REI doesn’t do military discounts at all, which sucks. Your best bet is honestly just grabbing their $30 lifetime membership for the annual 10% dividend and the periodic 20% coupons. Or skip REI entirely and check GovX or ExpertVoice — most outdoor brands on there give vets 30% to 40% off directly.

Standard shipping is free over $50, but if you have a lifetime membership, you get free shipping with zero minimum anyway. If you don't have it and you're hovering around $40, just toss in a pair of socks or some Gu packets to hit the threshold. Otherwise, store pickup is always free.

Don’t buy either at full price. REI brand stuff always drops 30% during the Anniversary Sale in May or Labor Day. If you're a member, save that 20% coupon for third-party brands instead. Also check Re/Supply; people return Sahara hoodies all the time because the sizing runs weirdly baggy.

Don't bother signing up just hoping for an instant 15% promo code, because REI doesn't do welcome discounts. If you want actual savings, pay the lifetime membership fee. You get their 20% coupons twice a year and access to Re/Supply used gear. Otherwise, just check the outlet section directly.