The 50 Best Things at REI’s Labor Day Sale
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REI Co-op’s Labor Day sale runs through September 7, so if you’re thinking of going hiking or camping or biking or running this fall, it’s a good time to pick up the clothing and gear you’ll need. Items from many outdoor brands we love (including Darn Tough, Sea to Summit, Thule, and Keen), along with REI’s in-house line, are up to 25 percent off.
Below, I’ve found the very best deals in the sale on the outdoor products that we’ve been testing and recommending for years, including our best overall tent, some of our favorite hiking shoes, and comfortable and useful hiking pants. I also spotted several of our favorite hiking stoves, camping chairs, and camping mattresses — gear worth picking up even if you’re done camping this year, since it will be just as useful in 2027. Now that it’s no longer apocalyptically hot, we’re entering prime biking and running season, so I found deals on panniers, running vests, and car racks. In terms of clothing, it’s a smart idea to shop for fall and winter stuff rather than just look for discounts on summer shorts and tees — get those puffer jackets and base layers before temperatures drop and prices surge.
Deals I personally think are the best
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A reliable raincoat for the months of inclement weather to come.
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Our best overall camping mattress that also works for house guests.
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Our favorite tent for car camping and non-ultralight backpacking.
Clothing and shoes
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Patagonia’s retro Synchilla fleece that’s ideal for in-between weather is under $100.
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As are these REI Co-op fleeces that are ideal for your first ski trip of the season.
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And these raincoats that’ll help you survive New York City’s increasingly tropical fall.
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When I tried on all of the hiking pants at REI, I found these pull-ons to be just as comfortable as sweatpants or yoga pants but a lot more lightweight and breezy to wear. They’d be great for travel.
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And of all the pants I tried, these convertibles seemed the most durable and practical, and they’re more timeless in look.
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I have a pair of these surprisingly stretchy pants and recommend them to anybody looking to participate in the cargo-hiking-pant trend.
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These are good for hiking, yes, but can also be paired with a skirt.
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Lots of Keen shoes are 25 percent off as part of the sale, so it’s worth spending some time scrolling through. But if you can’t make a decision, many, many hikers I’ve interviewed over the years have recommended these sturdy and waterproof Targhees.
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Keen Men’s Jasper Zionic Sneakers
Or if you’re looking for more street-ready footwear, Jasper Zionics tap into the climbing-shoe trend and work well with a pair of wide-legged jeans.
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Our best overall wool socks are under $20 as part of the sale. Stock up, because these come with a lifetime guarantee.
Camping and hiking gear
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One of our longtime favorite sleeping bags that’s warm enough for fall camping.
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Our best tent for car camping gets 25 percent off.
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As does our best overall tent. I’ve been camping with of these for eight years, and it still looks good as new.
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Our best lightweight tent is ideal for people who do a mix of car camping and backpacking.
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Whereas our best backpacking tent is for more serious thru-hikers.
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We just crowned the wonderfully puffy MegaMat our best overall camping mattress.
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Everything from Australian outdoor brand Sea to Summit is 25 percent off as part of the sale. This inflatable pillow with a layer of down feathers for extra softness was probably my favorite item that I packed for a ten-day backpacking trip in the European alps.
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Camping doesn’t have to mean sleeping on the ground. Our best overall camping cot is currently 25 percent off.
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Nomadix sent me this blanket to test out at the beginning of summer 2022, and it has become my go-to for camping and beach trips.
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Jetboil Flash Stove
Our best overall backpacking stove will have you sipping hot coffee within three minutes of exiting your tent.
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And this car-camping stove that’s great for family trips is currently under $100.
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While you’re buying a stove, it’s probably worth investing in a lightweight and collapsible dinnerware set.
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A velvety trekking and travel towel that I really love.
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Lots of Gregory hiking backpacks are 25 percent off. These would both be ideal for backpacking trips of five days or more.
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Our best compression packing cubes get a big discount too.
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A lightweight waterproof sack that’s helpful in all sorts of situations.
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One of our favorite Dopp kits is now under $40.
Biking and running gear
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Panniers for bikepacking or just cycling to the grocery store.
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32 percent off a good gift for a cyclist.
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A few Thule car racks are on sale, including this one that fits two bikes.
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Our favorite trail runners are 25 percent off.
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As are these road-running Altras.
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Room for water and lots of energy gels.
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
