Gear Picks
We’re Buying All This Sale Nemo and Therm-a-Rest Gear
Building a good camping kit doesn’t have to break the bank. Some of our favorites are on sale at REI through November 25.
Featured
$50
$40
from Moosejaw
20% off
The Storm is a perfect example of how far headlamps have come. It’s moderately priced but pumps out 375 lumens from a proximity beam—ideal for working in close quarters or as a spotlight when you’re on the trail. We really like the battery meter, which shows how much juice you have left in your AAAs. Oh, and it’s fully waterproof.
$50.00
from REI
When the Switchback first came on the market last year, we crowned it the best budget sleeping pad. It uses two types of foam with different densities and specially-designed raised spikes to give optimal comfort and warmth.
$220.00
$165.00
from REI
25% off
The Azura and its new synthetic insulation piqued our interest when it debuted earlier this year. “The prospect of a sleeping bag that offers the versatility of synthetic insulation without completely sacrificing on weight and bulk seems like a win in my book,” our editor wrote.
$120.00
$96.00
from REI
20% off
For a technical but luxurious adventure blanket, look no further than the Proton. Outside tester Graham Averill highlighted it in his camp blanket test because of its many features, such as a waterproof shell, synthetic insulation, and a heat reflective coating.
$150.00
$112.00
from REI
25% off
Outside’s travel gear tester, Bryan Rogala, recommends the Nemo Helio LX Pressure Shower as a good option for water storage when on the road. “The pressurized sprayer makes rinsing off at camp or hosing off bikes less of a chore,” he says.
$400.00
from REI
The Dagger 2 is strong, light, and easy to set up. Outside tester Johanna Flashman used this tent everywhere from New Mexico to Iceland to Wales, and the tent stayed dry and comfortable. Appalachian Trail hiker Jonathan Dower also loves this tent and you can read his full review here.
All Gear
$15
$11
from Huckberry
27% off
This polyester microfiber neck gaiter is printed with a map of Grand Teton National Park. There are a dozen ways to wear sweat-wicking neck tubes like this one—we think it’s handy as a headband, too.
$56
$39
from Huckberry
30% off
The timeless Crazy Creek is still one of the best camp chairs on the market. “My Crazy Creek is an essential part of my adventure kit that has literally saved my butt more times than I can count,” wrote podcast producer Maren Larsen. “Its classic design isn’t going anywhere—except on every outdoor excursion I take.”
$24
$18
from REI
25% off
If you’re a skier who wants less cushioning, these are the socks for you. “Icebreaker’s take on the superthin ski sock features moisture-wicking merino wool, nylon, and Lycra,” wrote associate editor Abigail Barronian. “It has little cushioning to speak of, but it still feels substantial, striking a good balance between weight, warmth, and breathability.”
$170
$110
from Backcountry
35% off
The Looper MIPS was the best helmet on a budget in our 2021 Winter Buyer’s Guide. It “retains the fantastic fit and rich feature set we have grown accustomed to at a much lower price,” wrote one tester. “Perhaps most significantly, the Looper is remarkably breathable, with two slits each at the front and back of the helmet connected by internal channels.”
Sponsor Content
ATG by Wrangler™ Mixed Material Shirt (Women’s)
$40
from ATG by Wrangler™
Bring comfort and style with you on your next outdoor adventure. The Women’s Mixed Material Shirt made with 85 percent recycled materials is quick drying with UPF 50 to keep you cool and protected from the sun. The comfortable stretch and zipper pockets add the functionality you need to play (or work) hard outside.
$169
$110
from Huckberry
35% off
Contributor Kaelyn Lynch fell in love with this wearable sleeping bag, which she thinks is the cure for winter blues. “An Everest expedition suit for the common folk, it is essentially a ripstop nylon, water-resistant, synthetic insulated Snuggie with legs,” she wrote.
$120
$84
from REI
30% off
What’s the best base layer top for women? Contributor Kassondra Cloos thinks it’s the Kari Traa Rose. “With a deep half-zip and thin side panels running from hip to wrist, the top also works in a wide range of temperatures,” she wrote. This version has a slim hood to seal in extra warmth.
$299
$165
from Backcountry
45% off
We gave the Micro Puff jacket a Gear of the Year award when it debuted in 2017. Tester Frederick Reimers described its innovative insulation: “[It’s] tacked between sheets of ten-denier nylon fabric in long strands, so it won’t shift and create cold spots.”
$499
$399
from Evo
20% off
The Sabre Snow Pants are our Gear Guy’s favorites. He included them in his ultimate ski touring kit. “The perfectly articulated legs bend and move like champs while I’m skinning, and ample zippered vents prevent sweat buildup,” he wrote. If you plan to really get after it this winter, these are the pants you want.
$78
$51
from Huckberry
35% off
This hoodie with UV protection is made from recycled plastic bottles and upcycled oyster shells, and it’s one of columnist Jakob Schiller’s picks for sunny days. “I found the fabric surprisingly soft, and the thin build helped me hide from the sun but never caused me to overheat,” he wrote.
Sponsor Content
Columbia Labyrinth Loop Hooded Jacket (Women’s)
$180
from Columbia
Looking for the perfect jacket for your next chilly hike? The Women’s Labyrinth Loop Hooded Jacket from Columbia is your new go-to. Lined with their Omni-Heat™ gold thermal-reflective lining and filled with recycled synthetic down insulation, this jacket will keep you toasty all day.
Gear Picks is a curated selection of products we’ve tested and heartily recommend. We stand by this gear—and the brands that sell it—and many of our editors and writers use this stuff weekly. Whenever possible, we provide a link to a past review so you can make sure it’s something that suits your lifestyle—ideally at a steeply discounted price. Happy shopping—and gear-picking.