REI’s Labor Day sale is here and we want to help you navigate the sea of deals. Check out what our editors recommend adding to your gear closet. Sale prices are listed. Don’t dally, sale lasts through Sept. 4.
What Stephen Loves: Sea to Summit eVent Compression Dry Sack — $22
“A long time GearJunkie go-to product, the eVent Compression Sack has a unique ‘valve-free’ design. It keeps our cocoons packed small and 100% dry in storms (and accidental submersions) over years of abuse.”
What Stephen Wants: La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX Hiking Boots — $149
“A new-school hiking boot, the Nucleo fits great out of the box and works for hiking and light mountaineering endeavors. It is light, fast, grippy, and breathable thanks to Gore-Tex Surround Technology.”
What Nate Loves: Black Diamond Camalots — $48
“An essential piece of the trad climber’s rack, Black Diamond’s Camalots have proved themselves a staple over the years. I feel more comfortable using cams than I do nuts, mainly because of their versatility and ease of placement.”
What Nate Wants: Black Diamond Momentum Harness — $41
“At that price point, BD offers a workhorse of a climbing harness with its Momentum Harness. Aimed at beginner and sport climbers, the Momentum is Black Diamond’s top seller for three reasons: comfort, longevity, and cost.”
What Chelsey Loves: Arc’teryx Alpha Pant for Women ($332)
“I’ve had versions of these pants for the last 10 years. And while I test all kinds of snow pants, I find myself going back to these all the time. I use them for skinning, snowboarding, technical ice climbing, and every other winter outing that includes mountains. The Gore-Tex Pro fabric is tough and durable. I like that they have light suspenders and won’t fall down. The 30 percent discount is applied in your cart.”
What Chelsey Wants: prAna Mara Surf Jacket ($70)
“I want it for pack-rafting, keeping the sun off, and SUPing. It will extend the range of my missions in the early morning and evenings. It works for layering, and looks both functional and fashionable.”
What Jake Loves: Katadyn BeFree Water Filter — $30
“Simple, quick, lightweight, and packable — everything I want in a water bottle filter combo. The BeFree always finds its way into my pack on day hikes, when fly fishing, or cruising on a SUP.”
What Jake Wants: prAna Vaha Shorts — $32
“These might be the most comfortable day-to-day shorts I’ve worn. If you’re looking for a comfy pair of shorts for yoga, bonfires, casual climbing, or errands these are it. The waistband at the top is plush and gives a snug fit. Plus the shorts have pockets so you can stash your essentials.”
What Emily Loves: REI Co-op Rhyolite Rain Jacket — $93
“I’ve had this jacket for over a year and look forward to rainy days when I can pull on the bright teal shell. At 11 ounces, this lives in my backpack during the work week and in my day pack on weekend adventures. At 50% off, this would be a hard deal to pass up.”
What Emily Wants: Osprey Tempest 20 — $82
“Okay, okay… I have a backpack problem. And I’m okay with it. I’ve eyed this bag for a while now for its lightweight fabric and zipper design. It has all my favorite backpack qualities: a stretch front panel, helmet holder, and trekking pole attachments.”
What Sean Loves: NEMO Hornet 2P Ultralight Tent — $277
“This is one of the best ultralight tents you can buy. I’ve used it this summer on several long hikes in the Rocky Mountains and a three-day backcountry adventure in the Grand Tetons. My wife and I love it. Two doors and vestibules give good access for a couple and storage for gear. The mesh is airy and see-through (stars!) and the rain fly keeps it all reliably dry. Best, it weighs under two pounds. At this price, it’s a bargain.”
What Sean Wants: Backcountry Access Float 32 — $385
“I’ve taken an avalanche course and am aware in the backcountry. So I carry and know how to use a beacon, probe, and shovel. But avalanches happen, and even the best prepared can get caught. I’m eyeing this deal because airbags are EXPENSIVE. And at 30% off, the BCA Float 32 is a time-tested airbag system in a 32-liter pack that should fit the essentials for a day of backcountry skiing with mandatory rescue gear.”
What Kyle Loves: MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove — $33
“Simple and lightweight, the PocketRocket is a go-to backpacking stove. I keep it in my pack for any overnight trips — backpacking, bikepacking, car camping, etc. —I’ve used it to simmer golden pancakes in the morning and quickly boil water at night.”
What Kyle Wants: The North Face Dolomite Double 20 Sleeping Bag — $119
“The Dolomite Double is an excellent choice when cuddling is on the camping agenda. With zippers on both sides that zip all the way around the footbox, it’s easy to ventilate while your loved one stays cozy warm.”
What Mallory Loves: Astral YTV PFD — $84
“From SUPing with your pup to tackling serious mountain whitewater, this PFD is my go to. The multistrap design makes for an easily adjustable custom fit and the wide armholes allow for full range of movement and total comfort.”
What Mallory Wants: Schrade Survival Axe with Fire Starter — $37
“There are two things I can’t get enough of in life – enjoying a cozy campfire with awesome people and trying to become the ultimate zombie apocalypse survivalist. And this axe looks like it will help with both! It has me dreaming of the satisfying whack of kindling split and the crackle of a blazing hand built fire. Plus I’m betting it could do a pretty good job fighting off the undead should it come to that.”
What Adam Loves: HOKA ONE ONE Tor Ultra Hi — $172
“‘No, they’re not moon boots.’ It’s a response you’ll get used to wearing HOKA ONE ONE’s waterproof Tor hiking boots. I’ve worn mine for the last year and find the massive foam midsole’s trampoline bounce makes all the extra attention worthwhile. It’s great for smashing rocky trail underfoot, or strolling city streets.”
What Adam Wants: Sierra Design Backcountry Bed 800 — $276
“Our Denver editor loved Sierra Design’s zipper-less take on the sleeping bag. I have yet to try it, but the large, 800-fill fold-around quilt built into the bag looks like camping luxury. Plus, the extended length version would be great for my 6’3” frame.”
