If you’ve spent any amount of time on a trail — whether it’s wandering through your local state park or hauling a pack up switchbacks in the middle of nowhere — you already know this: good gear matters.
And not just in the bougie, “cute new outfit for the woods” kind of way.
I’m talking about the stuff that keeps you safe, dry, warm, and sane when everything around you is testing your patience.
With Black Friday rolling through, I wanted to share the gear that has actually earned its spot in our packs — the things we’ve dragged through rainforests, deserts, mountain passes, and way too many “how is this STILL uphill?” trails. These aren’t wish-list items. These are the things we use constantly, trust fully, and would buy again even if they weren’t on sale.
So here are my 10 favorite REI gear upgrades — the ones that have carried us through some of the toughest miles yet.
1) Osprey Eja 48 Pack
(men’s version: Exos)
This pack is the reason my shoulders haven’t filed an official complaint with HR. We’ve taken our Eja/Exos packs through the Nā Pali Coast, the Grand Canyon, and plenty of “why did we think this was a good idea?” training hikes — and they’re still going strong.
They’re lightweight, breathable, and durable enough that I’m pretty sure mine will outlive me. Truly the definition of a workhorse pack.
2) Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Tent Floor Sleeping Pad
We switched to this pad because of the wider top section… and honestly? Never going back.
The extra space makes sleeping with a partner way less annoying, and the insulation keeps us warm even when the temps drop. It packs smaller than our old pad and gives us a way better night’s sleep — which is priceless on long backpacking trips.
My sister uses the single version and loves it just as much.
3) Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent
This tent has seen everything. Rainforest moisture, desert dust, freezing mountain nights — and it has handled all of it like a champ.
We bought it for backpacking because it’s insanely lightweight, but quickly realized it outperforms our heavier car-camping tent too. It dries fast, packs tiny, and we’ve never had issues with leaks or wet gear.
Basically, it’s the tent we bring for every single style of camping now.
4) Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
These poles literally saved me from falling off a cliff on the Nā Pali Coast. I grabbed them on a whim before that hike, and thank goodness I did.
There are a few different styles, but the durability across the board is solid. I won’t go on a backpacking trip without them anymore — they’re more than worth their ounces.
5) Salomon Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX Trail-Running Shoes
If you’ve been around here long enough, you already know: I LOVED my Speedcross 5s. Like… favorite shoes of my entire wardrobe.
Then I upgraded to the 6s and somehow loved them even more. They stay dry, hold up for long miles, and after hundreds of trail miles I still haven’t gotten a single blister.
I even converted my husband to Salomon — and he’s never looked back.
6) Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket
This is the rain jacket I compare all other rain jackets to… and they never win.
It’s lightweight, packable, wind-blocking, actually waterproof, and warm enough to layer when the weather turns on you. I bring it everywhere now and will keep using it until it falls apart (which, given Patagonia’s track record, might be never).
7) Garmin inReach Mini 2
We used the larger Garmin for years, but the Mini 2 has completely replaced it. It’s lighter, easier to clip onto the front of your pack, and just makes more sense for long backpacking trips.
Yes, it requires a monthly subscription — but when you’re off-trail, off-grid, or just out longer than planned, that SOS button becomes priceless.
8) Petzl Swift RL Headlamp
We love these headlamps so much that we now bring four instead of two.
Our older headlamps would toggle on accidentally inside the pack (and drain the battery, of course). These newer Swifts actually stay locked, keep their charge, and have a great red-light mode for camp so you’re not accidentally blinding everyone around you.
They’re small, bright, reliable — basically everything you want in a headlamp.
9) Rab Xenair Alpine Flex Insulated Jacket
We bought these before prepping for Mt. Whitney and had no idea what to expect since we didn’t know the brand well. Turns out… Rab is a premium outerwear company and now one of my absolute favorites.
This jacket is lightweight and packable but blocks wind like crazy. It’s lightly water resistant, fits beautifully, and has slowly replaced several other jackets in my closet.
I wear it for backpacking, hiking, errands — everything.
10) MSR Switch Stove System
Hands down our favorite stove setup so far. It’s compact, easy to use, and nestles together perfectly in the pack.
The little measuring marks inside the plastic piece are a game changer — no more “soupy mystery meals.” You can actually measure your dehydrated meal water accurately, which makes dinner at camp so much better.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your gear — or replacing something that’s been driving you nuts all year — Black Friday is the time to do it. These are the 10 REI items we reach for again and again, the ones that survived some of our toughest miles, and the ones I’d buy again (full price!) without hesitation.
And honestly? Upgrading your gear isn’t about being fancy — it’s about making the miles feel easier and the whole experience more enjoyable. When your pack fits right, your tent holds up, and your shoes aren’t plotting your downfall, you get to focus on the good stuff: the views, the conversations, and the quiet moments you’ll remember long after your legs stop burning.
May your pack be comfortable, your feet be dry, and your trail meals never be soupy again. ✌️🥾
