2019 Top Sellers: What GearJunkie Readers Love to Buy & Gift

From mittens to duffels to down hoodies, this is our list of the top-selling outdoor products that GearJunkie readers purchased at REI this year.

There are a ton of options when it comes to outdoor gear, but here are some tried-and-true favorites among our readers.

From minimalist MSR tent stakes to big-ticket items by Arc’teryx, check out this assortment of popular year-round purchases. It might just inspire your next online shopping sesh or spark a gift idea this holiday.

Arc’teryx Zeta Rain Jackets: From $149

Arc’teryx updated its Zeta line of rainwear last year, and people have been stoked about it. We wrote an article that dives deeper into the tech and design of the Zeta rain jackets and pants here if you’re interested.

Both the Zeta SL and FL jackets were top sellers this year, with the FL model being particularly popular.

prAna Stretch Zion Straight Pant — Men’s: $89

These straight-leg pants resist water, abrasion, and wrinkles, making them a guy’s go-to for all kinds of life activities.

At $89, they’re cheaper than a lot of fancy jeans and may last longer thanks to prAna’s thoughtful fabric choices: quick-drying performance stretch fabric with UPF 50-plus sun protection and DWR finish. And don’t overlook the roll-up leg snaps, cinch belt, and handy dual-entry cargo pockets.

BUFF Original Multifunctional Headwear: $20

It’s stretchy, multipurpose, and protects your neck from dangerous ultraviolet light. What more could you ask for in an outdoor accessory?

Released in new patterns and outdoor art each season, the affordable do-everything, wear-it-eight-ways BUFF is a perennial favorite at REI. Customers buy this modern bandana all year round as a ski/bike helmet liner and to keep warm hiking, camping, and fly fishing.

Salomon Sense Ride Trail-Running Shoes —  Women’s &  Men’s: $90 (25% Off)

Hurry, both men’s and women’s versions of Salomon’s top trail-running shoe are on sale at the REI Outlet in past-season colors. This technical, dirt-wielding, breathable mesh shoe is a favorite for putting in serious miles.

Hardcore runners appreciate the Sense Ride’s standout feature: full-length midsole inserts that tamp vibration and lessen impact. They say that equates to less fatigue and more miles — if you like that kind of thing.

Gerber Dime Multitool: $21

For 21 bucks, the Dime compact cutter is a steal. No wonder GearJunkie readers bought so many at REI this year.

What’s not to like in an everyday keychain multitool loaded with tuck-away pliers, wire cutters, blade, scissors, screwdrivers, tweezers, a file, and a slicer? It’s perfect for opening all the packages and presents this holiday season.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter: $20

This was one of the top-selling items of 2019. Quench your thirst on hikes directly from the stream with the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. If your water is sketchy while traveling or you need something for the backcountry, the LifeStraw will get the job done.

Hydro Flask 22oz. Tumbler: $30

Like everything this brand makes, the 22-fluid-ounce Hydro Flask tumbler is wildly colorful — and useful. A few reasons people love this tumbler is that it fits in a car cupholder and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps your beer cold or tea steaming for hours.

It’s a staple for many outdoor folks, plus it makes a great gift.

Patagonia Black Hole 55L Duffel: $139

Patagonia’s entire Black Hole line sells like hot cakes at REI. It’s hard to resist this workhorse weekend travel bag all laid out in shiny colors like big pieces of candy. No wonder people can’t get enough of them.

The burly travel bags, which range in size from 40 to 100 L, are made of weather-resistant recycled polyester ripstop fabric overlaid with a special laminate and a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment to bust more moisture.

REI Co-op Camp X Chair: $40

Infinitely packable with cupholders right where you need them, REI’s own Camp X Chair looks simple but comes with some slick ergonomics built right in.

Wondering how this well-priced relaxer stays so comfy? Enter X-Web. The X-shaped webbed chair material adds just the right tension and weight distribution from your rear to your neck. That means more restful campfire time.

REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie —  Men’s & Women’s: $219

For our readers and editors, this is a beloved puffy for winter and cold weather advenrure. The 850-fill-power goose down means this jacket is warm. But it’s also incredibly lightweight and packable.

The baffles map insulation to men’s and women’s bodies, and the color choices are just cool. Even better, the Magma is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS).

DAKINE Sequoia Insulated Mittens — Women’s: $70

The ladies made it clear that Sequoias are da bomb. DAKINE’s GORE-TEX waterproofed nylon-polyester mitts keep digits warm and dry but still offload excess heat when you’re pushing those poles.

The multipurpose snowsports mittens also have indispensable nose wipers, removable fleece “smart” liners for texting your friends on a powder day, and a mini zip pocket for additional handwarmers or other said stashes.

REI Co-op Lifetime Membership: $20

REI memberships are one of the historic outdoor co-op’s top sellers. At $20, it’s a no-brainer for the perks that come with it. In addition to the famous 10-percent-back annual dividend, there are members-only deals throughout the year and discounts on REI classes and trips.

Right now, new members get a $20 card toward their first purchase, valid the day after receipt. So, basically, it’s free.

MSR Ground Hog Stake: $3

If you’ve never tried a Ground Hog, you don’t know what you’re missing. The three-sided, notched aluminum camping stake is smooth in and smooth out, with surprisingly sturdy holding power.

Luckily, at $3 a pop, these masterful stakes are available to the masses. Get a few for yourself or as a stocking stuffer gift for your camping buddies.

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This article is sponsored by REI. Check out GearJunkie readers’ top buys and more at REI.com.

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