I’m an Outdoor Expert at Wirecutter. Here Are My Favorite REI Labor Day Sale Deals.
Christine Ryan is an editor overseeing coverage of travel and outdoors gear, which has entailed testing down-filled vests in Iceland in June.
I’m Christine Ryan, Wirecutter’s senior editor of outdoor-gear coverage. With any luck, you’ve been able to spend at least some of this summer outside. Now, before you put your hiking, camping, and cycling equipment away for the season, take a close look at it all. What’s still in good shape? What’s worn out? What turned out to be not quite right for your needs?
Once you’ve identified the weak spots in your gear closet, think about investing in next summer’s adventures. This is a good time to do so—end-of-season sales usually are—and REI’s ongoing Labor Day sale offers bargains on many of our picks. The Wirecutter Deals team has gathered the very best sales below, including a few items that you can use right away, such as bike lights, base layers, and insulated lunch bags. After all, summer will be here again before you know it.
(You don’t need an REI membership to access most of these deals, but you may want one anyway—members get an extra 20% off items in the REI Outlet during this sale, among other benefits. Read our breakdown of whether the one-time $35 membership fee would be worth it for you.)
Here’s the deal
Camping deals
Helinox Chair One
This featherlight chair weighs only about 2 pounds, compresses smaller than a 2-liter soda bottle, and is our most lightweight pick—and it’s still actually comfortable. It’s got a roomier seat than most, plus a strong and supportive frame that’s easy to set up. It’s rated to hold up to 320 pounds.
Other things to know: Recommended only if you intend to carry your chair long distances. Available in limited colors.
Read more: The Best Camping Chairs
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 sleeping pad
A wilderness luxury, this astonishingly comfortable couple-sized sleeping pad accommodates side-sleepers’ hips and shoulders while providing good lower back support for stomach- and back-sleepers. Not only is it the largest and warmest option we tested, but it also self-inflates.
Other things to know: Somewhat cumbersome to pack, inflate, and carry. Deflating is a pain. 3.9 inches thick. Weighs about 7.5 pounds. Five-year warranty on defects. For a fee, the company will repair rips and leaks. Deal price is for the medium double size.
Black Diamond Astro 300 headlamp
This cheap but reliable headlamp is just as bright as our top pick—but it’s half the price, and it weighs even less. With a 10-hour battery life when used on high, it’s a solid choice for tinkering around a campsite or even just your house.
Other things to know: Not quite as comfortable to wear as some picks and lacks some useful features. No battery light indicator or red light. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or add to a combined order of $60 or more.
Read more: The Best Headlamp
REI Co-op Kindercone 25 kids sleeping bag
Our kid testers loved this sleeping bag the most. It has a recycled polyester shell and lining to insulate against the cold, and it’s coated with a durable water repellent. A bonus is the handy cinch feature, which allows you to customize the sleeping area based on your child’s size.
Buying Options
Other things to know: Bulky when packed, making it better suited to car camping and sleepovers than backpacking. Stuff sack is permanently attached to the foot of the bag, making it easy to pack and keep track of. Available in two colors. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 kids sleeping bag
This rugged rectangular sleeping bag features a polyester construction similar to that of our top pick. But it lies flat when unzipped, so it can also double as a comforter at camp or at home.
Buying Options
Other things to know: Temperature rating of just 40 °F, not as warm as our top pick, the Kindercone 25. Roomier than a mummy-shaped sleeping bag. Available in sky blue and copper red. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.
Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags
Biking deals
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic panniers (pair)
We’ve been testing panniers for five years, and we’ve found this fully waterproof, seam-welded set to be nearly indestructible—perfect for carrying big loads in bad weather. The gold standard for touring panniers, this set attaches securely to the bike with a simple yet effective mounting system.
Buying Options
Other things to know: Work best as big buckets you can dump anything into. IP64 water-resistance rating. You have better options for an average good-weather commute. They aren’t great shoulder bags. Deal is for a pair of panniers; only available in select colors.
Read more: The Best Bike Panniers
NiteRider Swift 300 bike light
This small, sturdy commuter bike light can kick out 300 lumens for up to two hours and flash for 12 hours. Cyclists will also appreciate its swiveling strap and decent side visibility, as well as its ability to adjust to fit most handlebar sizes and shapes.
Other things to know: Not suited to longer or darker routes. Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, one-year warranty on its rechargeable battery cells. Ships free for REI members; non-members can opt for free shipping or add to a combined order over $60.
Read more: The Best Commuter Bike Lights
Feedback Sports Velo Column Bike Rack
This tension-mounted column allows you to store bikes without drilling holes or using nails—you simply wedge it in place between your floor and ceiling. It’s solidly constructed and holds up to two bikes, and its support arms adjust to fit different kinds of frames.
Other things to know: Instructions for assembly look a lot harder than it is. Column height adjustable from 84 ¾ inches to 121 inches. Not the lowest price we've seen, but still a good deal.
Read more: The Best Bike Storage Ideas
Pearl Izumi Am-FIB Lobster Gloves
The split-finger design may make you look like a lobster, but these gloves keep your fingers warmer in pairs. Despite how they may look, these gloves are still flexible enough to easily brake and shift with confidence.
Buying Options
Other things to know: Odd design may draw some looks. Size runs on the smaller side, according to reviews. Too warm for summer cycling. Decent-size fleece surface on the back is good for wiping your face or glasses. Only available in black/dark tan color.
Read more: Gear for Foul-Weather Bike Commuting
Shoes and clothes deals
Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoe (Women’s Sizes)
A low-profile mesh exterior makes these lightweight hiking shoes ideal for shorter day trips when you don’t need full-on boots that lace up to the ankle. The toe box isn’t overly narrow or restrictive, and there’s zero break-in time, so you can jump feet-first into warm-weather adventures.
Other things to know: While these shoes are ideal for shorter day hikes, something more robust may be necessary for longer treks. Some colors and size combinations are limited. We haven’t put them through the same full rigorous testing of our other picks, but we’ve liked using them so far.
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie
One of our favorite sun-protective hoodies, this good-all-around pullover offers a nice balance of price, performance, and style. The UPF 50+ fabric wears like a T-shirt but feels soft and cool to the touch.
Buying Options
This sun-protective pullover is suitable for hiking, drinking iced coffee on your deck, or walking a dog. The UPF 50+ fabric wears like a T-shirt but feels soft and cool to the touch.
Buying Options
Other things to know: Has no pockets and is not the most breathable. The men’s version is available in sizes S to XXXL, including tall sizes. $60 free-shipping minimum for non-members, store pickup available.
REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top
Made from a blend of polyester and spandex, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is a great option for those who prefer to avoid merino wool. Whether worn layered or on its own, it’s soft and fitted yet isn’t too tight for all-day wear.
Buying Options
REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer Top - Men’s
Our budget pick for the best thermal underwear top
For those who prefer to avoid merino wool, this synthetic long-sleeve thermal underwear top is soft enough to wear all day. It’s fitted without being too tight, and you can layer it or wear it on its own.
Buying Options
Other things to know: A good choice if you aren’t ready to invest in wool thermal underwear, though it might not last as long. Available in select colors and sizes. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.
Read more: The Best Thermal Underwear
Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.
This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.
Meet your guide
Christine Ryan is a senior editor at Wirecutter overseeing the teams that cover travel, outdoors gear, beds and linens, home decor, and more. (She also edits and writes about cycling equipment, which gives her an excuse to sneak away from her desk and go for a ride.) Previously, she was an editor at European Travel & Life, Gourmet, and Sunset.