Best Backpacking Gear Deals from the REI Labor Day Sale

This is a sponsored post brought to you by REI Co-op. The REI Labor Day Sale runs from 8/27 – 9/6.

Alert! Alert! Everyone’s favorite outdoor co-op is having a sale. The REI Labor Day Sale runs from 8/27 to 9/6—a full week!—and you’ll be able to score sweet deals up to 30% off on select inventory during this time. (There’s some exciting stuff on offer for backpackers; keep scrolling to see our favorites).

There will also be member-exclusive deals up to 50% off all week long, including an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with the code EXTRA20.

Head over to REI.com to shop the Labor Day Sale. But first, check out our top picks for hiking and backpacking gear from the sale.

Shop the REI Labor Day Sale

25% off Osprey Exos and Eja Backpacks
Reg. $200 – $220 | Sale $150 – $165

Volume: 48 or 58L
Weight:
40 – 42 oz (Eja) | 41 – 44 oz (Exos)

Osprey’s signature trampoline-style suspension system makes the Osprey Eja and its male counterpart, the Exos, super comfortable. These packs are lightweight, airy, and durable enough to survive a multi-thousand-mile thru-hike and beyond. Yep, they pretty much check all the boxes. No wonder the Exos is one of the most popular backpacks (if not the most popular) among thru-hikers.

25% off MSR Windburner Stove
Reg. $150 | Sale $112.50

Time to boil 1L: 4.5 min
Weight: 15.5 oz

The Windburner is an integrated canister stove system–meaning you get a pot, burner, windscreen, cozy, and fuel canister stand when you buy this system. That’s a good value in both weight and money, and it also makes for a quick-boiling, fuel-efficient setup. Added bonus for coffee lovers: you can buy a French press accessory for this stove (not included with the stove) to take your java game to the next level.

We’re highlighting the basic kit here, but there are a few different Windburner stove systems meant for different group sizes and cooking needs, all on sale for 25% off this week.

25% off Leki Legacy Lite Cor-Tec Trekking Poles
Reg. $100 | Sale $75

Materials: Aluminum, cork, rubber
Weight: 17.2 oz

Actually, technically all Leki trekking poles are 25% off during the sale. But we’re highlighting the Legacy Lites because we like them. They’re sturdy, reasonably lightweight, the cork grips feel great, and the locking system is exceptionally smooth, allowing you to easily adjust your pole length on the fly.

25% off Katadyn BeFree Water Filter
Reg. $45 | Sale $34

Flow rate: 2L/min
Weight: 2.3 oz.

The pores in this hollow fiber filter are just 0.1 microns across, or about 1/1000 the width of a human hair. That’s small enough to prevent 99.99% of microbes from getting into your drinking water. The BeFree is one of the lightest and easiest-to-use filters on the market. It’s renowned for its rapid filtration and easy cleaning process.

25% off Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15 Sleeping Bag
Reg. $240 – $270 | Sale $180 – $202.50

Fill: 650-fill duck down
Weight: 37.4 oz

This is a great starter sleeping bag for someone just getting into backpacking: lightweight, compact, quality materials, trusted brand … check. You’ll be snug like a bug in a rug in this durable mummy. Other Mountain Hardwear sleeping bags are also 25% off during the sale. (Want a slightly more insulated bag? Try the women’s Bishop Pass 15 instead).

25% off Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
Reg. $40 | Sale $30

Battery type: AAA
Weight: 3 oz

Hands-down one of the best and most reliable thru-hiking headlamps you’ll ever find. The brightness is adjustable between four and 350 lumens, a generous range that should cover all your needs, and it has useful red light and locking functions as well. The battery lasts for ages, even with heavy use, and there’s a handy indicator light to let you know when your charge is getting low.

20% off Snow Peak GigaPower 2.0 Stove
Reg. $50 | Sale $37.50

Time to boil 1L: 4 min 48 sec
Weight: 3.2 oz

This minute canister stove is as minimal as it gets: it’s just a burner that screws onto your fuel canister, equipped with four fold-out pot supports, an auto-ignitor, and a valve to control the flame. Easy-peasy. It’s lightweight, it’s reliable, and—best of all—the ignitor on this stove actually works.

25% off BearVault BV 500 Bear Canister
Reg. $80 | Sale $60

Capacity: 11.5L
Weight: 41 oz

Bear canisters are the most reliable way to protect your food from critters (and vice versa), plus you won’t brain yourself with a rock while trying to hang a bear bag! If you’re planning to section or thru-hike the PCT or JMT (or a myriad of other, smaller trails) you’ll be required to carry an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC)-approved canister such as the BV500 at least part of the way.

Even beyond required zones, many hikers choose to carry bear canisters for convenience, peace of mind, and leave no trace purposes. Don’t need this much carrying capacity? Check out BearVault’s smaller BV 450 canister instead.

30% off REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket | Men’s
Reg. $100 | Sale $75

Fill: 650-fill duck down
Lining: Nylon taffeta

Even without the markdown, this 650-fill duck down puffy is already a budget hiker’s dream. The 650 Down Jacket is lightweight and has just enough insulation for three-season applications. It’s durable, comfy, looks good, and ticks all the boxes for the average hiker—all at bargain-basement prices. Best part? Recycled materials.

30% off REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Rain Jacket
Reg. $160 | Sale $120

Material: Gore-Tex Paclite
Weight: 12.5 oz

REI’s fanciest in-house rain jacket features breathable Gore-Tex and waterproof zippers for a comfortable fit and a clean aesthetic. Built with backpackers in mind: articulated design for ease of movement, hipbelt-compatible pockets, and adjustable hood. All REI-brand rain jackets and pants are 25% off during the sale.

20% off Oboz Sawtooth Hiking Shoes | Men’s
Reg. $115 | Sale $92


Weight:
31 oz

For those who want a little more support than trail runners can offer, Oboz hiking shoes are a great option. The Sawtooths are stable, grippy, protective, and durable. Oboz are also known for their excellent insoles (so no need to drop an extra $50 on after-market inserts). The Sawtooths are also available as mid-boots if you’re looking for more ankle support. All Oboz hiking footwear is 20% off during the sale.

25% off Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Socks
Reg. $24 | Sale $18

Materials: 59% merino wool, 39% nylon, 2% Lycra

Darn Toughs. Are. AMAZING. They’re made of a super-soft, comfy, moisture-wicking merino wool blend right in the USA. Darn Tough guarantees their socks for life, but you’ll probably have to wait awhile to act on that because their socks are incredibly durable.

Gear up with up to 30% off this week during the REI Labor Day Sale. It only runs this Friday through next Friday (8/27 – 9/6) so don’t wait too long to jump on this opportunity.

Shop the REI Labor Day Sale

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