The Best Deals from Backcountry’s Semi-Annual Sale

The following is a sponsored post brought to you by Backcountry.com. Save up to 60 percent during the Backcountry Semi-Annual Sale from August 1 through September 5.

Summer is in full swing and hiking trails across the country not in the High Sierra are in prime form. If you haven’t had a chance to get out for a trip yet, then you are probably thinking about it, and now is the perfect time to get those last-minute gear items before setting foot on the trail. Tis the season for Backcountry’s Semi-Annual Sale. Score deals from 40-60% across the board, including footwear, apparel, and hiking gear.

This sale runs all month, so you don’t need to “send it” on your first pass, but quantities are limited and hot items will run low. Get in, get out, and get on the trail!

Shop Backcountry’s Semi-Annual Sale

Best Deals from the Backcountry Semi-Annual Sale

Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Jacket (Men’s)

$160 (Reg: $229)

• Weight: 10 ounces
• Insulation: 60g PrimaLoft Gold Eco

The Nano Puff is a classic lightweight insulated jacket. While it’s been around for a while, Patagonia keeps making improvements to fit and construction, and it is now made with 100% recycled materials. The water-repellent finish sheds light precipitation and snow, and the synthetic insulation will keep you warm even if it gets a little damp.

Outdoor Research Echo Printed Hoodie (Men’s)

$48 (Reg: $79)

• Weight: 4 ounces
• UPF: 20

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the sun, it’s probably a good idea to cover up and get protected from those harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is nasty and consumable, so why not throw on a lightweight, full-coverage shirt instead? The Echo Hoodie from Outdoor Research is one of the lightest sun hoodies out there, ensuring that you stay as cool as possible while having fun in the sun.

READ NEXT — How to Pick the Perfect Sun Hoodie for Your Next Hike

Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket (Women’s)

$119 (Reg: $170)

• Weight: 6.3 ounces
• Pockets: one zippered chest pocket
• Material: Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse

The Helium Rain Jacket by Outdoor Research is one of the most popular rain shells in the backcountry, and it’s easy to see why. For a layer that we all hope to use infrequently, cutting weight to the minimum is a major factor when considering which rain jacket to carry on a thru-hike. The Helium might be minimally featured, but it is also super lightweight while providing just enough protection, just when you need it. It’s also more durable than other popular, super cheap, super light alternatives, and will likely last for an entire long trail and beyond.

Read our review of the Helium Rain Jacket here.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 Hooded Down Jacket (Women’s)

$252 (Reg: $360)

• Weight: 9 ounces
• Insulation: 800-fill goose down

It’s warm, it’s light, and it’s got that hipster-techy look that was so hot last winter. The Ghost Whisperer 2 is included in any conversation about the best insulated jackets for lightweight backpacking. Mountain Hardwear has been tweaking this classic for many years and now cuts the shell material from 100% recycled nylon. If anything holds this jacket back, it’s the price, so snag one now at a deep discount.

Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks

$17 (Reg: $24)

• Material: Merino wool, nylon, elastane
• Cushion: Minimal

All but the crustiest of us wear socks when we hike, and there are few feelings better than slipping into a brand-new pair pulled from a resupply box. Merino wool’s anti-stink, moisture management, and temperature-regulating properties make it a miracle material for next-to-foot contact, and Smartwool makes some darn good wool socks. These ones are nice and light for warm weather trail time. If you are planning a long thru-hike, load up now while the price is good.

Patagonia Baggies 5in Short (Women’s)

$45 (Reg: $65)

• Material: 100% recycled nylon
• Pockets: two hand, one rear
• Liner: Mesh

Patagonia Baggies are awesome do-it-all shorts that are at home literally anywhere besides a nude beach. This 5-inch inseam version is the preferable length for letting those knees breathe and power thighs shine while providing good mobility for trail-related motions. A breathable mesh liner keeps you from reaching into your underwear drawer, and cavernous pockets swallow whatever you throw in them.

Saloman Ultra Glide 2 GTX Trail Runners (Women’s)

$112 (Reg: $170)

• Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Stack Height: 32/26mm
• Drop: 6mm

Salomon’s Ultra Glide 2 trail runners are designed to go a long way during a long day. These maximally cushioned shoes put comfort first, and the reverse camber geometry promotes easy gliding with each step. Our tester also loved the Contragrip rubber outsole, which provided stable traction on all but the muddiest surfaces. The price has always been a barrier, but with this sale they are darn near affordable.

Read our review of the Saloman Ultra Glide 2 here.

Granite Gear Crown 2 Limited Edition Backpack

$132 (Reg: $220)

• Weight: 40 ounces
• Capacity: 60 liters

This classic budget UL backpack pick is an awesome all-around pack that’s ready for any long trail. Our tester was impressed with the durability, pointing out that it was still in great shape after five months on the CDT. It also carried big loads comfortably, while the roll-top and side compression straps helped keep it tight during shorter stretches. It might not have sexy features or fancy DCF, but the Crown 2 is one of our all-time favorite packs.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad (Men’s)

$170 (Reg: $200)

• Weight: 12 ounces
• R-value: 5.4 (women’s), 4.2 (men’s)

The NeoAir XLite is one of the lightest and warmest sleeping pads for backpacking. For many years, it has been one of the most popular pads in the backcountry and recent updates mean that you can find this outgoing model for cheap. Price was always a drawback to what has widely been considered the best sleeping pad for thru-hiking, so now’s the time if you’ve ever been curious.

Read our review of the NeoAir XLite NXT here.

Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm.