To state the obvious, hiking, camping, and simply being out in nature has a slew of health benefits, including decreasing stress and combatting brain fog. And this winter, REI—the retailer known for its wide array of outdoor apparel, gear, and footwear—wants to help you get outdoors more often with its Gear Up and Get Out sale—one of its biggest events of the year, ahead of Black Friday.

From now until November 23, you can save up to 30 percent off *thousands* of outdoor essentials, including clothing, warm accessories, dreamy footwear, and camping and hiking gear. And we do mean all the gear. If you’re an REI Co-Op member, the deals are even better; Members can save 20 percent on one full-priced item and an extra 20 percent on one REI Outlet item. Just used the code GEARUP23 at checkout.

Seriously, we could spend hours upon hours combing through the mega retailer’s seemingly limitless inventory (and we have! See here). But if you’re short on time or are mildly overwhelmed by all the options (understandable), we know just the people to ask. To get to the bottom of what’s really worth buying, we tapped REI employees to share their absolute favorite products included in the sale. That way, you can get straight to shopping, and in turn, outside faster. Happy trails!

Fitness

Hoka, Clifton 9 Road-Running Shoes — $109.00

Originally $145, now $109

Available sizes: 5 – 12, in half sizes and two widths 

Podiatrists love Hokas, and so do the people who work at REI. “I have been running in the Cliftons for a few iterations, and this most recent one is my favorite so far,” REI associate Hannah Kitterman. “The shoe is not so cushioned that I can’t feel my feet hitting the pavement so I can pay attention to my form, but it has enough that I can keep my mileage up on consecutive days.”

Colors: 10

Balega, Hidden Comfort Socks — $16.00

Available sizes: S – XL

“I like to run in either Balega socks or Feetures,” says  Kitterman. “Both of which wick the sweat away and have mild compression to help with blood flow. They also have many styles with varying degrees of cushioning and fibers so you can tailor the sock to your preference.” The Balega Hidden Comfort Socks pack extra cushioning everywhere you need it (even on the tops of your toes) for added protection and comfort with every step. And they come highly rated, with over 600 5-star ratings! Members can save 20 percent off with code GEARUP23. 

Colors: 4

Rabbit, Speed Leggy 4" Shorts — $60.00

Available sizes: XS-XL

New to REI, Rabbit specializes in high-performance running gear—and they’re a recent Kitterman favorite. “For long runs I like to wear something that will give me plenty of protection from chafing while still feeling lightweight,” she explains. “These Rabbit shorts are a new brand I have found to meet both of these requirements.” Made of a nylon/spandex blend, the Speed Leggy Shorts offer the perfect medium compression, and don’t ride up as you stride—a huge plus. Members can save 20 percent off with code GEARUP23. 

Colors: 2

Bodyglide, Anti-Chafe Formula Skin Protectant — $11.00

Another REI must-have, according to Kitterman? “Bodyglide,” she says. “Chafing is inevitable when running, but you can mitigate the severity with any lubricant. I always run with a small stick of body glide, no matter the weather or time of year.”  Bodyglide’s non-greasy, water and sweat-resistant formula contains aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe and moisturize skin—and it glides on just like deo. Members can save 20 percent off with code GEARUP23. 

REI Co-Op, Sahara T-Shirt — $21.00

Originally $30, now $21

Available sizes: XS-3XL

All REI-branded clothing, gear, and accessories are 30 percent off for the sale. If you had to narrow it down, try this tee. “This shirt is lightweight and moisture-wicking, but it is also softer than most synthetic shirts so it won’t abrade the skin like some will over time,” says Kiterman. The super soft shirt is a favorite among REI shoppers too, earning it a 4.8-star rating. It has a more tailored fit, unlike other boxy styles out there, so shoppers recommend sizing up for the most comfortable feel. 

Colors: 4

Janji, AFO Hyperlight Cap — $26.00

Originally $38, now $31

“Running on pavement always makes me sweat a little bit more, so I like to have a hat that helps with that,” Kitterman shares. Her pick? This lightweight cap by Janji. “This cap dries really quickly and also does not cinch down too tightly on my head when tightened, so I don’t end up having a headache by the end of the run.” Plus, it has a pliable foam brim that can be scrunched up and stuffed in your pocket or backpack in a pinch. 

All Janji clothes and accessories are 30 percent off for the sale.

Brooks, Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra — $35.00

Originally $50, now $35

Available sizes: 32 A/B-40 C/D

Not an employee pick, but one Ironman champion Meaghan Praznik, who previously called this her ‘holy grail’ sports bra. “It’s super breathable—the fabric is just like butter. There is no chafing, it’s thin yet supportive,” she told us.”If I do want to run just in my sports bra, I feel more comfortable because there’s more coverage, and it keeps me feeling really secure and locked in, but it’s also super lightweight.” Snag yours now while it’s on super sale and see what all the fuss is about.

Colors: 5

Salomon, Speedcross 6 Trail Runing Shoes — $105.00

Originally $140, now $104

Available sizes: 6-11, in half sizes

Another pick from Praznick is these trail running shoes, which are on major discount for the sale. “I do not own a shoe—trail or road—that is more comfortable than these. They’re amazing,” she told us. “I’ve done 50-mile trail runs in these, trail running camps in Crested Butte, and while my body was pretty shattered [throughout], my feet managed to feel fresh and comfortable.”

Colors: 4

Salomon, ADV Skin 5 Hydration Vest — $98.00

Originally $140, now $98

Available sizes: XS – L 

If you’re an endurance runner, Kitterman recommends investing in this Salomon Hydration Vest. “This is the best hydration vest I have used, it’s lightweight and dries quickly making it ideal for running in hotter/humid temperatures,” she explains. “It also has a ton of pockets to stuff with snacks and gear you might need. If you need to go on a longer run it also has the ability to add a reservoir into the back of the vest, giving you more water capacity.” 

Colors:2

Goodr, Circle Gs Polarized Sunglasses — $25.00

Kitterman swears by these polarized sunglasses by Goodr as a cool yet functional option that doesn’t break the bank. “Running on trails is a little more precarious than on the road, and I don’t like to run with items that are too expensive,” she says. “I like these Goodr sunglasses because of the price point, but also because they are so functional. They don’t slip off my nose and add some fun color to my run.” She’s not wrong—the Circle Gs come in a ton of bright color options (and neutrals, too). Members can save 20 percent off with code GEARUP23. 

Petzl, Swift RL Headlamp — $98.00

Originally $129, now $98

“I like to run on the trails at all times, but especially when the weather cools down in the fall so I like to run with a headlamp as it gets dark,” says Kitterman. We love a safety-conscious accessory! All Petzl headlamps are 25 percent off for the Get Up and Get Out event, so nab one STAT. 

Camping & Backpacking

Sea to Summit, Comfort Plus Insulated Air Sleeping Pad — $160.00

Originally $259, now $160

REI Co-op Sales and Service Specialist Mike Kreis says he always uses a sleeping pad under his sleeping bag on camping trips. “I love my Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Air Sleeping Pad,” he says. “Though it’s not exactly a cheap option.” But considering the Comfort Plus Pad’s duo-layered air chambers—which give you the flexibility to customize the density depending on the terrain—and the insulating technology that stops heat loss in its tracks, it might be worth the splurge. All other Sea to Summit sleeping pads and bags are 30 percent off. 

Exped, Mega Pillow — $45.00

Originally $60, now $45

“If I had to pick a pillow I would go with the Exped Mega Pillow,” says Kreis. The Exped features cozy fleece padding and a cushiony air core, giving you plenty of support. It can be attached to your sleeping pad with ease, it inflates quickly, and it comes with a handy carrying bag to keep it clean while you’re on the go. Bonus: the cover is removable and machine washable for effortless upkeep.

REI Co-Op, Flash Carbon Trekking Poles — $111.00

Originally $159, now $111

For improved stability on grueling hikes, Kreis says these trekking poles are a winner. “This pair offers a carbon pole design to reduce weight while still offering a cork grip,” he tells us. No matter the season or terrain, the adjustable, ultra-durable trekking poles can adapt in a pinch so you can conquer trails with confidence. They’re packable, too! 

Aquatabs, Water Purification Tablets — $15.00

“As someone who is very allergic to Iodine [which is often used to purify water] this is all I have ever used for the purification step!” explains Kreis. Perfect for backpacking trips or an at-home emergency kit, the individually packaged Aquatabs are so worth keeping on hand, according to REI shoppers—who say they work quickly and have a minimal taste. Members can save 20 percent off with the code GEARUP23. 

Garmin, inReach Mini 2 — $300.00

Originally $400, now $300

REI is packed with outdoorsy tech, of course—but the Garmin inReach GPS is Kreis’s top recommendation. Weighing in at only 3.5 ounces, it’s an effortless add to your backpack. But what’s even more unbelievable is all the tech wizardry inside. Use it to communicate from across the globe, track your route, and call for help in case of an emergency. Even when your cell service is down, the Garmin inReach keeps you connected—with its digital compass, map sharing function (which allows you to share your location coordinates with loved ones in real-time), and so so much more. 

Nemo, Hornet OSMO Ultralight 2P Tent — $430.00

The NEMO Hornet OSMO Ultralight Tent is Kreis’s go-to for camping trips because of its roomy interior that accommodates two people, and its lightweight design that doesn’t bog down your pack (seriously, it only weighs 2 pounds!). Once collapsed, it can even be split between two people thanks to its Divvy Cube stuff sack for truly effortless transport. What’s more, the brand’s proprietary polyester nylon ripstop fabric makes the Hornet OSMO its most water-repellent tent yet. Members can save 20 percent off with the code GEARUP23.