REI doesn't have sales often, but REI loyalists looking for a good sale on outdoor gear can expect deals from the retailer during the REI Anniversary Sale, their biggest sale of the year (even better than Black Friday). Everyone can find REI deals up to 25% off, with special offers for REI Co-op members. In 2026, it ran May 15 - 25, and we expect it to overlap with Memorial Day next year.
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The REI Anniversary Sale is an annual 11-day event with best-of-the-year prices on outdoor gear.
The REI Anniversary Sale is an annual event held by REI Co-op in May to celebrate the company's founding (way back in 1938). During this sale, REI offers significant discounts on a wide range of outdoor gear, equipment, clothing, and accessories from top brands.
REI members get exclusive deals, but non-members can find discounts too.
During the sale, everyone gets 25% off REI Co-op brand clothing and gear (and select other brands).
REI members receive additional special benefits in addition to that:
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20% off one full-price item
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20% off one REI outlet item
Not willing to cough up the $30 for a lifetime REI Co-op membership? We totally get it. There are still plenty of deals to shop during the REI Anniversary Sale for you. We're talking 20% off Thule and Yakima racks, 25% off KEEN footwear, 15% off BOTE paddleboards, and more. And of course we have all of the year-round REI discounts and strategies you can use during the sale to save more.
These coupons can be used in-store or online throughout the duration of the sale.
KCL predicts the next REI Anniversary Sale will run May 21 - 31, 2026.
The REI Anniversary Sale is an 11-day de facto Memorial Day sale. It has always started two Fridays before Memorial Day, and we think it'll repeat that timing next year.
Here are the last several years’ start dates for the REI Anniversary Sale:
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Friday, May 15, 2026
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Friday, May 16, 2025
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Friday, May 17, 2024
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Friday, May 19, 2023
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Friday, May 20, 2022
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Friday, May 21, 2021
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Friday, May 15, 2020
An REI Co-op membership costs $30 for life, so it can pay for itself over time.
So here's the thing — if you pay $30 for an REI Co-op membership, it means you're a member for life; it's not $30 per year. So if you think you can make back that $30 in a couple of REI purchases, your membership and savings are good for a long time. On top of that, as a member you get 10% back on all eligible REI purchases. This cash back comes in a lump sum once a year, but it does add up.
Plus, REI sometimes offers new members a $30 bonus card, which they can use toward their next purchase. Generally, the rule is that you have to spend at least $50 and buy a membership in the same transaction to get the $30 bonus card.
Use free in-store pickup on large items to avoid an oversized shipping charge.
REI orders of $60 or more generally ship for free, but there are exceptions. For example, if you order a bike online from REI.com, you're bound to incur an oversized shipping charge. These can hover around $200 per large item, which kind of negates the whole "free shipping" thing. Instead, choose free in-store pickup (or ship to store) at your nearest REI to avoid those added fees.
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