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Scoured: The Best Outdoor Gear On REI for October 2022

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If you’ve already decorated your house for Halloween and want to push your spooky season enthusiasm even further, sporting an orange and black ensemble can be an excellent way to get into the spirit (no pun intended). Outdoor juggernaut REI has an excellent range of gear and apparel no matter what time of year, but this time around we’ve scoured its web store for the best seasonal pieces for your next camping trip or wilderness excursion.

Photo: Outdoor Research

Outdoor Research Swift Cap

Just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean we should be canceling our running routines. Outdoor Research’s Swift Cap is perfect in rain or shine, with a layer of breathable mesh and an additional mesh layer that acts as a rainfly. We guarantee you won’t want to take this hat off all season.

Photo: Jetboil

Jetboil 1.5L Ceramic FluxRing Cooking Pot

You no longer need to stress about your next meal when camping. Jetboil has an array of devices for cooking and prepping food outdoors. Its FluxRing technology allows you to heat and boil water in a fraction of the time. The 1.5L cooking pot gives you enough room to make chili or pasta, and the ceramic non-stick coating inside provides you with a super-easy cleanup. 

Photo: REI

REI Co-op Swiftland Insulated Vest

If you don’t want your movement to be restricted just because the weather cools down, opt for a vest instead. This Swiftland Insulated Vest from REI blocks winds up to 30mph and wicks moisture thanks to the DWR coating, all while keeping your arms free. The upper portion is made from recycled ripstop nylon for durability while the lower half is built with a more breathable polyester and spandex for motion.

Photo: Petzl

Petzl IKO Core Headlamp

Weighing just 2.8oz, the IKO Core Headlamp from Petzl is your best option for nighttime illumination. Throwing as much as 500 lumens up to 328ft, with three brightness levels, this super-versatile lamp can be worn around your head or neck, or can be placed on the table as a traditional lantern. The hindside battery pack balances the weight perfectly and the IPX4 water-resistance rating ensures that it will be of service all throughout the rainy months.

Photo: REI

REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest

Nobody wants to carry around a water bottle when embarking on rigorous hikes or wilderness runs. REI Co-op’s Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest gives you 50oz of water capacity for easy sips out on the trail. The high-flow Blaster bite valve is made to be leak-free, sealing itself off after sipping. Sporting a minimal profile, with adjustable torso straps that preclude bouncing and sagging, the recycled-nylon vest also doubles as a gear pack, equipped with four stretch mesh pockets.

Photo: Oakley

Oakley Sutro Prizm Black Sunglasses

Oakley’s flagship Sutro cycling shades have become legendary for their performance while you’re riding and their stylish versatility when you’re through. Built with 100% UV protection, the Prizm lenses provide beautiful visibility with enhanced contrast and color. Likewise, the frames are made from the brand’s proprietary O Matter for longevity and durability, while the Unobtainium nose pads help these specs stay put no matter how intense your ride gets.

Photo: Benchmade

Benchmade Weekender

Have some versatility with your pocket knife without increasing the bulk. At just 2.3oz, the Weekender by Benchmade is the perfect three-tool carry, equipped with two different-sized CPM-S30V steel slip joint flat blades on either side and a small bottle opener in the spine. A mere 4” in length when closed, the stylish OD micarta handle sports orange aluminum pivot rings for looks.

Photo: Garmin

Garmin InReach Messenger

Garmin is one of the most dominant forces in the smartwatch space for a reason. With its carefully-tailored range of unbelievably competent wearables, the company has products that can suit your needs no matter what you’re up to. Recently, Garmin debuted its inReach Messenger device, which enables you to communicate with others through text even when your cell service drops. The off-grid device utilizes satellites to keep you safe wherever you roam.

Photo: Lowa

Lowa Camino EVO GTX Hiking Boots

Strap up these Camino EVO hiking boots from Lowa to give you maximum support and versatility on your next excursion. Equipped with breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX on the nubuck leather uppers, this updated version of the brand’s flagship boot has ankle patches for extra flexibility despite the high cut. Likewise, the intricate two-zone X-Lacing system provides added comfort by letting you customize where the tension hits.

Photo: Garmin

Garmin Instinct 2S GPS Watch

Garmin’s unprecedented selection of smartwatches ensures that you have exactly what you want and not more than you need. Rugged and lightweight, the Instinct is the brand’s mid-range multisport line that includes apps for running, hiking, swimming, cycling, and more, with GPS capability. Able to monitor your heart rate, pulse, sleep habits, and stress levels, it also doubles as a health tracker that’s compatible with your smartphone.

Scoured: The Best Outdoor Gear On REI for September 2022


Check out our favorite picks from REI last month with this lineup of blue and yellow outdoor gear.