2025 REI Co-op Gift Guide: Editors’ Picks

The holidays are a time to splurge on those you love, but shopping for a personalized gift can take a lot of time and effort, especially when it comes to the more outdoorsy folks on your list. We're here to help make the buying process easier with our detailed gift guide for outdoor enthusiasts, highlighting hand-picked options from our favorite outdoor co-op, from a reliable sun hoodie to a light-integrated backpacking tent. Whether you’re shopping for the hiker, camper, traveler, or skier in your life, the recommendations below represent some of our favorite and most frequently used outdoor products and accessories for all four seasons.

Editor's note: This article has been sponsored by REI, but the picks and descriptions below were made independently and are based on our experiences with and opinions of the products.

Our Team’s Holiday Picks

Men's REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie & Women's Sahara Shade Hoodie ($50)

The REI Sahara Shade Hoodie's versatile fit, airy feel, and high level of sun protection, with an UPF 50+ rating, make it an easy choice for hikers or backpackers heading above tree line or venturing into the desert. The Bluesign-approved polyester and spandex blend remains soft and stretchy even after multiple washes, and it offers a decent amount of natural cooling that hot-weather hikers seek. The hood design is one of the best we’ve seen on a sun shirt, featuring a hidden cinch that stays out of the way but still allows for tightening if needed in windy conditions. With the antimicrobial treatment for odor resistance and low-profile thumbholes, the Sahara Shade is an excellent choice for backpacking trips and high-exposure outings. Additionally, the men's version is available in both standard and tall size ranges to help you find your perfect fit.
See the Men's Sahara Shade Hoodie  See the Women's Sahara Shade Hoodie
 

Men's REI Co-op Powderbound Jacket & Women's Powderbound Jacket ($229)

REI's insulated ski and snowboard jacket stands up to the more expensive competition in all-around performance, fit, and quality. The Powderbound has what we look for in an insulated ski jacket, with waterproof material and a moderate dose of insulation (80g at the core and 60g in the sleeves) that will keep skiers and boarders comfortable in a range of conditions without impeding range of motion. We've been impressed with the effectiveness of the entire build, from the protective powder skirt to the longer hem, which offers solid top-to-bottom coverage. And while some ski jackets are overly flashy in color and design, the Powderbound is fairly simple, making it appealing for casual wear as well.
See the Men's REI Powderbound Jacket  See the Women's REI Powderbound Jacket
 

Men's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L & Women's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($179)

Consistently one of our team's top-ranked rain jackets, the Torrentshell is a versatile and durable jacket that will please travelers, backpackers, and hikers alike. The hardshell-like 3-layer construction is highly protective and durable, while the interior’s soft-touch tricot lining increases comfort and helps avoid the clammy feeling we dread in rain gear. Anyone receiving this jacket will be impressed by the material quality—from the snag-free main zipper to the pit zips and three-way adjustable hood. Tack on sleek Patagonia styling, a wide variety of available colorways, a PFAS-free DWR coating, and an easy-to-layer fit, and this could be the only rain jacket someone needs in their weatherproof quiver.
See the Men's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L  See the Women's Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
 

Jetboil Flash 1.0L Fast Boil System ($145)

Jetboil's line of integrated cooking systems has been a mainstay among campers and backpackers for years, and this compact, fast-boiling unit makes it easy to see why. The Flash's stove-ignitor-pot system impressed us with class-leading boil times and fuel efficiency, and its enclosed burner design provides an added boost in reliability in windy weather. The most recent Jetboil Flash model furthers its ease of use, with the traditional piezo button replaced by a turn-and-click igniter. The visual locking-point indicators and rubber grips make the latest Flash safer to handle as well, and it's one of the best all-in-one backpacking stoves we've tested on camping, backpacking, and road trips.
See the Jetboil Flash 1.0L Fast Boil System
 

Big Agnes Copper Spur MtnGlo2 Tent ($600)

With an impressive combination of low weight, interior space, and ease of setup, the Copper Spur line consistently ranks at the top of our backpacking tent guide. While $600 is a splurge, this tent strikes an impressive balance between interior space, shoulder room, and weight, making it a prized addition to your favorite backpacker's Big Three (backpack, shelter, sleep system). Even with 29 square feet of floor space, 40 inches at the peak, and Big Agnes' integrated MtnGlo lights for soft illumination, the Copper Spur MtnGlo2 still comes in at just over 3 pounds. We've tested some version of the Copper Spur from Patagonia to Mongolia to the Appalachian Trail, and have found the ventilation, protection, and stability all top-notch.
See the Big Agnes Copper Spur MtnGlo2
 

Yeti Rambler French Press ($110)

Yeti's recent forays into camp kitchenware have us sold on the brightly colored, durable food-and-beverage goods, and their French Press is a welcome addition to both outdoor coffee setups and at-home brewing. The insulated 34-ounce carafe is crafted from kitchen-grade steel and features a durable ceramic coating on the interior, ensuring your custom-brewed coffee retains a clean taste. The plunger slides smoothly along the interior for a grind-free cup, and it's easy to wipe clean after use. For coffee aficionados who prefer a more compact, camp-ready coffee brewing method, Yeti's Rambler Pour Over is another option made with the brand's signature material and style.   
See the Yeti Rambler French Press  See the Yeti Rambler Pour Over
 

Goodr Snow G Cold-Blooded Lodge Lizard Goggles ($75)

Snowsports goggles come in a huge range of prices with confounding lens features that can stall even the most experienced shopper. Luckily, Goodr, purveyor of stylish and affordable sunglasses, offers several snow goggle models that have proven performance on the hill in a variety of conditions. The Cold-Blooded Lodge Lizard comes with swappable lenses for clear visibility in both sunny and overcast conditions, and the secure fit resists fogging and slipping. The medium frames and standard bridge fit make them a reliable choice for different face shapes, and like Goodr's other goggles, they come with both a lens-cleaning soft case and a zippered hard case. We've been testing the Goodr Snow G over the past season, and can vouch for the impressive combination of affordability, fit, and performance.
See the Goodr Snow G Lodge Lizard Goggles
 

Men's Keen Whyser Slip-On Shoes & Women's Whyser Slip-Ons ($100)

A slip-on shoe might not seem like the most exciting gift, but believe us when we say this slipper-inspired style of indoor-outdoor shoes has become a mainstay in our winter-ready footwear shelf. From cabin rentals to post-skiing brews, Keen's Whyser Slip-On offers cozy, cushioned relief from the less comfortable footwear we cram ourselves into for skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. These hybrid shoes can function as house slippers with their fold-flat heel counters and soft uppers, but they also have a high-traction outsole that can hold up to shuffling to the mailbox or kicking back at camp around the fire. 
See the Men's Keen Whyser Slip-On  See the Women's Keen Whyser Slip-On
 

How to Shop REI’s Holiday Selection

There are a few ways to shop at REI, and a decision will come down to which is most convenient for you. If you live near a brick-and-mortar REI, you can shop in-store. This is a great way to check out gear and clothing in person and make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. 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 the store or having it shipped to your home address. Alternatively, you can make your purchases online through REI.com. Shipping is free on orders over $60 (members receive free shipping on all purchases), and you also have the option to send 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 REI’s 2025 Gift Selection