Gear Up for Fall Adventures: The Best Deals From REI’s Labor Day Sale
Summer may be winding down, but the adventures don’t have to stop! REI’s annual Labor Day Sale is here, offering incredible discounts on everything you need for your next outdoor escapade. This year’s event, running from August 23rd to September 2nd, boasts deals up to 40% off on a vast selection of gear. REI Co-op members can even snag an extra 20% off any REI Outlet item by using the promo code SAVEOUTLET at checkout.
We’ve scoured the sale and highlighted some of WIRED’s favorite deals on gear we’ve rigorously tested over the years. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting to explore the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s dive in and discover the best deals on tents, sleeping bags, pads, outdoor apparel, and more!
Score Big on Your Next Camping Trip: Tent Deals
Camping is intense, right? And just like you’ll never get tired of that joke (even though it’s a bit of a cliché), you might eventually need to upgrade your tent! REI’s Labor Day Sale features fantastic deals on some of WIRED’s top-rated tents, perfect for any type of camping trip.
REI Half Dome SL2: This tent is a perennial favorite for backpacking trips due to its affordable price, ruggedness, easy setup, and generous living space. The 2-person Half Dome features 40-denier ripstop nylon for durability at the base and floor, 20-denier nylon mesh for ventilation, and interchangeable aluminum poles for easy setup. It even comes with a footprint – a rare bonus these days. For a lighter option, consider the Big Agnes Copper Spur below, but with a packed weight just under 4 pounds, the Half Dome isn’t too heavy to share between two hikers.
Big Agnes Copper Spur (2-person and 4-person versions): The Copper Spur series is the gold standard for ultralight tents. Offering lightweight design, easy setup, and exceptional stability in strong winds, the Copper Spur is a high-quality choice for those who prioritize packing light. The ingenious "awning" design makes getting in and out a breeze, and the steep sidewalls maximize interior space.
Nemo Dagger Osmo (2-person and 3-person versions): This stout, low-to-the-ground tent is incredibly sturdy, especially in high winds. With spacious vestibules, a roomy interior, and a mesh roof perfect for stargazing, the Dagger Osmo is a great option for backcountry adventures. It’s also roomy enough for two sleeping pads and even features mesh pockets for storage. The only real drawback is the weight, which may be a consideration for ultralight enthusiasts.
Nemo Mayfly Osmo (2-person and 3-person versions): The Mayfly Osmo is another solidly built and cleverly designed tent from Nemo, offering weather resistance and durability. It’s a semi-freestanding design, making it lighter than fully freestanding tents, but requiring some stakes for securing the foot-end. The two sewn-in ridged stays ensure ample space at your feet, but the Mayfly is a bit on the tight side.
MSR Habitude 4: This family tent is a steal on sale, boasting strength, relative lightness, and ample space for two adults, two toddlers, and a dog. With color-coded poles for easy setup, storage pockets, places to hang lights, and a vestibule, the Habitude is a great choice for family camping.
- MSR Elixir 4: This lightweight family tent is a great alternative to the Big Agnes Copper Spur, offering similar weight and spacious interior. It’s ideal for backpacking trips with kids or a small group.
Stay Warm and Cozy: The Best Deals on Sleeping Bags and Pads
Whether you’re braving the elements on a backpacking trip or enjoying a relaxing car camping adventure, a comfortable sleeping bag and pad are essential. REI’s Labor Day Sale offers great discounts on top-rated bags and pads that will keep you warm and well-rested throughout your journey.
REI Magma 15: This all-around solid sleeping bag is our top pick for shoulder-season trips, with excellent draft collar, variably spaced baffles, and a warm hood. Its range of sizes and shapes allows you to choose the perfect fit for your needs.
REI Siesta Hooded 20: This rectangular sleeping bag is ideal for car camping, offering plenty of warmth and spaciousness. The hood provides extra warmth on colder nights, and the ability to zip two Siestas together makes it perfect for sharing.
Therm-a-Rest Vesper: This lightweight quilt is a favorite amongst ultralight backpackers and hammockers, boasting 900-fill down, a compact size, and multiple temperature ratings. It’s incredibly comfortable and offers excellent insulation for three-season adventures.
Zenbivy Original Bed & Core Quilt: Zenbivy’s innovative sleep system offers an unparalleled level of backcountry comfort. The Original Bed features a sheet for your pad, a hood, and a quilt-style bag that can be easily converted between a sleeping bag and a blanket. The Core Quilt is a lightweight option for three-season adventures, and the Core Sheet can be combined with any other quilt for versatility.
Exped MegaMat 10: This ultra-luxury sleeping pad is a top choice for car camping thanks to its substantial size and exceptional insulation. It’s perfectly comfortable for all-night sleeping and will keep you warm even in chilly conditions.
Exped Dura 8R: This well-insulated sleeping pad is perfect for winter camping, with down insulation and an R-value of 8. It’s a bit heavier than other pads, but its performance in cold weather makes it an excellent investment for those venturing into the snow.
Thermarest Z Lite Sol: This classic closed-cell foam pad is a staple for backpackers, offering extreme durability, lightweight design, and versatility. Its compact size and ability to double as a chair, extra padding, or a table make it an incredibly useful tool for any outdoor trip.
Exped Ultra 7R: This 4-season sleeping pad offers outstanding insulation and an R-value of 7 in a lightweight package. The wide version provides ample sleeping space, and the temperature rating of –20 degrees Fahrenheit makes it perfect for winter adventures.
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite: This luxurious backpacking pad offers excellent comfort with a thick, 3-inch design. It’s a bit heavier than other backpacking pads, but its comfort and exceptional insulation make it worth the extra ounces for three-season trips.
Stay Dry and Stylish: The Best Deals on Outdoor Apparel
Staying comfortable and protected from the elements is essential for any outdoor activity. REI’s Labor Day Sale features fantastic prices on top-rated outdoor apparel that will keep you dry, warm, and looking good.
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket: This lightweight, warm, and affordable puffy jacket is a favorite among avid outdoorsmen. Its quality construction and excellent performance make it a great investment for any season.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket: This affordable and high-quality rain jacket features laminate waterproofing, seam-taping, a weatherproof center zip, and an adjustable hood. It’s a great option for all-season adventures.
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants: These matching pants to the Rainier jacket are also on sale and offer similar features and durability.
REI Co-op Rainier Kids’ Rain Jacket: This kids’ version of the Rainier jacket is a durable and stylish option for young adventurers. It features a 2.5-layer shell, taped seams, and an adjustable hood.
- Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks: Darn Tough socks are renowned for their quality and comfort. The wide range of varieties on sale allows you to choose socks for hiking, running, everyday wear, or any other activity.
More Than Just Gear: Best Deals on Fitness Trackers, Portable Power, and More
From keeping track of your adventures to powering your devices, REI’s Labor Day Sale has great deals on tech and fitness gear.
Garmin Forerunner 265: This running watch offers a balance between fitness features and everyday wearability. With a bright AMOLED display, altimeter, HRV status, training readiness, weather info, and Garmin’s helpful Morning Report, this watch is perfect for runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
Garmin Forerunner 965: This all-around top-of-the-line running watch boasts full-color, built-in maps, race strategy planning, daily suggested workouts, and much more.
Goal Zero Yeti 1000X: This portable power station offers the ideal balance between power, price, and functionality. It’s enough to power your devices for a week or more and can even run smaller appliances.
Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0: This backyard fire pit offers a portable, efficient, and enjoyable bonfire experience. It’s perfect for gatherings with friends and family, and the bundle on sale includes a lid, stand, and carrying bag.
MSR WhisperLite Universal Stove: This legendary stove is capable of burning multiple fuel sources, making it ideal for international travel or remote areas. Its versatility and durability have made it a favorite amongst seasoned adventurers.
Ignite Propane Tote: This handy tote makes carrying propane tanks much easier and safer. It offers padding, insulation, and a carrying strap, making it a great addition to any camping setup.
- Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filter: This compact and lightweight water filter is perfect for short trips. It’s easy to use and can be combined with a straw or the included pouch.
Get Moving: Paddleboard and Kayak Deals
Looking to explore the water this fall? REI’s Labor Day Sale features deals on paddleboards and kayaks that will get you out on the water in style.
Bote Lowrider: This versatile inflatable paddleboard is ideal for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike. It works as both a paddleboard and a one-seat kayak, and the Bote Rac attachment points allow for customization with fishing poles, motor mounts, and other accessories.
Isle Switch 3: This innovative inflatable paddleboard can easily convert between a SUP paddleboard and a kayak, offering exceptional versatility. It’s stable, comfortable, and perfect for various paddling styles.
- Oru Lake Coast Foldable Kayak: This compact and portable kayak is ideal for those with limited storage space. It folds out quickly and can be easily transported in a car.
With incredible deals on top-rated gear, REI’s Labor Day Sale is the perfect opportunity to snag everything you need for your next outdoor adventure. Don’t miss out on these fantastic savings!
