The year’s best member-exclusive discount is finally here.
(Photo: REI/Canva)
Published March 17, 2026 03:28AM
Spring is, allegedly, here. As a Chicagoan staring at fresh overnight snow, I’m skeptical—but the REI Member Days Sale is the only proof I need that warmer days are coming.
Usually, March is too early for spring and summer gear deals, but through March 23, REI Members can take 20% off the big-ticket items that actually get us excited for warm weather. Use code MEMBER26 at checkout to snag:
Not a member?No big deal—join once for $30 to enjoy membership benefits for life (like an annual 10% co-op membership reward, free U.S. standard shipping, a one-year return window, and regular exclusive member discounts and savings).
While you could use this one-time-only discount on winter boots and baselayers, I’m using mine to gear up for park picnics and open-water adventures. Here are the seven items I’m eyeing to make sure I’m ready for spring the second this snow finally melts.
Kelty Low Loveseat
I love nothing more than an outdoor nap, but the logistics usually fail me. My patio furniture tends toward rigid and unforgiving. A towel on the beach? Too much sand, ew. The Kelty Low Loveseat is the solution to my horizontal aspirations. It’s a low-profile camp chair with a perfectly reclined pitch and a roll-and-go storage system that includes built-in shoulder straps for easy toting. While it could, theoretically, fit both me and my partner, I’ll be claiming the entire double-wide footprint for myself the second we hit the grass.
Merrell Agility Peak 6 Trail-Running Shoes
I trialed these new releases last month on the trails of Elysian Park, and I walked away thoroughly impressed. They offer moderate cushioning with noticeably better stability than the Agility Peak 5, making them a prime candidate for my “road-to-trail” rotation this summer. They are bouncy enough to keep my joints happy on the concrete jungle approach, yet technical enough to protect my ankles from rolling once the terrain gets rocky.
Shop more trail running shoes on sale.
YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Cooler
Since I usually have a leash in one hand and a distracted pup in front of me, I’m a hands-free devotee—give me a crossbody, a fanny pack, or a backpack over a tote any day. When I finally get to take my girl for an extended park hang, I’ll be wearing this YETI soft cooler backpack. It’s built for the essentials: sparkling sodas for me, fresh water for her, and a full bark-cuterie board for the both of us. Plus, it’s rugged enough to survive being knocked over by an over-excited tail wag.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70 L
A perennial favorite in our guide to the best duffel bags, the Patagonia Black Hole 70L is what I lovingly refer to as a “body bag.” Yes, I could conceivably fit inside it—but more importantly, it’s virtually indestructible. The recycled TPU-film laminate is essentially bombproof, engineered to survive everything from a hostile baggage claim carousel to being the central Jenga piece in a trunk full of heavy luggage. It’s weather-resistant and rugged, and it’s one of those “buy it for life” pieces that will eventually become a legendary part of your gear kit. If you have a spring excursion planned and you’ve been waiting for a reason to invest in the gold standard of duffels, this is your sign.
XTRATUF 6″ Ankle Deck Boots
Spring in Chicago is officially slop season, and I wouldn’t dare ruin my favorite sneakers on my thrice-daily dog walks. Enter: the XTRATUF 6″ Ankle Deck Boots. Originally designed for commercial anglers who need a death grip on a slick boat deck, these are basically jacked-up rainboots. They’re 100% waterproof and slip-resistant, offering way more utility than your average wellies. With no laces to tie, I can literally step into them and step out the door. The colors are pure joy—I’m eyeing the hot pink for a much-needed pop of spring color against the gray Chicago slush.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack
My drab black backpack has seen better days, and frankly, it’s a bit too “winter warrior” for the upcoming season; the fresh-air feeling of spring deserves something sunnier. This 35L travel backpack is the ultimate weekend bag: it meets airline carry-on requirements while featuring suitcase-style organization that makes packing (and repacking) a breeze. I’m eyeing the Blue Spruce colorway—it’s bright enough to stand out on a luggage rack, but demure enough that I don’t have to shield my eyes while looking at it.
Teva Original Universal Sandals
I’ve kept a pair of Tevas sandals in my rotation since my first river rafting trip in the early 2010s. More than a decade later, they’re still my go-to for any water adventure—from lazy beach days on Lake Michigan to more hard-core, amphibious treks. In the city, I wear them as part of my casual spring-and-summer uniform. There’s something about those iconic, bright primary colors that instantly perks up an outfit (and occasionally, my mood).
