8 REI Products That I’m Excited To Try Out in Arizona This Year

If you spend as much time outside as I do, chances are you’ll never turn down an opportunity to add to your Arizona outdoor gear collection. I refuse to compromise on quality, style, or price, which is why I always shop at REI. From hiking to camping to water recreation, REI offers thousands of products for all of your adventures. To save you some time, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite REI products that I can’t wait to use this year. Practical, highly rated, and stylish, these items will get you excited to hit the trail, the campground, or wherever else your travels take you, and they’re sure to last for years to come.

1. Owala FreeSip Vacuum Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is a core tenant of spending time outdoors no matter where you are, but it’s especially important in Arizona, where sweltering temperatures are the norm for much of the year. The Owala FreeSip Vacuum Water Bottle is the perfect companion for your adventures because it keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours, is leak-proof, and offers two different drinking options with a built-in straw and wide-mouth opening. Plus, the bottle holds a liter of water, so it’s perfect for more remote hikes where opportunities to refill are limited.

2. REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles

Arizona’s mountainous landscape can be treacherous at times, so I always recommend a pair of trekking poles for hikes with a lot of elevation gain. The REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles have a nearly 4.5-star average from over 80 reviews. They’re easily adjustable and light yet sturdy so that you can take on uneven terrain with confidence. 

3. Base Camp 4 Tent

If you’re a camping enthusiast like me, you know choosing the perfect tent is no easy task. It depends on a variety of factors, one of the most important being the climate of your destination. Due to Arizona’s unpredictable weather — especially during peak camping season — a durable tent that can withstand the elements is crucial, and the Base Camp 4 Tent passes the test. It makes the most of its space while packing down relatively small, and, most importantly, it holds up if you need to wait out a downpour.

4. La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots

Perhaps the most difficult (yet also the most important) decision any hiker faces is choosing a pair of hiking boots. There are so many great options out there, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That being said, I’m a big fan of the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots — at least in terms of mountain hiking. Available in men's and women's, they’re supportive without being clunky, and the bottoms are more than grippy enough for trails with unstable ground and loose rocks. Plus, moisture-venting technology keeps feet dry and minimizes blisters. The boots perform somewhat like a very thick hiking shoe, so if you’re unsure which type of footwear to go with, these are a good choice.

5. Bear Deterrent Spray with Holsters by Counter Assault

Bear encounters in Arizona aren’t uncommon, so it’s always a good idea to have bear spray on hand. This Bear Deterrent Spray with Holsters by Counter Assault comes with two eight-ounce canisters of concentrated pepper spray to keep you safe and put your mind at ease. It even has convenient holsters that attach to your belt or pack.

6. Garmin Instinct 3 Solar

I’m a big fitness enthusiast, so I love seeing my stats after a long hike or a trail run. The new Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is my ideal watch, with a sleek interface, built-in flashlight, and endless battery life thanks to solar power. It measures a variety of data points, including heart rate, sleep, Pulse Ox, and more, and it has a compass and GPS to keep you on the right track. 

7. Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars

A major goal of mine this year is to explore new, relaxing hobbies like birdwatching, and these Nocs Provisions Standard Issue 8 x 25 Waterproof Binoculars have me even more excited about it. Waterproof, fogproof, and lightweight, these binoculars are ideal for getting up close and personal with Arizona’s vast and varied bird population. 

8. Trail 25 Pack

I’ve saved the most quintessential piece of outdoor gear for last: the backpack. After a thorough search, I can honestly say it doesn’t get much better than the Trail 25 Pack. It has a 25-liter gear capacity, boasts tons of pockets, is reservoir compatible, and even comes with a rain cover, making it ideal for all of your favorite day hikes.

Have you tried any of these products? What Arizona outdoor gear would you add to the list? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Check out our previous article for some of our favorite hiking trails in Arizona to try out your new gear, and sign up for AllTrails+ to get exclusive perks like offline map access. It comes in handy on remote trails, which are a dime a dozen here in the Grand Canyon State.