For some, Labor Day marks the beginning of leaf-peeping season, 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, shoes, and other items for the discerning traveler. Between Friday, August 26, and Monday, September 5, 2022, many of these have been discounted up to 75 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.
The men’s Cotopaxi Fuego jacket in “Indigo/Mezcal”
Courtesy of REI
Cotopaxi Fuego hooded down jacket
With hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers on REI, the Cotopaxi Fuego jacket features 800-fill-power goose down for maximum warmth and only weighs 14 ounces. When you’re not wearing it, you can stuff it into a pocket for ultra packability. On sale in basically every size for men and women right now, 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.
The Forsake Patch boots in “Grey/Cypress”
Courtesy of REI
Forsake Patch sneaker boots
- Buy now: $95 (was $160), rei.com (women’s)
- Deal: 40 percent off
“The Patch by Forsake has beautiful support, includes tread that grips and prevents slips, and is waterproof,” former AFAR editor Maggie Fuller says of her favorite hiking boots for women. “Plus, it just looks cool—a good combination of old-school hiker and street style.”
Members can get an additional 20 percent off this REI Outlet item with the code “LABOR22” at checkout, bringing the price of the shoes down to $76.
The Teva Original Universal sandal in “90s Multi”
Courtesy of REI
Teva Original Universal sandals
- Buy now: $24–$40 (was $40–$55), rei.com (women’s); rei.com (men’s); rei.com (kids’)
- Deal: Up to 40 percent off
AFAR editors have worn the original Teva sandals everywhere from the streets of NYC to the beaches of the Galápagos. They’re a great warm weather travel shoe because they’re waterproof, lightweight, pack flat, and require zero break-in time. Right now they’re on sale in select sizes and colors for men, women, and children. We’re fans of the cheerful “90s Multi” colorway.
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 or “Nutria,” a khaki color.
The men’s Vasque Torre AT GTX hiking boots in “Gargoyle”
Courtesy of REI
Vasque Torre AT GTX hiking boots
When I say these 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 last May. Made with Gore-Tex, these boots are fully waterproof, but the recycled mesh upper is breathable enough that my feet stayed comfortable even in the Peruvian humidity. Although these feature a full over-the-ankle shaft, the women’s version is only two pounds so these boots won’t weigh your bag down.
The men’s Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator in “Walnut”
Courtesy of REI
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator hiking shoe
AFAR executive sales director Barry Brown’s favorite hiking boot for men is the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator—he prefers the low-cut style that has Vibram soles for traction, a supportive footbed, and weighs just under two pounds.
Looking for a taller boot or the waterproof version? The Merrell Moab 2 is also on sale in mid-height and Gore-Tex versions for men, women, and children.
There’s no need to gather dry fire wood with this portable firepit.
Courtesy of REI
Snow Peak Takibi fire & grill
- Buy now: $262 (was $350), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
One of our favorite pieces of stylish camping gear, the Takibi by Snow Peak is a sleek, compact, and collapsible grill that uses charcoal to cook your food. It’s not cheap, but taking 25 percent off during the REI Labor Day Sale lessens the dent in your wallet.
The women’s Teva ReEmber slip-ons in “Honey Gold”
Courtesy of REI
Teva ReEmber slip-ons
For something cozier for the fall, Teva’s ReEmber slip-ons make a great holiday gift for serious campers. This version features 100 percent recycled ripstop uppers and rib-knit collars as well as 50 percent recycled EVA midsoles and rubber outsoles.
“I love the sleeping-bag-meets-slipper design as well as the collapsible heel that lets you wear them as either a snug sneaker or chill clog, depending on your mood,” says Jessie Beck, AFAR’s senior manager of SEO and video.
The Nemo Moonlite reclinging camp chair in “Bluebird”
Courtesy of REI
Nemo Moonlite reclining camp chair
- Buy now: $112 (was $150), 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 look up at meteor showers without hurting your neck or back.
The Petzl Actik Core headlamp in black
Courtesy of REI
Petzl Actik Core headlamp
- Buy now: $49 (was $70), rei.com
- Deal: 30 percent off
All campers need headlamps, and Petzl makes some of the best. The Petzl Actik Core Headlamp emits 450-lumen white flood lighting with a beam distance of up to 90 meters, and it runs on three AAA batteries.
The Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad in “Lichen”
Courtesy of REI
Exped Ultra 5R sleeping pad
- Buy now: $142 (was $190), 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.
The 24-ounce Grayl GeoPress water bottle in “Bali Blue”
Courtesy of REI
Grayl GeoPress water filter and purifier bottle
- Buy now: $75 (was $100), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
“One thing you should never be carrying in Patagonia (or anywhere for that matter) is a plastic disposable bottle,” says adventure travel writer Kathleen Rellihan in a recent article about tips for hiking in Patagonia. “Luckily, you won’t have to wait until you get to camp and the refugios to fill your reusable water bottles. The water in Torres del Paine National Park is safe to drink, with caution, of course.”
To be extra precautious, Rellihan recommends packing a Grayl water bottle that purifies water in seconds. Thankfully, these pricey 24-ounce bottles currently are marked down 25 percent.
Take 25 percent off the Osprey Porter 46 Travel Pack.
Courtesy of REI
All Osprey Porter travel packs
- Buy now: $116–$146 (was $155–$195), rei.com
- Deal: 25 percent off
Osprey’s highly rated Porter travel backpacks are marked down 25 percent right now. They come in multiple sizes, but our pick is the Osprey Porter 46 Travel Pack ($131, was $175). At 21.5 x 14 x 9 inches, it meets most airlines’ carry-on size restrictions, but it is large enough to fit 46 liters of gear and clothes. In addition to one large main compartment, it also comes with a rear panel pocket that fits up to a 15-inch laptop, plus stowable shoulder and hip straps so it can be carried as a duffel.
The Prana Halle pant has five pockets for stashing your essentials on the trail.
Courtesy of REI
Select Prana Halle pants for women
- Buy now: $42–$67 (was $85–$89), rei.com
- Deal: 25–50 percent off
Last season’s version of Prana’s popular travel pants for women—the Halle—is marked down and available in a variety of colors and straight and bootcut styles. Prana’s Stretch Zion 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 updated in 2021 and again on August 29, 2022, with current sale information.
