REI Anniversary Sale Brings Big Wearable Discounts

The REI Anniversary Sale slashes prices on premium wearables. The Verge notes the event is the retailer’s biggest of the year, with 42 deals that span tents to wrists, and a sale window running through May 25. The Verge

Garmin’s Fenix 8 leads the premium lineup, a multisport watch retailing originally at $999.99 that shows up in stepped discounts this week. Amazon lists the 43mm variant at $749.99, Walmart’s listing covers the 51mm at $849.99, and REI itself lists the 47mm version at $849.99, a spread that makes the Fenix 8 compelling for serious outdoor use if you’re shopping for rugged GPS in bulk. The Verge

The Amazfit Active 2 stands out as a value option, with a $99.99 retail price that drops to $89.99 at Amazon and $84.99 at REI and Target. It’s pitched as a feature-rich wearable at a fraction of the cost of top-tier rivals, including built-in GPS and health-tracking tools that appeal to casual athletes and weekend hikers alike. The Verge

Garmin’s Venu 4 is also on sale for $499.99, about $50 off the usual price, with listings at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy. The Venu 4 is positioned as a more accessible Garmin option for everyday athletes who want solid tracking without the Fenix-level investment. The Verge

If you’re chasing savings, note that the sale runs through May 25 and REI members get 20 percent off one full-price item or one REI Outlet item with code ANNIV26. The lifetime membership at $30 folds into that calculation, offering extra room to stack a single-item discount during the event. The Verge

Practical takeaways for shoppers: First, the Fenix 8’s feature suite, including elite battery life, dual-frequency GPS, and robust sensors, makes it attractive for serious backcountry use, but it remains a high-cost purchase even when discounted. If you’re not chasing rugged navigation and long battery life, the Venu 4 or Amazfit Active 2 can cover everyday fitness tracking at a far friendlier price point. The multiple retailer approach, which includes Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and REI, also matters, because price and stock can vary by color and size, so you may need to hunt to match a specific variant. The Verge

Second, there is real value in understanding the membership perk as part of the total cost of ownership. A 20 percent off one full-price item might pay for itself quickly if you’re buying a top-tier watch, but it’s a single item discount per order, so plan your basket to maximize it. If you’re tempted by the Amazfit’s lower price, remember that the best value often comes from pairing hardware with how often you’ll actually use the health and GPS features during outdoor adventures. The Verge

Verdict: Buy if you’re a serious outdoor user who needs rugged GPS and long battery life, and you find the Fenix 8 price anchor compelling. Buy the Amazfit Active 2 if you want a capable, low-cost tracker for casual use, and you’ll take advantage of the lower price without a big feature gap. If you’re not in the market for a new watch, skip the upgrade for now and monitor for post-sale deals or next year’s iteration. The sale’s time window and member perks make this a practical chance to lock in a premium wearable at a discount, but only if you have a concrete plan for using the features. The Verge