what’s on sale, and then read our breakdown of whether the one-time $30 membership fee is worth it for you. For this sale, members get 20% off one full-price item, an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item, and 20% off one Re/Supply item.
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Take full advantage of remote-work policies. This bag is like a suitcase on your back but more pleasant to carry thanks to a simple interior and minimal external features. Its large capacity includes an array of dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted items.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Free Public Lands membership required, single-use discount reflects in cart
Other things to know: Meets most carry-on size standards. Fits a 17-inch laptop and holds it close to the body for protection and better weight distribution. Straps stow when you don’t need them. Available in several colors. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
With a newly updated design, these durable cubes—a longtime pick—repel water better and feel even sturdier than before. They stay upright when empty, so they’re easy to pack, and the tight-link mesh windows allow you to see inside a cube without opening it.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: The street price increased with this redesign. We have yet to test this updated version, which has been out for more than a year, but Eagle Creek offers a lifetime warranty to original owners. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Packing Cubes
These updated, ultralight packing cubes weigh half as much as our other picks, making them a great choice for those who want to organize luggage without adding much weight. They’re water-resistant and backed by a lifetime guarantee, and they’re now made with an even stronger recycled fabric than before.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: Updated and renamed version of the company’s original Specter Tech design. This set includes two medium cubes, two large cubes, a medium clean/dirty cube, and a shoe bag. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Packing Cubes
The top-rated helmet in Virginia Tech’s safety tests, this is also the lightest, best-ventilated helmet we tested—so light and comfortable, you almost forget you’re wearing it. It’s easy to adjust, with a slick anti-rotation system and a nice triangle of reflective safety tape on the back.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: Our most expensive pick, but worth considering if you’re a committed roadie or especially concerned about concussions. We wish Giro offered a more-generous crash-replacement policy. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Bike Helmet for Commuters
Whether you need a rack for heavier ebikes or you just want a model that’s easy to load, this may be the two-bike rack for you. It’s lightweight and compact, easy to install, and great for carrying bikes weighing up to 75 pounds (it holds up to 140 pounds combined).
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025, with store pickup
Other things to know: Far more expensive than our top pick. Holds bikes by the frame. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025. We recommend store pickup if possible—otherwise, an $85 oversize shipping fee applies.
Read more: The Best Bike Racks and Carriers for Cars and Trucks
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For serious campers, tailgaters, and cooler enthusiasts, the Yeti Tundra Haul is the best cooler with wheels we’ve ever used. The roto-molded body keeps the contents ice cold, and the thick-gauge welded aluminum handle and arm can handle the full weight of the fully loaded cooler for years (a surprisingly high bar to clear).
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
(deal on burgundy)
Free Yeti account required (deal on burgundy)
Free Ace Rewards membership required, price reflects in cart (deal on lime)
Other things to know: No internal divider, and contents may shuffle a bit when it’s tipped at an angle. We expected better than the five-year warranty. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Coolers
Stay hydrated with this sleek-looking water bottle, which has an unbreakable glass interior that prevents flavors from transferring. It looks like a design object, insulates both hot and cold drinks well, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
REI membership required, with single-use promo code MEMBER2025
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: Includes the Element twist top, which typically costs less than the spout lid. Not dishwasher-safe. Clunky to drink from. Our most expensive pick. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Water Bottles
Fix things on the fly with our lightweight and slim top multi-tool pick. It’s easy to carry, built to last, and loaded with all the well-executed essentials you might need day-to-day—needle-nose and regular pliers, wire cutters, two Phillips screwdrivers, two flat screwdrivers, and a handy carabiner clip—with no filler.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: Odd asymmetrical design, but it works well ergonomically. Some tools, such as scissors, not included. Handles may spread a little too wide for those with smaller hands. Expensive, but worth the investment. Blunt plier tips. 25-year warranty. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Multi-Tool
If you want a multi-tool geared more toward camping and survival, check out the Signal. Without adding much bulk, it offers our top pick’s basic set of tools, plus extras that are good for the outdoors and emergency preparedness, including an effective whistle, a fire-starter rod, a knife sharpener, a saw, and an awl.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Free Public Lands membership required, single-use discount reflects in cart
Other things to know: A little more expensive than our top pick. Knife is partially serrated, which isn’t our favorite design, but okay for an outdoor-oriented tool. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Multi-Tool
If you plan to run outside more often as the weather warms up, keep safety in mind. We like this reflective vest, which is highly visible from all angles. Its minimalist construction offers great ease of movement, and it’s highly adjustable to fit a wide variety of heights and waist sizes. In our testing, it didn’t get too sweaty on a hard run.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: Can greatly reduce your risk of being hit by a vehicle. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Running Gear
These poles are the most comfortable and among the quietest hiking poles we tested. Strong and flexible, they endured rough and sandy hikes and mountain runs without collapsing under our weight. They come in two sizes and are easy to adjust to different lengths.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: Far from the most expensive poles we tested, but typically over double the price of our budget pick. The aluminum 7001-series poles are not as stiff or as quiet as carbon-fiber poles. They were $7 cheaper during Black Friday, but this is still a good deal. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Trekking Poles
These waterproof open-ear headphones produce excellent, crystal-clear sound and have a built-in MP3 player that can hold up to 8,000 songs. They’re ideal for swimmers, as they transmit vibrations through your skull rather than your eardrums, making music sound crisper underwater (though you can use them on land, too).
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: Fairly simple to control with three multifunction buttons. No way to see what song is playing or what will come next. Two-year warranty. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: These Underwater Headphones Actually … Work?
Get comfy with these chic and well-made leggings, which have a high waist that doesn’t pinch or slip. They also have a subtle, booty-flattering V-shaped back panel, and our testers found them super soft, comfy, and lightweight. They’re good for doing low-impact exercise or just hanging out.
(deal on green)
Other things to know: Too fluid for high-impact exercise. Has only one credit-card-sized pocket in side waistband. Noticeable logo tag on left thigh. Internal hip tag may irritate sensitive skin. Comes in sizes XXS (00) to XXL (18 to 20). On sale in pistachio green; no REI membership required.
Read more: The Best Leggings for Workouts and Everyday Wear
We think this sunscreen is worth considering if you’re on the hunt for a reef-safe formula that doesn’t contain added fragrance. This four-ingredient formula with zinc oxide 25% is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
REI membership required, use single-use code MEMBER2025
Other things to know: Relatively expensive. Compared with our main pick, it’s more difficult to spread and has a greasier, heavier feel on the skin. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Sunscreen
This tumbler has a sloped lip, which makes sipping easy, and the smooth lid-locking mechanism is easy to operate one-handed while you’re driving. Both the tumbler and lid are dishwasher-safe and easy to keep clean.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025
With store pickup
Free Public Lands membership required, single-use discount reflects in cart, with store pickup
Other things to know: Next to our other picks, it leaks more when knocked over and doesn’t keep drinks as cold. Doesn’t come with a straw lid, though you can purchase one separately. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025.
Read more: The Best Tumbler
Ideal for toting kids and gear to an off-road campsite, the beach, or any other outdoor family adventure, this wagon can be your go-to this spring and summer. It tears through rocky and grassy terrain, and it’s also the easiest of our picks to fold, transport, and clean.
REI membership required, with single-use promo code MEMBER2025, with store pickup
Other things to know: Better suited for pulling than pushing; keeping close watch on the kids behind you can be tricky. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025. We recommend opting for store pickup from REI—otherwise, $30 oversize shipping applies.
Read more: The Best Stroller Wagons
Lighter than most, this stroller is a pleasure to push on pavement and can even handle the occasional off-road detour. It’s easy to maneuver, nimble, and convenient for day-to-day use, and it includes all of the desired safety features we look for.
REI membership required, use single-use promo code MEMBER2025, with store pickup
Free Public Lands membership required, single-use discount reflects in cart
Other things to know: Unique handlebar design works well for all heights. Can carry kids up to 49 pounds and 44 inches. Expensive but noticeably high-quality. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025. We recommend opting for store pickup from REI—otherwise, $85 oversize shipping applies.
Read more: The Best Jogging Strollers
The easiest to push and maneuver of all our picks, this double stroller offers a higher build quality and a higher resale value than others. It’s great for parents who want to spend a lot of time with their family outdoors or who take long runs, and it’s easy to fold.
REI membership required, use single-use code MEMBER2025, with store pickup
Other things to know: Heavier and bulkier than many other double joggers. Can accommodate only one car seat at a time. Limited lifetime warranty. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER2025. We recommend opting for store pickup—otherwise, $160 oversize shipping applies.
Read more: The Best Double Strollers
Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter's expert-approved picks.
This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.
The Montbell Alpine Light Down Jacket (in women’s and men’s sizes) has a lightweight yet toasty fit to keep you cozy in snow, rain, and cold.
The Wirecutter Deals team breaks down a few simple ways to save money all year long.
The short answer: Maybe.
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Christine Ryan
I’m based in San Francisco, and I oversee a team of writers and editors covering travel gear and outdoors gear, including cycling gear.
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Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).

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