50 Best REI Spring Hiking Essentials 2026

The snow is gone and I am officially ready to get outside and touch grass. I’ve been hiking my whole life and live near the largest remaining old-growth forest in Manhattan, so I spend my weekends hitting the trails. With spring in full swing, I’m cleaning out my old, damaged gear and swapping in some new and improved items like trekking poles and daypacks to take my hiking adventures up a notch.

REI was the first big store I went to shop for hiking packs, sun-protective clothing, and more—but once I learned there’s also an REI Outlet, it’s become my go-to place to shop for hiking essentials. With warm weather fast-approaching, I’m shopping for all new essential gear to keep me comfortable and safe for all of my hiking adventures—and prices start at just $12.

Best Women’s Hiking Clothing Deals

REI’s Outlet is a secret goldmine of top brands, including Patagonia, Prana, The North Face, and more; so while you may be shopping at a discount, you can trust in the quality of your new finds. This 35 percent off Patagonia Ahnya Pullover is a classic layer, perfect for getting you outside during chilly spring mornings. I also love the comfortable Prana Koen Joggers and Prana Stretch Zion Cinch Pants—both are under $70, and perfect for hiking or long travel days.

• Timeless style: Patagonia Ahnya Pullover, $71 (originally $109)
• Free Country Cloud Lite Crew-neck Long-sleeve Top, $33 (originally $50)
• Year-round base layer: Tasc Performance Elevation Merino T-shirt, $55 (originally $79)
• Prana Heavana Racerback Bralette, $47 (originally $65)
• Patagonia Barely Baggies Shorts, $52 (originally $69)
• Editor-loved joggers: Prana Koen Joggers, $69 (originally $95)
• The North Face Westbrake Knit Shorts, $33 (originally $45)
• Fun spring colors: Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Big Grid Half-zip Pullover, $90 (originally $120)
• Marmot Precip Eco Pro Rain Jacket, $120 (originally $160)
• Top hiking pants:Patagonia Triolet Pants, $199 (originally $399)

Best Men’s Hiking Clothing Deals

It’s time to put away the sweaters and thermals and move on to shorts, T-shirts, and raincoats. The REI Outlet is packed full of stylish and rugged hiking clothing that will help you stay cool no matter what the spring weather throws at you. I’m partial to wearing sun-protective clothing year-round, and this Helly Hansen Shine Solen Half-zip Sun Hoodie offers UPF 50+ sun protection, and it works as a base layer in cooler months or as a standalone piece in the warmer weather. Now that it’s shorts season, you can snag quality pairs like the Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts 6-inch or Prana Stretch Zion 10-inch Shorts, both under $60 now.

• Patagonia R1Thermal Crew Shirt, $117 (originally $179)
• UPF 50+ sun protection: Helly Hansen Shine Solen Half-zip Sun Hoodie, $65 (originally $90)
• For spring showers: Boulder Gear Stratus Rain Jacket, $60 (originally $80)
• 45% off:The North Face Gordon Lyons Full-zip Jacket, $66 (originally $120)
• Prana Stretch Zion 10-inch Shorts, $57 (originally $78)
• Shoulder season layer: Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece Jacket, $95 (originally $149)
• Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts 6-inch, $50 (originally $79)
• Patagonia Shop Sticker Pocket Responsibili-tee Shirt, $29 (originally $45)
• Versatile travel pants: Prana Stretch Zion Field Pants, $70 (originally $98)
• Marmot Precip Eco Pro Rain Jacket, $120 (originally $160)

Best Hiking Boots and Shoes Deals

I’m partial to hiking boots for their underfoot cushioning and top-notch ankle support, but when the weather warms up, I’m a sucker for hiking sandals. The 30 percent off Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandals are a great option for more leisurely hikes and packing into my luggage, but the Keen Women’s Whisper Sandals are a go-to for watercrossings and use on vacations where I can only pack one or two pairs of shoes. When it comes to more hardcore hiking footwear, the Merrell Women’s Moab Speed 2 Gore-tex Hiking Boots are a must-have pair, and they’re now only $135.

• Keen Women’s Hightrail Polar Waterproof Hiking Boots, $125 (originally $165)
• 64% off: Vasque Women’s St. Elias Waterproof Hiking Boots, $85 (originally $240)
• Supportive hiking shoes: Merrell Men’s Moab Speed 2 Gore-tex Hiking Shoes, $127 (originally $170)
• Saucony Women’s Ride 18 Road-running Shoes, $110 (originally $145)
• Merrell Women’s Ontario SP Lace SE Shoes, $135 (originally $180)
• Packable sandals: Teva Women’s Original Universal Sandals, $42 (originally $60)
• Merrell Women’s Moab Speed 2 Gore-tex Hiking Boots, $135 (originally $180)
• Tested and approved: Keen Women’s Whisper Sandals, $90 (originally $120)
• My personal faves:  Merrell Women’s Antora 4 Trail-running Shoes, $140 (originally $105)
• Oboz Men’s Sawtooth X Mid Hiking Boots, $130 (originally $165)

Best Hiking Accessories Deals

Some essential hiking accessories need to be replaced more often than you may expect. Let’s face it, none of us wash our water bottles as often as we should, and bottles with built-in straws can get gross fast. If you haven’t cleaned (or even opened) your reusable bottle since last season, it may be time for a new one, like the $19 Camelbak Thrive Flip Straw Insulated Stainless-steel Water Bottle or the $33 Lifestraw Go Series BPA-free Water Filter Bottle if you want to be able to refill just about anywhere without worrying about contamination. I also have to replace sunglasses pretty often as I’m prone to scratching the lenses, and these Nathan Summit Polarized Running Sunglasses are now 40 percent off.

• Sunday Afternoons Sun Guide Cap, $34 (originally $46)
• Packable sun hat: Arc’teryx Sinsola Shade Hat, $65 (originally $80)
• Camelbak Thrive Flip Straw Insulated Stainless-steel Water Bottle, $19 (originally $25)
• For nighttime safety: Petzl Tikka Headlamp, $24 (originally $35)
• Black Diamond Zip Lantern, $26 (originally $35)
• 42% off: Klean Kanteen Rise Tumbler, $22 (originally $38)
• Nathan Summit Polarized Running Sunglasses, $36 (originally $60)
• Portable water filter: Lifestraw Go Series BPA-free Water Filter Bottle, $33 (originally $45)
• Essential safety kit: Alps Mountaineering First Aid Carrier, $30 (originally $40)
• Turtle Fur Chelonia 150 Double-layer Headband, $13 (originally $17)

Best Hiking Gear Deals

Some hiking trips can quickly turn into all-day trips, and if that’s the case, you’ll want some gear that will help you rest, so you’re still enjoying the trip. My guilty pleasure, whether I’m hiking or camping, is a hammock that is easy to set up and lounge in, like the 24 percent off Alps Mountaineering Cirrus Hammock. I’m also partial to a lightweight daypack, like the unisex Gregory Nano 16 Pack, that can store everything I need without weighing me down. This pack also stores nearly flat, so it doesn’t take up too much space between trips—better yet, it’s less than $50 now.

• Osprey Men’s Stratos 34 Pack, $150 (originally $200)
• $70 off: Helinox Cafe Chair, $100 (originally $170)
• Knee-saving trekking poles: Leki Cross Trail 3 TA Compact Trekking Poles, $120 (originally $170)
• Unisex daypack: Gregory Nano 16 Pack, $48 (originally $65)
• Gregory Nano Waistpack, $33 (originally $45)
• Patagonia Terravia Pack 14-liter, $83 (originally $119)
• Hands-free phone holder: Nathan Super 5K Smartphone Armband, $16 (originally $25)
• Alps Mountaineering Cirrus Hammock, $53 (originally $70)
• Backpacking pack: Osprey Women’s Unltd Antigravity 64 Pack, $454 (originally $700)
• Mammut Women’s Ducan Spine 28-35 Pack, $146 (originally $225)

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