Is not it superb how briskly summer season goes by? The youngsters are again in class, and it is time for the annual REI Labor Day Sale. This 12 months’s occasion kicks off in the present day, August 22, and ends on Labor Day, September 2. Many objects are as much as 30 p.c off, and REI Co-op members save 20 p.c on any REI Outlet merchandise. To get the member low cost, add the promo code LABORDAY2025 at checkout.
We have rounded up the perfect offers on all our favourite tents, backpacks, sleeping baggage, pads, cookware, outside attire, and extra. Most of the greatest REI offers are on the corporate’s home model gear, however we have additionally pulled in offers from competing gross sales at Backcountry, Public Lands, and cottage business retailers.
Up to date Thursday, August 28: We have added new finish of summer season offers on Sea to Summit sleeping pads, MSR water filters, Zenbivy sleeping baggage, just a few new tents, an entire part of bikepacking offers, loads of puffer jackets for winter, and extra.
WIRED Featured Offers
Offers on Tents
REI tents are among the greatest offers round, much more so throughout gross sales. If you would like to study extra, see our information to the greatest backpacking tents and greatest automobile tenting tents.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
REI’s Base Camp tent is WIRED’s favourite automobile tenting tent. It is extraordinarily nicely designed and proved lots weatherproof in our testing. The standard dome tent design, with two crossed poles and two aspect poles, holds up nicely in wind, and the tent ground is high-quality 150-denier (150D) polyester. There’s a great deal of storage pockets, double doorways, nice vents, and large home windows, making it snug even in summer season warmth.
The Wonderland 6 is REI’s substitute for the Kingdom 6 and appears to be, for essentially the most half, very comparable. We have not examined this one, however my virtually 20-year-old Kingdom 6 remains to be going sturdy. For essentially the most half, it is fabricated from the exact same ripstop nylon used within the Wonderland. With loads of mesh, it will have higher air flow than the Base Camp above, however the rainfly would not come as low and the ring design is not fairly a robust. For summer season tenting, although, this can be a nice choice.
The REI Half Dome 2 is the perfect funds two-person backpacking tent. We’ve toted it on many a backpacking journey and located it to be lots sturdy, fast to arrange, and able to becoming two folks and their gear. It even comes with a footprint (which I by no means hassle with, but it surely’s good to have it if it’s important to take care of prickers or pointy rocks). I actually like the colour choices this 12 months too, which mix in with its environment quite than stand out.
The Huge Agnes Copper Spur sequence is our high decide for freestanding ultralight tents. It is a high-quality, well-designed tent that is light-weight, straightforward to arrange, and roomy sufficient to be habitable within the backcountry. The “awning” design (with trekking poles or sticks) is a pleasant additional and the combo of 15D nylon, and 20D ripstop, whereas to feels fragile, as held up nicely over time.
I’ve solely spent two nights on this tent, however thus far it is my favourite solo freestanding tent. I just like the beneficiant quantity of mesh on the high, which supplies some good air flow on heat summer season nights and is ideal for falling asleep underneath the celebrities when the climate permits. The Osmo cloth continues to dwell as much as the hype, with a lot much less water absorption than nylon tents in wet climate, and there is a good quantity of room for storing all of your stuff. The bikepacking pleasant model, with shorter pole segments that match higher on a motorbike, can also be on sale for $390 ($130 off).
Bikepacking is my favourite approach to journey lately, and whereas you do not have to have any particular gear, bikepacking tents, with shorter pole sections, are simpler to pack in panniers. They’re additionally good when touring by kayak or bike, and so they work simply effective for backpacking too. The Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Bikepack tent is in any other case a clone of standard Telos 2-person tent. At 4lbs 9oz for the 2-person model it is mild sufficient and the ground space of 28.2 sq. ft is roomy sufficient for two with gear.
Offers on Day-Mountaineering Packs and Backpacks
Make sure to learn by way of our information to day-hiking packs. Whereas we’ve not printed our information to ultralight backpacks but, a number of of our picks are on sale proper now and famous under.
Images: Scott Gilbertson
I simply began testing this pack this summer season as a part of an upcoming ultralight backpack information. It is very snug, carrying a 25-pound load with out concern. I have never lived out of it for greater than an evening but, however thus far I prefer it, and it’s totally fairly priced. Apparently, there is a touch upon REI saying that you simply’re higher off going with the Flash 55 and simply eradicating the highest lid to avoid wasting weight. That’ll prevent some money proper now, because the Flash 55 can also be on sale for $139 ($50 off).
Nemo’s Resolve is an incredible pack that includes a low-waste footprint into the design. It makes use of solution-dyed materials, and eschews straps and buckles in favor of bungees and pull-tabs. This does make adjusting it fussier, however when you’re used to it and have the match dialed in, it is not a problem. The Resolve is a cushty pack. Whereas technically frameless, it feels prefer it has some construction. and it sits good and excessive in your again. At 1 pound, 15 ounces, it’s additionally fairly mild.
The Osprey Talon is maybe essentially the most tried-and-true day-hiking pack in the marketplace, and for good purpose. It is mild and comfy, and the 33L capability can swallow a ton of substances and haul it nicely. This 33L iteration weighs simply 2 kilos, 12.5 ounces and sports activities 100D high-tenacity nylon that is been coated with a non-PFAS DWR. Annoyingly, there isn’t any rain cowl, however that omission apart, it’s an outstanding daypack.
Topo Designs makes a few of our favourite baggage, from the Mountain Cross, which Gear editor Jeremy White says is “greatest bag on this planet”, to the World Briefcase, which is on our record of the Greatest Messenger Baggage. Neither of those baggage, sadly, are presently within the 60 p.c markdowns however many others are!
Sleeping Bag Offers
Whether or not you want an inexpensive automobile tenting bag, or one thing extra sturdy for fall and spring journeys, we have you lined. Make sure to learn our greatest sleeping baggage information for much more choices.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
REI’s Magma line of down gear are among the greatest offers round. The Magma 15 sleeping bag has lengthy been an reasonably priced bag that is excellent for shoulder season journeys when the temp doubtlessly swing decrease than you are anticipating (the consolation score is 21 F). There’s three lengths and three widths, making it straightforward to get one thing that is excellent in your physique, and the 850-fill-power goose down (bluesign-approved) packs down good and small. When you do not want the shoulder season protection the Magma 30 can also be on sale for $262 ($87 off), and makes an incredible summer season sleeping bag.
I’ve simply began testing this as a funds choice for ultralight quilts. Up to now, I have been impressed. Just like the sleeping bag model above, that is 95 p.c of what you get from far costlier baggage. It is mild (20.3 ounces for the medium), packs down small, contains straps to maintain it in your sleeping pad, will be fully unzipped and used like a comforter, or snapped up in a correct footbox on colder nights.
The Enhance is a hybrid bag that might work for backpacking, but it surely will also be adjusted to a semi-retangular form to make it extra snug for automobile tenting. There are arm holes, which makes studying in it a bit simpler, and you’ll attain out to open or shut the “WarmZip” heart zipper, which cinches down the Enhance to make it extra like a standard mummy bag.
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
The “mummy” design of mummy baggage is about optimizing for heat, not consolation. However let’s face it, most of us should not sleeping in conditions the place our survival is at stake. Therm-a-Relaxation has addressed this with what it calls W.A.R.M. match, which stands for “with further room for a number of” positions. Certainly, this bag could be very roomy for a mummy design. I used to be ready to attract my legs up when side-sleeping and unfold out significantly greater than with most baggage. When you toss and switch by way of the nights and do not desire a quilt-style bag, this is able to be my high decide.
The Siesta is our favourite sleeping bag for automobile tenting. You actually should not must spend some huge cash on a sleeping bag for automobile tenting. Ought to your greatest efforts to cocoon heat round you fail, there’s, in any case, a automobile to retreat to. That is why we love the REI Siesta Hooded 20—it is lots heat and reasonably priced. The Siesta’s rectangular minimize makes it a roomier, extra snug bag, and the 20-degree score makes it sufficient for three-season journeys, and in contrast to most rectangular baggage, the Siesta has a hood, which helps on these chilly nights. We additionally like that you would be able to zip two Siestas collectively.
The Zenbivy Mattress (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is hands-down essentially the most snug backcountry sleeping expertise I’ve ever had. It would not be my high decide for excessive conditions, however as long as your anticipated temperatures slot in Zenbivy’s vary (the consolation score is 35 levels Fahrenheit), it would not get extra snug than this. The Zenbivy is not only a sleeping bag. It is a sheet, hood, and quilt-style bag that may be mixed in numerous methods.
Offers on Sleeping Pads
Good sleep within the backcountry will be frustratingly elusive, however one good place to start out is with a high quality sleeping pad. Whether or not you are in search of the an ultralight, ultraminimal packing pad or a plush 4-inch-thick car-camping behemoth, there’s offers on each proper now.
Courtesy of Nemo
That is our favourite all-around backpacking sleeping pad. The Tensor All-Season hits all of the candy spots. It weighs an acceptably mild 18.2 ounces, supplies a very good 3 inches of padding, and has an R score of 5.4. That works out to the perfect padding and R score for the load. It is also mercifully quiet—none of that annoying crunching noise each time you roll over.
When you’re gearing up for a winter journey, this can be a whole lot on an incredible winter sleeping pad. The Tensor Excessive Situations has the best R worth of any pad we have examined, but in some way manages to pack all the way down to in regards to the dimension of a Nalgene water bottle and weighs simply 21 ounces (587 g). It is one factor to assert an R worth in lab assessments although—a subzero evening on the snow in a Wisconsin winter was the actual check. This pad carried out extraordinarily nicely. Paired with a Z-Relaxation (see under) and a –10F sleeping bag, it saved me toasty all the way down to 4 levels Fahrenheit.
{Photograph}: Thermarest
The Z-Lite Sol weighs subsequent to nothing (10 ounces for the small), folds up sufficiently small to lash to the surface of any pack, and may double as a chair, additional padding on chilly nights, desk, you title it. I’m too outdated and too delicate to be the kind of ultra-minimalist who will get by with only a Z-Lite for sleeping, however I nonetheless have one round on virtually each backpacking journey I take.
Sea to Summit’s Ether Mild XT is a 4-inch thick ultralight sleeping pad—the ever-popular Therm-a-rest X-Lite is just 3—making it the perfect ultralight choice for aspect sleepers. I additionally just like the baffle design higher than the Therm-a-rest as nicely, and it appears to be somewhat extra sturdy. Be aware that that is an REI Outlet deal; the XT has been changed by a more recent mannequin.
The massive fats tenting pad that began the development of massive fats tenting pads, the Megamat is a revelation. Belief me, you don’t have any thought how snug tent tenting will be till you sleep on a Megamat (or a MondoKing, see under). The 4-inch-thick Exped MegaMat is delicate and surprisingly agency because of the closed-cell foam inside it, which relieves stress and feels about as near the mattress in your bed room as you are going to get within the woods.
After I offered my Jeep I had to surrender my overlanding desires and return to being a mere camper, however this Megamat, which cuts in to suit across the wheel wells of an SUV, has introduced a few of these overlanding desires again to life. I throw this behind my spouse’s Rav4, and whereas it is not an ideal match (examine Exped to see which automobiles are supported), it is shut sufficient that I can get a very good evening’s sleep within the automobile.
When you get a Megamat, get this pump to go together with it. I really like this pump not a lot for the inflating (although that’s good too, it speeds issues up), however for the deflating. You may get all of the air out and the mattress again in its stuff sack very quickly with this factor. It is nicely well worth the cash, particularly on sale.
Offers on Stoves and Camp Gear
We have filtered by way of all of the tenting gear offers to spotlight our favourite camp stoves, water filters, and extra.
{Photograph}: Coleman
REI gross sales are the time to seize this improve range. Positive, the essential model under will get the job carried out, however the forged iron burners of the Cascade are a lot nicer and extra sturdy. The griddle plate can also be helpful, excellent for cranking out pancakes. My solely gripe is that I want there have been an choice to get two griddles, as I discover the grill not practically as helpful.
Stroll round any campground in America and you will doubtless see dozens of those, for good purpose. They’re straightforward to make use of, final a very long time, and are not all that costly. The ten,000-BTU burners are lots to prepare dinner on nearly any pan you’ve (I take advantage of forged iron pans on mine), and the digital ignition means you do not have to maintain observe of a lighter.
The MSR PocketRocket 2 is our high decide isopro backpacking range for most individuals. It is light-weight (2.6 ounces) however has large sufficient arms to help nearly any one- or two-person pot. It is easy to make use of, even whereas sporting gloves, and it is environment friendly—at sea degree (OK, technically 947 ft), it boiled 1 liter of water in 3 minutes, 47 seconds. You possibly can even get it to simmer, although the flame radius is small, so fancier cooking is not straightforward. See our subsequent decide if that is your objective.
If you wish to prepare dinner within the backcountry, like legitimately prepare dinner with components, not rehydrating meals, the perfect range I’ve examined is the Firebox Nano with the gasoline burner and diffusion plate. The Firebox Nano is a twig range, so you’ve that choice as nicely (I’m lucky to dwell someplace I can use this characteristic), however with summer season burn bans in lots of locations, it is actually the gasoline burner and diffusion plate which might be the centerpiece right here. Collectively, they unfold out the flame sufficient that cooking on a 10-inch pan is just about like cooking on my range at dwelling. It is a practically miraculous achievement for a range setup this small and light-weight (8 ounces).
It is a backpacking must-have for me. It turns cleanup from a tedious chore to a few seconds’ work. I’ve even perfected cleansing burnt pans with it: Boil water within the pan to loosen the burnt bits and scrape them out. It is not an enormous financial savings, however you may as nicely seize one whereas it is a couple bucks cheaper.
The phrase “ultralight” means various things to completely different folks, and this pot might or might not qualify for you, however if you happen to’re cooking for a gaggle, this 3-liter pot is about as mild because it will get. That is my go-to pot for household backpacking journeys. The hard-anodized aluminum is sturdy and supplies good warmth switch. The ceramic nonstick coating makes for simple cleanup (particularly paired with the GSI scraper under). You too can nest the 2L model ($51) inside this one for extra cooking choices on the path. If you wish to go nuts with it, I have never tried it, however you possibly can theoretically additionally nest the 1.3L model ($45) contained in the 2L.
{Photograph}: Scott-Gilbertson
The MSR Gravity Aitoflow filter is a must have for backpacking with a gaggle. All it’s important to do with this filter is scoop up 10 liters of water within the soiled water bag, connect the hose, join your water bottle, and sit again and chill out. The filter is sweet sufficient to maintain you protected from all the same old protozoa and micro organism, and the circulate charge is a strong 1.5 liters per minute when the filter is clear.
The MSR Guardian is our decide for journeys with sketchy water sources as a result of it filters all the way down to 0.02 microns, which can take away even viruses. It’s heavy at 22 oz. (617 g), and could also be overkill for journeys within the US, but it surely’s an incredible choice for abroad. I actually like that it is designed to be self-cleaning, which makes discipline upkeep extremely straightforward, and that it screws proper onto a Nalgene bottle. Additionally, as a result of it is a pump filter it’s totally quick, you possibly can crank out a few liters in hardly any time in any respect. The gravity fed model can also be on sale for $232 ($78 off).
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
If you wish to convey a chair backpacking, that is the one to get. It is simply in regards to the lightest in the marketplace at 18 ounces, and it packs down good and small. Nemo additionally solved the principle drawback with all pole chairs: The included base pad retains it from sinking in delicate floor.
The factor to remember while you store REI model gear is the corporate’s fundamental proposition: you get 90 p.c of the designer merchandise, for 70 p.c of the value. It is a technique that works fairly nicely and has generated some actually nice, reasonably priced gear. This chair is an effective instance of that. It is not as good because the Nemo above, but it surely’s nonetheless snug (it does wobble somewhat, aspect to aspect while you transfer) and practically half the value.
This camp chair is the coziest approach to hang around across the hearth. It’s considerably large, heavy, and awkward to fold up and carry, however as long as you’ve room for it in your automobile, there isn’t any higher approach to chill out underneath the celebrities along with your family members.
I’ve observed that, when making an attempt to lighten their load with a smaller, lighterweight backpack, folks then battle to suit all their gear. The reply for sleeping baggage and clothes is that this compression stuff sack, which smashes something delicate all the way down to about half the dimensions of the identical merchandise in an everyday stuff sack. This works nicely with sleeping baggage and clothes, particularly puffer jackets, but additionally fleece and merino wool.
Offers on Outside Attire
Searching for Labor Day offers on new rain gear or climbing garments? We have you lined with guides to the greatest merino wool t-shirts and clothes, greatest rain jackets, and greatest puffer jackets.
{Photograph}: Patagonia
Patagonia’s Nano Puff sequence has been successful because it launched years in the past. In order for you a technical midlayer that you would be able to additionally put on round city, that is the jacket to get. The fill is artificial, but it surely’s impressively heat and manages to stuff down virtually like a down jacket.
Mammut’s 800-fill-power down Broad Peak IN hoodie stuffs down remarkably small (into its personal pocket), weighs little for the heat it supplies, making it a good all-around puffer. The fill weight is 4 ounces, which I believe is the proper quantity of down these energetic winter days with temps within the 20- to 30-degree vary. It is also mild sufficient (13.5oz) to convey for cool evenings and mornings throughout shoulder season journeys.
When the climate will get down nicely under freezing, and the wind makes your cheeks burn, that is the jacket I flip to. With a base layer on the backside, wool sweater over that, then this jacket, I used to be toasty heat strolling within the early morning chill of winter (often –10 Fahrenheit in January). When you’re accustomed to Rab (which is a a lot larger model in Europe), this replaces the Axion Professional. The shell is light-weight (20D) Pertex ripstop nylon that is properly windproof and water resistant.
Courtesy of REI
The greatest funds rain jacket you should purchase, REI’s Rainier Jacket is impressively waterproof and fairly long-lasting for $70. The sturdy water repellent (DWR) is PFAS-free, however nonetheless fairly good. You additionally get taped seams and an adjustable hood, two good options you usually do not discover in jackets this low cost.
Arc’teryx’s Beta AR rain jacket is likely one of the burliest rain jackets I’ve examined. The Beta AR makes use of 40D cloth for a lot of the face, with bolstered 80D patches in excessive put on areas, all of it with Gore-Tex Professional 3L membrane. It has been the one Gore-Tex jacket I’ve examined that hasn’t wetted out but, and the pit zips present glorious air flow. At 1 lb. 0.3 oz. it is not the lightest jacket on the market, however you would be laborious pressed to seek out anything this sturdy at this weight.
REI’s Sahara Shade Hoodie provides UPF 50+ cloth (a polyester and spandex mix) to guard you from that high-altitude solar (or any solar). It is delicate and stretchy, so you’ve a very good vary of motion, and there are thumbholes within the sleeves to maintain them from using up and exposing your arms. The three-panel hood has a drawstring you should utilize the cinch it down and preserve your neck lined as nicely.
{Photograph}: Darn Robust; Getty Pictures
You possibly can’t go improper with a pair of Darn Robust merino wool socks. There is a bunch of kinds and colours to select from, however keep in mind to go together with extra merino than not if you happen to’re hoping to get a number of days out of them. Something over 30 p.c nylon begins to odor shortly in my testing.
The superior wool shirt from Fjällräven is about as northwoods because it will get. It is also good and heat and delicate, no less than on the within; my children don’t like the surface.
Paddleboard and Kayak Offers
{Photograph}: Scott Gilbertson
That is my favourite paddleboard for lazy days on the lake. The LowRider Aero is giant and secure, making it nice for learners. It is surprisingly nimble and straightforward to steer too, with excellent monitoring capacity. I additionally love the two-in-one kayak/SUP hybrid design, which implies you possibly can flip it right into a full fishing rig with Bote’s numerous add-ons.
Oru’s foldable kayaks are genius—all of the boat, not one of the dimension. The Lake is mild, fairly quick, and the most cost effective approach to get into the world of folding kayaks. As with all Oru’s choices, the Lake folds origami-style right into a roughly 30-inch sq. that’s simply 15 inches deep—sufficiently small to slot in a automobile trunk or corridor closet.
Offers on Bikepacking Gear
When you’ve received backpacking gear, and a motorbike, you possibly can go bikepacking. All you want is a approach to strap your backpacking gear to your bike. Beneath are some offers on our favourite racks and panniers that will help you get began bikepacking.
Courtesy of REI
This practically common rack is simple to get on and off because of the fast launch system. Due to testing bike I in all probability transfer racks greater than most individuals, but it surely’s nonetheless good to have a rack that is straightforward to take off when you do not want it. I clips into M5 or M6 mounts, however you possibly can add a Ortlieb Via-Axle M6 Connector (additionally on sale) to mount it on to the through axle if you have no different methods to connect it.
These waterproof panniers pair nicely with the Fast-Rack above, although they’re sufficiently small to mount in your forks if you happen to aren’t doing something too technical. These have a mixed capability of 29L although they’re on the shallow aspect at about 13-inches deep (that is the place bikepacking tents with shorter pole part come in useful. These are rated IP64 which makes them dustproof and waterproof in opposition to splash water. In order for you one thing larger, and fully waterproof, Ortlieb’s justly common 20L Again Curler Panniers are additionally on sale for $150 ($50 off) for a pair.
I will be sincere, I might like to have a pair of Tailfin’s 5L fork packs, however they’re out of my funds so I get by with these Ortlieb fork packs. They’re barely larger than the Tailfin baggage, and haul my gear simply as capably, so I do not know why I would like anything. They’re waterproof, light-weight, and swallow a formidable quantity of substances and meals for a 5.8L bag.
