The REI Labor Day Sale is one of the best sales going right now and I’m honestly amazed at how many categories of coveted and popular gear are on sale during it! Here are a few quick facts and tips about the sale:
- Duration: The sale runs through September 2, but if history dictates anything with good REI sales, some of the most popular gear will sell out before that date.
- Coupons: You can use code LABORDAY19 to get 20% off any item in REI-Outlet
- Insider Tip: Historically, REI’s coupon codes will work on 2 separate orders, so you can conceivably get 20% off four items (2 from the regular store and 2 from the Outlet)
- Peak Deals: This category of deals often sells out, but it’s a curated selection of gear that’s up to 50% off! There’s plenty to look at this time: Rain gear, accessories, shoes/boots, and clothing.
- REI-Outlet Deals: If you find something you like in the Outlet, don’t wait to use your coupon to purchase it. Once items in the Outlet are sold out, they’re gone. So my strategy is to typically look there first and see if I can find what I’m after, before buying something at the regular site.
There is plenty to choose from during this sale, but if you’re new and looking for suggestions on quality gear with a great reputation that’s included in the sale, here are my top picks in several categories.
Table of Contents
Backpacking Tents
Big Agnes Copper Spur
The Big Agnes Copper Spur line is hard to beat for its weight savings, durability (important during storms) and comfort. This line comes in 2, 3, and 4-person versions and is 25% off during the sale. Many a thru hiker loves their Copper Spur and there’s not much to dislike about them, especially when you can get a good deal on one!
REI Half Dome Tents
Another great line of tents, but this one from REI’s branded line of quality gear. The REI Half Dome Tents are less expensive than the Big Agnes Copper Spur tents, but the tradeoff is a bit more weight. That being said, they’re sturdy, affordable, and have many a fan. Oftentimes the Half Dome tents are considered a good hybrid for both backpacking and car camping, because of their spacious interiors.
The whole line of them is on sale for 30% off, while supplies last.
REI Half Dome Plus 2
Sleeping Bags
REI Magma Down Sleeping Bags and Quilts
The cream of the crop from REI’s line of down sleeping bags. Both 15 and 30 degree versions are included in the sale as well as the newer Magma Trail Quilt (30 degree only). Both men’s and women’s versions are on sale for any of the options, and this line is known for quality. It was even a 2017 Backpacker Editor’s Choice.
REI Magma Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pads
Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pads
The entire line of Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pads is included in the sale. The NeoAir XLite is my personal favorite on my backpacking trips, but if you need a bit more R-value (in other words, if you’re going to be camping in cold weather and need more insulation in a pad), the NeoAir XTherm is also on sale. Even the newer NeoAir UberLite is included in the mix!
The NEMO line of sleeping pads is also on sale for 25% off, and there are even some of them in the Outlet (so you can use your coupon and save an extra 20%)!
Backpacks
Osprey Backpacks are included in the sale at 25% off, but you’ll also find some select packs in the Outlet with even bigger discounts, like the Osprey Ariel 65L backpack pictured which is 40% off. Use your coupon and score an extra 20% off it too! While I’m a Gossamer Gear girl with my own backpacks, Osprey has a cult-like following and for good reason–they make quality stuff with lots of bells and whistles incorporated into their packs.
Osprey Ariel AG 65L
Water Filtration
The entire line of Kataydn Water Filters are on sale. While I’m a Sawyer fan personally, Kataydn has a die hard fan base and you can’t go wrong with the quality of their filters and ease of use. They’re 25% off during the sale.
The Kataydn Be Free Filter is a popular choice with many backpackers
Cookwear
The MSR PocketRocket series of stoves are all on sale for 25% off. The PocketRocket is known for its powerful output and reliability on the trail, so you can’t go wrong with any of the stoves in this lineup.
The Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System is also a great buy and has a strong reputation. It’s 31% off during the sale!
Rain Jackets
The Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jackets and Pants are on sale for 30% off. These are quality rain jackets at affordable prices, especially for Patagonia.
Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Jacket
Socks
With a lifetime warranty (that’s no hassle) it’s hard to beat a pair of Darn Tough socks, especially when you get them for 25% off during the sale!
Shoes
There are plenty of footwear deals in the sale too. Shoes are such an individualized decision for each hiker, so I won’t even venture a guess as to what to recommend for folks. But there are plenty of reputable brands on sale including Altra, Oboz, La Sportiva, Keen, Vasque, and Merrell, just to name a few. And you may get lucky and find what you’re after in the REI-Outlet, where you can use your member coupon for an extra 20% off!
Looking for more deals? Come join my Facebook group, Backpacking, Hiking, and Camping Deals where I post the best deals and sales in the industry as as soon as I find them.