I've Been Camping for 10+ Years, and This Is What I'm Grabbing From REI's Spring Sale

With spring underway and summer fast approaching, I’m already drawing up a list of state parks I’d like to visit this camping season. If you’re doing the same, it’s probably also time to dust off your camping gear and make some upgrades now that REI’s sale on camping products is in full swing. As someone who’s camped for over 10 years, I know some of my gear is due for an  upgrade.

Right now, the retailer is taking up to 50% off bestselling products from Hydro Flask, MiiR, and more top brands. We’ve combed through for the best gear on sale, from a genius foldable pour-over coffee maker to a combination camping stove and grill, with deals starting at just $15.

The Best REI Spring Camping Deals

• Zempire 2-Burner Camping Stove, $150 (originally $279)
• Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle, $27 (originally $50)
• Hydro Flask Cooler Cup, $15 (originally $25)
• Full Windsor Magnetic Flatware Set, $24 (originally $35)
• Gerber Flatiron Folding Knife, $40 (originally $57)
• Gsi Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset, $93 (originally $125)
• Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair, $108 (originally $200)
• Black Diamond Onsight Headlamp, $33 (originally $60)
• Rumpl Sherpa Fleece Puffy Blanket, $104 (originally $149)
• MiiR Pourigami, $22 (originally $30)

Zempire 2-Burner Camping Stove

My hand-me-down camping stove has been in use for 20+ years and I truly believe a high-quality camping stove is a necessity at the campsite that should last (nearly) forever. I like the Zempire camping stove because it’s a powerful piece of equipment that cooks quickly and thoroughly. The 10,000 BTU burners, which can be independently controlled, provide ample room on the stovetop for cooking. Plus, the 3,500 BTU grill underneath acts as a broiler for toasting or getting extra sear. There’s even a wind-screen that makes it easy to light, regardless of the conditions. 

Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle

If I’m hiking or biking during a camping trip, I always try to stay hydrated. The super durable Hydro Flask vacuum water bottle is currently 46% off and holds up to 40 fluid ounces and can keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. The wide mouth model means you can also pour from it and cleaning is a breeze. Needless to say, I’m grabbing one right now, since it’s only $27. 

Hydro Flask Cooler Cup

Contrary to its name, the Hydro Flask cooler cup is designed for both hot and cold beverages. The discounted colorways are vibrant, meaning you’ll never lose them, and the 12-ounce size is perfect for keeping stewed lentils warm during a hike. I love enjoying a hard-earned meal at the top of a mountain and this product is at the top of my wishlist. 

Full Windsor Magnetic Flatware Set 

As someone who used to rummage endlessly for flatware in my camping box, one of my best investments was a cutlery set that can be neatly stored together. The Full Windsor magnetic flatware set is a great option, and an affordable one at 31% off. The set is made with strong aluminum that’s lightweight yet durable. Since they snap together magnetically, you can rest assured you’ll never have to search too long for that one spoon..

Gerber Flatiron Folding Knife

While the ultimate secret to camp cooking is to prep as many ingredients as you can at home (I like to arrive to the campground with pre-chopped vegetables for my morning hash), I find that a folding knife is essential for prepping at the campsite or doing other around-the-camp tasks like sharpening branches (for hotdogs, of course!). The Gerber folding knife has a stainless steel cleaver-style blade, which is great for chopping vegetables, cutting string, slicing cheese, and more. At $40, it’s a total steal. 

Gsi Outdoors Bugaboo Base Camper Cookset

I’ve had my camp cookware set for years and it’s seen me through many iterations of chili, pancakes, stews, and more. This camp cookware set is beautiful, functional, and includes two pots, two lids, a frying pan, plus a cutting board that sits between the pots to keep clanging to a minimum when all the parts are nested together. Additionally, the lids have built-in strainers, so you don’t have to fiddle around too much when emptying pasta water. The best part about this set is the folding pot gripper, which locks onto and releases easily from the frying pan and smaller pot, making it easy to maneuver pots and pans without burning yourself. 

Big Agnes Big Six Camp Chair 

One of my favorite parts of camping is sitting back and enjoying a meal with friends by the fire.Thankfully, the Big Agnes camp chair is 46% off and packs up into a neat tube. It’s a breeze to set up and is designed with a wide seat and tall back, so you can really sink into the great outdoors.

Black Diamond Onsight Headlamp

Every now and then, I inevitably have to cook in pitch black darkness, and my headlamp is the only source of light guiding the way. Designed for climbers but loved by campers in general, the Black Diamond headlamp is 45% off and offers two lighting modes, one that’s shallow to illuminate what’s directly in front of you and another that casts a powerful long-distance beam in front of you. I can’t recommend grabbing this enough. 

Rumpl Sherpa Fleece Puffy Blanket

I love my Rumpl blanket so much I have one for camping and one for at home on the couch. Built for the outdoors, the Rumpl sherpa fleece puffy blanket is extremely packable and has a durable, water-repellant shell that helps keep it stain-free. There’s also a clip so you can wear it hands-free as a cape (which I definitely do all the time). 

MiiR Pourigami

No one wants to be a grumpy camper. I love starting off each camp morning with a fresh cup of coffee, and the MiiR Pourigami is a genius solution to making a cup outdoors. It’s made of three stainless steel interlocking panels that slide together to become a pour-over system. Just put it over a mug and you’re good to go. Best of all, it packs down small, and is easy to carry.