

Summer is winding down, and that means it’s time for a gear check before fall hikes and weekend adventures. The annual REI Co-op Labor Day Sale is live and runs through September 1. This seasonal sale is a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to score discounts on big-ticket items like tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, footwear, and more. Whether you plan to continue adventuring through the winter or are stocking up for next year, it’s a prime opportunity to save some serious cash. Below we outline the dates and details of REI’s Labor Day Sale, our favorite discounted items, and how to shop both in-store and online. Given the extensive scope of this year’s sale, we’ve also included a curated list below our picks, highlighting more of the biggest and most notable deals.
Editor's note: This article has been sponsored by REI, but the picks and descriptions below were made independently and based on our experiences with and opinions of the products.
Through September 1, you can shop in-store or online at REI.com and save up to 30% on products from top brands like Osprey, Exped, Nemo, REI Co-op, Yakima, and many more. Importantly, some of the deals are only available to members—a lifetime membership to the co-op is $30—and we call out those discounts where applicable below. In addition, members can save an extra 20% on one item online at REI's Outlet with the code LABORDAY25 (8/22 – 9/1). Below we outline some of our top picks for on-sale gear, including backpacking equipment, camping gear, rain jackets, hiking footwear, and more.
Osprey's tried and true men's Atmos AG and women's Aura AG backpacks have been our go-to packs for years. The big technical innovation is the “Anti-Gravity” suspended mesh backpanel, which replaces the foam found in traditional designs, improving overall ventilation and comfort. Beyond that are several smart Osprey features: The pocket design is thoughtfully laid out with plenty of options to divvy up gear, the Fit-on-the-Fly harness and hipbelt offer an easily customizable fit, and the premium materials hold up well to rough treatment. Overall, the Atmos and Aura are extremely well-rounded packs that work great for anything from quick overnight trips to extended jaunts into the backcountry.
See the Men’s Atmos AG 65 Pack See the Women’s Aura AG 65 Pack
REI’s iconic Half Dome 2-person tent is one of the best values on the market. It’s not as lightweight as competing backpacking tents, but light enough for short to moderate backpacking treks. The Half Dome is easy to set up and spacious enough that you’ll enjoy it when car camping, too. With decades of REI Member input, the latest Half Dome still has the familiar specs: two large D-doors, two vestibules, and a full-coverage fly. But as a bonus, an updated pole structure gives the tent steeper walls for more shoulder and headroom. The tent’s aluminum poles also connect in an overhead hub that has four openings to see through and make sure they are fully seated during setup. The classic Half Dome is a lot of folks' very first tent as well as an Old Reliable in the outdoors space.
See the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent
As the name implies, this sleeping pad is rated for four-season use thanks to its 5.4 R-value. A thermal film inside each baffle reflects body heat, helping the pad achieve its warmth level. The Tensor inflates to 3.5 inches high and uses Nemo's Spaceframe baffle design, which creates a stable surface with just enough give when rolling over on it. And when you do roll over, you won't hear the usual crinkle associated with an insulated pad, which any tentmates will no doubt appreciate. Additionally, the included Vortex pump sack can inflate the pad without leaving you gasping for air, which we always appreciate at the end of a long day. The Tensor All-Season is available in regular and mummy shapes with wide options, too.
See the Tensor All-Season UL Sleeping Pad
Simply put, the Hornet Elite Osmo Ultralight 2-person tent is our favorite ultralight tent. It’s an investment, and not without some nitpicks, but at just over 2 pounds packed, you’ll see why it’s a popular pick among backpackers. Our review found this tent reliably weather-worthy and simple to set up on most surfaces. Nemo went out of its way to cut weight through all parts, including the ultralight Osmo ripstop nylon. The tent uses DAC Featherlite poles, with guyouts and the brand's Flybar pole clip to add volume at the foot and head, respectively. Overall, the Hornet Elite masterfully balances weight and performance, so we highly recommend grabbing one at a discount while you can.
See the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P Tent
REI improved the warmth of the Magma sleeping bag by adding insulation. This added some weight and cost, but we feel like it was a fair tradeoff. The Magma 15 is an 850-fill down (23.3 oz) sleeping bag that weighs in at 2 lb. 3.6 oz. It has an insulated yoke, a contoured hood, and a trapezoidal footbox. Standing out from the pack, REI put the Magma's zipper path around the front so it's easier to get in and out of it. At full price, the bag is a value for its warmth. At 25% off ($299), you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal without taking a major hit on quality. The Magma 15 (and Magma 30) are unisex with nine sizes and three length and width options, so you can choose a fit that will result in the warmest performance for your size and shape.
See the REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag
You may think that not much changes in the world of bear canisters, but think again. The Traverse bear canister has two configurations: a 6.75-liter configuration for shorter trips or an 11.25-liter configuration for weeklong trips. Even better, on long trips, you can start with the largest size of the canister and then nest sections together to shrink its size as you eat down your food. Brilliant. REI makes some great user-friendly designs, and this canister’s two-step closure system is probably about as easy as they come while still baffling bears. If you want to avoid owning two sizes of bear canister, here’s your solution. And if you don’t have one yet, that 30% off is your call to action.
See the REI Co-op Traverse Modular Bear Canister
Car camping can be downright plush with Exped’s MegaMat Duo two-person sleeping mat. As comfortable as a bed at home, this 3.9-inch-thick foam sleeping pad is nicely insulated for year-round use with an R-value of 8.1. The MegaMat Duo self-inflates but also comes with a Top-Up Pump accessory to dial in your perfect firmness from there. Inflation and deflation are painless with the mat’s double-valve system, but you speed up the process even more by picking up the rechargeable Mega Pump. Even if you're not camping, we’ve often used the MegaMat as a backup bed for guests at home (with no complaints to date). It’s a sizable investment, but one any car camper or van lifer will appreciate for the sound sleep. Note: All Exped sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and pillows are 25% off during the sale.
See the Exped MegaMat Duo See the Exped Mega Pump
If you want another all-season, self-inflating pad to consider for car camping but need an even better value, the Campwell Sleeping Pad is not to be missed. It inflates to 2.5 inches and has an impressive R-value of 7.0. The Campwell also features horizontally cored foam that helps maximize warmth and comfort for its size, and it comes in an XL size for campers who need more length and width. Finally, the pad uses 100% recycled soft-stretch polyester fabric on the top and a more durable bottom fabric to help keep everything protected, no matter where you end up posting up for the night.
See the REI Co-op Campwell Sleeping Pad
This is REI's replacement of its well-regarded Kingdom series of high-occupancy tents. Honestly, we miss the vestibule and backpack-style stuff bag, but the Wonderland 6 still represents a good value for families and friend groups looking for a roomy base camp. The Wonderland's pole structures create high walls with ample headroom throughout and excellent ventilation. Getting in and out is also easy via its two large, rounded doors. We recommend the Wonderland 6 for families and groups of four planning to spend a lot of time inside together—like with most tents, the suggested capacity may feel tight once everyone's gear is set up. To learn more, read our in-depth review of the 4-person version of the Wonderland, which is also on sale.
See the REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent See the REI Co-op Wonderland 4 Tent
The rectangular shape of the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded looks like a throwback to sleeping bags of our childhood, but this more casual car-camping bag has the chops to keep you warm down into some pretty chilly temps without fighting you every time you roll over. Plus, REI's inclusive sizing makes this a great option for anyone frustrated by traditional bag sizes. Beyond the relaxed fit, this bag has an offset quilt construction to aid its polyester fill in creating excellent loft and warmth. It also has a two-way main zipper that allows the bag to be used as a quilt, which is a great option for warmer weather.
See the REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag
The Sahara Shade Hoodie will be a welcome addition to your wardrobe if you want a layer that offers both sun protection and a touch of warmth on the coming days of cool-start hikes. It’s a sun hoodie first, with a UPF 50+ sun protection rating, and the generous hood is great for protecting your neck and head. The Sahara Hoodie boasts a soft and stretchy knit construction that moves with you while wicking moisture away from the body and comes in a ton of fun colors. At 30% off, this is a great time to snag an easy hiking essential—or several.
See the Men's Sahara Shade Hoodie See the Women's Sahara Shade Hoodie
The Thule Motion 3 XL Low Roof Rack tops our list of the Best Rooftop Cargo Boxes. Our testers praised the dependability and smart design of this sleek and well-made cargo box. It’s on the premium side, so finding is a great time to snatch one up. The streamlined silhouette allows access from both sides, and Thule’s SlideLock system offers a boost of confidence thanks to the fact that you can't remove your key unless the box is properly locked. Getting the Motion 3 secured to a vehicle’s roof is also intuitive and easy thanks to the quick-mount system. We tested the Low version of the Motion 3, but the box also comes in several non-low versions if you'd prefer a bit of additional height.
See the Thule Motion 3 XL Low Roof Box
We used the Yakima HD bar and LockNLoad Platform together while testing a rooftop tent, and were quite impressed with the setup. Both systems are intuitive and provide a solid foundation for tents and storage on most vehicles. The HD bars are Yakima's heavyweight class and a great option for carrying heavy items like rooftop tents, kayaks, and other big gear. They are made from engineered aluminum and feature a powder-coated finish to withstand abuse. They use a T-slot attachment system to make it easy to install and work with other Yakima mounts, and the bars include tie-down points on the ends for extra help securing a load. From there, the LockNLoad platform is an easy way to rig your ride for even more adventure. Whether you want to haul bikes or gear bins (or both), this platform becomes a solid foundation for securing serious loads. It also features T-slots in every slat and the outer frame, allowing for various configurations.
See the Yakima HD Bars See the LockNLoad Platform
Kelty’s Low Loveseat is a fun and practical alternative for friends and couples. This chair is high on comfort with a wide and supportive seat that’s slightly reclined, and you get thoughtful details like adjustable armrests and insulated drink holders. Build quality is also excellent for the price, including a hardwearing steel frame and a thick (600D) seat that can support up to 400 pounds total. Keep in mind that the seat is rather low at just 13.5 inches off the ground (many camp chairs are closer to 18 in.), but the upside is that the Low Loveseat is stable and still pretty easy to get in and out of—plus, it’s outdoor concert-friendly. If you like the design but not the two-person capacity, Kelty offers the one-person Lowdown Chair and three-person Lowdown Couch, both of which are also 25% off during the sale.
See the Kelty Low Loveseat See the Kelty Lowdown Chair
A dialed mix of wool and nylon makes these Darn Tough socks comfortable and long-lasting. Their seamless construction and high-density knitting create a light to medium padding around the foot, which helps with breathability. Some may find them warm during peak summer hikes, but we've found them pretty ideal throughout most of the rest of the year. The Micro Crew Socks live up to the brand's name, and you should get years of use from them before trading them in for Darn Tough's famous lifetime guarantee (yes, you read that right). Read why these are our favorite hiking socks and grab yourself a pile of them during this sale!
See the Darn Tough Micro Crew Socks
These mountaineering boots are loaded with tech to protect your feet from rough weather while providing outstanding grip. They use Gore-Tex Comfort waterproof breathable membranes to ward off wet weather and have an integrated layer of breathable insulation. To hold up against repeated scrapes, the uppers are made from 3.2mm silicone-impregnated Idro-Perwanger rough-out leather and a rugged fabric. Carbon Tech insoles with 4mm EVA help cut down weight (and the overall profile) while providing a high level of insulation. Rounding out the mountain-ready features are midsoles graded for crampon attachment, air-injected rubber rands for added protection, and the 3D flex ankles for lateral movement. Lastly, the Vibram Matterhorn rubber outsoles sport a grippy Impact Brake System that's good in all conditions, and the boots can be resoled, extending their lifespan. Technical boots like this don't come cheap, so this sale is a fantastic time to pick a pair up for your next expedition.
See the Men's La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX See the Women's La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX
There are a surprising number of excellent deals at this year’s REI Labor Day Sale, and the products mentioned above are just a small snapshot. There are several other notable discounts to have on your radar, and below we highlight some of the additional standout savings on camping and backpacking gear, clothing, hiking footwear, and more.
There are a few ways to buy during REI’s Labor Day Sale. If you live near a brick-and-mortar REI, you can shop in-store. This is a great way to try on gear and clothing in person and make sure you’re getting the right fit. If an item is not in stock at your store, a sales representative can place the order for you online—you’ll have the option of picking it up in store or having it shipped to your home address. Alternatively, you can go online and make your purchases either on REI.com or through the REI Outlet (remember, members get one 20%-off coupon to use online at the Outlet). Shipping is free on orders over $60 (members get free shipping regardless of the total), and you also have the option of sending your order to your local store for free pickup. Regardless of how you choose to shop, all items are covered by REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and can be returned either by mail or in store within one year of purchase for members (non-members have a 90-day return window).
Shop the REI Co-op Labor Day Sale