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Whether you’re hoping to squeeze in a few more camping trips this season or gearing up to hit the slopes this winter, you may find just what you’re looking for during one of the many annual Labor Day sales at outdoor retailers. We’ve scanned through over 150 Wirecutter-recommended items that are made or sold by REI, Moosejaw, and Backcountry to put together a list of the best deals we’ve found so far.
While some stores, such as REI, require a $50 minimum order to qualify for free shipping, most also offer free in-store pickup on orders, so we haven’t factored shipping costs into the deal prices listed below. Along the same lines, some particularly heavy or bulky items may ship to a store for free but carry a fee if you want them delivered to you directly—something to bear in mind as you check out these deals.
The winter cyclist’s multipurpose tool
Buff Original Reflective Headwear
Deal price: $15; street price: $20
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
If you commute by bike, you know it’s a good idea to be prepared for anything—particularly inclement weather. As the season shifts from summer to fall, you may be seeking a little extra warmth on your commute. Enter the Buff. A good Buff is something of a multipurpose tool for cyclists: It looks a bit like an odd scarf—and can fulfill a similar purpose—but it’s not limited to warming your neck. On colder, breezy commutes, we recommend the Original Reflective version, but if you’re riding in rainy or wintry conditions, we like the ThermoNet. Finally, we recommend the Polar for freezing temperatures. You can use any of them to cover your hair and ears under your helmet or to shield your nose, mouth, and neck.
Read our review of the best gear for foul-weather bike commuting.
A simple, no-frills down jacket
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (Women’s)
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (Women’s Plus)
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 (Men’s)
Deal price: $70; street price: $100
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
The seasons are a changin’—don’t be left out in the cold without a good jacket. This no-frills down jacket from REI is our men’s and women’s budget pick. The REI Co-op 650 feels warm, looks nice, and comes in a wide range of sizes that suit most people, including plus sizes. It’s very much a budget option, so it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles we see on some of our other picks (like microfleece-lined hand-warmer pockets). Its nylon taffeta shell is also slightly more susceptible to rips, and the baffling will shed down fairly quickly. That said, overall the REI Co-op 650 is a much more affordable option, capable of keeping you warm without breaking the bank. This $70 deal matches the best price we’ve seen for our budget pick, and the on-sale jacket is available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Read our review of the best down jacket.
A stylish and inexpensive insulated vest
REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0 (Women’s Plus)
REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0 (Women’s)
REI Co-op 650 Down Vest 2.0 (Men’s)
Deal price: $56; street price: $80
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
A vest gives you a little more mobility and freedom than a bulkier jacket while still keeping your core warm. Whether you’re hitting the trails or walking around town, a good vest is an easy way to add and shed layers as you go. Our budget pick has 650-fill-power down and will keep you just as warm as (or even warmer than) our top pick for less than half the cost. It comes in a wide range of sizes and a slightly boxy fit that makes layering a little easier. However, the vest has wider baffles, and during testing it started shedding feathers almost immediately, so the warmth is unlikely to last long. The 650 Down Vest also doesn’t repel water, making it unsuitable for wet climates. Even so, if you’re looking to balance utility and cost, you won’t find a much better option than our budget pick.
Read our review of the best insulated vest.
An affordable kids bike seat with fun extras
Burley Dash Rack Mount Kids Bike Seat
Deal price: $128; street price: $160
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
If you commute by bike and want to get your younger kids in on the action, a bike seat is the easiest and most affordable way to make it happen. By far the best model under $200 we tested, the Burley Dash accommodates kids as young as 12 months and up to 40 pounds. It was the lightest rear-mounted model we tested, which makes a big difference for parents pedaling about all day (especially when traversing inclines). Although in our tests the Burley didn’t feel quite as stable or secure as our top picks from Thule, it never seemed flimsy or plasticky like other cheaper models we tested. Plus, the bike seat offers a few extra fun features such as armrests for your little passenger and a rear snack compartment—a major bonus for anyone who has ever witnessed the fallout of missed snack time. Not only do we rarely see discounts for the Burley, but this deal also matches the best price we’ve encountered for our budget pick.
Read our review of the best kids bike seats.
Light and fast-drying socks for travel
WrightSocks CoolMesh II Quarter Socks
Deal price: $11; street price: $14
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
Whether you’re traveling by air, by car, or by plane, your feet are always along for the ride. Although a reliable pair of shoes is important, a good pair of socks is also essential. Before your next trip, consider snagging a pair of WrightSocks, a light, fast-drying option that can help prevent blisters while you globe-trot. Although the WrightSocks aren’t as durable as our top picks from Darn Tough, they’re still a great synthetic option for vegans or people with wool sensitivity. Plus, our testers preferred them to Darn Tough’s own synthetic selection—just don’t expect them to stick around for quite as long. This deal is the first notable discount we’ve seen for these simple ankle socks, and they come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Read our review of the best gear for travel.
A kick-back-and-relax camp chair
Nemo Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair
Deal price: $165; street price: $220
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
Relaxing under the cool, sparkling night sky might just be one of the most simple and fulfilling human experiences. Although the ground can get the job done, you can give this age-old pastime a modern upgrade with a cozy camping chair. The Nemo Stargaze Recliner may look a bit odd, but it’s especially comfortable and the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Featuring a swinging seat suspended on an aluminum frame, it provides a unique sitting experience that falls somewhere between that of a recliner and a hammock. Plus, the new design sits slightly lower to the ground, addressing past complaints about the chair being better suited for taller individuals. This deal usually crops up only once annually, and this price matches the best discount we’ve yet to see, so check it out if you’ve been searching for a more comfortable way to embrace the outdoors. Right now, you can also snag this deal from Backcountry.
Read our review in our guide to the 28 best gifts for Mom.
A flexible, lightweight hiking boot
La Sportiva Saber GTX Hiking Boots (Men’s)
Deal price: $127 with code APPLECIDER; street price: $170
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
Avid and casual hikers alike know that a reliable pair of hiking boots is essential. Our top pick for the best men’s hiking boot pick is available for $127 from Moosejaw—a rare deal that matches the best price we’ve seen. Flexible and lightweight, the Saber GTX boots have an athletic, trail-running-inspired design and are intended for narrow feet and hikers who want to move fast. They’re not meant for more prolonged thru-hikes when you’re carrying heavy weight on your back. But if you’re a trail runner or if you typically stick to day hikes, you won’t find a more breathable and durable selection than our top pick. At this rare deal price—which matches the best price we’ve seen—the boots are available in a wide variety of sizes in the Carbon/Chili finish.
Read our review of the best hiking boots.
Ultra-packable trekking poles
Black Diamond Alpine FLZ Z-Poles Trekking Poles
Deal price: $120 with code APPLECIDER; street price: $160
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
You have the proper footwear, moisture-wicking clothing, and plenty of hydration for your next hike—but what about a solid set of trekking poles? The lightweight aluminum design and comfortable cork grip of these Black Diamond poles will enhance any mountain scrambling experience, particularly for trail runners or those who want a little backup on their hike. Our ultra-packable trail pole pick has a tentpole-style design with a flick lock adjustment near the handles and an internal cord that allows them to break down for quick, easy storage. That way, they stay out of sight and out of mind while you trek but remain ready to go at a moment’s notice when you reach a particularly steep section of trail. If you’re a casual climber, the FLZ Z-Poles probably aren’t necessary, but avid hikers will likely appreciate the compact convenience of this pick for more challenging trails. These poles are also on sale from Backcountry for the same price.
Read our review of the best trekking poles.
A plastic wrap alternative
Bee's Wrap Reusable Food Wrap (Set of 5)
Deal price: $21 with store pickup; street price: $38
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
The only thing we like more than reducing plastic waste are accessible and versatile alternatives, like Bee’s Wrap. While most beeswax wraps will get the job done, Bee’s Wrap held up better against repeated washing compared to the competition, and offers more sizes and colors. They won’t provide an airtight seal, so they’re not ideal for long term food storage. However, Bee’s Wrap is extremely pliable and cling to themselves with ease, making them a great solution in the short-term or to cover bowls and other containers. Plus, Bee’s Wrap estimates they should last up to a year with proper care (including handwashing). This deal is available in the Forest Floor print with store pickup.
REI members only
The Osprey StraightJacket 20L Compression Sack
Deal price: $17 with code EXTRA20; street price: $30
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
With baggage fees and flight delays on the rise, carry-on travel has become more of a survival tactic than a lifestyle choice. Stuffing clothes into a compression sack before packing them into a larger bag can help maximize capacity and prevent needing extra luggage. Our easy-access compression sack pick, the Osprey, has a full-length zipper on its side that opens to reveal the bag’s entire contents. While extremely handy, do note that this bag doesn’t compress as tightly as traditional designs. Down to $17 when you use the promo code EXTRA20 and use store pickup, this deal is currently only available to REI members only.
Read our review of the best gear for travel.
The Tilley LTM6 Airflo Sun Hat
Deal price: $63; street price: $90
Whether you’re cruising around the golf greens or taking a casual stroll, you need to protect your skin from the sun. While sunscreen is important, a good sun hat will provide even more protection and shade. If you tend to stick to less-aggressive activities, we recommend the stylish Tilley. Attractive and well-fitted, this hat is made of nylon and spandex fabric that’s rated to UPF 50+. However, it’s structured semi-rigid build makes it less packable than our other picks, and it doesn’t have quite the same level of ventilation. That said, it comes with a lifetime warranty and looks great as long as you don’t fold or cram it into tight spaces.
Read our review of the best sun hat for hikers.
Other decent discounts on Wirecutter-recommended outdoor gear
Although the following Wirecutter picks are also on sale, the discounts don’t quite compare to the deals we’ve seen for these items in the past. Still, if you don’t want to wait, here are a few more opportunities to pick up what you need for a little less.
Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller
Deal price: $440 with code APPLECIDER (dark shadow color); street price: $500
Read our review of the best jogging strollers.
Sunski Headlands Sunglasses
Deal price: $44 with store pickup; street price: $50
Read our review of the best cheap sunglasses.
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask
Deal price: $28 with store pickup; street price: $30
Read our review of the best running gear.
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion Socks (Men’s)
Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Light Cushion (Women’s)
Deal price: $17; street price: $21
Read our review of the best hiking socks.
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers
Deal price: $152 with code APPLECIDER; street price: $190
Read our review of the best bike panniers.
Reusable straws to reduce waste
Klean Kanteen Steel Straws (Pack of Four)
Deal price: $8; street price: $10
Update: No longer available at the original deal price.
Reusable straws take a little extra time and care but are convenient to use and a simple way to cut down on plastic waste. Although the Klean Kanteen Steel Straws don’t come with a handy carrying case like our top pick, they’re still an affordable option for at-home use. They measure around 9 inches and should work with 16- or 20-ounce cups. Notably, the straws have a steel base and a curved silicone tip that is pleasant to drink from, and they’re slightly wider than our top pick—making them perfect for thick smoothies. Lastly, they easily come apart and are dishwasher safe, but they’re also easy enough to clean by hand with the included brush.
Read our review of the best reusable straws.
A headlight to light the way
Black Diamond Spot 350 Headlamp
Deal price: $30 with code FREE2DAY; street price: $40
Update: Without the free shipping code, it's no longer a worthwhile deal unless you add it to a larger order.
A good headlamp will help keep you safe and light the way, no matter where your adventures take you—whether you’re trekking through the backcountry or just out to the backyard. Some iteration of the Black Diamond headlamp has been our top pick for nine years running, constantly setting the bar with its overall quality and variety of beam shapes. The newest model brings everything we’ve come to expect and more: It’s bright, easy to use, and equipped with a long-lasting battery. It’s simple but comfortable, and although you may be able to find more powerful lights, the Black Diamond strikes just the right balance of price, reliability, and performance. We don’t see deals on this pick often, and this discount matches the best price we’ve posted in the past, so don’t miss out if you’ve been thinking about picking one up. This deal is also available from REI with store pickup.
Read our review of the best headlamp.
A packable, pocket-sized lantern
Black Diamond Moji Lantern
Deal price: $15 with code FREE2DAY; street price: $20
Update: Without the free shipping code, it's no longer a worthwhile deal unless you add it to a larger order.
The light on your phone is useful, but if you’re planning to spend longer periods of time outside at night, a dedicated outdoor light is your best bet. The pocketable Black Diamond Moji Lantern is easy to use and lightweight (weighing around 4.3 ounces with the battery), making it a perfect travel companion for your next campout or evening picnic. It’s not quite as bright or durable as our other portable pick, but it doesn’t require the extra work of inflating and deflating. Instead, the Moji Lantern offers a single cool-tone light and a simple on/off switch—truly zero fuss. It also has two metal handles that you can easily fold down for storage. Not to mention, this $15 deal makes the Moji Lantern one of our most affordable picks featured in our outdoor and backyard lighting guide. If you don’t mind store pickup, this deal is also available from REI.
Read our review of outdoor and backyard lighting we love.
Summer drawstring shorts for work and play
Prana Vaha Short
Deal price: $49 in russet and linen with code FREE2DAY; street price: $65
Update: Without the free shipping code, it's no longer a worthwhile deal unless you add it to a larger order.
Summer’s not over yet—you still have some warm days ahead. While you dream of cool, crisp weather to come, it helps to have some breathable clothing on hand, especially if you tend to run hot anyway. Luckily, Wirecutter senior editor Mark Smirniotis has a solution, and it’s not just an all-linen wardrobe (though that isn’t a terrible idea). Prana’s Vaha shorts are long-lasting shorts that will quickly become a staple in your summer-wear wardrobe. They’re made from a lightweight and super-soft hemp blend that’s comfortable and sustainable. As with many casual shorts of their ilk, the Vaha shorts’ elastic waist makes them cozy enough for long sessions on the couch, but unlike their kin, they are also made of an attractive fabric and employ a false fly, creating a look that helps you blend effortlessly into the crowd whenever you decide to head out.
Read our review of the 18 shorts Wirecutter staffers will be wearing all summer.
