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REI New Year's Sale 2026: Massive Discounts on Outdoor Gear

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. sale-2026-massive-discounts-on-outdoor-gear.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 6:41 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Gear Up for Adventure: A Deep Dive into REI's Massive New Year’s Sale (2026)

For outdoor enthusiasts, the annual REI New Year’s Sale is practically a national holiday. Marking the end of the year and the beginning of planning for new adventures in 2026, this sale offers significant discounts on a vast array of gear – from hiking boots to camping tents, snow sports equipment to travel essentials. Travel & Leisure's recent article provides a comprehensive overview of what shoppers can expect from the 2026 iteration, and it’s shaping up to be another blockbuster event.

What's On Sale? A Category Breakdown

The breadth of products included in the REI New Year's Sale is staggering. As detailed by Travel & Leisure, the sale typically encompasses items across numerous categories, with discounts ranging from 20% to 50% or even more on select merchandise. Here’s a breakdown of key areas where shoppers can find deals:

• Apparel: This is often a major draw. Expect discounted prices on base layers, fleece jackets, insulated outerwear (perfect for winter activities!), hiking pants, and rain gear from brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, and REI Co-op’s own line. The article highlights that deals frequently extend to both men's and women's apparel, catering to a broad range of sizes and styles.
• Footwear: Hiking boots, trail running shoes, snowshoes, and even casual outdoor footwear are typically included. Brands like Salomon, Merrell, Keen, and La Sportiva often see significant markdowns. The article mentions that REI’s expert staff can assist shoppers in finding the right fit and style for their specific needs – a valuable service considering the importance of proper footwear for comfort and injury prevention on trails.
• Camping Gear: Tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, camp stoves, cookware, headlamps—everything needed to create a comfortable basecamp is up for grabs at reduced prices. Look for deals on brands like MSR, Big Agnes, Marmot, and Jetboil. The sale provides an excellent opportunity to upgrade your existing camping setup or gear up for a new backpacking trip.
• Snow Sports Equipment: With winter firmly in place (or approaching rapidly), snow sports gear is always popular during this sale. This includes skis, snowboard boots, poles, avalanche safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe – crucial for backcountry skiing and snowboarding, as emphasized by REI’s safety resources), and outerwear specifically designed for cold weather conditions.
• Travel Gear: Packing cubes, duffel bags, luggage sets, portable power banks, travel pillows—anything that makes traveling easier and more comfortable is often discounted. This is particularly relevant given the renewed enthusiasm for travel post-pandemic.
• Bike & Bike Accessories: REI also offers discounts on bikes (mountain, road, hybrid) and related accessories like helmets, lights, and repair kits.

Key Details for 2026: Dates, Membership Requirements & More

The Travel & Leisure article clearly outlines the crucial details shoppers need to know:

• Dates: The sale officially runs from December 27th, 2025 through January 1st, 2026. Historically, the most popular items sell out quickly, so early access is highly recommended.
• REI Membership Required: This is a critical point! The New Year's Sale is exclusively for REI Co-op members. If you’re not already a member, joining is easy and relatively inexpensive (currently $39 annually). The benefits extend beyond just the sale; members receive exclusive offers throughout the year, dividends on eligible purchases, and access to REI Adventures trips. You can learn more about membership and sign up here: [ https://www.rei.com/membership ]
• Online & In-Store Availability: The sale is available both online at rei.com and in REI stores nationwide. Online inventory tends to move faster, so browsing the website early is advisable.
• Limited Quantities & "When It's Gone, It’s Gone": As with previous years, many items are expected to be available in limited quantities. The article repeatedly stresses that popular sizes and colors will sell out quickly, reinforcing the “when it’s gone, it’s gone” mentality.
• Price Adjustments: REI often implements price adjustments leading up to major sales events. If you've been eyeing a specific item, it might be worth checking the price now, as it could potentially drop even further during the New Year's Sale.

Navigating the Sale: Tips & Strategies

Travel & Leisure provides several valuable tips for maximizing your shopping experience:

• Create an Account (or Log In): Having a registered REI account will streamline the checkout process and allow you to save items to your wish list.
• Check the Website Early & Often: New deals are often added throughout the sale period, so frequent checks are essential.
• Utilize Filters: With such a vast selection of products, using filters (size, brand, price range) is crucial for narrowing down your search.
• Read Product Reviews: Before making a purchase, take advantage of REI’s extensive product review system to gain insights from other customers.
• Consider REI Outlet: The REI Outlet website often features additional discounted items that aren't included in the main New Year's Sale.

Beyond Savings: Supporting a Co-op Committed to Sustainability & Community

It's worth remembering that shopping at REI isn’t just about getting a good deal; it’s also supporting a company with a strong commitment to sustainability and community involvement. REI is a cooperative, meaning its profits are returned to its members in the form of dividends and investments in outdoor initiatives. They actively support conservation efforts, promote responsible recreation, and advocate for policies that protect public lands.

The REI New Year’s Sale 2026 promises another round of significant savings on top-quality outdoor gear. By being prepared, understanding the requirements (membership!), and employing a strategic approach, shoppers can equip themselves for their next adventure while supporting a company dedicated to preserving the outdoors we all love.