REI puts early Anniversary Sale markdowns live — discounts up to 67% before May 15

Outdoor gear sales are usually simple — wait for the big promo window, then buy. But REI’s 2026 Anniversary Sale is a little messier in a good way. The official sale still starts on May 15 and runs through May 25, but REI has already put live markdowns on its Anniversary Sale landing page, plus a preview of the bigger discounts coming next week. (rei.com) That means the real question is not “is the sale live?” It’s “which part of the sale is live, and what’s worth buying now versus later?” (rei.com) ### What actually went live? REI’s Anniversary Sale page now says “The savings start May 15” but also tells shoppers who “can’t wait to save” to shop current deals immediately, with live discounts already attached to shoes, apparel, camping accessories, and outlet inventory. (rei.com) On the same day, REI published the full event details in its newsroom and said the digital catalog is available starting now. ### When does the main sale start? The official window is May 15 through May 25, 2026. (rei.com) That part is firm. REI is calling it its biggest sale of the year, and the company says more than 6,000 products will be included once the full event opens. ### What are the headline discounts? The backbone of the sale is 25% off REI Co-op brand clothing and gear, excluding bikes. Beyond that, REI has laid out category deals that are more specific than the usual “up to” language — 25% off all Big Agnes tents and sleep gear, 20% off all NEMO camp and sleeping gear, 25% off all KEEN footwear, 25% off all Black Diamond gear and shoes, and $250 off Garmin fenix 8 smartwatches. (rei.com) ### What do members get that everyone else doesn’t? This is where the strategy changes. Members get 20% off one full-price item and 20% off one REI Outlet item during May 15–25, plus a few extras like discounts on Re/Supply and travel offers. (rei.com) REI membership is still a one-time $30 fee, so if you’re planning one expensive purchase, that coupon can matter more than the broad sale pricing. ### Are the best deals already available? Some are live, but not all. REI’s page is already showing discounted products and says the outlet has deals up to 40% off right now. But the more aggressive sale structure — the member coupons, the opening-weekend 40% off the REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag and Half Dome 2 Tent, and the May 19–21 stretch with 50% off select REI Outlet items — is still tied to the official event dates. (rei.com) ### So should you buy now or wait? Basically, buy now if you see a current markdown on something with volatile stock — shoes, sizes, colors, or outlet leftovers. Wait if your target item is full-price and you’re a member, because that 20% coupon is often the cleaner deal. (rei.com) The same goes for anything on REI’s published promo list that gets a deeper cut once May 15 hits. ### Is there any catch? Yes — this is not a sitewide sale. REI and outside deal trackers both frame it as a huge event, but the discounts are item-by-item and category-by-category. So the smart move is to treat the early markdowns as a first pass, not the whole menu. (rei.com) ### Bottom line? REI didn’t move the Anniversary Sale start date. It did something more useful — it opened the funnel early. Shoppers can browse the catalog now, buy from already-discounted inventory now, and then come back on May 15 for the broader sale and the member-only coupons. (rei.com 1) (rei.com 2)