REI best products | CNN


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Summer is here, and if you’re trying to get out and about in nature, chances are you’re going to take a trip to REI. Going to the store in a rush because you’ve just decided you’ll go camping this weekend is something of a rite of passage and whether you’re hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, kayaking, or biking, you probably were already in one point.

With more people going outside, we’ve made a decision to capitalize on all of our years of shopping at REI and put together some of our favorite purchases of all time. Below is equipment that we have personally used (some of our items are unavailable or are being discontinued, in which case we found a similar item from the same brand) for hiking, climbing, camping and more.

Eno SingleNest Hammock ($ 49.95; rei.com)

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Eno SingleNest hammock

We are always looking for opportunities for a good hammock session and whether on our balcony or on the campsite, there is nothing better than dozing off in a hammock. This one from Eno is super sturdy, holds up to 400 pounds, and comes in a solid color choice. If you want even more space, opt for the larger Eno DoubleNest hammock, which offers enough space for two people.

Eno Atlas Hammock Suspension System ($ 29.95; rei.com)

Eno Atlas hammock suspension system

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Eno Atlas hammock suspension system

The only downside to the Eno hammock is that the suspension system is not included. The straps are absolutely necessary for hanging up the hammock, but they are super easy to assemble and pack very small.

Camp Chef Teton 2-burner stove ($ 149; rei.com)

Camp Chef Teton 2-burner stove Sto

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Camp Chef Teton 2-burner stove Sto

We’ve had a now-discontinued Camp Chef stove for a little over a year, and it has definitely set the course. Having a stove big enough for two large pots or pans was crucial when we cooked for 10 people during a week-long trip. This Teton stove is a scaled down version of the stove we offer, but still offers plenty of space for your standard pans. Plus, the oven is super light and portable, so you can use it in the garden when you want to get some fresh air for dinner.

GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp Stove ($ 27.95; rei.com)

GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp stove

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GSI Outdoors Glacier Camp stove

While the Camp Chef cooker is great if you have a lot of cooking to do when camping alone or with just one other person, it’s a bit of an overkill. We love this GSI stove for smaller camping kitchens. It’s not as small as an MSR Pocket Rocket, but its large burner gives you plenty of room to balance your cookware. Plus, you can adjust the flame strength so you can do everything from boiling water in minutes to simmering it over low heat.

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Pan ($ 39.95; rei.com)

GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Pan

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GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Pan

If you plan to cook at the campsite, you can definitely bring your cookware from home, but it will likely take up a lot of space and may experience a little extra wear and tear. For this reason, we think it’s a good idea to get a separate pan just for camping. The GSI pan we have is no longer carried at REI, but it has a hinged handle like this one so it takes up much less space when packing.

REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack ($ 39.95; rei.com)

REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack

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REI Co-op Flash 18 Pack

This is one of our most popular daypacks because whether you use it for a day at the campsite or a strenuous hike, it has everything you need. It opens and closes in a snap with a quick pull drawstring, it has a chest strap, and it even has a case for a water reservoir so you can stay hydrated without having to stop and pull out your water bottle every 10 minutes.

TheTentLab The Deuce # 2 UL Backcountry Blade ($ 19.95; rei.com)

TheTentLab The Deuce # 2 UL Backcountry Blade

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TheTentLab The Deuce # 2 UL Backcountry Blade

If you’ve been out in the woods long enough, you have to poop. And while many campsites have toilets, sometimes nature calls unexpectedly and you have to dig a hole. So it’s always a good idea to have some toilet paper and a tried and tested trowel in your backpack because believe us, it’s way better than the alternative. This ultra-light trowel is extremely thin and fits practically anywhere in your backpack, so you are always prepared.

Osprey Men’s Aether 65 Pack ($ 280; rei.com)

Osprey men's ether pack of 65

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Osprey men’s ether pack of 65

We love backpacking trips, but if you want to hike and camp in the middle of the forest, you need a great backpack. We love this one from Osprey because it offers plenty of storage space, the weight is distributed incredibly comfortably and the upper part of the backpack can even be removed and converted into a small daypack.

Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair ($ 129.95; rei.com)

Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair

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Big Agnes Mica Basin Camp Chair

Camping chairs are a must if you are going to be in the woods for long periods of time. Sure, you can find a rock or log to sit on, but it’s often uncomfortable and the lack of back support isn’t ideal after a long day of hiking. We use a slightly smaller, lighter version of this camping chair that is currently out of stock, but this one is similarly easy to assemble and super light, making it a breeze to carry in your backpack or down the block to the beach. There is also a version with cup holders to keep your drink close at hand.

Altra Lone Peak Hiker men’s hiking boots ($ 140; rei.com)

Altra Lone Peak Hiker men's hiking boots

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Altra Lone Peak Hiker men’s hiking boots

After we started backpacking in 2020, we spent a long time trying to find the perfect hiking shoe. We have used traditional walking shoes in the past, but we never liked the heavy, chunky design. Trail running shoes were tempting, but carrying a heavy backpack made ankle support a necessity. Then we found the Altra Lone Peak Hikers who are a perfect combination of hiking shoe and trail runner. They’re lightweight, super comfortable, and have an oversized toe box to keep your toes puffy after a long day on the trail.

Nemo Dagger 2 tent ($ 429.95; rei.com)

Nemo Dagger 2 tent

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Nemo Dagger 2 tent

This is by far the best tent we have ever owned. It’s perfect for backpacking, weighs less than 4 pounds, but doesn’t take down space. Sometimes two-person tents are not as spacious as they sound, and when two people actually sleep in them, you cuddle up all night. However, the dagger has more than enough room for two people to sleep comfortably and even has extra space for equipment. In addition, it has two massive vestibules for the rest of your belongings so you can protect it from the weather, and it’s incredibly easy and quick to set up.

Black Diamond ReVolt 350 headlamp ($ 64.95; rei.com)

Black Diamond ReVolt 350 headlamp

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Black Diamond ReVolt 350 headlamp

We love this headlamp for one important reason: it’s compatible with both a rechargeable battery and conventional AAAs. This feature is so great because using a rechargeable battery means you don’t have to constantly waste batteries, but when your headlamp runs out of juice in the woods, you can insert AAAs and not have to worry about recharging the battery right away.

Scarpa Drago men’s climbing shoes ($ 189; rei.com)

Scarpa Drago men's climbing shoes

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Scarpa Drago men’s climbing shoes

As avid climbers, we loved these shoes from Scarpa. They are soft and relatively comfortable for such an aggressive shoe. If you’re new to climbing, check out the La Sportiva Finales, a more roomy and much more comfortable shoe.

Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket ($ 149; rei.com)

Patagonia Men's Torrentshell 3L Jacket

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Patagonia Men’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket

Our winner for the best rain jacket of 2021, the Patagonia Torrentshell is an amazingly waterproof, packable and durable jacket. We have been using it for months now and have no complaints.

Yeti Rambler Vacuum Bottle with Chug Cap ($ 40; rei.com)

Yeti Rambler vacuum bottle with chug cap

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Yeti Rambler vacuum bottle with chug cap

In the hot months we really can’t stand drinking room temperature or warm water. Especially when hiking outdoors, there’s nothing like a sip of ice-cold water to cool you off. For this reason, we also have a double-insulated water bottle from Yeti with us when backpacking, if it is important to save weight. You’ll still have ice at the end of a long, hot day and we’ve found the Rambler bottle to be more durable than other double-walled insulated options.

Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket ($ 99; rei.com)

Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket

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Rumpl Original Puffy Recycled Blanket

We recently tested the Rumpl adventure blanket and are absolutely delighted with its warm, durable construction. Even when we’re not camping, the Rumpl is our first choice for a movie night on the couch.

Swiss Army Explorer Knife with Pouch ($ 52; rei.com)

Swiss army explorer knife with pocket

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Swiss army explorer knife with pocket

A Swiss Army Knife is an absolute must for us. Even if the knife blade is not very large, the number of useful tools that you will find on the little little thing just can’t be beaten. Our favorite tools are the can opener, the corkscrew (you never know when to open a bottle of wine!) And the scissors.

Ruffwear Grip Trex dog boots ($ 37.50; rei.com)

Ruffwear Grip Trex dog boots

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Ruffwear Grip Trex dog boots

Obviously, when you go outside you will want to bring your pup with you. We use these dog boots not only for hiking but also for the dirty streets of New York City.

Ruffwear Highlands dog sleeping bag (from $ 99.95; rei.com)

Ruffwear Highlands dog sleeping bag

Kai Burkhardt / CNN

Ruffwear Highlands dog sleeping bag

This sleeping bag can keep your puppy warm and cozy in the woods, but honestly, our dog uses it more often as a second dog bed in the house. It’s durable and water-repellent so you don’t have to worry about your furry friend ruining it.

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