TL;DR: Through July 13, making a $50 purchase at REI plus a one-time $30 lifetime co-op membership fee gets you a free $30 gift card, essentially making your lifetime membership free.

Opens in a new tab Credit: REI $30 REI gift card (opens in a new tab) Free with $50 purchase and co-op membership sign-up Get Deal (opens in a new tab)

If your goal for the summer is simply to spend most of it outside, an REI co-op membership could be a golden ticket. And now through July 13 is the best time to join the club: A current promo from REI is rewarding new lifetime co-op members with a free $30 gift card just for spending $50.

Joining the co-op does require a one-time fee of $30, but that free $30 that you unlocked covers that — and if you were in the market for new outdoor gear anyway (upgraded sneaks or an inflatable kayak, perhaps?), spending $50 won't be hard.

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That lifetime membership to REI's co-op then unlocks a world of benefits for the great outdoors enjoyer. Members get exclusive access to discounts on gear throughout the year, plus 20% off bike and snow shop services, and up to 33% off rentals. The co-op is also the spot for buying pre-loved gear and giving your used gear a second life — we love to skip awkward Facebook Marketplace encounters whenever possible.

Members also get 10% back annually on most purchases and free shipping.