As we head into the long, hot days of another sweltering summer, you may be looking for fun ideas to mix up your outdoor gatherings. Well, you’re in luck! Recently, West Elm and REI dropped their second collaboration — a new line of limited-edition outdoor furniture essentials to get you ready for all your upcoming summer soirees.

Furniture pieces from REI and West Elm's new

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This collaboration is just the newest line in the retail duo’s partnership, which began in spring of 2020. To create the pieces, members of West Elm’s design team paired up with REI’s outdoor gurus to make products that are both multifunctional and easy to transport. Dubbed as “grab-and-go products to enjoy summer outside,” this collection is bound to get you stoked for all of your fave summer activities. Picnic, anyone?

Another great thing about this collection is the fact that it’s easy to use and transport. After all, no one wants to be lugging around heavy outdoor equipment on a 100-degree day only to get to their destination and realize nothing works or fits together. With this collection, you’ll never have to deal with those wonky chairs or impossible pop-ups again, because the outdoor experts at REI definitely know what they’re doing.

If all this talk of summer gatherings has made you imagine sipping a cold cocktail, playing your fave tunes, and sitting in your comfy, easy-to-set-up chair while the summer breeze tickles your face, then keep reading. We’ve compiled a handy guide to highlight some of the best items from this fab collab, now available online through both REI and West Elm.

Outward Stool

The Outward Stool featured in REI and West Elm's collaborative outdoor furniture collection.

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) may not be one of the most creative acronyms out there, but it definitely applies when dealing with transportable outdoor furniture. This stool definitely fits the bill as it’s easy to fold up and carry all in a snap. Made of recycled polyester, its seat is as comfy as its steel frame is durable. Add a handy strap for easy carrying, and you’re ready to go!

Outward Ground Cloth

The Outward Ground Cloth featured in REI and West Elm's collaborative outdoor furniture collection.

Whether you’re headed to your fave sandy beach, your top tree-filled campsite, or are simply looking to have a little picnic in your own backyard, this ground cloth has you covered. We use the term “blanket” loosely here, as this recycled polyester cloth is so much more than your average picnic put-down. Complete with a side that is, according to REI, “grippy,” it keeps pesky sand, dirt, and other unwelcome particles from ruining your vibe (we can’t promise it will repel ants or other creepy-crawlies, though!). It also includes stakes to keep it even more secured, and straps for easy transport.

Outward Dining Table

The Outward Dining Table featured in REI and West Elm's collaborative outdoor furniture collection.

Feeling fancy? Then you definitely need to check out this lightweight table. Ideal for meals, cocktails, and games, it also makes the perfect prep station. With a heat-resistant aluminum top, its large surface is just the place for your margarita, chili dog, and frisbee (that’s all you need at a picnic, right?). But the best part about this table is its foldable frame, which easily fits into an accompanying carry bag. Easy to set up and easy to stow: a dream for outdoor adventurers everywhere.

Outward Day Shelter

Two friends enjoy an outdoor picnic under the cover of West Elm and REI's new Outward Day Shelter.

Summer can be filled with unexpected weather, but with this shelter, you never have to worry about getting stuck in the rain again. Waterproof and made of durable polyester, this shelter is easy to set up and can be adjusted from 79 to 98 inches in height. Webbing lash points give you more pitch options and provide spots for setting up cute lights to create ambience. Ideal for any outdoor excursion, this shelter also comes with its own sack to make toting a treat.

Outward Rope Chair

The Outward Rope Chair featured in REI and West Elm's collaborative outdoor furniture collection.

Sit back, relax, and turn the pages of your newest summer read in this comfy rope chair. A climbing-inspired seat and extremely durable steel frame mean you can chill out all day with extra back support. Plus, this snazzy seat comes with a rope handle for easy transport and storage.

The newest collaboration from REI and West Elm is meant to inspire you to “spend more time out there” and is designed with comfort, style, and durability in mind. These new finds embody easy-to-set-up design and are meant for no-fuss transport – making it a snap to get outside and enjoy summer.