REI’s annual end-of-summer sale is a great time to save on quality gear from some of our (and your) favorite outdoor brands.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on Switchback Travel and has been modified for GearJunkie.
Summer may be coming to a close, but gear buying is never out of season. From Friday, Aug. 26, to Monday, Sept. 5, REI Co-op is hosting its annual Labor Day Sale.
Whether you plan to continue adventuring through the winter or are stocking up for next year, it’s a prime opportunity to save some serious cash. Score discounts on big-ticket items from tents and sleeping bags to backpacks, footwear, and more.
Below we outline the dates and details of REI’s Labor Day Sale, our favorite discounted items, and how to shop both in store and online. Given the extensive scope of this year’s sale — it’s a doozy — we’ve also included a curated list highlighting more of the biggest and most notable deals.
Dates and Details: Aug. 26 to Sept. 5, 2022
From Aug. 26 through Sept. 5, you can shop in store or online at REI.com and save up to 75% on products from top brands like NEMO, La Sportiva, REI Co-op, Gregory, and many more. Importantly, some of the deals are only available to members — a lifetime membership to the co-op is $30 — and we call out those discounts where applicable below.
In addition, members can save an extra 20% on one item at REI’s Outlet with the code LABOR22 (online only). Below, we outline some of our top picks for on-sale gear, including backpacking equipment, rain jackets, insulation, hiking footwear, and even paddleboards.
Our Favorite Labor Day Deals
REI Rainier Rain Jacket — Men’s & Women’s: 30% Off
REI continues to expand and improve its in-house outwear collection, and we really like what the brand came up with in the Rainier. This rainshell has good all-around protection (it uses a 2.5L construction with sealed seams), functional features like pit zips and a three-way-adjustable hood, and a clean look that wears well on the trail or around town.
A final advantage is the healthy selection of colors and available sizes, which should make it easy for most to find a great fit (note: we found the sizing does run fairly big). For a more performance-focused option with premium GORE-TEX waterproofing, REI’s XeroDry GTX is another great value and 30% off through Labor Day.
Exped MegaSleep Duo 10 Sleeping Pad: 25% Off
Sleeping on the ground doesn’t need to mean compromising on comfort, and certainly not with a setup like the Exped MegaMat Duo 10. In sum, the MegaMat combines the dimensions of a full-size air bed with the cushy comfort of a foam self-inflating pad.
The 3.9-inch-thick cushioning nicely isolates you from the cold, hard ground below, the pad is nicely insulated for year-round use with an R-value of 8.1, and the intuitive double-valve system makes inflation and deflation a relative breeze. In fact, we’ve even used the MegaMat as a backup bed for guests at home (with no complaints to date).
It’s a sizable investment at $380 MSRP, but this is a great time to save some serious cash. The single-person model is also discounted during the sale (from $230 to $173).
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes — Men’s & Women’s: 25% Off
A quality pair of hiking shoes can make a world of difference in terms of on-trail performance and comfort, and Danner’s Trail 2650 is one of our favorite designs this season. All told, these shoes are comfortable right out of the box, grippy with a Vibram outsole, and impressively light at 1 pound 8 ounces per pair (for the men’s version).
Build quality is top-notch too: The leather upper is durable and offers a foot-hugging feel, while the mesh liner and textile collar add a nice dose of breathability. Finally, we love how good-looking and everyday-friendly these shoes are, giving them excellent versatility whether you’re bagging peaks or grabbing a post-hike beer in town.
Note: We include the non-waterproof, low-top Trail 2650 here, but the waterproof and mid-height boot variations are also 25% off as part of this sale.
NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P Tent: 25% Off
NEMO is one of the most well-represented brands at this year’s Labor Day Sale, making it a great time for aspiring backpackers to start assembling their kits. A quality tent is a great place to start, and NEMO’s Dagger is one of our long-time favorites.
At 4 pounds 2 ounces for the two-person version, this tent is roomy, relatively lightweight and durable, and packed with features. You get two large doors, two spacious vestibules for storing gear, and a generous interior and symmetrical floor plan that make it easy for two people to move around.
And with a recent update, the Dagger is now made with NEMO’s OSMO fabric, intended to boost water resistance and reduce sagging — all while eliminating the use of harmful chemicals during production.
Added up, it’s a highly livable and intentionally built design at an enticing value during the Labor Day Sale. For car campers, NEMO’s standing-height Aurora Highrise collection is also discounted by 25%.
REI 650 Down Jacket 2.0 — Men’s & Women’s: 30% Off
A quality down jacket is a staple in any outdoor enthusiast’s closet, but it typically doesn’t come cheap. This is what sets this deal on REI’s 650 Down Jacket 2.0 apart. For just $70 through Labor Day, the 650 Down Jacket is reasonably light at 11 ounces, provides solid warmth with over 4 ounces of mid-range 650-fill-power down, and stuffs into its own hand pocket.
REI also honed the latest version by adding a recycled shell fabric, box-like baffling, and a nice variety of good-looking colors. Added up, the 650 Down Jacket offers seriously good bang for your buck with great versatility for daily use, travel, light adventuring, and as a midlayer for resort skiing.
We’ve included the non-hooded version of the jacket here, but the Hoodie and vest variations are also 30% off.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX — Men’s & Women’s: 25% Off
La Sportiva is one of the biggest names in outdoor footwear, and we’ve been consistently impressed by everything from the brand’s trail runners to its climbing shoes. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid hiking boots are no exception, combining excellent stability and durability in a light and nimble package.
These boots are a particularly good match for fast-and-light mountain objectives that involve covering technical ground: Protection is good thanks to the generous toe cap and thick TPU reinforcements, and the stiff FriXion outsole provides reliable grip on everything from dry singletrack to rocky alpine terrain.
A final highlight is weather resistance, including a waterproof but breathable GORE-TEX Extended Comfort liner, tall collar, and elastic-like gaiter to seal out moisture and debris.
If you’re looking for something a little different, all of the brand’s hiking and running footwear is 25% off through Labor Day.
NEMO Forte 20 Sleeping Bag — Men’s & Women’s: 50% Off (Members Only)
Combining an accommodating shape with quality synthetic insulation and thoughtful features, NEMO’s Forte 20 is a well-rounded choice for mixed car camping and backpacking use. The bag offers good three-season warmth with a 22-degree temperature rating, weighs less than 3 pounds, and packs down decently well for stuffing in a pack on short forays into the backcountry.
Just as importantly, camping comfort is great thanks to the Forte’s unique “spoon” shape that resembles a mummy bag but with a noticeable boost in space around the knees and elbows. Other fun and functional details include a built-in sleeve for keeping your pillow in place, a small blanket in the collar that can be folded out or tucked in to regulate temperature, and zippered “gills” to release hot air in warm weather.
At 50% off for members through Labor Day, the Forte stands out as one of the best deals at this year’s sale.
Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite Roof Box: 20% Off
Yakima’s SkyBox is one of the most ubiquitous rooftop cargo boxes on the market — we see it on more vehicles than any other carrier.
One big reason is the SkyBox’s manageable size, which fits most vehicles but retains ample capacity for skis and bulky camping equipment. It’s also very user-friendly, with access points by both the driver and passenger sides and easy, tool-free setup and removal.
Finally, the aerodynamic shape that tapers at the rear does a great job of minimizing road noise and the impact on gas mileage, which is a common concern for many first-time buyers. All in all, it’s a rugged and reliable hauler at a good value, and the 20% off discount only adds to the widespread appeal.
Jetboil Flash Cooking System: 25% Off
Dehydrated meals have gotten downright tasty in recent years, and many backpackers now use their stoves primarily to boil water. If this sounds like you, Jetboil’s Flash is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use designs currently on the market.
This all-in-one stove offers fast boiling with an included insulated koozie that attaches directly to the stove via a heat exchanger, making it efficient and weather-resistant (a key point of distinction between the Flash and non-integrated alternatives). The Flash can boil 1 L of water in around 3.5 minutes, and the total weight of 13.1 ounces is reasonable considering you don’t need an additional pot.
Fuel canisters and attachments are not included, although Jetboil’s accessories — including its Fuel Can Stabilizer and Luna Satellite Burner for linking multiple units together — are also 25% off.
NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair: 25% Off
Camping gear has gotten really fun of late, and NEMO’s Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair is a shining example. Essentially a recliner and rocking chair in one, the chair’s mesh body is suspended above a sturdy aluminum frame, allowing it to swing back and forth, recline, or stay upright depending on how you position your back and feet.
In addition to being highly versatile, the Stargaze is also very comfortable and comes nicely appointed with premium touches like a padded headrest, built-in cupholder, handy phone pocket, and functional storage case. It’s a steep investment at $250 MSRP, but the 25% off discount (a significant $63 savings) makes it a lot more approachable.
For a more affordable option, NEMO’s Moonlight Chair — which reclines but doesn’t rock — is also 25% off and shares similar comfort and durability.
Camp Chef Teton 2-Burner Stove: 40% Off
It’s hard to beat a home-cooked meal in the backcountry, and Camp Chef’s Teton is a capable tool for the job with a competitive combination of cooking power, convenience, and reliability. In terms of output, you get two large burners that pump out plenty of heat (10,000 BTUs each) but also have excellent simmer control for cooking more diverse and intricate meals.
Other helpful features include a three-sided windscreen for fending off gusts and push-button ignition that keeps your hands safe from large bursts of flame, making the prep process a bit quicker. All of the smaller details are equally well-sorted, including locking metal latches at each side, a stainless steel drip tray for easy cleanup, and a sturdy carry handle.
Added up, the Teton hits a very desirable mix of cooking performance and build quality and checks all of the boxes for many campers.
REI Co-op Outward Low Lawn Chair: 75% Off (Members Only)
NEMO’s Stargaze above is a decidedly premium and luxurious chair, but casual campers might prefer to save with a simpler and more traditional design. Enter REI’s Outward Low Lawn Chair: a no-frills but reliable option that looks the part both outdoors and at home on your patio or in the yard.
The wooden armrests and smooth nylon seat give the chair a sleek and classy look, while the sturdy aluminum frame is planted and confidence-inspiring, whether you’re camping in the forest, hanging out on the beach, or enjoying a backyard cookout.
And one our favorite parts is that he Outward takes essentially no effort to set up and pack away with a simple but effective bifold design and portability via the top handle or backpack straps behind the seat.
If you don’t love the low-slung design, the standard Outward Lawn Chair is also 75% off for members.
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork — Men’s & Women’s: 25% Off
For anything from short day jaunts to long-distance hikes, a pair of trekking poles can provide extra stability, balance, and relief for the knees on tricky terrain.
The Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork is both durable and relatively lightweight, including features like ergonomic cork handles, easy adjustment, and versatile tips that accept powder baskets for use in snow.
These are some of our favorite trekking poles for casual hiking and backpacking, but all of BD’s trekking poles are on sale (as well as its women’s clothing).
If you’re looking for a more feathery setup, check out the brand’s Distance Carbon Z poles, which are almost half the weight and fold up into a compact, 13- to 17-inch package (depending on size).
Gregory Men’s Baltoro 75 & Women’s Deva 70: 25% Off
Gregory has earned a reputation for comfort over the years, and its flagship men’s Baltoro and women’s Deva packs carry the torch. Purpose-built for heavy hauling, these packs boast firm but supportive padding and excellent organization including ample exterior storage, U-shaped access to the main compartment, and massive hipbelt pockets that easily swallow a large smartphone.
We also love the hip-hugging suspension and pivoting shoulder straps that keep the packs stable when hiking over uneven terrain. Minimalist backpackers and ounce-counters should look elsewhere (the Baltoro and women’s Deva are decidedly heavy and feature-rich packs), but those shuttling serious weight will appreciate the heavy-hauling capabilities and long-distance comfort.
NRS Thrive 10’8” Standup Paddleboard: 25% Off
It might seem a little untimely to be shopping for a paddleboard, but REI is offering some hard-to-beat deals on SUPs through Labor Day, including 25% off NRS designs. For reference, NRS is one of the most reputable names in boating, and its Thrive 10’8” board here is a premium all-rounder for everything from river running to multiday tours.
The Thrive pumps to a very solid 20 psi (most competitors inflate to 12-15 psi), which translates to great rigidity and stiffness. Further, with two sets of fins — including a three-piece thruster set and a single touring skeg — you can tailor stability and speed depending on your needs, which adds a lot of versatility whether you’re new to paddling or a seasoned SUPer.
The Thrive is no small investment at $1,245 MSRP, but 25% off during the sale is a seriously good value for such a high-quality and well-rounded board.
Cannondale Trail 5 Mountain Bike — Men’s & Women’s: 20% Off
If you’ve been thinking about getting into mountain biking, now’s a great time: Cannondale bikes are 20% off through Labor Day. From the brand’s all-rounder Trail hardtail lineup, the Trail 5 here has been one of our long-time favorites for new and recreational riders alike.
At $950 MSRP and $760 during the sale, the Trail 5 is a solid value for what you get, including a 1×10 microSHIFT drivetrain, trusty hydraulic disc brakes, and sharp looks (internal cable routing keeps things clean). Additionally, the small and extra-small frames come with 27.5-inch wheels rather than 29-inch wheels, making the Trail 5 a viable option for shorter riders.
It’s decidedly underbuilt for technical singletrack trails and steep descents, but those just starting out will be hard-pressed to find better all-around performance for the price.
BioLite HeadLamp 330: 25% Off
Every outdoor adventurer needs a quality headlamp, whether you’re embarking on a long day hike or performing camp chores after the sun sets.
BioLite’s headlamps are some of our favorites year after year, and its 330 model is a versatile pick with enough lumens for navigating in full darkness, five lighting modes including dimming capabilities and red light functions, and a rechargeable battery that eliminates the need to pack extra AAAs.
Runners in particular will also love the lightweight (2.4-ounce) build and no-bounce design, which integrates the light and strap into one low-profile unit that sits flush against your forehead.
For a step up in price and performance, BioLite’s HeadLamp 750 is also 25% off.
Additional Labor Day Sale Highlights
There are a surprising number of excellent deals at this year’s REI Labor Day Sale, and the products and deals mentioned above are just a small snapshot. There are several other notable discounts to have on your radar, and below we highlight some of the additional standout savings on camping and backpacking gear, clothing, hiking footwear, and more.
- 30% off all Nathan running vests and accessories
- 25% off all Big Agnes Tiger Wall tents
- 25% off all Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and pillows
- 25% off all Eureka tents, shelters, furniture, stoves, and grills
- 25% off all Cotopaxi and Columbia clothing
- 25% off all NEMO tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, furniture, and pillows
- 25% off select Osprey and Gregory daypacks and backpacking packs
- 25% off all MSR stoves and stove kits
- 25% off all Petzl and Metolius climbing gear
- 20% off all KEEN footwear
- 20% off all Thule and Yakima roof boxes, racks, and rack accessories
- 20% off all Goal Zero solar panels
- 20% off all Pau Hana standup paddleboards
Members-Only Deals
Note: The following deals are only for members, which requires a lifetime membership ($30 currently) to the co-op.
- 75% off all REI Outward furniture and Siesta Hooded sleeping bags
- 40% off all REI Trailbreak sleeping pads
- 30% off all REI Quarter Dome SL tents and Trail daypacks
Other Details on the REI Co-op Labor Day Sale
There are a few ways to buy during REI’s Labor Day Sale. If you live near a brick-and-mortar REI, you can shop in store. This is a great way to try on gear and clothing in person and make sure you’re getting the right fit. If an item isn’t in stock at your store, a sales representative can place the order for you online — you’ll have the option of picking it up in store or having it shipped to you.
Alternatively, you can go online and make your purchases either on REI.com or through the REI Outlet (remember, members get one 20% off coupon to use online at the Outlet). Shipping is free on orders over $50 (members get free shipping regardless of the total), and you also have the option of sending your order to your local store for free pickup.
Regardless of how you choose to shop, all items are covered by REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and can be returned either by mail or in store within one year of purchase for members (non-members have a 90-day return window).
This article is sponsored by REI, but we independently chose the products and wrote the descriptions based on our experiences with — and opinions of — the products.
