We love our members here at the co-op. They’re an outdoorsy, savvy bunch with skills and opinions (lots and lots of opinions, judging by the number of product reviews on REI.com). When they make their gear preferences known, we take notice. These 10 pieces of gear are among our members’ favorites so far this year; they might just become your next favorite too.
1. Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks
MSRP: $22
Fabric: Women’s: 59% merino wool/39% nylon/2% Lycra spandex; Men’s: 61% merino wool/36% nylon/3% Lycra spandex
Height: Crew
Cushion: Medium
Good socks can make or break an adventure, and people can’t stop raving about Darn Tough. Thanks to durable, merino wool and a lifetime guarantee, your feet will rejoice no matter how many miles you tackle.
Take it from our customers: “I bought my first pair of Darn Tough socks seven years ago. Since then, I have bought a couple dozen more pairs in various heights, weights and colors. They are now the only socks I wear for any purpose. Hiking, biking, running, skiing, mountaineering, work, travel, leisure—if I have socks on my feet, they are these. I have NEVER worn a pair out. Not one pair! I still wear the very first ones, and they show so little wear that I cannot distinguish them from any other pair that color.” -Idaho Adventurer
2. Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle – 32 fl. oz
MSRP: $39.95
Liquid capacity: 32 fl. oz.
Material: Stainless steel
Insulated: Yes
Another adventure essential, it’s no surprise that hydration is on members’ minds. This double-wall vacuum-insulated Hydro Flask bottle keeps drinks cold or hot for long periods of time. Not to mention the rad array of color choices.
Take it from our customers: “I bought this expecting to keep my water cold throughout my day hikes. What I didn’t expect was to be able to fill it with ice water one morning, carry it throughout a summer day in the sun, throw it in my hot car, leave it overnight and open it up the next morning to still find ice in it.” –Imps
3. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
MSRP: $199
Fabric: Recycled polyester
Insulation: 60g PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco 100% polyester (55% post-consumer recycled content)
Weight: Women’s: 10 oz.; Men’s: 11.9 oz.
Ask any outdoor enthusiast and they will wax poetic about their preferred insulating layer, citing warmth to weight ratio, packability, type of insulation, and of course, style. A consistent favorite is the Patagonia Nano Puff jacket, which hits a sweet spot of weight, warmth and cross-over appeal.
Take it from our customers: “I’ve worn this jacket for nights out on the town, a windy snowshoeing adventure, and everything in between. It’s light enough that I don’t get too hot running errands around town but warm enough for a chilly night out in Vail. Works great for layering under a shell or with my Nano Puff vest layered under it, and it packs down well in a pack [or even in my purse when I don’t feel like carrying it].” –KS888
4. REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite
MSRP: $9.95-$24.95
Fabric: 85% polyester/15% nylon microfiber
Dimensions: S: 14 x 10 inches; M: 22 x 12.5 inches; L: 36 x 16.5 inches; XL: 54 x 25 inches
Weight: S: 0.7 ounces; M: 1.4 ounces; L: 2.9 ounces; XL: 6.4 ounces
The most used pieces of gear aren’t always flashy, trendy or complicated. They pull more than their fair share of weight on any adventure, and people often find ingenious uses for them. Thus, the humble multi towel makes the list as a member favorite. What’s not to like? Fast drying, super absorbent and versatile, it might as well be the 11th essential.
Take it from our customers: “I travel full-time for work, regionally and internationally. This towel is the first thing I always pack. … I use it for just about everything: spills, sweat, sun protection, creating shade, covering items in my car, meditation blanket, pillow on trains, the list goes on. It’s super easy to clean and dries quickly. It’s light and compact. It’s not fancy but it gets the job done in a big way. I’ve been using it for about four years and it’s still in fantastic condition. Would 100% recommend.” –birons03
5. KEEN Newport H2 Sandals
MSRP: $99.95
Closure: Single-pull lace
Materials: Polyester, neoprene, EVA, carbon rubber
Weight: Women’s: 1 lb. 6 oz.; Men’s: 1 lb. 12 oz.
What do you wear when your adventure includes various environments and activities? A multisport sandal of course. With bumper toes and bold webbing, the ambitious KEEN Newport H2 is perfect for squelching through mud or portaging over river rock and can take on activities both terrestrial and aquatic.
Take it from our customers: “I bought these sandals for amphibious hiking and specifically for hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park. With the current and rocks and boulders of unknown size underfoot, the sandals performed marvelously. I cannot think of a better text for the sandals. They held up well then and have continued to hold up well as my go-to everyday summer sandal.” -Josh
6. Petzl Tikka Headlamp
MSRP: $29.95
Bulb details: White LED; Red LED
Battery: 3 AAA; Compatible with rechargeable Ni-MH Petzl Core battery (sold separately)
Weight: 3 oz.
The fun doesn’t stop when night falls thanks to this efficient headlamp. With up to 200 lumens, a red-light mode and water-resistant design, the Tikka strikes the perfect balance of brightness, features and price. And a nifty glow-in-the-dark reflector helps you find it when you need it most: in the dark.
Take it from our customers: “After comparing multiple headlamps, I ended up going with this one. I loved the three light options along with the red light. Its small size, ease of use, and glow in the dark ring were some of my favorite features. Great for just about anyone and anything!” -happycamperoc
7. Patagonia Barely Bra Sports Bra
MSRP: $49
Fabric: 86% nylon/14% elastane
Bra support: Medium
Strap type: Racerback
Base layers, particularly bras, don’t get enough recognition. Maybe that’s because when you finally find the perfect one, you completely forget you’re wearing it. Enter the Barely Bra, which walks the line between everyday wear and sporty. It might even inspire you to say goodbye to clasps and underwire forever.
Take it from our customers: “I think I’ve found the perfect bra! The material is soft as silk; the padding gives just the right coverage and a pretty silhouette, and I feel well-supported without feeling constricted. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever find a bra with the perfect mix of pretty, supportive, sexy and sporty—so happy I did! Thank you, Patagonia! I will be buying one in every color.” -beckyp
8. Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Gloves
MSRP: $35
Fabric: Main: Polyester; Liner fabric: 60% nylon/40% polyurethane
Palm padding: Gel
Glove type: Fingerless
Once you start using cycling gloves, you don’t know how you lived without them. Gel cushioning underhand provides sweet relief from the pressure of handlebars, making longer rides way more comfortable. For warmer weather, the fingerless design and stretch mesh tops keep hands cooler. Plus, they elevate your high-five style, which is all that really matters.
Take it from our customers: “Purchased these for my husband, he has a long work commute and often travels by bike across the San Francisco Bay. He goes through many different weather elements on his daily commute with these gloves and I’ve watched them wear. A while back, he left them at home because they badly needed to be washed and I examined them. After two years with no major accidents, they were still nicely sewn and the pads were intact. He now has two pairs he alternates from and I have got the same version in women’s for myself. They rule.” –Melbert408
9. REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket
MSRP: $89.95
Fabric: Recycled nylon ripstop (bluesign® approved)
Waterproofing: Peak 2.5-layer waterproof breathable laminate
Ventilation: Pit zips
The ideal rain jackets protects you from the elements on the outside and prevents that swampy feeling on the inside. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get a rain jacket that rises to the occasion. Made from a waterproof, windproof and breathable material, the REI Co-op brand team designed the Rainier rain jacket with room for layers and pit zips to dump heat. As part of the co-op’s commitment to reducing environmental impact when making gear, the jacket is also made with recycled nylon.
Take it from our customers: “This jacket is perfect in every way. It is exactly what I was looking for, and I had to look far and wide. It is well-made, affordable, really waterproof, windproof, lightweight, packable, flattering in its fit, low-profile in its design, and made of recycled things. Stop looking. Buy this one! Thank you, REI!” -rivergorgeous
10. Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
MSRP: $130
Waterproof: Yes
Footwear height: Ankle
Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber
Ask 10 people about their favorite hiking boots and you’ll likely get 10 different answers. And yet, a number of our members (and staff!) reached a consensus on the Moab. Aside from the blister-free requirement, these boots delivered break-in free comfort and waterproof performance without causing sweaty feet. Everyone’s feet are unique, so we decided these boots deserved two customer reviews to showcase the miracle that is one pair of shoes making the multitudes happy.
Take it from our customers: “I did a crazy, stupid thing and bought a new pair just before a four-day backcountry trip in Utah [who DOES that?!?] But they were total champs! Not one hot spot or blister the entire time.” –dth2018
“Easy to wear right out of the box. … Good traction on sandy trails and the treads do not pick up a lot of gravel so I don’t really have to clean the shoe bottoms to go into the house. I do have hot, sweaty feet but these boots handle that well.” -Alan