As summer’s golden days begin to wane, outdoor enthusiasts know it’s the perfect time to refresh their gear for autumn adventures or plan ahead for next season. And what better way to do so than with REI’s highly anticipated annual Labor Day Sale?
Unmissable Deals Await: The REI Labor Day Event
This year’s event is set to ignite your passion for the outdoors, kicking off on August 28 and running through Labor Day, September 7. Shoppers can expect incredible savings of up to 40 percent off on a vast array of items. For loyal REI Co-op members, the perks continue with an additional saving of up to 20 percent on any REI Outlet item, making it an ideal time to snag those coveted pieces.
While REI’s acclaimed house brand features prominently in the discounts, the sale extends its generous offers to leading names in outdoor equipment, including Mountain Hardwear, Nemo Equipment, Big Agnes, and Coleman. We’ve even scouted complementary deals from retailers like Backcountry to bring you a comprehensive guide to the season’s best outdoor gear discounts.
Top Picks: WIRED’s Featured Deals
Our experts have sifted through the extensive offerings to highlight some truly exceptional values:
- The Backpacking Tent Champion: The REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent With Footprint, now just $198 (a remarkable $131 off). This tent consistently delivers on value and performance.
- Ultralight Comfort: Experience warmth without the weight with the REI Co-op Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt for $247 (saving you $82).
- Unbeatable Puffer Jacket Value: Don’t miss the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Hoody at an incredible $199 (a massive $200 off). This is a deal not to be overlooked for one of the best lightweight puffers.
- Essential Backpacking Stove: Power your wilderness cooking with the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Backpacking Stove, available for $64 ($21 off).
- Capture Every Moment: Document your adventures like never before with the Insta360 X5 360 Camera for $465 ($85 off).
Deep Dive into Outdoor Gear Guides
To help you make the most informed choices, we’ve compiled extensive guides on a variety of outdoor essentials. Whether you’re planning a multi-day trek or a casual weekend campout, these resources are invaluable:
- Hiking & Backpacking: Explore our recommendations for Best Backpacking Tents, Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking, Best Ultralight Backpacking Quilts, Best Backpacking Stoves, Best Backpacking Water Filters, The Best Day-Hiking Backpacks, and The Best Binoculars.
- Camping Essentials: Find your perfect setup with our guides to Best Sleeping Bags, Best Family Camping Tents, The Best Camping Chairs, Our Favorite Overlanding Gear, The Best Bug Sprays, The Best Sunscreens, and Best Flashlights and Headlamps.
- Outdoor Apparel: Stay comfortable and protected with insights on Best Base Layers, Best Merino Wool Clothes, Best Rain Jackets, Best Merino Wool T-Shirts, Best Puffer Jackets, The Best Hiking Boots, Best Gravel Running Shoes, and Best Barefoot Shoes.
- Winter Sports: Prepare for the slopes with our picks for The Best Ski Helmets, The Best Ski Goggles, Best Ski Clothes, and Best Ski Gloves and Mittens.
Spotlight on Tent Deals
A reliable tent is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor excursion. Here are some standout deals:
REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent With Footprint
Price: $198 ($131 off)
Consistently lauded as the best budget-friendly two-person backpacking tent, the REI Half Dome 2 is a personal favorite for its robust build, effortless setup, and generous space for two people plus gear. The inclusion of a footprint, while often optional for seasoned backpackers, adds extra value for those seeking maximum ground protection.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 2 Bikepacking Tent
Price: $488 ($162 off)
For those prioritizing ultralight performance and freestanding convenience, the Big Agnes Copper Spur series is unparalleled. This bikepacking variant features shorter pole segments, making it ideal for transport on a bike, though its subdued color palette also appeals to those seeking a more discreet backcountry presence. Lightweight, easy to pitch, and surprisingly spacious, the Copper Spur promises a livable experience in the wild. Its innovative “awning” design, achievable with trekking poles, offers a welcome bonus.
Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2P Backpacking Tent
Price: $412 ($138 off)
Nemo’s Dragonfly tents strike an impressive balance between weight and interior volume. The generous mesh canopy ensures excellent ventilation on balmy summer nights, perfect for stargazing. The Osmo fabric, a clever blend of nylon and polyester, boasts superior water absorption resistance compared to traditional nylon rainflies, enhancing its performance in damp conditions.
MSR Groundhog Stakes (6-Pack)
Price: $26 ($9 off)
While not the cheapest accessory, MSR Groundhog stakes represent one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your tent setup. Renowned for their exceptional strength and lightweight design, these stakes resist bending and pulling out, even in challenging terrain. For optimal versatility, consider a mixed stake kit for backpacking, combining Groundhogs with carbon fiber pegs and shepherd hooks to adapt to any ground condition.
Refresh Your Outdoor Wardrobe: Apparel Deals
As temperatures begin to drop, now is the opportune moment to invest in high-quality base layers and mid-layers. Stay warm, dry, and comfortable on all your cooler-weather excursions with these fantastic offers:
Photograph: Scott Gilbertson
Smartwool Classic Merino Base Layer Top
Price: $60 ($65 off)
Our top recommendation for cooler weather base layers, Smartwool’s 100 percent merino top offers exceptional warmth and breathability. Its relaxed fit allows for versatile use, either as a standalone long-sleeve tee during shoulder seasons or as a comfortable second layer over a thinner garment. Act fast, as colors and sizes for this popular item are limited.
REI Co-op Merino 185 Half-Zip Base Layer Top
Price: $30 ($60 off)
A true gem from the REI Outlet, this discontinued (and hopefully soon-to-be-reintroduced with new colors!) 100 percent merino base layer is an absolute steal. Even at full price, REI’s merino offerings represent outstanding value. The half-zip design provides excellent ventilation control, though the regular crew-neck top (also on sale for $30) and base layer bottoms are also available at significant discounts.
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