Outdoor gear is pricey — here’s your chance to save big at REI


The Bogs Kicker Chelsea rain boots (also available in men’s sizes) are stylish, functional and a must-have ahead of the rainy season. They’re 100% water-resistant, the uppers are made from flexible rubber and the gores on the sides make it easy to slip your feet in and out of them, according to the brand. Plus, the boots hit just above the ankle, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll interfere with the hem of your pants.
The Brooks Catamount trail-running shoes (also available in women’s sizes) are ideal for any runner that prefers to avoid the pavement or road. The uppers are made from a single layer of flexible mesh that let’s air in and prevents your feet from overheating. The rubber outsoles have high traction, even under slippery or dry conditions, according to Brooks.
In his roundup of the best running shoes for men, NBC Select reporter and runner Harry Rabinowitz named the Brooks Adrenaline Sneakers as the best running shoes with arch support. Experts he spoke to say that the shoes have particularly supportive arches and guard rails, which keep the back of your feet in place as you run. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the Adrenaline GTS sneakers are perfect for road running since they have moderate cushioning, flexible mesh uppers and a midsole with soft foam that supports your heels with each step you take, according to Brooks.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 road-running shoes have cushioned rubber outsoles that help your feet land softly on the ground with each stride, according to the brand. The uppers are made from breathable mesh and fit securely around your feet without completely restraining them. The bottom of the outsoles have traction to prevent slipping, too.
Rabinowitz tested the Gel-Nimbus 27 and loves how soft they feel on his feet. “With less cushioned shoes, I sometimes get knee pain on longer runs. That’s never happened with these shoes,” he says. “All the touch points of this shoe are comfy. I particularly like the soft knit extra padding around the ankle.” The shoes are also available in women’s sizes.
The Chaco Mega Z Cloud sandals, which also come in women’s sizes, are perfect for the spring season. The sandals’ midsoles are made of arch-supporting polyurethane material that keeps the feet steady, according to the brand. They have criss-crossing straps made from flexible polyester jacquard that’s water-resistant, according to Chaco.
If you’re planning on doing any type of cycling or bike-riding once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need a pair of comfortable yet breathable socks, like these from Smartwool. They’re made from merino wool, which has antibacterial and odor-resistant properties. The socks are thick enough to protect your feet as you move, but thin enough to let your feet and toes breathe, which helps avoid conditions like athlete’s foot. They’re available in small, medium and large sizes.
Before heading to a local trail or booking a trip to the mountains, be sure to bring a reliable pair of hiking shoes like the Merrell Moab Speed 2, which keep your feet cool and stable. The uppers are made of flexible mesh and have an abrasion-resistant heel and toe cap to avoid accidental rips. The outsoles are made of a high-traction rubber, which helps make walking along rocky terrain safer. Plus, the tongues have a built-in loop, so you can easily slip them on or attach them to a bag.
The Osprey Daylite Tote Pack is a combination of a traditional tote bag and a compact yet spacious backpack. The bag has a 20-liter capacity and two straps on the back that let you carry it like a backpack. If you prefer the tote bag design with the top straps only, you can hide the back straps inside a pocket. The inside has a sleeve that fits a 14-inch laptop and doubles as a pocket to hold a hydration pack (not included), according to the brand. It also has a mesh water bottle pocket on each side, a zippered pocket on the front with a loop and a sternum strap on the front for added support.
The items below are a mix of products on sale at REI and ones on sale at REI Outlet, which are eligible for additional discounts for REI members.
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I regularly write about deals and sale events at retailers, including REI. I’ve covered several of REI’s annual sales in the past and constantly monitor the brand’s site for the best deals on footwear, outdoor gear and more. I included information regarding REI’s Member Month Sale in this article and researched sale-eligible items on REI’s site.
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