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REI has kicked off a new campaign with a major Labor Day sale, offering shoppers up to 40% off (or more if you know where to look) on more than 3,500 new discounted items, from breathable sun hoodies to fall-ready jackets to smartwatches to best-selling camping tents. The sale runs through September 2, but the best gear is bound to sell out long before then.
There are some eye-catching discounts during REI’s Labor Day sale, but campers will be delighted to see that The North Face’s best-selling Wawona tents and travel bags and Exped’s ultra-comfortable sleeping pads are discounted ahead of fall trips. REI’s own-brand products are also front and center during the sale, with special 30% off dozens of the retailer’s camping gear, apparel, and bikes. Men's Magazine We browsed through all of these and more during the sale and found eight items worth adding to your cart right away.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie in Harvest Sage, $35 at REI (was $50)
REI Co-op’s Sahara Shade Hoodie was one of the fastest-selling items on the site when it launched earlier this summer, and we expect the same in this sale. Sun hoodies are incredibly versatile, offering breathability in the heat and sun protection without smearing something sticky all over your skin. REI’s take on the style comes in nine colors and sizes from small to 3XL, plus some tall sizes. Grab two while they’re in stock—your gear lineup will thank you.
What Shoppers Say: “It's extremely comfortable and breathable. I've worn it on long backpacking trips and for yard work in the heat of the summer and it's performed amazingly. I usually run in the heat and would never wear a long-sleeved shirt in my normal life, but this shirt is a game changer.”
Also See:
- Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie, $41 (was $59)
- Fjallraven Abisko Sun Hoodie, $70 (was $95)
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad Green, starting at $210 at REI (was $350)
Most Exped sleeping pads were discounted for REI’s Labor Day sale, but the MegaMat Duo 10 was the best thing we’ve ever slept on outdoors. Even on 40-degree winter nights in the desert, when air mattresses usually lose their luster, it was one of the few air mattresses we’ve used that didn’t slowly sink to the ground overnight. Three sizes—Medium Double, Long Wide Double, and Queen—are currently 40% off. We were lucky enough to get the Queen size, which offers plenty of room for two people, but any of these will give you some of the best sleep of your camping life.
What Shoppers Say: “I bought this for a car camping trip and it changed camping for me forever. It's more comfortable than any air mattress, stays inflated and you can adjust the air to your level of softness.”
Also See:
- Exped Mega Pillow, $36 (was $60)
- Exped MegaMat 10 Sleeping Pad, starting at $97 (was $240)
Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket in Sage Khaki, $167 at REI (was $239)
The Nano Puff Jacket, a Patagonia icon, is REI’s top pick for fall weather during its Labor Day sale. This waterproof jacket is insulated with a lightweight yet warm insulation that won’t weigh you down or restrict your movement. It’s the perfect jacket for fall hikes, skiing, and commuting, and it’s a great option for travel because it packs into its own pocket—handy for airplane storage and lumbar support. It’s currently on sale in five colors and is still available in sizes small through 3XL at most locations, but they’re starting to sell out.
What Shoppers Say: “A great lightweight jacket that I use on all my holidays as it's great for all weather conditions, packs really well and is versatile. This is my second jacket and I still love it!”
Also See:
- Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Hoodie, $150 (was $300)
- Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket, $206 (was $295)
Keen Targhee IV Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots Bison/Black, $127 (was $170) at REI
Keen’s Targhee hiking series is renowned for its durability, waterproofness, and comfort—trust us, it’s one of our go-to models for rocky, creek-filled hikes. But this is the first time we’ve seen the latest, the Targhee IV, on sale. Available in four colors and sizes 7 to 14 (including large sizes), these tank-style hiking boots receive an upgraded TPU sole with a slew of recycled components injected into the upper to reduce delamination rates and found throughout the shoe.
What Shoppers Say: “These bad boys are true to size. They are comfortable right out of the box and take very little time to break in. Sturdy would be an understatement. These boots hug your feet and support your ankles while being comfortable.”
Also See:
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots, $112 (was $150)
- Danner Trail 2650 Mid GTX Hiking Boots, $140 (was $200)
Garmin Forerunner 265 Black, $350 (was $450) at REI
If you’re looking for a smartwatch or activity tracker for running, cross-training, or just for everyday use, Garmin’s Forerunner 265 is a great choice. This versatile tracker tracks heart rate, is connected to GPS, and can guide you through your fitness routines. It even displays the time. You won’t find many other products in this price range that are loaded with useful features like Spotify connectivity and contactless payments, and it also has the superior battery life that Garmin products have built into them. This watch, along with the Forerunner 265S and 965, is $100 off REI’s Labor Day sale.
What Shoppers Say: “I looked at a lot of watches, read reviews, and chose the Forerunner 265. I'm very happy with it. It has all the features I would want as a runner. It syncs with satellites instantly and has a very good battery life.”
Also See:
- Garmin Venu 2 for $320 (was $400)
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 for $350 (was $400)
The North Face Wawona 6 Tent Agave Green/Asphalt Gray, $300 (was $500) at REI
The North Face’s Wawona 6 Tent is one of the best on the market. It’s not cheap, despite its discounted price, but it more than makes up for it with excellent features like an extended and sealable vestibule, interior storage and loop fasteners, comprehensive waterproofing, and a 6-foot-plus peak height. Buyers rave about how easy it is to set up and take down, and the entire tent weighs just 20 pounds.
What Shoppers Say: “This is the best tent…we fit two cots and a walking mat comfortably. I loved the vestibule, two entrances and pockets on both sides so no matter which side you're on, you've got pockets ready.”
Also See:
- REI Co-op Skyward 6 Tent, $224 (was $449)
- Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P Tent, $375 (was $500)
REI Co-op Big Haul 90 Recycled Travel Bag in Stone Blue, $111 (was $159) at REI
There are a bunch of duffel bags on sale right now from REI Co-op, including some from the new Roadtripper series, but we’re especially excited about the 30% discount on this 90-liter Big Haul bag. A great carry-on for clothing or gear, this duffel bag’s 400-denier ripstop nylon fabric will hold up to the inevitable bumps, scrapes, and dings you’ll encounter on the road without damaging its contents. These bags come in a variety of sizes and even come with wheels, but the 90-liter bag is a great mid-size option for any trip.
What Shoppers Say: “I purchased the Big Haul 90 Recycled Travel Bag for the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) in the summer of 2023… While hiking the TMB with my daypack, my stuffed travel bag, also from REI, was carried from place to place. The travel bag has held up on many international flights and luggage carriers. The hidden shoulder straps were comfortable as I carried my 35-pound gear through multiple train stations and long walks to my hotels in Geneva, Chamonix, and Paris.”
Also See:
- REI Co-op Roadtripper 60 Duffel, $42 (was $60)
- The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel, 42L (Member Discount), $101 (was $135)
Prana Stretch Zion Slim Pant II Sepia, $67 (was $95) at REI
Prana fans have something to cheer about during REI’s Labor Day sale, as all Stretch Zion models, including these beloved hiking pants, are 30% off. We’ve been wearing Stretch Zion for years, and in our experience, this second iteration offers a ton of benefits. They’re tough to tear, have great utility pockets, and the fabric is incredibly breathable, making for a great three-season hiking pant. You’ll find them in waist sizes 28 to 42, three inseam lengths, and six great colors.
What Shoppers Say: “The fabric is super stretchy and comfortable, with a nice tight (but not too tight) fit. The pants are lightweight and breathable, great for hiking in the desert.”
Also See:
- REI Co-op Trailmade Pants, $35 (was $70)
- Kuhl Renegade Rock Pants, $74 (was $99)