Outside Days 2025: Your Essential Gear Guide for an Expanded Festival Experience.

Outside Days, the annual celebration of music, film, and all things outdoors, is poised to be bigger and more vibrant than ever in 2025. Scheduled from May 29th to May 31st, this year’s festival marks an expansion to an unprecedented three days of immersive experiences. The already stellar lineup boasts headliners like the critically acclaimed indie-rock band Death Cab for Cutie, the soulful Americana powerhouse My Morning Jacket, and the energetic alternative rockers Cage the Elephant, promising an unforgettable auditory and visual feast for attendees. With this significant increase in duration and an impressive roster of talent, Outside Days 2025 is shaping up to be one of the premier festivals of the year, attracting enthusiasts from across the country. As the excitement builds, it’s crucial for festival-goers to prepare themselves, not just mentally, but also with the right gear to fully embrace the extended celebration.

The importance of reliable and functional outdoor gear cannot be overstated, especially when attending a multi-day festival. From navigating varied weather conditions to ensuring comfort during long hours of music and exploration, the right equipment can elevate the entire experience. This is where REI, a trusted name in outdoor retail, becomes an indispensable resource. More than just a store, REI is a gateway to adventure, offering a vast selection of high-quality products designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor life. Complementing their extensive product range, the REI Co-op® Mastercard® offers a significant advantage for frequent shoppers and festival attendees alike. Cardholders benefit from an impressive 5% in card rewards on all REI purchases, effectively turning everyday gear acquisition into an investment. Furthermore, the REI Co-op® Mastercard® unlocks exclusive discounts and special perks specifically tailored for Outside Days, making it an even more attractive proposition for those planning to attend. This synergistic relationship between REI, the festival, and its financing options underscores the comprehensive approach to enjoying outdoor events.

To fully equip yourself for Outside Days 2025 and the summer adventures that lie beyond, consider these eight essential pieces of gear, each selected for its functionality, durability, and ability to enhance your outdoor experience:

1. REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie: Your Ultimate Sun Defense

Long days spent under the open sky, whether at a festival or on a scenic hike, demand effective sun protection. The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is meticulously designed to address this need, offering a superior blend of comfort and defense. Its lightweight and exceptionally soft, stretchy fabric ensures unrestricted movement, allowing you to dance, explore, and relax without feeling encumbered. The thoughtfully integrated adjustable hood provides ample coverage for your head and neck, while the convenient thumbholes offer a secure fit, preventing sleeves from riding up and exposing skin. Crucially, the hoodie features UPF 50+ technology, a robust barrier against harmful ultraviolet radiation, providing all-day sun protection. This makes it an indispensable item for any outdoor enthusiast seeking to mitigate sun exposure without sacrificing comfort or style. Available in both men’s and women’s styles, the Sahara Shade Hoodie is a testament to REI’s commitment to producing functional and protective apparel for all.

2. BANDITS Bandana: The Quintessential Multi-Tool for Festival Survival

The humble bandana, often overlooked, is arguably one of the most versatile pieces of gear one can pack for a festival. The BANDITS bandana transcends its traditional uses, transforming into a hat for shade, a headband to manage unruly hair, a neck gaiter for sun protection, a makeshift shirt in a pinch, or even a napkin for impromptu clean-ups. This adaptability makes it an invaluable asset. BANDITS bandanas are crafted from soft, breathable organic cotton, ensuring comfort against the skin. What sets them apart further is their artistic flair; each bandana is designed by talented artists from around the globe, making them not just functional but also stylish accessories. Beyond aesthetics and utility, BANDITS demonstrates a strong commitment to social responsibility, with each purchase supporting a different charity. This dedication to art, utility, and philanthropy makes a BANDITS bandana a conscious and practical choice for any festival-goer.

3. goodr OGs Polarized Sunglasses: Style, Protection, and Affordability

When it comes to festival eyewear, goodr OGs Polarized Sunglasses hit a sweet spot, offering an exceptional combination of affordability, high quality, and unapologetic fun. These sunglasses are practically engineered for the festival environment. Their nonslip frames are designed to stay put, even during energetic dancing or spontaneous adventures, ensuring they remain securely on your face. The polarized lenses are a game-changer, significantly reducing glare from the sun, which is crucial for maintaining clear vision and reducing eye strain during extended periods outdoors. The most compelling aspect, however, is their accessible $30 price point. This makes them an ideal choice for festivals, where the risk of losing or damaging sunglasses is always present. With goodrs, you can enjoy vibrant music and dazzling sunshine without the anxiety of compromising expensive eyewear. If a pair does go missing in the festival throng, the financial sting is minimal, allowing you to quickly replace them and continue enjoying the experience.

4. REI Co-op Flash Bucket Hat: Cooling Comfort and Packable Protection

The REI Co-op Flash Bucket Hat offers a pragmatic solution for sun protection that goes beyond simple shade. This hat is engineered with innovative features to enhance comfort during warm weather activities. The crown of the hat is equipped with laser-cut vents, a thoughtful design element that promotes airflow and significantly increases cooling efficiency, preventing overheating on hot festival days. Like the Sahara Shade Hoodie, the Flash Bucket Hat boasts UPF 50+ protection, safeguarding your face and scalp from harmful UV rays. A bungee adjustment system allows for a customized and secure fit, ensuring the hat stays put even in breezy conditions. Furthermore, its packable design means it can be easily crushed down to fit into a pocket or bag, making it incredibly convenient to carry when not in use. This combination of advanced cooling, robust sun protection, and practical portability makes the Flash Bucket Hat an essential accessory for any outdoor event.

5. Hydro Flask Lightweight 32 oz. Water Bottle: Sustained Hydration in Peak Condition

Staying hydrated is paramount, especially during a high-energy, multi-day festival under the summer sun. The question isn’t whether you need a water bottle upgrade, but rather what quality of hydration you desire. Do you prefer ice-cold refreshment or lukewarm discomfort while dancing in a crowded field on a hot day? The Hydro Flask Lightweight 32 oz. Water Bottle provides a definitive answer. This vacuum-insulated bottle is engineered to keep drinks frosty for an impressive 24 hours, ensuring you have access to perfectly chilled water throughout the entire festival. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to carry, even when full, and the durable design is built to withstand the demands of outdoor use. Maintaining optimal hydration is key to enjoying the full spectrum of festival activities, from soaking in the music to exploring the grounds, and the Hydro Flask is your reliable partner in achieving this.

6. Teva Hurricane XLT3 Sandals: Unparalleled Comfort for Long Days on Your Feet

Long hours spent standing, dancing, and exploring at a festival can take a significant toll on your feet. The Teva Hurricane XLT3 Sandals are designed to combat this discomfort, offering exceptional support and cushioning. The latest iteration of Teva’s renowned hiking sandals features an enhanced topsole with an additional 5mm of foam, providing an extra layer of plushness that your feet will undoubtedly appreciate. Whether you’re positioned at the front row to catch your favorite band’s set or dancing the night away, these sandals ensure your feet remain comfortable and supported. Their durable construction and adjustable straps offer a secure and personalized fit, while the rugged outsole provides reliable traction on various surfaces. The Hurricane XLT3 Sandals are more than just footwear; they are an investment in your festival well-being, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience without being sidelined by foot fatigue.

7. Cotopaxi Taal Convertible Del Dia Tote Bag: Versatile Carry-All for Festival Essentials

Navigating festival regulations regarding bags can sometimes be a challenge, but happily, both backpacks and totes are permitted at Outside Days. The Cotopaxi Taal Convertible Del Dia Tote Bag stands out as an exceptionally versatile and stylish option for carrying your festival necessities. This innovative hybrid bag offers 16 liters of generous storage capacity, ample space for festival layers, accessories, and any other items you might need throughout the day. Its thoughtful design includes a dedicated pouch for water bottles, ensuring easy access and preventing leaks, as well as a secure zipper closure to keep your belongings safe. The "Del Dia" designation signifies that each bag is unique, crafted from repurposed materials, adding an element of individuality and sustainability to your gear. This convertible tote is the ultimate packing solution, blending functionality with eco-conscious design.

8. Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Chair: The Icon of Outdoor Relaxation

When it’s time to unwind and take a break from the festival’s energetic pace, the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 Original Chair offers the perfect solution for comfortable relaxation, whether at a festival, on a hike, or at your campsite. This chair has achieved iconic status for its simplicity, exceptional comfort, and remarkable durability. While numerous imitations and variations have emerged over the years, the original Crazy Creek chair remains the benchmark. Its lightweight and packable nature makes it easy to transport, and its legendary indestructibility means it’s built to last through countless outdoor adventures. The unique design of the Crazy Creek chair not only provides superior comfort but also creates a sense of grounding, as it is not elevated like traditional chairs, fostering a more intimate connection with your surroundings. It’s the ultimate portable seat for enjoying downtime in comfort and style.

REI: Empowering Your Outdoor Lifestyle

REI, headquartered near Seattle, is a distinguished specialty outdoor retailer and the nation’s largest consumer cooperative. With a vibrant community of 25 million members, REI is dedicated to providing its members and customers with the highest quality gear and unparalleled customer service. The cooperative’s extensive network includes numerous physical stores located across the country, ensuring accessibility for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. Additionally, customers can conveniently shop online at REI.com, find great deals at REI Outlet, or utilize the user-friendly REI shopping app. While everyone is welcome to shop at REI, membership in the co-op unlocks a wide array of exclusive benefits, further enhancing the value for dedicated outdoor adventurers. As a purpose-driven and values-led company, REI is committed to its mission of enabling life outside for all, fostering a deep connection with nature and promoting an active, outdoor lifestyle for everyone. This commitment is evident in their curated selection of gear, their community-focused approach, and their dedication to sustainability and responsible outdoor practices.