REI is a top destination for outdoor gear, including running shoes, rain apparel and camping gear. Today marks the start of REI’s Member Month Sale, which takes place March 14-21 (sign up for the membership here). The sale includes member-exclusive deals up to 20% off on full-price items. Customers can also get deals on items from REI Outlet (the brand’s clearance and end-of-season vertical) and Re/Supply, which is REI’s used gear catalog.
With these details in mind, it makes sense to wonder if it’s really worth signing up for an REI membership. Below, I explain why the membership is worth it, how to sign up and, most importantly, how to reap all of the benefits from REI’s Member Month Sale.
SKIP AHEAD Is an REI membership worth it? | What is included in REI’s Member Month Sale? | The best deals from REI’s Member Month Sale | More deals from REI’s Member Month sale | Why trust NBC Select?
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Is an REI membership worth it?
Yes, an REI membership is worth it, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors during warmer months. It costs just $30, which you pay one time to maintain the membership for life. There are no renewal fees and you get several benefits and rewards monthly and annually, like 10% back on eligible purchases from top brands throughout the year, a 100% satisfaction guarantee that allows you to return items up to a year after purchasing, reduced pricing on bike and snow shop services and REI Co-op classes and events.
What is included in REI’s Member Month Sale?
During the sale, REI members get benefits like 20% off a full-price item and an extra 20% off an REI Outlet item, 20% off a Re/Supply item, an extra 20% off premium bike and snow shop services (in addition to the discounts that members normally get) and 20% off Woom Original bikes.
What to buy during REI’s Member Month Sale
To receive discounts on the full-price items below, you have to sign up for an REI membership. Keep in mind that some of the items below are full-price items at REI while others are discounted at REI Outlet, which are eligible for an extra 20% off with a membership. Items at REI that are already discounted aren’t eligible for additional discounts.
Bogs Kicker Rain Chelsea II Rain Boots (Women’s)
The Bogs Kicker Chelsea rain boots (also available in men’s sizes) are stylish, functional and a must-have ahead of the rainy season. They’re 100% water-resistant, the uppers are made from flexible rubber and the gores on the sides make it easy to slip your feet in and out of them, according to the brand. Plus, the boots hit just above the ankle, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll interfere with the hem of your pants.
Brooks Catamount Trail-Running Shoes (Men’s)
The Brooks Catamount trail-running shoes (also available in women’s sizes) are ideal for any runner that prefers to avoid the pavement or road. The uppers are made from a single layer of flexible mesh that let’s air in and prevents your feet from overheating. The rubber outsoles have high traction, even under slippery or dry conditions, according to Brooks.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS Sneaker (Women’s)
In his roundup of the best running shoes for men, NBC Select reporter and runner Harry Rabinowitz named the Brooks Adrenaline Sneakers as the best running shoes with arch support. Experts he spoke to say that the shoes have particularly supportive arches and guard rails, which keep the back of your feet in place as you run. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the Adrenaline GTS sneakers are perfect for road running since they have moderate cushioning, flexible mesh uppers and a midsole with soft foam that supports your heels with each step you take, according to Brooks.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 Road-Running Shoes (Men’s)
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 road-running shoes have cushioned rubber outsoles that help your feet land softly on the ground with each stride, according to the brand. The uppers are made from breathable mesh and fit securely around your feet without completely restraining them. The bottom of the outsoles have traction to prevent slipping, too.
Rabinowitz tested the Gel-Nimbus 27 and loves how soft they feel on his feet. “With less cushioned shoes, I sometimes get knee pain on longer runs. That’s never happened with these shoes,” he says. “All the touch points of this shoe are comfy. I particularly like the soft knit extra padding around the ankle.” The shoes are also available in women’s sizes.
Chaco Mega Z Cloud Sandals (Men’s)
The Chaco Mega Z Cloud sandals, which also come in women’s sizes, are perfect for the spring season. The sandals’ midsoles are made of arch-supporting polyurethane material that keeps the feet steady, according to the brand. They have criss-crossing straps made from flexible polyester jacquard that’s water-resistant, according to Chaco.
Smartwool Bike Zero Cushion Wolf Print Crew Socks
If you’re planning on doing any type of cycling or bike-riding once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need a pair of comfortable yet breathable socks, like these from Smartwool. They’re made from merino wool, which has antibacterial and odor-resistant properties. The socks are thick enough to protect your feet as you move, but thin enough to let your feet and toes breathe, which helps avoid conditions like athlete’s foot. They’re available in small, medium and large sizes.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Hiking Shoes (Men’s)
Before heading to a local trail or booking a trip to the mountains, be sure to bring a reliable pair of hiking shoes like the Merrell Moab Speed 2, which keep your feet cool and stable. The uppers are made of flexible mesh and have an abrasion-resistant heel and toe cap to avoid accidental rips. The outsoles are made of a high-traction rubber, which helps make walking along rocky terrain safer. Plus, the tongues have a built-in loop, so you can easily slip them on or attach them to a bag.
Osprey Daylite Tote Pack
The Osprey Daylite Tote Pack is a combination of a traditional tote bag and a compact yet spacious backpack. The bag has a 20-liter capacity and two straps on the back that let you carry it like a backpack. If you prefer the tote bag design with the top straps only, you can hide the back straps inside a pocket. The inside has a sleeve that fits a 14-inch laptop and doubles as a pocket to hold a hydration pack (not included), according to the brand. It also has a mesh water bottle pocket on each side, a zippered pocket on the front with a loop and a sternum strap on the front for added support.
More deals to shop during REI’s Member Month Sale
The items below are a mix of products on sale at REI and ones on sale at REI Outlet, which are eligible for additional discounts for REI members.
- Up to 19% off Hoka Clifton 9 Road-Running Shoes in women’s and men’s
- Up to 25% off On Cloud 5 Shoes in men’s and women’s
- Up to 30% off Brooks Glycerin 21 Road-Running Shoes in women’s and men’s
- Up to 29% off Smith Ruckus ChromaPop Sunglasses
- Up to 24% off The North Face Dotknit Thermal Quarter-Zip Pullover
- Up to 25% off Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Mountain Pattern Crew Socks
- Up to 24% off The North Face ThermoBall Eco Insulated Jacket 2.0
- Up to 25% off Marmot PreCip Eco Pro Rain Jacket in men’s and women’s
- Up to 25% off Osprey Daylite Pack
- Up to 25% off Marmot Men’s Refuge Pants
- Up to 39% off Patagonia Pack Out Tights
- Up to 33% off GCI Outdoor Eazy Chair
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I regularly write about deals and sale events at retailers, including REI. I’ve covered several of REI’s annual sales in the past and constantly monitor the brand’s site for the best deals on footwear, outdoor gear and more. I included information regarding REI’s Member Month Sale in this article and researched sale-eligible items on REI’s site.
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