The Gear Our Editors Are Buying During Cyber Week

Published November 25, 2017 12:00AM

REI's Cyber Week sale ends December 3. We had our editors scour the merchandise to pick out the best stuff—all of it discounted right now at up to 50 percent off.

REI Co-op Knit Cap ($15; 40 percent off)

REI's knit cap is a simple winter hat that gets the job done. It's super soft but doesn't contain any cotton making it usable in the sleet or snow. Buy a couple and throw one in your car in case you ever need back up. –Luke Whelan, assistant editor

Eagle Creek Travel Ear Plug Set ($9; 20 percent off)

The perfect stocking stuffer! I always get seated on the wing when I fly and these babies will keep out the annoying drone. (And send a message to my seatmate that I’d rather just keep it a quiet flight—is that rude?) Plus, with that fluorescent yellow color, I’m never going to lose them. –Tasha Zemke, copy editor

Gerber Freescape Hatchet ($33; 40 percent off)

The neon handle accent makes this handy campfire companion easy to find in the dark. –Aleta Burchyski, copy director

REI Flash 18 Pack ($25; 37 percent off)

A good daypack should be simple and cheap. For most quick after work hikes, you don't need a frame or tons of pockets—or the massive price tag they come with. In other words, you want the REI Flash 18 pack. It has just enough room to carry a few extra layers, water, a snack, and a pocket for your phone and keys. –Scott Rosenfield, digital editorial director

Smartwool Jitterbug Socks ($24; 40 percent off)

I can confidently tell you that the best presents to give your millennial children are a) underwear and b) socks. Why? Because most of us don't like doing laundry and they're arguably the two most essential essentials there are. In other words, you can't have enough! Smartwool is by far my favorite sock brand out there. I love their entire offering, but the Jitterbug model is great for everyday wear under boots. –J.E.

Yeti Rambler 26-Ounce Vacuum Bottle ($30; 25 percent off)

Simple, Burly. Keeps coffee hot and water cold. That's really all I need. –Will Egensteiner, associate editor

Edelweiss Flashlight II 10mm Climbing Rope ($75; 50 percent off)

I've been on the hunt lately for a rope I can use strictly in the gym. The Flashlight II fits the bill since its relatively thick diameter will hold up to plenty of lead falls while projecting an indoor route. And if your local gym has short walls (like mine), simply cut the rope in half for two 30-meter cords you can whale on day-in and day-out. At this price, you won't feel bad doing so. –W.E.

Yaktrax Pro Traction System ($18; 40 percent off)

Running on snowy trails and icy roads is just easier with these. If you don't have a pair but plan on running in winter weather, this is a great time to pull the trigger. –Svati Narula, assistant social media editor

Eno OneLink Hammock Shelter System with DoubleNest Hammock ($109; 50 percent off)

If you're going to hammock camp, do it in luxury. At 4.5 pounds, this hammock and shelter comes with a bug net, rain tarp, and suspension straps. –Nathan Allen, editorial assistant

Black Diamond Gizmo Headlamp ($10; 50 percent off)

Hydro Flask Coffee Flask ($20; 25 percent off)

I love the Yeti Rambler. But I'm open-minded when it comes to insulated beverage vessels. And there's not writing about mugs without bringing up the Hydro Flask 20 oz coffee flask. In short, it's perfect for coffee. It keeps things warm. It's easy to clean. And the finish is nice and durable. Plus, the only thing trendier than Yeti today is probably Hydro Flask. –S.R.

Eagle Creek Specter Tech Small Cube ($12; 20 percent off)

A perk of the job: travel. A downside of the job: packing. That's where Eagle Creek's Pack-It cubes come in. I'm partial to the Specter Tech line, but really any of their options work great. The key is creating a system. For me, that's undergarments in the small cubes, riding gear and workout gear in the medium cubes, and workwear in the large cubes. –S.R.

REI Co-op Quarter-Zip Tech Shirt ($24; 40 percent off)

REI carries hundreds of amazing outdoor brands, but the gem hiding in plain sight is their house Co-op brand. I bought this quarter-zip as a kind of random purchase two years ago, and it's become one of my favorite layers for both hot and cold weather because it's lightweight and wicks away moisture. It goes everywhere with me, from the gym to the crag to the campsite. Definitely an essential in my book. –J.E.

REI Co-op Logo Beanie ($10; 40 percent off)

REI's knit beanies are simple, durable, and come in many non-showy colors, making them a good entry point for the hat-shy like myself. My roommate and I each bought one in the same color at the same time (and we later discovered two other friends had the exact same beanies). This hat is so good we all just embraced being matchy-matchy. –Erin Berger, associate editor

Perception Pilot 12.0 Kayak ($1,529; 15 percent off)

With plenty of storage, molded rod holders, gear tracks, retractable pedal drive, steering-rudder, and ample stability for stand-up fishing, it’s no wondering I’ve been daydreaming about this decked-out fishing kayak. And fly fishermen need not worry. The pedal drive is removable so you won’t tangle while stripping line. –N.H.

Nikon Aculon T11 Compact Zoom Binoculars ($100; 39 percent off)

This is one of the best deals REI has going on hardware. And I love their compact size and minimal weight, which means they won’t add much heft to my pack–or tire out my neck when I’m hiking around for hours scoping out birds. Bonus: You can use them without taking off your glasses. In a word: practical. –T.Z.

Trigger Point Performance Nano Foot Roller ($19; 25 percent off)

At just ten ounces and not much wider than, well, your foot, this roller can be taken with you just about anywhere. For those with frequent foot cramps—whether that be from sitting in an office chair all day, getting out of a cramped ski boot, or returning for a run—it's hard to beat. In a pinch, it's adaptable for legs and arms as well. And the relief goes beyond just the physical; in the office, it can work as a stress ball for your feet. –W.F.

Thule Snowpack 4 Ski Carrier ($176; 20 percent off)

I’ve used this ski carrier for the past four years and it’s never let me down. It fits on most factory bars and has oversized unlock buttons that are easy to use with gloves.– Ben Fox, assistant editor

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent ($130; 40 percent off)

A rare commodity these days: a two-person tent that actually sleeps two people. I have tents that are much lighter, but I find myself pulling this one off the shelf most times. –B.F.

Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottles ($26; 25 percent off)

The best water bottle I own. It will keep your hot beverages toasty for up to six hours. –B.F.

REI Co-op Flexlite Chair ($50; 40 percent off)

Lightweight, packable, and easy to set up, the Flexlite is a staple of my car camping set up. –B.F.

REI Co-op Talus Mountain Jacket ($100; 50 percent off)

If you’re looking for one jacket to wear all winter long, no matter the activity, the Talus is it. The two-layer polyester shell is waterproof, breathable, while lightweight synthetic insulation adds warmth. –B.F.

Trigger Point Performance Grid Mini foam roller ($19; 25 percent off)

REI Co-op Tech T-Shirt ($12; 40 percent off)

I run pretty much every day, and I'm constantly trying out new running apparel. I have several of these shirts, and I'm consistently impressed by how well these perform, even on hot, long mileage days. I'll probably snag a few more. –Molly Mirhashem, associate editor

Smartwool Men's Diamond Jim Socks ($24; 40 percent off)

With cozy crew-style and supportive arch braces that fit the shape of your feet over time, these 58% merino socks will wick moisture from between your toes. There isn't a more comfortable pair on Earth. –R.S.