REI Co-op announces the spring 2025 Editors’ Choice Awards

Specialty outdoor retailer REI announces its seasonal REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Awards, a designation honoring top-performing gear and apparel from brands sold at the co-op. The awards are determined by criteria that includes employee expertise, field testing, customer feedback, and sustainability attributes.

“Our spring Editors’ Choice awards highlight time-honored standouts and the latest innovations in camp, hike and running,” said Cassie da Costa, an editor at REI who manages the awards process. “We thank the many REI members and staff across the country who shared their experiences from testing. Their valuable feedback on features and performance, combined with input from our editorial and merchandising teams, set the co-op’s awards program apart from other industry recognition.”

Launched in 2020, the REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Awards program is part of REI’s Co-op Studios division, which produces films, podcasts and in-house editorial content that is published on Expert Advice and Uncommon Path. The recipients of REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Awards for spring include: 

• REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag: Testers praised the Magma 15’s warmth and coziness on cold nights camping, saying it “feels like sleeping on a cloud.” Its lightweight and impressive ability to pack down also made it a favorite for backpackers. Available in nine length and width options, REI product designers developed the Magma 15 using 150,000 fit scans for more dialed-in and inclusive sizing.  
• REI-Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent: After pitching the tent everywhere from a lawn with very active sprinklers to the edge of a 1,000-foot-deep canyon, testers confirmed that the Wonderland 6 is a versatile, palatial shelter fit for a crowd. Its near-vertical sidewalls, optional room divider and awnings on either side gave testers serious real estate for indoor picnics, changing rooms, gear storage and late-night card games. REI also recognized the Wonderland 6 in the 2023 REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Awards. Editors  awarded the tent again for continued high marks when compared to the latest competition in the category.
• On Cloudrock Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (women’s and men’s): There's a reason testers say wearing these feels like “walking on a cloud.” These lightweight and responsive boots from Swiss brand On offer a cushy, bouncy trail ride that's still supportive enough to tackle a range of terrain. Stylish and comfy to wear to brunch, yet burly and waterproof to send through creeks and over boulders and roots, the Cloudrock could easily replace your everyday shoes, so you’ll always be ready for adventure.
• Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX Hiking Boots (women’s and men’s): These boots passed the ultimate test when one of our member testers wore them to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Lightweight for fast movers but durable under a load and designed for premium comfort, the Moab Speed 2 grips, climbs and rides over any terrain. There’s a reason the Moab line has been going strong since 1982—this versatile boot will quickly become your versatile go-to, no matter where you’re going.
• Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 Road-Running Shoes (women’s and men’s): Light and springy for short, fast miles; soft and supportive for long training miles, the Endorphin Speed 4 is a thrillingly zippy update to the beloved shoe from Saucony. The brand’s proprietary midsole is made from high-performance foam that cushions runners from the high impact of asphalt while, with its nylon plate springs them forward to smash workouts and personal bests. One tester relied on the Endorphin Speed 4 through months of marathon training—and it didn’t disappoint. Editors recognized the shoe’s previous version, the Endorphin Speed 3, in the 2023 REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Awards.
• HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Trail-Running Shoes (women’s and men’s): Low-profile design, tacky traction and barely-there comfort make this speedy yet versatile trail-running shoe our testers’ top pick for trail runners. The Mafate Speed 4 boasts 5-millimeter lugs and a Vibram Megagrip outsole, which work together to keep runners grounded on mountainous terrain. Its proprietary double-stack Pro-Fly+ EVA foam midsole guarantees HOKA’s well-known cushioning through many miles. If you want one shoe to tackle all training, racing and recovery on the trail, the Mafate Speed 4 is your go-to.
• Salomon ADV Skin Hydration Vest: A streamlined, high-performance fit and luxe fabric makes this updated version of the popular running hydration vest from Salomon REI testers' favorite premium vest for long, demanding runs on the road and trail. Testers noted the vest’s premium fabric felt “like a second skin" during hot days where they ditched their t-shirts for a more wind-kissed experience. For long days on the trail and road, the Adv 12 skin equips runners with a generous 12 liters of water, but without the burden. The brand’s SensiFit™ design combines stretchy, breathable fabric with a Y-shaped weight distribution to hug one’s body (no slosh!).

Testers for REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Awards include REI employees, co-op members, and customers from across the nation who evaluate a product’s usability and features in various climates, terrain, and weather. They report on their experiences with qualitative and quantitative data collected along the way. Testing can last up to a year to assess how products perform through various seasons and scenarios. The top-scoring products are featured in Gear Guides on Expert Advice, REI’s gear and expertise learning library.

To be considered for REI’s awards, products must be sold at the co-op. A list of past award winners can be found here. 

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