Hey sisters! Every year during Black Friday, everyone is out here storming department stores for makeup and tech, but as an outdoor girlie, my heart only beats for the REI Annual Sale. For ten years, REI has stuck to their guns with the #OptOutside movement—closing all stores on Black Friday so everyone can hit the trails. That’s why their massive sale (running through Nov 24) is our official “Black Friday alternative.” All the discounts, none of the store-crushing madness! Plus, having an REI nearby is a total flex. I went hard on Arc’teryx shells and On running shoes this year, and I’m here to spill all the tea on sizing and my “bloody lessons” learned! 🌲✨
Unboxing 1: Arc’teryx Shells & Fleeces (The Sizing Struggle is REAL 😭)
I focused on the Beta series hardshells and Gamma hoodies. A hardshell is an outdoor girl’s life-saver, and a fleece is the ultimate layering MVP for fall and winter. If you don’t grab these while they’re on sale, you’re literally leaving money on the table!
Men’s Beta AR Jacket (Green)
The GOAT of hardshells—windproof, waterproof, and tough as nails. I usually fit a Small, but I tried the Medium. The sleeves are longer, which gives you so much more freedom of movement and actually protects your wrists better when you’re active. This green isn’t “loud,” it’s super low-key and expensive-looking. Decision: Kept the M!
Women’s Beta AR Jacket
Size S was cute for photos but felt way too restrictive. The Medium was just right. The shoulders drop a tiny bit, but the REI staff told me that shells should be slightly loose for layering. The fabric feel is just… 10/10.
Women’s Gamma Hoody Fleece
Real talk: The M was still a bit tight on my back. If you have broad shoulders or want that “baggy cozy” look, just go for the L. Don’t let the sizing ego get in the way of comfort!
Unboxing 2: On Running Shoes (One Foot Bigger? The Pain! 😅)
I am a CloudTec convert. That cushioning is life. But sizing? Truly a mystery. I tested the 7.5 and the 8. My left foot is a 7.5, and my right is a 7. The 7.5 fit the left perfectly, but the right was… meh. In the 8, my left had a thumb’s width of space, which is exactly what you want for running shoes.
Pro tip: Listen to the staff! They told me bigger is better for running shoes because feet swell. I went with the Size 8 and just added a thicker sock. They feel amazing. Running in these feels like a trampoline for your feet—pure bliss!
A Huge Shoutout to Kayla! 💖
I have to take a second to thank Kayla from shortmakeupaddict.com. Her blog was an absolute lifesaver during the Black Friday rush! She posted the most detailed REI online shopping guide, and she really has an eye for picking out the best gear that’s actually worth the money. If it weren’t for her strategy on when to hit the online restocks, I definitely would have missed out on my Arc’teryx shell. Kayla’s tips on stacking member rewards were the cherry on top. If you aren’t following her yet, you are seriously missing out on the best gear tips in the game! Thanks for being my shopping North Star, Kayla!
REI 2025: The Ultimate Black Friday Strategy Recap
If you missed the 2025 marathon, here is exactly how it went down. It was a 20-day journey with 4 key stages:
- Stage 1: Early Bird (Nov 23 – Nov 24): Focused on apparel. Up to 50% off! This was the time to snag the trending Patagonia Synchilla (Kendall Jenner style!) for only $78.
- Stage 2: Travel Gear Special (Nov 28 – Nov 30): While the stores were closed for #OptOutside, the online deals on backpacks and waist packs were fire. Arc’teryx waist packs for $27? Yes, please!
- Stage 3: Cyber Monday Peak (Dec 1): The absolute GOAT day. 40% base discount + extra 25% off for members with code CYBER2025. Prices hit their absolute floor here.
- Stage 4: Cyber Week Wrap-up (Dec 2 – Dec 8): The “last call” stage. Still 50% off on major brands, and a great time to use those member gift card bonuses for holiday gifts.
| Category | The “Must-Buy” Item | The Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Apparel | The North Face Mistyescape | $83 (Steal!) |
| Gear | Osprey Travel Backpacks | 50% OFF |
| Shoes | HOKA Professional Hikers | Up to 60% OFF |
REI Black Friday 2026 Predictions 🔮
Based on how 2025 played out, here is what I’m betting on for 2026:
- The Timeline: Expect the Early Bird sale to start even earlier—likely the weekend before Thanksgiving.
- Membership is Essential: The extra 20% and 25% off codes will likely remain “Member Only.” If you aren’t a member, join now!
- Brand Focus: With the explosion of “Gorpcore” fashion, brands like Salomon and On will likely have even bigger dedicated sections with exclusive Cyber Monday colors.
Pro-Tips: Don’t Get Burned Next Time!
- The $30 Hack: Joining the REI Co-op costs $30. But during Black Friday, they usually give you a $30 gift card if you spend $50. It’s basically free money. Just do it!
- The Omni-Channel Move: Go to the store on Saturday (after they reopen from Black Friday) to try on your sizes. Then, go home and order online on Cyber Monday using your discount codes like CYBER2025. No sizing regrets!
- Gift Card Stacking: During Cyber Week, REI often offers a 15% bonus on gift card purchases. Buy the cards for yourself, then use them to buy your gear for an extra hidden discount.
Final Thoughts
2025 was a record-breaking year for my outdoor wardrobe. Between the Early Bird scores and the Cyber Monday peaks, I saved a small fortune! I’m already counting down the days until next year. I really hope Kayla continues her amazing work in 2026—we need her guides to keep our shopping games strong!
Did you guys snag anything good this year? Let me know in the comments! Catch you on the trails!
XOXO,
Raina
