Backcountry Memorial Day Sale: 2023 Gear Guide

Summer is approaching quickly, and Backcountry’s Memorial Day Sale—which runs through Monday, May 29 (Memorial Day)—is a prime opportunity to save on top-rated outdoor gear. From backpacking tents and sleep systems to duffel bags, climbing shoes, and stand up paddle boards, it’s a great chance to score big-ticket items at a sizable discount. Below we outline our favorite discounted items at the sale, many of which we’ve tested and used extensively on our own adventures. Of note: The deals will be rolling out between May 12 and 26, and we’ve listed the start date for each discount next to the “% off” amount in the write-ups below.

This article has been sponsored by Backcountry, but the picks and descriptions below were made independently and based on our experiences with and opinions of the products.
Shop the 2023 Backcountry Memorial Day Sale

Our Favorite Memorial Day Sale Deals

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent: 25% Off (5/18)

Big Agnes’ Copper Spur has been our top-rated backpacking tent for years running thanks to its class-leading balance of weight, interior space, and features. The three-person capacity is discounted considerably during the Backcountry sale (it’s also offered in 1P, 2P, and 4P versions) and combines a healthy 41 square feet of floor space, solid headroom with pre-bent poles and steep walls, and two doors and vestibules—all at a reasonable 3 pounds 14 ounces all in. The smaller details are equally well sorted, including substantial zippers, thoughtful interior storage, color-coded grommets, and easy adjustments to get a taut and even pitch. The dual vestibules also convert to awnings (trekking poles required), which is a nice touch for lounging around camp.

Couples and groups of two who don’t want to size up should check out MSR’s Hubba Hubba 2 (also 25% off), which is slightly more weather-worthy than the Copper Spur and has a non-tapered build that offers more width throughout (comparing the 2P capacities). And for a substantial savings, Marmot’s Limelight 3P (reduced from $359 to around $250) is slightly bigger than the Copper Spur with a 45.2-square-foot floor plan but much heavier at 7 pounds 2.5 ounces—it’s best suited for mixed car camping and occasional backcountry use. 
See the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3

Nemo Men's Disco 15 and Women's Disco 15 Sleeping Bag: 40% Off (5/19)

Nemo’s spoon-shaped sleeping bags are a hit for comfort seekers and side sleepers, and their Disco 15 combines that accommodating shape with quality down insulation and thoughtful features. In terms of protection, the 650-fill-power down has a hydrophobic treatment for fending off light moisture with a waterproof panel around the toe for added assurance. Other details include a built-in sleeve at the hood for keeping your pillow in place, zippered “gills” at the top of the bag to release hot air in warm weather, and a draft collar and tube to combat the cold. The spacious design and mid-range down fill do add some weight and bulk, but there’s no denying the roominess and competitive features.
See the Men's Nemo Disco 15  See the Women's Nemo Disco 15

Jetboil Flash Cooking System: 25% Off (5/19)

Dehydrated meals have gotten downright tasty in recent years, and many backpackers now use their stove primarily to boil water. If this sounds like you, Jetboil’s Flash is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use designs currently on the market. This all-in-one stove offers quick boiling with an included insulated koozie that attaches directly to the stove via a heat exchanger, making it efficient and weather-resistant (a key point of distinction between the Flash and non-integrated alternatives). The Flash can boil one liter of water in around 3.5 minutes, and the total weight of 13.1 ounces is reasonable considering you don’t need an additional pot.
See the Jetboil Flash Cooking System

Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad: 40% Off (5/19)

Nemo makes some of our favorite backpacking tents, and their sleeping pad lineup is similarly competitive. The Tensor Insulated is a shining example, combining a lightweight and packable build with a comfortable sleeping platform and generous 3 inches of cushioning that nicely isolate you from the ground below. We’re also big fans of Nemo’s intuitive Vortex pump sack that requires very little effort: Simply snap it onto the flat, micro-adjustable valve, blow lightly into the opening, and roll the collar down to force air into the mat. All in all, the Tensor’s blend of comfort, build quality, and ease of use make it a real standout among the competition. For budget shoppers and occasional backpackers, Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir Venture is a sizable step down in comfort and warmth but costs a wallet-friendly $125 (around $94 with the 25% discount during this sale).
See the Nemo Tensor Insulated Pad

Backcountry All Around 60L Duffel: 60% Off (5/25)

Backcountry has been quietly assembling a competitive in-house lineup for the last several years, and their All Around Duffel is a strong effort. It's offered in 40, 60, and 105-liter capacities (all of which are discounted by 60% during the sale), and we like the mid-range version best: You get a large U-shaped opening for quick and easy access to the interior, a nice assortment of pockets for organization, a padded base that provides good structure and protection, and removable backpack straps for hands-free carry. There’s also an external zipper on one end that opens to reveal a large secondary compartment, which is great for separating dirty laundry or shoes. All in all, it’s a well-rounded and good-looking design that should hold up well to frequent use—and a real steal at around $56 on sale. Of note: The 60L model goes on sale on May 25, while the 40 and 105L versions will be discounted starting on May 26 and 23, respectively.
See the Backcountry All Around 60L Duffel

La Sportiva Men's Solution Comp and Women's Solution Comp: 25% Off (5/18)

First introduced in 2007, the La Sportiva Solution is legendary in the world of climbing shoes and beloved by boulderers and sport climbers alike. For a more modern take on the classic design, the brand recently introduced the Solution Comp, which is a softer and snugger-fitting variation with a few upgrades over the original. Highlights include a tapered heel that should fit a wider range of foot shapes (some find the regular Solution’s heel to be clunky and ill-fitting), a thinner midsole for a more sensitive and connected feel, and extra rubber covering the forefoot for better toe-hooking ability. Importantly, you still get 4 millimeters of La Sportiva’s proven Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber underfoot, a comfortable tongue, and an aggressive downturn for maximizing performance and power on steep terrain. Added up, the Solution Comp is a strong follow-up to the original and a solid value at around $157 during the sale.
See the Men's La Sportiva Solution Comp. See the Women's La Sportiva Solution Comp

NRS Thrive Stand Up Paddle Board: 20% Off (5/19)

NRS is one of the most reputable names in boating, and their Thrive stand up paddle board is a premium all-rounder for everything from river running to multi-day tours. The board pumps to a very solid 20 psi (most competitors inflate to 12-15 psi), which translates to great rigidity. Further, with two sets of fins—including a three-piece thruster set and a single touring skeg—you can tailor stability and speed depending on your needs, which adds a lot of versatility whether you’re new to paddling or a seasoned SUPer. The Thrive is no small investment at $1,345 full MSRP, but 20% off during the sale is a seriously good value for such a high-quality, well-rounded design. Their 10-foot-4-inch Quiver is also 20% off (reduced from $1,245 to $996) and purpose-built for river running with a strong focus on stability and maneuverability.
See the NRS Thrive Stand Up Paddle Board