REI Co-op Labor Day Sale: 2023 Outdoor Gear Guide

Summer may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean that gear-dreaming season is over. From Friday, August 25 to Monday, September 4, REI Co-op is hosting their annual Labor Day Sale, which is a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to score discounts on big-ticket items from tents and sleeping bags to backpacks, footwear, and more. Whether you plan to continue adventuring through the winter or are stocking up for next year, it’s a prime opportunity to save some serious cash. Below we outline the dates and details of REI’s Labor Day Sale, our favorite discounted items, and how to shop both in-store and online. Given the extensive scope of this year’s sale, we’ve also included a curated list below our picks highlighting more of the biggest and most notable deals.

This article has been sponsored by REI, but the picks and descriptions below were made independently and based on our experiences with and opinions of the products.

Dates and Details: August 25-September 4, 2023

From August 25 through September 4, you can shop in-store or online at REI.com and save up to 40% on products from top brands like Nemo, Thule, Big Agnes, REI Co-op, Osprey, and many more. Importantly, some of the deals are only available to members—a lifetime membership to the co-op is $30—and we call out those discounts where applicable below. In addition, members can save an extra 20% on one item at REI's Outlet with the code LABORDAY23 (online only), as well as 20% off lightly used clothing and footwear through REI’s Re/Supply program with the code RESUPPLY20 (the final offer is only valid from Sept. 1-4). Below we outline some of our top picks for on-sale gear, including backpacking equipment, camping gear, rain jackets, hiking footwear, and more.

Our Favorite Labor Day Deals

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 Tent: 25% Off

Big Agnes’ Copper Spur has been our top-rated backpacking tent for years running thanks to its class-leading balance of weight, interior space, and features. The two-person capacity is discounted considerably during the Labor Day sale (it’s also offered in 1P, 3P, and 4P versions) and combines a healthy 29 square feet of floor space, solid headroom with pre-bent poles and steep walls, and two doors and vestibules—all at a very competitive 3 pounds 2 ounces all in. All of the smaller details are equally well sorted, including substantial zippers, thoughtful interior storage, color-coded grommets, and easy adjustments to get a taut and even pitch. The dual vestibules also convert to awnings (trekking poles required), which is a nice touch for lounging around camp. For a sizable step down in price, REI’s popular Half Dome SL2+ is reduced to around $230 (from $329) and stands out as one of the best values on the market, although it’s much heavier than the Copper Spur at 4 pounds 11.5 ounces.
See the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Nemo Tensor Ultralight Insulated: 50% Off

Nemo makes some of our favorite backpacking tents, and their sleeping pad lineup is similarly competitive. The Tensor Ultralight Insulated is a shining example, combining a lightweight and packable build with a comfortable sleeping platform and generous 3 inches of cushioning that nicely isolate you from the ground below. We’re also big fans of Nemo’s intuitive Vortex pump sack that requires very little effort: Simply snap it onto the flat, micro-adjustable valve, blow lightly into the opening, and roll the collar down to force air into the mat. All in all, the Tensor’s blend of comfort, build quality, and ease of use make it a real standout among the competition—and it’s a hard-to-beat value at a whopping 50% off through Labor Day.
See the Nemo Tensor UL Insulated

Thule T2 Pro XTR Hitch Rack: 20% Off 

Thule is an irrefutable leader in the hitch-mounted bike rack market, and their flagship T2 Pro XTR is one of the most premium and well-built designs available in 2023. The rack’s user-friendly tilt feature is best-in-class, providing quick and easy access to the rear of the vehicle, and its versatile carrying system is compatible with a wide range of wheel and tire sizes without an adapter (not always the case in this category). The T2 Pro XTR also includes all the features you’d expect at this price point, including a wobble-free build, robust attachment system, integrated lock, and even a set of wheels at the base for easier shuttling to and from the garage. Cost is often the biggest downside to this high-end rack, but at a significant $160 discount during the Labor Day Sale, the T2 Pro XTR is worth a serious look. E-bike and fat bike riders may also want to check out Thule’s ramp-equipped EasyFold XT, which is discounted by around $200.
See the Thule T2 Pro XTR

Jetboil Flash Cooking System: 25% Off

Dehydrated meals have gotten downright tasty in recent years, and many backpackers now use their stove primarily to boil water. If this sounds like you, Jetboil’s Flash is one of the most intuitive and easy-to-use designs currently on the market. This all-in-one stove offers fast boiling with an included insulated koozie that attaches directly to the stove via a heat exchanger, making it efficient and weather-resistant (a key point of distinction between the Flash and non-integrated alternatives). The Flash can boil one liter of water in around 3.5 minutes, and the total weight of 13.1 ounces is reasonable considering you don’t need an additional pot. Fuel canisters and attachments are not included, although Jetboil’s cookware and accessories—including their Ceramic FluxRing pot, Fuel Can Stabilizer, and Pot Support—are also 25% off.
See the Jetboil Flash Cooking System

REI Co-op Men’s Rainier Jacket and Women’s Rainier Jacket: 30% Off

REI continues to expand and improve their in-house outerwear collection, and we really like what they came up with in the Rainier. This rain shell earned our top budget pick for 2023 thanks to its good all-around protection (it uses a 2.5L construction with sealed seams), functional features like pit zips and a three-piece hood with dual adjustments, and a clean look that wears well on the trail or around town. A final advantage is the healthy selection of colorways and available sizes, which should make it easy for most to find a great fit (note: Sizing does run fairly big). For a more performance-focused option with premium Gore-Tex waterproofing, REI’s XeroDry GTX is another great value and 30% off through Labor Day.
See the Men's REI Rainier Jacket  See the Women's REI Rainier Jacket

Exped MegaMat Duo 10: 30% Off 

Camping gear has gotten pretty luxurious of late, and Exped’s MegaMat Duo 10 two-person sleeping mat is case in point. In sum, the MegaMat combines the dimensions of a full-size air bed with the cushy comfort of a foam self-inflating pad. The 3.9-inch-thick cushioning nicely isolates you from the cold and hard ground below, the pad is nicely insulated for year-round use with an R-value of 8.1, and the intuitive double-valve system makes inflation and deflation pretty painless. In fact, we’ve even used the MegaMat as a backup bed for guests at home (with no complaints to date). It’s a sizable investment at $400 MSRP (and $350 for the smaller Medium Double size), but this is a great time to save some serious cash. Note: All Exped sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and pillows are 30% off during the sale.
See the Exped MegaMat Duo 10

Yakima SkyBox NX 18 Roof Box: 20% Off

Yakima’s SkyBox is one of the most ubiquitous rooftop cargo boxes on the market—we see it on more vehicles than any other carrier. With a generous 18-cubic-foot interior (Yakima also sells a smaller SkyBox NX 16 that's 20% off), there’s ample space for hauling skis and bulky camping equipment, and we appreciate that the mounting hardware barely protrudes from the floor to maximize storage. It’s also very user-friendly with access points by both the driver and passenger sides and impressively easy set up and removal. Finally, the design is well built for the price, including a quality lock system, full metal handle, and smooth finish. All in all, it’s a capable and reliable hauler at a good value, and the 20% discount only adds to the widespread appeal. For a step up in fit and finish, Thule’s Motion XT XL is also 20% off through Labor Day and an expertly built alternative for those willing to spend up (it’s around $120 more than the SkyBox NX 18 during the sale).
See the Yakima SkyBox NX 18

Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P Tent: 25% off

The Copper Spur above is a great option for backpackers headed deep into the backcountry, but car campers can get away with something larger and more luxurious. Offered in four- and six-person capacities (we’ve linked to the larger variation), Nemo’s Aurora Highrise checks all the boxes we look for in a quality all-rounder: You get a standing-height interior with a generous 77 inches of headroom and steep sidewalls, a massive 83-square-foot floor area, and two large doors and vestibules that make it easy to get in and out and provide ample space for stashing gear. And Nemo didn’t skimp on the smaller details, including windows at each side that remain protected from rain when open, a rainfly that can be staked out as an awning (poles sold separately), and high-quality materials throughout. Added up, it’s highly competitive design that became a quick favorite among our staff.  
See the Nemo Aurora Highrise 6P

Osprey Men’s Atmos AG 65 and Women’s Aura AG 65: 25% Off

Osprey's flagship men's Atmos AG and women's Aura AG have been go-to packs of ours for years. The attention grabber is the “Anti-Gravity” suspended mesh backpanel, which replaces the protruding foam found on more traditional designs to maximize both ventilation and comfort. But that’s not all the Atmos/Aura has going for it: The pocket design is thoughtfully laid out with plenty of options to divvy up gear, the Fit-on-the-Fly harness and hipbelt offer an easily customizable fit, and the premium materials hold up well to rough treatment. Overall, it’s an extremely well-rounded pack that works great for anything from quick overnight trips to extended jaunts into the backcountry.
See the Men's Atmos AG 65  See the Women's Aura AG 65

Mountain Hardwear Men’s Bishop Pass 15 and Women’s Bishop Pass 15: 25% Off

Backpacking sleeping bags range from light and expensive designs that use high-fill-power (800+) down to budget-friendly synthetics, but Mountain Hardwear’s Bishop Pass stands out as a quality mid-range option. The 15-degree version here offers good three-season warmth with a 26-degree ISO Comfort rating (the women’s model has a 15-degree Comfort rating), body-hugging mummy shape, soft and cozy interior, and lofty draft collar with an adjustable face gasket to seal in heat. The 650-fill down is on the lower end in terms of quality (higher-fill-power down is warmer for the weight and more compressible to boot), but the Bishop Pass is reasonably light at 2 pounds 5.4 ounces for the men’s version and a great all-around value at just $214 through Labor Day.
See the Men's Bishop Pass 15  See the Women's Bishop Pass 15

REI Co-op Outward Low Lawn Chair: 30% off

A reliable camp chair is a pretty versatile piece of gear, whether you’re basecamping in the woods or tailgating before a sporting event. And REI’s own Outward Low Lawn Chair has another feather in its cap: Not only does it look the part outdoors, but it can easily pull double duty on your patio or in the yard too. The wooden armrests and smooth nylon seat give the chair a sleek and classy look, while the sturdy aluminum frame offers a planted, confidence-inspiring feel whether you’re camping in the forest, hanging out on the beach, or enjoying a backyard cookout. And one our favorite parts: The Outward takes essentially no effort to set up and pack away with a simple but effective bifold design and portability via the top handle or backpack straps behind the seat. In fact, we frequently reach for the REI over other camp chairs (especially on short day trips) simply because it’s so quick and painless to prop open and stash away.
See the REI Outward Low Lawn Chair

Adidas Men’s Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX and Women’s Free Hiker 2 GTX: 30% Off

Adidas has come on surprisingly strong in the outdoor footwear market, and their Free Hiker 2 GTX was quick to win us over. Highlights include a sock-like fit that’s super comfortable with great cushioning on the tongue and collar, Adidas’ soft Boost midsole that limits foot fatigue even on demanding days, and a tacky Continental outsole that grips well on everything from wet rock to loose dirt. The boots are also competitively lightweight at just under 2 pounds per pair and very capable in wet weather thanks to the proven Gore-Tex liner. The Free Hiker doesn’t exactly look the part for outdoor use and lacks the durability of many traditional (read: heavier) designs, but it’s a surprisingly strong performer over a wide variety of terrain. Note: All Adidas Terrex footwear is 30% off during the sale, including the new low-top version of the Free Hiker 2.
See the Men's Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX  See the Women's Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX

Eureka Ignite Plus Camping Stove: 25% Off

Camping stoves make it quick and easy to whip up delicious meals in the wilderness, and Eureka’s Ignite Plus is one of the most well-rounded options on the market. The two 10,000-BTU burners pump out plenty of heat, the cooking area is wide and can accommodate bigger pots and pans, and Eureka didn’t skimp on features with good simmer control and push-button ignition, which keeps your hands safe from large bursts of flame and makes the prep process a bit quicker. All in all, the Ignite Plus is decently powerful, solidly built, and comes with all the trimmings we look for in a quality camp stove. Eureka also makes a cheaper version of the Ignite, which sports a smaller cooking space and less simmer control but remains a solid all-around choice (both are 25% off through Labor Day, along with all of Eureka’s other stoves, grills, and griddles).
See the Eureka Ignite Plus

Additional Labor Day Sale Highlights

There are a number of excellent deals at this year’s REI Labor Day Sale, and the products and deals mentioned above are just a small snapshot. Below we highlight some of the additional standout savings on camping and backpacking gear, clothing, hiking footwear, and more. Note: The final products are only discounted for members, which requires a lifetime membership ($30 currently) to the co-op.

• 40% off Patagonia Granite Crest rain jackets
• 30% off REI Co-op rain jackets and rain pants, Sahara clothing, soft-sided coolers, and furniture
• 30% off The North Face Wawona tents, footprints, and Front Porch add-on
• 25% off all Big Agnes gear
• 25% off all Keen footwear
• 25% off all La Sportiva hiking and running footwear 
• 25% off all Rumpl blankets
• 25% off all Leki trekking poles
• 25% off Nemo Aurora tents and footprints, Jazz sleeping bags, and Roamer sleeping pads
• 25% off all Osprey Talon/Tempest daypacks and Farpoint/Fairview travel packs
• 25% off all Hydrapak and Platypus water filters, containers, and accessories
• 25% off all MSR WindBurner stove systems
• 25% off all Black Diamond lighting, climbing gear, and climbing shoes
• 20% off all Thule and Yakima racks, roof boxes, and rack accessories
• 25% off all The North Face Base Camp Voyager duffels and roller bags (members only)

Other Details on the REI Co-op Labor Day Sale

There are a few ways to buy during REI’s Labor Day Sale. If you live near a brick-and-mortar REI, you can shop in store. This is a great way to try on gear and clothing in person and make sure you’re getting the right fit. If an item is not in stock at your store, a sales representative can place the order for you online—you’ll have the option of picking it up in store or having it shipped to your home address. Alternatively, you can go online and make your purchases either on REI.com or through the REI Outlet (remember, members get one 20%-off coupon to use online at the Outlet). Shipping is free on orders over $50 (members get free shipping regardless of the total), and you also have the option of sending your order to your local store for free pickup. Regardless of how you choose to shop, all items are covered by REI’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and can be returned either by mail or in store within one year of purchase for members (non-members have a 90-day return window).
Shop the REI Co-op Labor Day Sale