For some, Labor Day marks the beginning of autumn, the time of year they can start checking fall color forecasts and planning foliage-focused weekend road trips. But for the gearheads at Afar, the first Monday in September means it’s time for the REI Labor Day Sale.
All year, we round up, test, and vet bags, backpacks, jackets, water bottles, and other items for the discerning traveler. Between Friday, August 23, and Monday, September 2, 2024, some of these items have been discounted up to 80 percent at REI to make room for next season’s products. Whether you’re looking for a new tent or headlamp for your fall camping trips, be sure to snag these great deals before we do.
Patagonia Atom Sling Bag
- Buy now: $45 (was $65), rei.com
- Deal: 30 percent off
Patagonia’s Atom Sling Bag is perfect for fanny-pack aficionados who are in the market for something bigger but don’t want to commit to a full-on backpack. The asymmetrical bag distributes weight closely to the body, making it perfect for anyone traveling on foot for long distances. The two main compartments and large front pocket make it easy to access your stored-away belongings. The shoulder bag also has tuckaway front straps perfect for storing anything from sweaters to yoga mats.
Cotopaxi Fuego Jacket in “Poolside Stripes”
Courtesy of REI
Cotopaxi Fuego hooded down jacket
With hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied REI customers, the Cotopaxi Fuego jacket features 800-fill-power goose down for maximum warmth and weighs only 14 ounces. When you’re not wearing it, you can stuff it into its own carrying pouch for ultra packability. The jacket is on sale in limited sizes for women and men right now, and you can choose from a variety of stylish color-blocked patterns that stand out on the trail but don’t look out of place when you go into town for a beer after your hike.
These semi-transparent packing cubes are made with durable compression zippers to maximize your packing space.
Courtesy of Thule
Thule Compression packing cubes
- Buy now: $34 for two (was $45), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
One of Afar’s top recommended packing cubes, these Thule compression cubes are semi-transparent, water repellent, and manufactured with minimal impact on the environment because they’re made with bluesign-approved ripstop nylon. They are marked down during the sale as a set of two with one medium and one small cube (they’re also discounted individually). Like other compression cubes, these feature a double set of zippers—one that closes the cube and another that zips it even tighter to eliminate extra air and reduce bulk. The YKK zippers on the Thule cubes are ultra durable and slide closed easily—and can even fit three bulky sweaters in the medium-size one. A standard-size carry-on can fit either one medium and two small cubes or four small cubes on each side.
Hoka Trail Code GTX hiking boots
- Buy now: $91 (was $185), rei.com (women’s)
- Deal: 50 percent off
Hoka hiking boots are some of the best in the business, providing hikers with ample support without feeling clunky or heavy on your ankles. They’re also great for uneven terrain, which means you can take these on your most adventurous hikes. The “Blue Glass/Coastal Shade” is currently half-off during this sale. Just double-check that your size is available, because these are going quick!
Teva Original for kids in “Sorbet Blue Coral”
Courtesy of REI
Teva Original Universal sandals
Afar editors have worn the original Teva sandals everywhere from the streets of NYC to the beaches of the Galápagos. Waterproof and lightweight, they make a great warm-weather travel shoe that packs flat and requires zero break-in time. Right now they’re on sale in a range of women’s and kids’ sizes.
Vasque Breeze LT NTX hiking boot for women in “Drizzle”
Courtesy of REI
Vasque Breeze LT NTX hiking boots
- Buy now: $95 (was $190), rei.com (women’s)
- Deal: 49 percent off
When I say Vasque hiking boots required zero break-in period, I mean it. They wore just as comfortably on day one walking around Brooklyn’s Prospect Park as they did after a few months of wear when I took them on the Inca Trail in Peru. Made with Nature-Tex waterproof membrane, these boots are fully waterproof, but the recycled mesh upper is breathable enough that my feet stayed comfortable even in the Peruvian humidity. Although this design features a full over-the-ankle shaft, the women’s version is less than two pounds so these boots won’t weigh your bag down.
Members can get an additional 20 percent off this REI Outlet item with the code “SAVEOUTLET” at checkout, bringing the price of the footwear down to $76.
The Rumpl NanoLoft Travel Blanket packs down small but unfurls for full body warmth.
Courtesy of Rumpl
Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy travel blanket
- Buy now: $71 (was $95), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
A wide variety of Rumpl’s compressible blankets and pillows that pack down into a small bag or carrier are on sale, including its artist division collection and fire-resistant blend for fireside snuggles. Our pick is its Afar Approved travel blanket that is $71 right now and packs down to the size of a water bottle—making it the perfect airplane companion.
Hydro Flask 32 Oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle in “Laguna”
Courtesy of REI
Hydro Flask 32 Oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle with flex straw cap
- Buy now: $33 (was $45), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
Afar loves Hydro Flask’s water bottles. The brand’s double-wall insulation will keep your drinks temperature-stabilized for a full day’s hike—24 hours for ice-cold beverages and up to 12 hours for hot ones.
Teva ReEmber slip-on in “Jadesheen”
Courtesy of REI
Teva ReEmber plushed slip-ons
- Buy now: $64 (was $100), rei.com (women’s)
- Deal: 36 percent off
For something cozier for the fall, Teva’s ReEmber plushed slip-ons make a great holiday gift for serious campers. This version—on sale in the brown-ish “Burro” shade and the burgundy “Burlwood” shade—features 100 percent recycled Tencel faux-fur linings as well as 50 percent recycled EVA midsoles and rubber outsoles.
The Thule Aion duffel in “Nutria”
Courtesy of REI
Thule Aion luggage
- Buy now: $142–$262 (was $190–$350), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
The Swedish brand’s durable Aion luggage collection is marked down 25 percent right now, including a 35-liter duffle bag, a 35-liter wheeled suitcase, and a 40-liter travel pack. All three bags are carry-on compliant and are made with 100 percent recycled polyester fabrics and water-repellent waxed canvas. You can choose from black, dark slate, or “Nutria,” a khaki color.
Nemo Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair in “Coriander”
Courtesy of REI
Nemo Moonlite Reclining camp chair
- Buy now: $120 (was $160), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
A comfy chair is a must-have when stargazing. As its name suggests, the Nemo Moonlight Reclining Camp Chair allows you to lean back and watch meteor showers without straining your neck or back.
The North Face Mountain Sweatshirt insulated fleece hoodie
- Buy now: $64 (was $160), rei.com
- Deal: 60 percent off
Brave cold and wet climates without worry with the North Face’s insulated fleece hoodie. Available in three colors in a variety of women’s sizes, this hoodie will keep you warm with the North Face’s signature Heatseeker Eco insulation. At 60 percent off, this ultra versatile sweater will be a great addition to any winter wardrobe.
The Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad in “Lichen”
Courtesy of REI
Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad
- Buy now: $120 (was $160), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
Upgrade your outdoor snoozing with an Exped sleeping pad. We like the Ultra 5R, which is insulated for four-season use. The duo version that sleeps two people is also 25 percent off.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 30L travel pack
- Buy now: $131 (was $175), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
For the overnight traveler who needs a little more room, check out this travel pack from Osprey. The bag combines the carrying capabilities of a backpack with the roomy storage space of a duffel bag, making it the perfect overnight bag. This extra-durable travel pack is made with recycled high-tenacity materials that will safely store all of your stuff, so it’s great for longer trips or camping treks.
The Prana Halle II pant has five pockets for stashing your essentials on the trail.
Courtesy of REI
Select Prana Halle II pants for women
- Buy now: $48–$71 (was $69–$95), rei.com
- Deal: 25–30 percent off
The latest version of Prana’s popular travel pants for women—the Halle II—is marked down and available in a variety of colors and styles including straight and bootcut, plus joggers, shorts, and skorts. Prana’s ReZion fabric is abrasion resistant and quick drying and has a durable water-repellent finish, making it ideal for hiking and camping.
This article was originally published in 2020; it was last updated on August 23, 2024, with current sale information.
