Our Favorite Gear From The REI Gear Up Get Out 2023 Sale

If you’re planning to get some work done during your hiking vacation, you’ll want a way to get your computer and accessories to your destination. Since the Ozone Carry-On Boarding Bag is part of the REI Gear Up Get Out sale, you can be productive right up until you board the plane and keep everything close at hand throughout your flight. The carry on compliant laptop bag has a 16-inch sleeve for your computer and a padded electronics pocket for your tablet or Bluetooth keyboard. The front pocket has pockets for your cords, wall chargers, mouse, and headphones, elastic loops to hold your pens and stylus, and a key leash so you’ll be able to find them easily on the way home.

It has an adjustable padded shoulder strap, a carry handle, and a luggage pass-through, so you have options for how you want to carry it to the gate. Plus, there’s a stretchy mesh pocket you can access from the top to keep your phone, wallet, and glasses in easy reach.

• There’s plenty of organization for your tech accessories
• The shoulder pad can slide along the strap to be exactly where you need it

• The water-resistant zippers are stiff to open and close
• It’s on the bulky side for what it can hold

When you’re planning to hike through the woods all day, you’ll want a way to carry your gear through any weather. If that includes a picnic blanket, lunch, extra layers, and shoes, you’ll want all the space the Gregory Nano 30 has to offer. The top-loading main compartment has plenty of room for bulky gear, travel rain jackets, and more, but you’ll want to use packing cubes and pouches to organize your gear.

Smaller items will do better in the front zipper pocket or the one on the lid, which includes a key clip. There’s a separate zippered compartment for a hydration bladder, or you can carry a large travel water bottle in the side mesh pocket instead. Whatever you have inside will be comfortable to carry thanks to the capable harness system, which includes a sternum strap on a sliding rail and a wide hip belt, so there’s no reason not to pick it up during the REI Gear Up Get Out sale.

• It’s a comfortable way to carry your gear through your adventures
• Breathable mesh and an aerated back panel keep sweaty backs at bay

• You can carry a hydration bladder, but you’ll want a protective sleeve for a laptop
• There’s no internal organization in the top-loading main compartment

If you’re planning a road trip or heading out camping, you’ll want to bring a sturdy bag. The Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel is a great piece of REI gear that will fit everything you need, from bulky hoodies to hiking shoes, and keep it safe with recycled ripstop and ballistic nylon. The main compartment is mostly one big open bucket to fill with your clothing, packing cubes, toiletry bag, and pouches, but there are also two zippered mesh pockets against the lid.

That’s where the optional shoulder straps tuck in, however, and they encroach upon the pockets' capacity. We think that’s a small price to pay to be able to carry this bag over your shoulder or on your back, depending on your preference and the situation, so you should pick it up during the REI sale. These aren’t flimsy straps, either; they’re decently padded and include breathable mesh. The double handles are long enough to sling over your shoulder and can stick together with a padded wrap that attaches with a hook-and-loop fastener so one won’t slip off as you hike in.

• You can carry it as a backpack or a duffle
• It comes with its own zippered pouch to pack away

• It’s very large for shorter trips
• Shoulder straps encroach on interior pocket space when packed away

Whether you’re getting out to do something adventurous or your daily events only include traveling from home to the office and back, hydration is key to having a good day. That’s why we like the insulated Stanley AeroLight Transit Water Bottle that’s part of the REI Gear Up Get Out sale. You can carry up to 20 ounces of your favorite beverage with you throughout the day, whether it’s hot or cold. The flip-up cap seals completely, so nothing leaks out, even when you turn it upside down and shake it like a Polaroid picture. We have to mention, though, that it bumps your nose as you take a drink.

The smooth bottle is slender enough to fit in most bottle holders and pockets, and it’s so lightweight that you won’t mind carrying it with you when it’s empty. While it doesn’t include a straw, it also won’t give you wrinkles around your mouth like some other popular options. And with the variety of available colorways you can get during the REI sale, you can gift one to everyone in your family and never mix them up.

• It’s lighter than some other Stanley insulated bottles
• The smooth, satin finish makes it a pleasure to hold

• The low-profile lid takes some effort to untwist
• It has a different drinking experience, and the lid bumps your nose as you take a drink

Overall, Allbirds Wool Runners are all about comfort. If you want your feet to feel like they’re being cradled in a baby blanket all day and eliminate odors from creeping into the rest of your luggage, these travel shoes are the way to go and a definite must-buy during the REI Gear Up Get Out sale. They’re super lightweight if you don’t want to wear them through the airport but want them on your trip, and they’re eco-friendly, too. The midsoles are made with sugarcane-based EVA foam, the shoelaces are from recycled plastic bottles, and the insoles come from castor bean oil.

You can leave your socks at home and take these runners around the world as an alternative to wearing your athletic gear around town. They’re easy to wash on the gentle cycle of your machine and air dry, and they’ll go back to their original shape the next time you wear them.

• Super lightweight to wear and pack for a trip
• You’ll be happy to wear them all day because you feel like you’re walking on air

• If you want to use socks, you may need a different size; they’re designed for sockless wear
• The insoles can pill and create lint after a few months of wearing

If you dream of arriving at your destination well-rested, you’ll want to tip the scales in your favor with a great travel neck pillow. Since the inflatable Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow is part of the REI sale, you’ll be able to catch some shut-eye wherever you are, whether it’s the train, plane, or automobile. You can carry it in its stuff sack—which is about a third of the size of a standard water bottle—and blow it up quickly with the mini-valve. The TPU bladder inside inflates silently, and the knit polyester material is comfortable to rest against your head. That way, you’ll be able to sneak in a nap wherever you want without making room in your bag for a bulky pillow.

• You can have this pillow for napping on the plane without wasting room in your bag or walking with it around your neck
• It comes with its own sack to pack it away

• Air isn’t as flexible as foam or beads, so it may take some effort to find the firmness level you like
• You’ll have to take the time to inflate it each time

If you’re looking for a way to keep your hands warm that fits like a glove (pun intended), check out the Active Fleece Gloves from Smartwool. The elastane added to the recycled polyester and Merino wool materials gives them just enough stretch to ensure a good fit without feeling like you have to squeeze them past your knuckles. That’s a great shout for something you’ll be wearing on more active adventures, like hiking wooded paths, getting in some bike rides before the snow flies, or even hunting for the right gift during the REI Gear Up Get Out sale.

Since they have silicone grip on the palms and touchscreen capability, they can be your daily drivers as the temperatures fall. You won’t have to worry about the steering wheel slipping out of your hands, whether it’s on the way to the office or on the 4-wheeler you ride out to find the perfect tree for apple picking.

• Touchscreen capability means you don’t have to suffer from cold fingers just to send a text
• It’s easy to hold onto the handle of your rolling carry on luggage as you check in at the ski resort with the grippy palms

• You’ll need to add another layer if you want to use them in colder temperatures or snow
• The Merino layer is next to the skin, so beware if you’re sensitive to wool

Just because you want to be warm doesn’t mean you shouldn't do it comfortably, and putting on the Vardag Pile Jacket feels like wrapping yourself in a bear hug. Of course, this bear has more pockets than Corduroy, and we’re here for it because the two large chest pockets are great for keeping your phone and minimalist wallet handy, and you can stash some tissues and sanitizer in the hand or interior pockets, whichever you prefer. Those interior pockets have no topper, but the four exterior pockets all zip up, so you don't have to worry about your AirPods slipping out in the snow if you've got them with you on the sleigh ride.

All that snuggly fleece is paired with Fjallraven’s G-1000 Eco fabric to reinforce high-wear areas, like your elbows and where your arms rest on the table, so get this jacket while it’s part of an REI sale, and it should be with you for seasons to come. You can pair it with more layers to amp up the warmth, but its bulkiness means you’ll probably want to wear it on the plane to save space in your travel backpack. That’s ok, though, because then you can leave a neck pillow at home and use this to nap instead!

• This super-warm layer will keep you comfortable through winter trips
• Pair it with a water-resistant shell in colder climates

• It’s heavy and bulky, so you’ll want to wear it instead of trying to pack it
• It seems to run on the larger side, so check the measurements before selecting your size

If you’ve ever been looking forward to an outdoor excursion all week just to wake up and discover it’s raining, you may want to get your hands on this cap. That’s because it has a GORE-TEX shell tested in, you guessed it, Seattle, to keep moisture off your head and face as you go out and explore. We like that it doesn’t feel like an old-fashioned rain slicker on your head, even as it repels the rain, because who wants to look like the Gorton Fisherman? Nope, this travel hat is as flexible and stylish as other caps we’ve tried, with a simple OR logo on the front that may spark a discussion of whether you should really be out on this hike OR doing something else. Or, you know, it lets your friends know that you dig Outdoor Research.

It’s good in the sun, too, with UPF 50+ protection when the clouds drift away and a built-in band to wick away sweat and other moisture. The adjustable strap on this REI gear hides away inside the cap, and it fastens with a sturdy little clip so you don’t have to stretch it over your ponytail (if you have one).

• It repels moisture instead of absorbing it like your favorite baseball cap
• While you can also get it in Black, we really dig the Verde green for outdoor activities

• The material is a little crunchy, but it still folds up easily to stuff in your travel daypack
• Less dexterous users may struggle a bit with the strap clip

To stay warm, start with the base and work your way up. In case you didn’t know, that’s how base layers work! You can find plenty as part of the REI Gear Up Get Out sale, like the Icebreaker Merino Sphere II Long Sleeve T-Shirt. It’s a great foundation for building your travel capsule wardrobe because the blend of Merino wool and TENCEL lyocell creates a material that keeps you warm, even if you have sensitive skin. Plus, it’s breathable for when things warm up.

However, unlike the long underwear your grandma insisted you put on before playing in the snow as a kid, this looks good enough to wear on its own, too, no matter what colorway you choose (and there are plenty of fun hues to choose from). Packing it for your next trip means you’ll have a top that can take you from breakfast at the local cafe to an afternoon hike and dinner at the pub. Or to binge your favorite show that you need to catch up on after returning from vacation. You do you. We don’t judge—we just suggest you get it during the REI sale.

• The material blend is less likely to irritate sensitive skin than 100% Merino
• It looks great on its own yet is thin enough to layer up in colder weather

• Blended materials may begin to pill after multiple washes
• While it offers some sun protection, it’s rather thin

We love slings. We’ve written an entire guide extolling the virtues of the small pack you wear around your waist or crossbody, plus several videos (one striving to answer the eternal question, “Why Are Slings So Good?”). So we shouldn’t have to tell you why you should pick up the Trail 2 Waistpack during the REI Gear Up Get Out sale, but we will anyway. Basically, this little pack is a great way to carry the gear you need all day but don’t want to put in your pockets. It has a small front pocket for your lip balm or gum to keep your ears from popping on the plane and a slim back compartment for your minimalist wallet and passport. Inside the main compartment is a key clip so you know exactly where to find them, and two small pockets where you can tuck your AirPods or other small gear. Plus, there’s room left over for your phone and a snack bar or two to keep you from becoming the next traveler to go viral on TikTok just because you got hangry.

Did we mention that this is a great travel companion? Instead of holding up the line as you empty everything from your pockets, you can pop one small bag in the bin and grab it on the other side of the X-ray machine. There’s a better chance you won’t forget your wallet that way and face the embarrassment of getting called back to the screening area over the public address system. This REI gear is a great partner for the adventures you’re sure to have on your trip, too, because you can load it up with sunscreen and sanitizer if you’re heading to the pool or beach, guide maps if you’re still the type to carry those around a theme park, and a compass so you don’t get lost on your hike.

• It’s very lightweight, yet still durable
• Water resistant in case you get caught in the rain

• You’ll want to snug it up if you wear it crossbody as the slick fabric can slip out of place
• The front pocket is pretty small

When you want to gear up to get out, you’ll want a travel backpack that can carry you through several days, and it’s nice if it’s eco-friendly, too. From the waxed polyester canvas to the recycled air mesh, just about every material on the Thule Aion Backpack is recycled and bluesign® approved. You can get it in Black or a more outdoorsy Nutria colorway, which we think really shows off the heritage styling of the waxed canvas. Either way, we’re happy it’s part of the REI sale because we think you’ll appreciate the combination of daypack accessibility with travel pack features.

You can open the Aion horseshoe-style opening for quick access or go through the clamshell opening for easy packing. That’s separated from the laptop compartment by a TPU divider, which provides organization and water resistance when you have damp clothing. Plus, there’s a hidden top pocket large enough for your passport, travel wallet, and phone, along with front daisy chains shrouded by a fabric gusset to keep them from impacting the bag’s clean aesthetics if you don’t need them. Oh, and if you need more space for REI gear, an expansion system adds four liters of capacity.

• The TPU divider includes pockets for prone-to-leaking gear like your toiletry bag or a wet swimsuit
• It has a simple yet comfortable harness system

• Using the expansion system adds depth to the bag that affects carry comfort
• Water bottle pockets lack grip

While the Owala FreeSip Vacuum Water Bottle lures you in with eye-catching colorways, you can also get more muted designs during the REI Gear Up Get Out sale that let you fly under the radar and don’t feel as akin to a Fisher-Price toy. Find a hue you’ll enjoy for a long time because you’ll want to take this bottle everywhere. The stainless steel construction puts it on par with other insulated bottles, but it includes a clever handle that doubles as a lock to prevent spills and a pop-open lid ready at the touch of a button.

What sets it apart from the crowd of travel water bottles cluttering your cabinet is the option of either sipping from the straw-connected spout or taking a swig from the larger opening. While it can take a bit of getting used to, we think the convenience of switching between both options seamlessly is worth it since it’s almost like having two bottles in one.

• The handle blends in seamlessly instead of protruding from the top at all times
• It’s fairly easy to clean

• The soft plastic exterior can show blemishes over time
• You’ll want to practice taking a few swigs and sips before chancing a spill on the plane

A travel towel might seem like an oxymoron, but it can be a lifesaver if you are backpacking, camping, or a digital nomad bumping around from hostel to Airbnb. Luckily, we found a lightweight, quick-drying option in the Packtowl Personal Towel. It is handy for going to the beach, stopping for a picnic mid-hike, or drying off after a quick shower—whether you meant to take one or Mother Nature took matters into her own hands. And, bonus, it’s part of the REI sale!

The polyester and nylon towel can absorb four times its weight in water and dries 70% faster than cotton towels, although, of course, we find that can vary depending on the climate where you’re traveling—i.e., you’ll probably have an easier time drying it out in the Arizona desert than humid southeast Asia. Either way, the built-in odor control keeps it from spreading a mildewy smell to the rest of your gear so you can have it at the ready the next time you need to dry off.

• It’s antimicrobial finish helps you get more uses out of it between washes
• The loop is handy for hanging it to dry

• It’s not as thick as traditional towels
• Having the hanging loop on the long side means it could rest against the ground, depending on the height of your hook

What’s better than one insulated jacket? A two-in-one option! The Teca Calido Hooded Jacket from Cotopaxi features color block on the primary side and a solid interior that can be turned inside out if you prefer. Both are made with repurposed taffeta, and the insulation is recycled polyester, so Earth-friendly, sustainable packers will want to get their hands on this one during the REI sale. There’s elastic on the hood to hold it tight to your head in windy weather, as well as on the hem and cuffs.

There are pockets on both sides of the coat, including a zippered chest pocket on the reverse. While it’s a convenient place to pop something you don’t want to drop, like a wallet or keys, it’s also where you pack the jacket away so you don’t have to have a jumble of hood and sleeves slip-sliding around your travel daypack.

• Reversibility gives you more outfit options and is more sustainable since you can wear a different side out if you tear or stain the other
• It uses fewer virgin materials thanks to the recycled and repurposed fabric

• The blocky two-tone look isn’t for everyone
• There are different pockets on each side

It can be hard wading through the plethora of lightweight rain jacket options, but we’ve cut through the crowd and found the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket to be one of the lightest rain jackets available. It’s packed with features like laminated construction, taped seams, and YKK AquaGuard-style zippers that help keep you as dry as a desert. The hood is adjustable to hold it in place and let you see out your periphery if you’d like instead of hiding in a huge hood. Since it packs into its chest pocket to be about the size of your fist, we think it’s a great addition to any pack-out because you can always toss it on top of your other clothing when the rain starts to fall or the wind begins to whistle. Plus, it’s part of the REI Gear Up Get Out sale, making it a great time to pick one up.

While it lacks hand pockets, it does have a zippered chest pocket where you can put the contents of your pockets to keep them dry. The street vendor will thank you when you hand over some fresh bills instead of a wad of soaking-wet cash, that’s for sure.

• Quite breathable, even when tested in a very hot and humid climate
• Adjustable elastic on the back of the hood keeps it secure on your head

• There aren’t any hand pockets
• It’s a little short for taller users