REI Clearance Sale: The Year’s Last Best Chance to Save on Gear

Top photo credit: J We

Today is one of the best times to save on outdoor gear. REI is clearing its shelves of last season’s kit, and you win.

So if you need to upgrade your ski gear, winter apparel, or camping setup, do it now. I spent a few hours digging through the REI’s Holiday Clearance Sale to find the best gear on sale. Some of these deals are pretty incredible. Shop on, my friends.

Salomon S/Lab MTN & Explore Alpine Touring Ski Boots: 50% Off

Get some of the best touring boots on the market for half price at the beginning of the season. Yes, you read that right. We’ve skied the heck out of the S/Lab MTN and absolutely love it. If you’re a men’s size 25.5, get it now for 50 percent off.

Don’t fit a 25.5? Don’t worry. Its kid brother, the MTN Explore, is also half off! This model is a little softer at 110 flex, so it’s better suited to midsize skiers and smaller. But for those who don’t need the full 120-flex, the MTN Explore is also an awesome touring boot. This one’s also available in 26.5 for women.

Altra Lone Peak 3.0 Polartec Neoshell Trail — Women’s & Men’s: $60 (60% Off)

If you’re looking for a shoe for running in snow and slop, look no further. The Lone Peak 3.0 in Neoshell is a great trail shoe for nasty weather. I used it in the Grand Canyon 100 in some of the muddiest, sloppiest conditions I could imagine for an ultramarathon. Coupled with gaiters, it kept my feet dry for the first 30 miles, which was a huge help. If you like the zero-drop platform, these are a solid choice at a great deal.

There were more size choices for women than men at the time of writing.

Lodge Made in America Series 10.25″ Cast Iron Skillet: $14 (50% Off)

Everyone who likes to cook should have a cast iron skillet. They cook pretty much everything wonderfully if you know how to use them. Eggs, potatoes, bacon, steak, veggies: This skillet will do it all. Stick it on the stove or over the campfire, dump in some oil or butter, and get cooking! At $14, it’s a cheap investment that will last basically forever.

Granite Gear Packs and Stuff Sacks: Up to 50% Off

There are too many deals on Granite Gear stuff for me to write about all of them, so if you’re looking for a new hiking backpack or some stuff sacks to organize your gear, just surf on over and check out the list. REI has a nice selection of light Granite Gear hiking packs, stuff sacks, and dry bags on sale. I love the Crown V.C. 60 Pack at half price!

Kelty Circuit 2P Tent: $79 (50% Off)

Kelty makes a solid tent at a budget price with the Circuit two-person model. At 4 pounds 12 ounces, this is a very basic tent. It has one door, a vestibule, and enough room (33 square feet) for two campers. And it’s crazily affordable. If the price is keeping you from getting a tent, this model will do a solid job of sheltering your adventurous self without hurting your wallet.

Lowa Mountain Expert GTX Evo Mountaineering Boots: $300 (25% Off)

Let’s just cut to the chase here: If you need these boots, you already know it. These are serious alpine climbing boots for ice climbing, mountaineering, and general high-altitude badassery where crampons are the norm. If this is you, save some money on your kit. If not, just move on — these are overkill for typical hiking.

Patagonia Arbor Pack: $49 (50% Off)

This one is for everybody. The Arbor Pack is a nice travel pack, computer bag, or daypack. Use it for short hikes, to take your computer to work, or maybe use it as a carry-on for a trip to Mexico. This has 4.6 out of 5 stars from lots of reviewers. And if you’re looking for a gift idea, here you go.

Blizzard Cochise Men’s Skis: $600 (20% Off)

Cochise is one of Blizzard’s great wide all-mountain skis. It’s a versatile ripper for intermediate and advanced skiers. The 108mm waist suits those who like a wider, floaty ski. But this ski also charges on groomers. The Cochise will put a grin on your face.

And a Few Knives on Sale

I’m a bit of a knife nut. I probably own more than I need, and I still love adding to my collection. If you’re like me, or just need that first one for your pocket, there are some solid deals.

The SOG Salute Knife is a good place to start. With a 3.62-inch straight-edge 8Cr13MoV lockback blade, G10 handle, and stainless-steel liners, it’ll get the job done for under $30.

Next is one for hikers and gift-givers. REI has marked a few Deejo models down a whopping 50 percent. The Tattoo Wilkinson 37G Silver Knife, above, is pretty! And while the blade could use a little more belly, it’s super light and a good gift at just $30.

And finally, one of the all-time greatest tools (and gifts), the Leatherman. REI has a deal on the Leatherman Skeletool + Skeletool KBx Knife Combo Pack. You get both a great multitool and a useful everyday carry knife for $59. Pretty much anyone would love to find this under the tree or in a stocking.

So there you have it. Shop all the deals here and let us know if you find any other hidden gems!