REI Anniversary Sale kicks off with big Garmin deals

REI's anniversary sale brings big savings on rugged Garmin watches.

The retailer declares the Anniversary Sale as its biggest of the year, piling discounts onto outdoor essentials from tents to sleeping pads and beyond.

If you’re prepping for a camping trip or backcountry weekend, now is the moment to compare gear across categories, not just on one flashy watch.

Members get extra bite in the deal with 20 percent off one full-price item or one REI Outlet item when they use code ANNIV26, and a lifetime membership runs $30.

Garmin’s Fenix 8 line stands out in the lineup, with prices shown as a mix of list and sale numbers.

The 43mm version lists at $999.99 but is shown at $749.99 on Amazon, while larger variants at Walmart and REI show $849.99 after a higher list price of $1,099.99.

Amazfit’s Active 2 is positioned as value, priced at $99.99 and on sale to $89.99 at Best Buy, while REI and Target list it around $84.99.

For budget-conscious hikers who still want GPS tracking and a health suite, the price delta is meaningful in a sale window that also features higher-end Garmin models.

Garmin’s Venu 4 is another focal point, marketed as geared toward the average athlete and appearing on sale across major retailers including REI, Amazon, and Best Buy in multiple sizes.

Even as the gear lineup dazzles, the sale highlights a caveat for satellite messengers.

The InReach Mini 2 is last gen and may require a separate subscription to unlock full functionality, a reminder that some 'free with purchase' buys still carry ongoing service costs.

The promotion runs through May 25, giving shoppers a finite window to lock in prices and the ANNIV26 discount on a single item.

In practice, that timing matters for stock and for buyers who want to compare cross-store pricing across Amazon, REI, Best Buy, and Target during the same sale cycle.

Verdict: Buy if you’re in the market for a rugged Garmin or a budget-friendly Amazfit while you’re already planning a purchase, and you can maximize value with the ANNIV26 code on a full-price item.

If you don’t need a major upgrade now, wait for additional model-year refreshes or broader stock before committing.