Gear up for summer national park escapades with these REI Anniversary Sale deals

First things first, you have to be able to get into the parks. This pass lasts a year from purchase and gets you access to not only every single national park, but all of the federal recreation sites across the country. Or, if you're 62 or older, you can nab a Senior Lifetime Pass here.

If you're looking for the Patagonia jacket to roll up and throw in your backpack when there's a chance of showers, this is the one — and at this price, it's tough to beat. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, so finding the right one should be a piece of cake.

The first time I threw on a Nano Puff jacket, I thought to myself, "How the heck is this thing going to keep me warm?" It's way less puffy than down-insulated coats I have worn, but it managed to do the trick in the middle of the desert in the wintertime as temps dipped below freezing, all without making me look like the Michelin Man. Save almost $100 off this top seller. It's also on sale in the vest version for almost $60 off. 

As someone with Scandinavian and Irish ancestry, I've been betrayed by the sun more times than I can count. I also hate putting on sunscreen. I find it greasy and annoying, and I always forget to use it until it's too late. That's where a lightweight, sun-blocking shirt like this one can literally be a lifesaver, keeping the UV rays away all day long.

If you're like me and love the sun, but it does not love you, this lightweight hooded top might also be your go-to for hikes and hanging out at the beach. It comes in a great light-reflecting white, which will keep you cool as well.

My wife and I are always on the lookout for the ideal pair of comfortable hiking pants, and in her case, I think she has found her holy grail in these. They're light, breathable and have a drawstring for easy adjusting.

I live in Colorado, a state known for its trails and outdoorsy residents. When it comes to hiking boots, I see these Merrells on the trails more often than I see any other. The Moab is iconic, and for good reason: comfort and durability. If your walks tend to take you off the beaten path, these boots are for you. They're even Yahoo's pick for the best hiking boots of 2025. 

Planning on going off the paved paths and hitting the trails? Good, that's where all the best views are. If you want more traction than your day-to-day runners offer but don't want to deal with the weight of hiking boots, trail-running shoes like these are a great middle ground. They'll keep you moving light, fast and comfortably.

The Tempest 9 is what happens when you trade your tote for something that actually pulls its weight. Small and lightweight, it's perfect for short hikes, bike rides or tossing in your luggage to use as a daypack for vacation. Bonus points for hip-belt pockets that fit snacks, your keys and chapstick.

I hate carrying more than I have to, and at 22 liters, this backpack is an ideal go bag for springtime hiking. It's large enough to carry snacks and drinks for myself, my wife and my 2-year-old, and I can still throw in my jacket and camera. 

I bring trekking poles along with me on almost every hike I do. They're great for keeping balanced on uneven or loose terrain and can give your legs a bit of a break when hiking uphill. 

This is my personal choice for tent camping most of the time. It's spacious enough for my family of three and I like the vestibule as a place to store gear that isn't inside the tent itself. It's easy to set up with two people.

No hunching or stopping in this tent — it stands six feet tall so you can stand comfortably and its double-wall construction can withstand the wildest of the wilderness. Bonus: this tent has a vestibule that you can use as an additional seating area or place to store gear.

If you're looking for the best down mummy bag for your money, you'll be hard-pressed to find one better than the Magma 15. Like its name suggests, it'll keep you warm. I fit square in the middle of the size chart for Medium and though it is snug, it's not restricting. I really like the anti-snag zipper as well.

A good sleeping pad is worth its weight in gold. It'll not only help you get better sleep, but it can keep you from getting cold at night by separating you from the ground. This one packs down to almost nothing so it's easy to carry in your pack.

Want to go camping but don't feel like roughing it? This rooftop tent is a great option. It keeps you off the ground (where all the critters are) and has a memory foam mattress that'll make you think you woke up in a hotel room. The only downside? If you plan on driving anywhere you have to pack it up.

Instead of carrying a cooler to a campsite or the beach, do yourself a favor and get one with wheels. It'll be worth the extra cash, especially considering this one is 95 bucks off. The Roadie was put to the test by Yahoo Commerce Editor Janelle Randazza, and she had this to say: "I'm crazy about this cooler. It's big enough to store everything we need for a campout or tailgate but small enough to fit in the trunk of our Prius. I can attest that everything will stay cool (from cans to hot dogs and anything else) for up to 48 hours."

The cooler that started it all. The Tundra will keep your food and drinks cold for days, even in blistering 90°F heat (I've tested it). It's incredibly durable too. I once checked mine on a flight, and when I got to baggage claim, it came tumbling down the carousel onto the hard tile floor — didn't even get a scratch.

Worried about running out of clean drinking water? This water bottle has a built-in filter, so if you have access to a river, lake, stream or creek, you can drink it without worrying about getting sick. 

I was camping in Glacier National Park when one night I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I came out, the sky had darkened to the point where I couldn't quite make out where my tent was. Walking toward my campsite, I cracked my head on a low tree branch. Since then, I have brought along a headlamp every single time I go camping.

If you're headed into grizzly-bear country, it is important to bring bear spray along with you. While the odds are slim that you'll find yourself face to face, they're not zero, so deterrent like this is good to have by your side. Remember to keep it at the ready. A bear isn't going to wait for you to unpack your backpack before it charges. You also cannot fly with this item, so keep that in mind when traveling.

A good first-aid kit is a great thing to have in your car, your camper, your backpack, wherever you're going. No one ever plans on getting hurt. This one is good for two people for a one-day hike, but there are plenty more available for longer trips with more people. Buy one that'll fit your needs.