Summer is in full swing, and REI’s Fourth of July Sale — which runs from June 24 to July 4 — is a great time to save on top-rated outdoor products.
Summer is upon us, and for many outdoor enthusiasts, that means spending more time outside doing what we love most, like biking, camping, and hiking.
Quality gear certainly doesn’t come cheap, but REI’s Fourth of July Sale — which kicks off on Friday, June 24, and runs through Monday, July 4 — is a great chance to save on big-ticket items for your upcoming adventures.
Below, we outline the dates and details of REI’s Fourth of July Sale and break down our favorite discounted items, from vehicle accessories like hitch racks and rooftop cargo boxes to tents, sleep systems, backpacks, footwear, and more.
Shop the REI Fourth of July Sale
REI Fourth of July Sale: Dates and Details
From June 24 through July 4, you can shop in-store, at REI.com, or through the online REI Outlet and save up to 50% on marked-down items from top brands like Thule, Yakima, Merrell, Marmot, REI Co-op, and many more.
In addition, members get $10 off Outlet purchases of $50 or more with the code OUT4JULY22 (online only; valid June 30 to July 4). Below, we outline some of our top picks for on-sale gear, including bike racks, hiking boots, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and more.
Save Up to 40% Off
Thule T2 Pro XTR 2-Bike Hitch Rack: 20% Off
Thule is an irrefutable leader in the hitch-mounted bike rack market, and the brand’s flagship T2 Pro XTR is one of the most premium and well-built designs available in 2022. The rack’s user-friendly tilt feature is best-in-class, providing quick and easy access to the rear of the vehicle, and its versatile carrying system is compatible with a wide range of wheel and tire sizes without an adapter (not always the case in this category).
The T2 Pro XTR also includes all the features you’d expect at this price point, including a wobble-free build, robust attachment system, integrated lock, and even a set of wheels at the base for easier shuttling to and from the garage. Cost is often the biggest downside to this high-end rack, but at a significant $160 discount during the Fourth of July Sale, the T2 Pro XTR is worth a serious look. And if you want the ability to haul more bikes, the optional 2-Bike Add-On is also 20% off through July 4.
Yakima SkyBox 18 Carbonite Roof Box: 20% Off
Yakima’s SkyBox is one of the most ubiquitous rooftop cargo boxes on the market — we see it on more vehicles than any other carrier. One big reason is the SkyBox’s manageable size, which fits most vehicles but retains ample capacity for skis and bulky camping equipment. It’s also very user-friendly with access points by both the driver and passenger sides and easy, tool-free setup and removal.
Finally, the aerodynamic shape that tapers at the rear does a great job at minimizing road noise and the impact on gas mileage, which is a common concern for many first-time buyers. All in all, it’s a rugged and reliable hauler at a good value, and the 20%-off discount only adds to the widespread appeal. Note: All Yakima racks and cargo boxes (with the exception of the EXO) are marked down by 20% during the sale period.
Marmot Limestone 6P Tent: 25% Off
Camping used to be synonymous with “roughing it,” but tents have certainly become more luxurious of late, with high-capacity designs offering impressive livability and comfort for families and large groups. Marmot’s Limestone 6P is case in point: It boasts ample sleeping space for six (or four if you like to spread out), is easy to pitch, and has a mesh-heavy build that vents well on warm summer days.
In addition to its generous 83-square-foot floor area, the Limestone’s tall 76-inch peak height and pre-bent poles do a great job at maximizing roominess with sidewalls that stretch up and away. This does create a bit of a sail-like effect in strong winds, but the Limestone’s full-coverage rainfly, taut DAC pole structure, and seam taping provide adequate protection in most three-season conditions. Smaller families and groups may want to consider the four-person variation, which is also 25% off through July 4.
Camp Chef Everest 2X Stove: 25% Off
It’s hard to beat a home-cooked meal in the backcountry, and Camp Chef’s Everest 2X is an excellent tool for the job with a competitive combination of cooking power, convenience, and reliability. This stove won Best Overall Camping Stove in our best camping stove review.
In terms of output, you get two large burners that pump out plenty of heat (20,000 BTUs each) but also have excellent simmer control for cooking more diverse and intricate meals. Other helpful features include a three-sided windscreen for fending off gusts and a push-button ignition that keeps your hands safe from large bursts of flame and makes the prep process a bit quicker.
All of the smaller details are equally well-sorted, including locking metal latches at each side, a stainless steel drip tray for easy cleanup, and a sturdy carry handle. All two-burner stoves are discounted during the REI sale, but Everest is our favorite all-around design on the market.
Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots — Men’s & Women’s: 25% Off
Merrell’s signature Moab has been our top-rated value boot for years, combining a lightweight and comfortable feel at a very approachable price point. For a reasonable $145 MSRP and around $109 during the sale, you get excellent out-of-the-box comfort with generous padding, good flexibility, and an accommodating but secure fit.
The Moab is also impressively well-made for the price, including a reliable lacing system, decent toe and heel protection, and a hardwearing build with trusty Vibram outsoles and an in-house waterproof membrane. Added up, it’s an enticing deal for day hikers and lightweight backpackers who stick mostly to maintained trails.
Of note: The entire Moab 2 collection is 25% off through July 4, including both low and mid variations with or without waterproofing, as well as an upgraded mid-height boot with proven GORE-TEX waterproofing.
Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 Rooftop Tent: 20% Off
Rooftop tents have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, providing a quicker and more convenient alternative to standard tents for those with carrying capabilities. They’re a steep investment at well over $2,000 for premium models (and rarely go on sale), but Thule’s Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 stands out as an excellent value at around $400 off MSRP during the discount period.
The 37.3-square-foot interior is generous and comfortably sleeps three (the two-person Ayer is also 20% off through July 4), the materials are tough and put up a solid defense against rain and wind, and the wide ceiling and steep sidewalls provide more headroom (52 inches at the peak) than most softshell tents. For a boost in interior space, Thule’s 47.4-square-foot Tepui Explorer Autana 3 is also discounted during the sale (from $2,500 to around $2,000).
REI Co-op Men’s Trailbreak 20 and Women’s Trailbreak 20: 50% Off (Members Only)
Quality backpacking gear can get very pricey, but REI’s Trailbreak 20 stands out as an excellent value in the sleeping bag market. For just $55 during the Fourth of July Sale ($109 regularly), the Trailbreak offers good three-season warmth with a 20-degree temperature rating and synthetic fill that will continue to insulate if the bag gets wet (down clumps up and loses its insulating properties when exposed to moisture).
Additionally, the mummy shape nicely balances heat retention and comfort with a little more room at the shoulders and hips than most standard backpacking designs. And REI didn’t skimp on features, including a lofty hood, draft tube to seal out cold air, DWR finish to fend off light moisture, and even differently shaped drawcords (1 round and 1 flat) for easy adjustments in the dark. The Trailbreak certainly isn’t the lightest option available at well over 3 pounds, but it’s all casual backpackers need at an unbeatable price.
Kelty PerfectFIT Elite Child Carrier: 25% Off
For hitting the trail with a little one in tow, baby carrier packs make it easy and comfortable to shuttle a child and gear. And Kelty’s Journey PerfectFIT Elite stands out as one of the most well-equipped options on the market in 2022. Also offered in base and mid-range Signature options (both of which are also 25% off during the Fourth of July Sale), the Elite model here is Kelty’s top-end design and checks most of the boxes we look for in a premium child carrier.
The namesake suspension system allows you to quickly dial in fit by pulling on two straps at the back panel, and the feature set is well-sorted with multiple grab handles and pockets (including a separate compartment for dirty clothes and gear), an integrated sunshade, and a wide seat with adjustable stirrups and removable drool pad. It’s a sizable investment at $340 MSRP, but buying during the sale will save you a significant $85.
REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent: 30% Off
Marmot’s Limestone above is a great pick for campers who get out in mostly fair weather, but for stalwart protection in heavy rain and wind, we turn to REI Co-op’s Base Camp 6. Taking cues from mountaineering designs, the Base Camp’s dome shape and overlapping pole system offer great resistance against strong gusts while still providing enough headroom and interior space to move around comfortably.
As expected from such a burly design, the Base Camp’s fabrics are also noticeably tough and confidence-inspiring, including a thick floor that’s coated for added resistance to snags and punctures. And the rest of the design is equally well-executed with functional additions including two roof vents, plenty of interior pockets, and even reflective detailing to help you see the tent in the dark. Fair-weather campers will likely prefer the more open interior of the Limestone above, but the Base Camp offers a major step up in protection for those who get out in rough and rowdy conditions.
Lander Boulder Rechargeable Lantern + Power Bank: 25% Off
Camping lanterns certainly have come a long way over the past few decades, with modern designs boasting impressive integrated tech and charging capabilities. Lander’s Boulder Rechargeable Lantern + Power Bank is a shining example of the ongoing innovation within the market: You can control adjust settings and swap between lighting modes via the free smartphone app, the lantern comes with four ports for charging multiple devices at once, and the rechargeable battery is both convenient (no need to pack spare alkalines) and long-lasting (average run time is listed at 300 hours).
A final noteworthy feature is the proximity lighting function, which automatically adjusts intensity based on how close you are to the lantern. You do pay a pretty steep premium for all of the fun tech, but $30 off during the sale period is a respectable saving for such a thoughtfully built design.
REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair: 50% Off (Members Only)
REI’s ever-growing Flexlite collection has become very popular in the camping chair realm, and the Air slots in as the lightest and most compact design in the lineup. Sporting the same pole structure as the standard Flexlite, the Flexlite Air incorporates a lighter fabric and slightly smaller dimensions to trim away an impressive 11 ounces, checking in at just 1 pound total. These changes do have a negative impact on overall stability and comfort, but for those who want to go compact or add backpacking to the mix, the weight savings and small packed size are big upsides.
Comfort-seekers and those who exclusively car camp should also check out the rest of the Flexlite collection — including the high-back Flexlite Camp Dreamer — as well as REI’s popular Camp X series (members get 50% off all REI furniture through July 4).
Solo Stove Bonfire Fire Pit: 25% Off
Solo Stove is well-known in the camping world for its portable fire pits, which deliver a hot and efficient flame in a sleek and modern package. The Bonfire Fire Pit here is the brand’s mid-range model and the most versatile option for most: At 14 x 19.5 inches and 20 pounds, it’s large enough to use at home for backyard gatherings but still manageable to bring on camping trips or while tailgating.
It’s true that many campgrounds already have fire rings available, but the Bonfire minimizes smoke (there are vent holes near the top) and burns fuel faster and hotter, allowing ash to neatly pool in the catch can rather than scattering around camp. All in all, it’s a thoughtful and streamlined design that takes most of the fuss out of the campfire process. Solo Stove’s smaller Ranger and larger Yukon are also 25% off through July 4, which may be better options depending on your space and weight preferences.
REI Co-op Men’s Traverse 60 and Women’s Traverse 60: 30% Off (Members Only)
Backpacking packs run the gamut from targeted ultralight designs for thru-hiking to large and burly models for shuttling heavy loads. REI’s Traverse 60 slots into the latter category, combining a full feature set and excellent durability for multi-day backcountry missions. Highlights include a thick ripstop nylon construction, top lid that quickly converts into a daypack, large and easy-to-access zippered hipbelt pockets, and an included rain cover.
Those who like to customize external organization will also appreciate REI’s innovative Packmod compression straps and daisy chain system, and dialing in fit is easy thanks to the pack’s four size options and generous adjustability at the torso and waist. The Traverse does fall short of many modern designs in terms of ventilation and carrying comfort, but at around $160 during the sale, it’s an undeniably good value — especially for those who are hard on their gear.
Shimano ME5 Mountain Bike Shoes: 25% Off
Shimano is best known for its quality mountain bike components, but its shoes are similarly well-built, including the popular ME5 here. Versatility is a clear hallmark: This do-everything design has proven to be our favorite one-quiver clipless shoe for anything from rough trail rides in the Pacific Northwest to all-day epics.
It can put the power down on punchy climbs thanks to its moderately rigid platform, but comfort is still good with decent padding along the interior and a light and breathable feel. We also love the fit system, which consists of an easy-to-adjust Boa dial and single Velcro closure across the toes. Taken together, we consider the ME5 the best all-rounder on the market. If you need something a little more protective and weather-ready for enduro racing and downhill tracks, the ME7 is also 25% off.
Other Details on the REI Co-op Fourth of July Sale
There are a few ways to buy during REI’s Fourth of July Sale. If you live near a brick-and-mortar REI, you can shop in-store. This is a great way to try on gear and clothing in person and make sure you’re getting the right fit. If an item is not in stock at your store, a sales representative can place the order for you online — you’ll have the option of picking it up in-store or having it shipped to your home address.
Alternatively, you can go online and make your purchases either on REI.com or through the REI Outlet (remember, you can use a $10-off coupon for the Outlet if you spend $50 or more). Most shipping is free on orders over $50 (members get free standard shipping regardless of the total), and you also have the option of sending your order to your local store for free pickup. Regardless of how you choose to shop, all items are covered by REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and can be returned either by mail or in-store within one year of purchase for members (non-members have a 90-day return window).
Shop the REI Fourth of July Sale
This article is sponsored by REI Co-op. Check out the entire Fourth of July Sale online.
