After almost two months of sheltering in place, I've become very familiar with the interior walls of my house. Often, a long solo run or bike ride is my exercise, fresh air, and respite from my loving and yet increasingly annoying family—and what's more, I see more and more of you joining me. To all you brand-new runners and cyclists and backyard loungers, I say: Welcome. One of our favorite retailers, REI, is holding its yearly anniversary sale, which is a great time to pick up running gear at up to 30 percent off. Members can also save up to 20 percent on full-priced items with code ANNV20.
If you can't find what you're looking for at REI, Moosejaw is also holding its summer sale. For more ideas to get outside, don't forget to check out our buying guides to the Best Fitness Trackers, Best Portable Grills, and the Best Umbrellas.
Updated May 21: We fixed pricing, replaced sold out links, and added new picks like the REI Co-Op Cycles CTY bike.
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Biking, Running, and Paddling Deals
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REI Co-Op Cycles CTY 2.2 Bike for $934 ($165 off): We're calling it now: Later on this summer, it will be almost impossible to find a bike with these specs for under $1,000. This hybrid is good for both city commuting and a little bumping on the trails on weekend fun rides, with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and fender/rack compatibility.
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Smith Signal MIPS Helmet for $60 ($15 off): All helmets look nerdy. You will never find a cool-looking one, so you might as well get one with a rotary dial-in fit system, adequate ventilation, and a low-friction layer to reduce rotational movement on impact to prevent brain injury.
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Garmin Fenix 6S Pro for $550 ($150 off): Garmin's slim, robust outdoor multisport watch is my favorite fitness tracker for getting completely lost in the backcountry.
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Black Diamond Locking Carabiner for $11 ($4 off): All of Black Diamond's gear is 25 percent off. Most climbers can always use an extra carabiner, but I also noted that a carabiner is useful for clipping dog leashes and kid's shoes in our Cheap Gear Guide.
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Kryptonite New York Standard U-Lock for $86 ($29 off): If you've invested in an electric bike or a normal bike to get around while roads in your city are closed, protect it with a U-lock around the frame that resists bolt cutters and picks.
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BIC Sport Performer Air Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard for $467 ($80 off): Social distancing is a great time to pick up a solitary water sport like paddleboarding. If you're not going far or fast, an inflatable bundle like this is the most affordable entry point.
Camping and Kitchen Deals
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Jetboil Flash Cooking System for $82 ($27 off): This Jetboil boils water crazy-fast (under 100 seconds!) for anyone who needs coffee first thing in the morning. The color-change boil indicator keeps you from lifting the lid five times in a minute.
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BioLite Powerlight Mini for $30 ($10 off): This light fits into the palm of my hand and is rechargeable via micro USB. I throw it in the top of my tent, clip it onto a backpack while I'm biking, and prop it on top of my piano when I'm playing.
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HydroFlask The Rocks Tumbler for $21 ($9 off): I really can't think of any better use for double-walled insulation than to keep the ice in your bourbon from melting for just a little longer.
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Garmin inReach Explorer+ 2-Way Satellite Communicator for $350 ($100 off): Garmin's inReach series is one of the few satellite messengers that uses the Iridium network, a system of super-fast, low-flying satellites that let you send an SOS signal from anywhere on earth.
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Nalgene Wide-Mouth Bottle for $5 ($7 off): Our water bottle roundup is forthcoming, but Nalgenes are the original lightweight, leakproof, BPA-free water bottle. I also use mine as a hot-water bottle in the winter.
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REI Co-Op Kingdom 6 for $349 ($150 off): I have an older version of this stand-up tent. It packs down surprisingly small, and you can add a vestibule later as your family starts mysteriously taking up more and more space.
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Nemo Disco 15 Sleeping Bag (Women's) for $225 ($75 off): As someone who tends to become extremely claustrophobic in mummy bags, I like Nemo's generous spoon-shaped cuts and heat-releasing gills that let you feel a little cooler without sticking a leg out.
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Katadyn Gravity BeFree Water Filtration System for $52 ($17 off): Katadyn's water filtration bag helps you filter large amounts of water without wearing out your arm muscles on a pump. A water filter is also a useful item to have in your home emergency kit.
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Eureka Ignite 2-Burner Camp Stove for $82 ($27 off): We like Eureka stoves, but they can be hard to find. It also has links to attach other Jetboil or Eureka stoves.
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REI Co-Op Trail 40 Pack for $90 ($39 off): WIRED writer Scott Gilbertson and I like this comfortable day pack, which is made from recycled, Bluesign-approved sustainable materials.
Footwear and Apparel Deals
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Merrell Ontario 85 Waterproof Mid Boots for $112 ($28 off): I don't own this specific pair of Merrell boots (I prefer the brand for its trail running shoes), but I can attest to the Merrell's durability and water resistance.
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Patagonia Nano Puff for $139 ($60 off): Patagonia's iconic Nano Puff line created the market for light, insulated jackets that can work equally well as mid-layers while skiing, traveling, or going to the office.
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Xero Z-Trail Shoes (Men's) for $60 ($20 off): These are WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson's current favorite trail running shoes, and a good, affordable Chaco replacement.
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Smith Guide's Choice ChromaPop Polarized Sunglasses for $121 ($58 off): You will not believe how unbelievably blue water can be through a pair of ChromaPop lenses. They're also great for sports like fishing, where you will need to … see fish.
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Patagonia Fleetwith Romper for $83 ($36 off): This is the perfect all-weather, everyday outfit. I have gone biking, skateboarding, and hiking in mine. Because it's treated with durable water repellent (DWR), you can spill a whole container of yogurt down the front, wipe it all off with a towel, and continue on with your day.
Other Outdoor Sales
Moosejaw, Huckberry, Sun & Ski, and Backcountry are also holding summer sales. Here are a few picks.
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Sea to Summit Dry Sack for $19 ($6 off): A good dry sack is essential if you want your phone and wallet to come through unscathed on any boating trip. These are lightweight 70-dernier, with a roll top and D-ring buckle attachment.
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Yeti Roadie 20 Cooler for $170 ($30 off): Yeti's rotomolded coolers have no seams that can break or leak. This one is small enough to work for a tailgate or on a little balcony or patio. Sun & Ski is a smaller retailer, but I've had good experiences with them. They still have this sale in stock.
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North St. Bags Pioneer Hip Pack for $47 ($21 off): This is one of my favorite hip packs, and it's indispensable if you live somewhere with very wet weather.
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Deuter Speed Lite 12L for $48 ($12 off): We like Deuter packs, but they don't go on sale very often. This one is perfect for short day hikes and has S-shaped straps for more comfort.