30 Ways To Spend Your 20% Off Coupons on the Best Ultralight Gear
This content is sponsored by REI Co-op, but the views expressed are my own
The REI Co-op Member Days event is on now, March 13-23, 2026, and this guide is your shortcut to the best ultralight backpacking gear on which to spend your coupon. If you want to upgrade your kit, you’ve come to the right place!
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Cover Photo: HMG Southwest 55
Sale Highlights
- 20% one full price item with member coupon
- 20% off one Outlet item with member coupon
- Member Rewards now available. Check your account!
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55
30.7 oz | $420 MSRP
This is one of our all-time favorite backpacks, and the model we used most in the decade from 2010-2020. Constructed with ultralight, waterproof, seam-taped, and tough-as-nails 100% woven Dyneema fabric, the HMG Southwest 55 delivers the best overall performance of any ultralight backpacking pack at REI. We laud it also for a surprisingly comfortable carry, unfathomable durability, waterproofness, low weight, and massive external pockets.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40
32.1 oz | $385 MSRP
HMG Unbound is an interesting alternative to the iconic Southwest/Windrider series, offering tradeoffs both positive and negative. Overall, it gets even better external storage, including larger side pockets, a bottom pocket, and a stretch mesh front pocket. It’s also $35 cheaper. Drawbacks are that it uses Dyneema Composite Hybrid fabric, instead of 100% woven Dyneema Composite Fabric, so it’s marginally less durable. Perhaps more importantly, it only has a single aluminum stay in the middle, instead of one on each side for slightly worse load transfer.
Samaya INSTANT2 Alpine
34.7 oz | $990 MSRP
The Samaya INSTANT2 Alpine is an impressively technical, ultra sturdy, ultralight freestanding tent notable for its combination of Dyneema and waterproof/breathable canopy fabrics. As a brand, Samaya focuses mostly on ultralight mountaineering equipment, and their 4-season design chops shine through in this fastpacking-style, fully-vestibuled beast of a trail shelter. We immediately love the use of 7.8mm carbon poles, which are beefier than what we’ve seen from Zpacks and Durston. And speaking of, Instant2 also gets magnetic door toggles. Drawbacks are it’s high price tag and smaller interior area. For dedicated 2P use, we recommend the 3P version.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 XL
46 oz | $650 MSRP
Choose the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 XL because its massive 36 sq ft interior comfortably accommodates two backpackers with wide pads and lots of gear. It’s also our top pick for one of the best backpacking tents sold at REI! Compared to the base model, it’s four ounces heavier and 24% larger! Copper Spur is notable for its extremely user-friendly design, awning vestibules, and light weight. While its overall weight profile is light-not-ultralight, the area-to-weight ratio is comparable to much smaller, true ultralight tents, it’s just that this one is XL. Also, Big Agnes updated their fly fabric in 2025 to enhance strength while also reducing water absorption and sagging.
Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20 Quilt
19 oz | $460 MSRP
Therm-a-Rest Vesper 20 is the highest warmth-to-weight ratio quilt sold at REI Co-op, comfier and better than every sleeping bag, and a top tier option for ultralight backpackers.
NEMO Pulse 20/30 Quilt
18 oz | $550 MSRP
Choose NEMO Pulse because it’s one of the two best quilts from a mainstream outdoor brand, and the most sustainable option on the marketplace. Send it back to NEMO at end of life and they’ll recycle it! Thanks to 1000 fill power Expedry gold-treated down and 10d fabric, it offers a very high warmth-to-weight ratio. It’s also notable for the use of kero step baffling, which creates a maze like network of semi-open chambers to hold down in place while evening out distribution and reducing cold spots.
NEMO Tensor All-Season UL Sleeping Pad
14.1 oz | $220 MSRP
Choose NEMO Tensor All-Season Insulated because it is the best overall ultralight sleeping pad, with the best combination of stats like weight, R-value, and thickness. The surface dimples form a reasonably comfortable and quiet sleeping surface with enhanced durability on the lower half.
Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated ASC
16.6 oz | $199 MSRP
For the best blend of comfort-and-thickness-to-weight, we recommend Sea to Summit Ether Light XR, which is no slouch on warmth or durability either. This is a great all around pad that includes all the best features like a deeply dimpled surface, double valve, perimeter bumpers, and a quiet sleeping experience; much quieter and warmer than its predecessor. And on top of that, the size regular is actually 21.7″ wide, 1.7″ wider than industry standard.
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Poles
17.1 oz | $230 MSRP
For the single strongest option out of the 30 poles we tested, choose Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork. By every possible deflection measurement and word of mouth on the trail, these heavy duty carbon fiber trekking poles are practically indestructible. They feature an incredibly simple and totally classic 3-part, telescoping design, augmented with the best and snappiest flip locks we’ve ever used.
Kahtoola MICROspikes® Ghost
6.8 oz | $104 MSRP
Kahtoola MICROspikes® Ghost represents a huge upgrade over the base model, offering comparable steel spike traction in a 43% lighter weight package. This is due to this use of a majority TPU base that replaces heavy steel chains. As original MICROspikes® were already the default choice and Ghost is far more efficient, we declare it to be the new best-in-class option for its category.
Altra Experience Wild 3+
22.8 oz | $165 MSRP
Altra Experience Wild 3+ are my current first-choice trail shoes, and stand out from their brand siblings by virtue of low-not-zero drop. You still get the wide toe box, but with a maximally breathable mesh upper, moderately thick foam midsoles, a heel rocker, and excellent Vibram rubber traction. All of which combine to make an incredibly comfortable, high performance trail runner for hiking long days in the mountains. This shoe is like if Altra Lone Peak and HOKA Speedgoat had a baby.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4
20.8 oz | $150 MSRP
Choose Topo Ultraventure 4s because they offer the rare combination of a wide toe box, non-zero drop, high cushion, and all-surface traction. The upper is quite breathable and protected by a rubberized toe bumper. Ultraventure 4’s outsole features relatively non-aggressive 3mm lugs, and this trail runner is best suited for moderate terrain, manmade surfaces, and maintained trails (for which it more effective than higher traction alternatives).
Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket
7.2 oz | $315 MSRP
The Patagonia Storm Racer is a minimalist ultralight rain jacket designed for trail running, but perfectly suited to hiking, thanks to its low weight and three layer composition. This is an extremely minimalist design with its only feature being a chest pocket; the lack of pit zips are its greatest drawback. Storm Racer runs trim, so size up if in between.
The North Face Papsura FutureLight Jacket
7.9 oz | $390 MSRP
The North Face Summit Series FUTURELIGHT Papsura Jacket is a true 3-layer ultralight minimalist rain shell, weighing in at just eight ounces; a shocker considering how far TNF has drifted away from technical and towards gorp-core. While the 3L composition and ultralight weight place it into an elite grouping, it’s held back from a gold medal award due to the lack of pit zips. The hand pockets are a nice touch for hanging around at camp.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL
6.7 oz | $495 MSRP
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL is an even lighter weight version of the best selling ultralight down jacket in the world. To achieve this, Ghost Whisperer UL swaps the 800 fp down out for 1000 fp, and upgrades the 10d fabric to 7d. While the warmth-to-weight ratio is high, it’s on the cusp of being underfilled, and better thought of as a 2-season/summer-only puffy. Don’t choose this if you run cold or want to push its insulative or durability limits. Do choose if you want low weight and very high packability!
Black Diamond Deploy 0.5 Jacket
5.8 oz | $550 MSRP
Black Diamond Deploy 0.5 isn’t the warmest or most durable puffy out there, but it’s certainly the lightest and most packable option at REI. The combination of 1000 fill power down and 4d nylon keeps weight down, but please use responsibly.
The North Face FutureFleece Hoodie
7.3 oz | $190 MSRP
The North Face FutureFleece Hoodie is an innovative ultralight grid fleece constructed with high warmth-to-weight, hollow core Octa fiber, configured into lofted tuft clusters on the inside face. This material is warmer than most other fleece in its weight class, and lighter and more breathable than most other fleece in its warmth class. With FutureFleece you can have your cake and eat it too
Mountain Hardwear Air Mesh Hoodie
6.3 oz | $99 MSRP
Mountain Hardwear Airmesh is the original brushed Octa fleece hoodie, and this ultralight banger is warmer and fuzzier than ever – now with 115 gsm fabric. The exterior face is comprised of a traditional mesh with plenty of air holes and medium stretch. The inside face consists of soft and fuzzy “brushed” fleece. This creates loft that traps dead air to insulate, while still allowing air flow aplenty. The end result is very effective, hyper breathable, quick drying, and optimized for movement. A minimalist feature set includes elasticized cuffs and thumb loops, as well as a small side zipper pocket.
Patagonia Multi Trails Shorts
4.0 oz | $85 MSRP
Patagonia Multi Trails are the best overall shorts for men, women, and kids because they’re extremely comfy, airy, stretchy, and have secure zipper hand pockets. These shorts are designed for running as much as hiking, so the fabric is thinner with a much sportier “activewear feel,” than traditional nylon cargo shorts. Other features include the snap back pocket and elastic drawstring waistband. They’re available in multiple inseam lengths; we recommend choosing the shorter option since it allows for better airflow. Biggest drawback is that these are lined shorts; cut out the liner and use your own undies for best results.
Janji Atlas Multi Pants
4.0 oz | $85 MSRP
Janji Atlas Multi are the stretchiest pair of lightweight trail running pants I’ve tested, and preferable to static traditional hiking pants in most – but not all- ways. They have great zipper pockets, a comfy waistband, and a material that handles water surprisingly well. While we’re at it, I also like the Janji Transit Tech Pants. Both run trim so size up if in between.
Mountain Hardwear Alakazam 45
28.9 oz | $575 MSRP
Mountain Hardwear Alakazam is one of the first mainstream Outdoor Industry brand designs offered in ultralight darling ALUULA Graflyte, and they took a really big swing on this one. The incredibly unique design is certainly the most interesting pack we’ve seen thus far in 2026, and combines best-in-class waterproof fabric with an articulated hip belt, running vest harness shoulder straps, and XXXL side pockets to great effect. No other option offers the same configuration and benefit set, and boy howdy does it look high tech.
Big Agnes Sarvis VST 2
40 oz | $750 MSRP
Woah, an ultralight, single wall freestanding tent from… Big Agnes! After resting on their Copper Spur laurels for a bit too long, we’re stoked to see BA releasing more innovative tents. The 2.5 pound Sarvis VST 2 offers 32 sq ft of interior area, and unlike the 29 sq ft Copper Spur, can fit two 25″ pads. For 3P, check out the Sarvis VST 3.
Big Agnes Pitchpine VST 1.5
27.1 oz | $650 MSRP
Give its asymmetrical pitch, exterior pole, bulbous top vents, and dark gray + mint green color combo, Big Agnes Pitchpine VST 1.5 is undoubtedly the most unique tent in the mainstream outdoor brand’s lineup, and one of the most bizarre shelters we’ve ever seen. Spacious and weighing in at well under two pounds, it evokes the lengthwise exterior central pole setup of a semi-freestanding TarpTent Rainbow, in the asymmetrical shape and size of a Zpacks Plex Solo. Can’t wait to try this!
Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5
19.3 oz | $550 MSRP
Another ambitious new addition to Big Agnes’ ultralight roster, String Ridge VST 1.5, takes on the size and shape of Zpacks Plex Solo, but adds a shorter secondary pole on the non-vestibule side to boost volume and ventilation above and beyond most other single wall solo tents. While the large side vent is certain to boost comfort, it adds setup complexity and leaves things to be desired in terms of wind resistance. For 2P use, check out the String Ridge VST 2.5.
NEMO DragonFly OSMO (2026 Edition)
45 oz | $550 MSRP
The NEMO Dragonfly OSMO is a lightweight, fully freestanding tent designed to compete directly with Copper Spur, complete with high tech sag-resistant fabric. The end result is an excellent, lightweight, fully freestanding backpacking tent. The latest version of Dragonfly has a larger interior volume thanks to a new and improved spreader bar.
Mountain Hardwear Ghoul 20F
22.3 oz | $775 MSRP
Mountain Hardwear Ghoul 20F is an ultralight, ultra-premium variable-fill sleeping bag designed for optimal warmth-to-weight ratio. More of the 950 fill power down is concentrated in the upper half, which – in tandem with a warmth reflective layer – insulates against heat’s natural tendency to escape upward.
Exped Ultra 6.5R
12.7 oz | $200 MSRP
Exped rereleased their entire Ultra range of sleeping pads for spring 2026, and the specs are really impressive. The mummy-shaped Ultra 6.5R is particularly nice; slightly lighter, warmer, and comfier than the existing tier-1 ultralight models like NeoAir, Tensor, and Zoom.
Sea to Summit Ultralight XR
14.6 oz | $149 MSRP
Few insulated sleeping pads weigh under a pound, which makes the Sea to Summit Ultralight XR a tempting offer for just $149 in a size regular. While the 2.6″ thick structure is definitely thinner than average and can cause bottoming out as you move, the actual sleeping surface is astoundingly comfy; great for side, stomach, and back sleepers. In fact, it is comfier than StS Ether Light XR, NEMO Tensor, NEMO Eclipse, and Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, albeit a notch thinner and less warm than all of them. Lastly, the 30d/40d fabric is very tough.
NEMO Eclipse All Season
16.0 oz | $160 MSRP
Assuming it holds up in the backcountry, NEMO Eclipse All-Season is primed to become the best buy among lightweight sleeping pads. With a whopping R-value of 6.2, a heavily dimpled surface, and four inches of thickness, it’s comfier than NeoAir and Tensor (though a 2-3 oz heavier), and $50 less expensive than the similarly specced Sea to Summit Ether Light XR.
Outdoor Research Helium UL
5.7 oz | $225 MSRP
Outdoor Research’s flagship ultralight jacket, now the Helium UL, just got a big overhaul. Instead of 2.5L Pertex, it’s now made with 2.75L Dermizax. The result is improved waterproof breathability (20k/20k), and a more textural/less plastic-y feel on the inside face. They also shaved an ounce off the list weight!
REI Co-op Member Days Sale Guide Conclusion
Thank you for reading our REI Co-op Member Days guide, where we hope you found big time savings on your new favorite lightweight hiking gear. Being a Co-op member has some serious perks, and if you aren’t already, we highly recommend purchasing a lifetime membership for $30, as the savings offset the upfront cost almost immediately. Happy trails!
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