Amazon’s Prime Early Access Sale kicks off at midnight PT on Tuesday, October 11, and runs through Wednesday, October 12. This is the follow-up to Amazon’s annual Black Friday–like sale that happens each July—but it’s not the only place to find amazing deals on travel gear this week. Whether you’re actively boycotting Amazon or would rather funnel your money to small businesses instead of Jeff Bezos, there are plenty of other sales happening right now from some of our favorite smaller travel gear brands.
For example, you can save up to 40 percent off lightweight, yet durable weekend bags, laptop totes, and backpacks from Lo & Sons—founded by Helen Lo with the help of her two sons. If you’re in the market for new camping gear, Climate Neutral Certified brand Rumpl has some of its AFAR-Approved puffy blankets marked down anywhere from 15 to 50 percent off right now. Take a look at these picks and more—listed alphabetically by brand—below:
1. Backcountry: Up to 70 percent off
Backcountry is having a 72-hour Flash Sale starting October 11. Outdoor gear and clothing will be marked down up to 70 percent off, no code necessary.
AFAR’s pick: We love the Forsake Halden Boot, a waterproof style for men with strong support and treads that looks as good on the trail as it does at the brewery you visit posthike. Right now it’s marked down to $65 from $160 (up to 59 percent off) in select colors.
2. Bookshop.org: Free shipping
It’s estimated that Amazon has a 60 percent market share of the book retail market. Bookshop.org launched in 2020 as a way to help local booksellers compete in the age of ecommerce by giving over 80 percent of its profit margin directly to indie bookstores. On October 11 and 12, Bookshop.org is offering free shipping to all customers. No promo code is required.
AFAR’s pick: Find travel inspiration in one of AFAR’s many reading lists from Great Books About NYC to Best Travel Books for Kids.
3. Calpak: Up to 55 percent off
Calpak is one of AFAR’s favorite luggage brands. Save up to 55 percent off suitcases and other travel accessories in this family-owned company’s sale section. No promo code is required, and the sale is ongoing.
AFAR’s pick: The Astyll three-piece luggage set comes with a carry-on, medium, and large suitcase in a beautiful marble print. It’s marked down 40 percent from $715, so you get all three suitcases for only $429.
4. Jack Wolfskin: Up to 65 percent off
Sustainable outdoor apparel brand Jack Wolfskin has more than 500 items marked down up to 65 percent off in its sale section right now for men, women, and children. No promo code is required, and the sale is ongoing.
AFAR’s pick: Need a new hard-shell hiking jacket, but don’t want to spend more than $200? The Men’s Highest Peak Jacket is marked down 35 percent to $149 from $230 in Baltic Blue, a deep teal color with orange contrasting zippers.
5. Lo & Sons: Up to 40 percent off
Take 40 percent off some of Lo & Son‘s best-selling totes, weekenders, backpacks, and small leather goods during its Fall Sale. No promo code is needed.
AFAR’s pick: The O.G. 2 in medium is a great personal item for your next flight. With pockets for everything from your laptop to a pair of shoes, it has room for all your travel essentials while not exceeding size limits for fitting underneath the seat in front of you on an airplane. It’s currently 30 percent off, so you’ll pay $265 instead of $378.
6. Monos: Up to 20 percent off
Canadian luggage brand Monos is marking down its entire site of hard-shell luggage and personal items up to 20 percent off. Use the code “AUTUMN2022" until October 13 to receive the discount.
AFAR’s pick: The Monos Carry-On Pro comes in nearly a dozen colors and has a built-in front compartment for your laptop and other travel essentials. During the sale, it’s $265 instead of $332.
7. Rumpl: Up to 50 percent off
You can save up to 50 percent on Rumpl’s puffy camping blankets, travel towels, and more in its sale section right now. No promo code is required, and the sale is ongoing.
AFAR’s pick: Going camping this fall? The Rumpl NanoLoft Poncho is marked down to $162 from $249 right now.
This article was originally published in July 2022; it was updated on October 11, 2022, with new sale information.
