The Best Camping and Outdoor Labor Day Sales From REI and More

The great outdoors is, well, great, but you can still improve even the most run-of-the-mill excursion with the proper gear.

Running from August 25 through September 4, REI’s Labor Day 2023 sale touts markdowns on everything from hiking and biking gear to camping essentials like tents and sleeping bags. Most deals are available to all shoppers, but REI members can enjoy perks such as an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with code LABORDAY23. Pickings are slimmer in comparison with REI’s May Anniversary Sale, but we’ve vetted REI and competitor deals to find you the best, expert-approved discounts on Wirecutter’s tried-and-tested picks.

With chillier weather on the horizon, cyclists may want to squeeze in a few more outdoor excursions before rides get frosty. These Labor Day deals on some of our favorite bike accessories can make that seasonal transition a little easier.

Considered the gold standard for touring riders, these bags use a simple but effective mounting system to attach securely to your bike. They’re not as impervious as dry bags, but these nearly indestructible panniers are seam-welded and can withstand splashes in all directions.

You save $50 (25%)

Other things to know: Work best as big buckets you can dump anything into. Not great for the average commute because they aren’t good shoulder bags. IP64 water-resistance rating.

Read our review of the best bike panniers.

Don’t let crummy weather rain on your parade—or your daily commute. The split-finger design of these cycling gloves may make you look like a lobster, but they’re great for keeping your digits toasty and flexible enough to let you brake and shift with confidence.

You save $21 (25%)

You save $21 (25%)

Other things to know: May draw some looks because of the odd design. Size runs on the smaller side, according to reviews. Too warm for summer cycling. The first deal we’ve posted on them since 2021.

Read our review of the best gear for foul-weather bike commuting.

Not only does this around-town pannier handle and attach more easily than any of its bigger cousins, but it also converts into a shoulder bag for when you’re out on the town. Its 9 L capacity is too small to carry most laptops, but it’s still spacious enough to carry your essentials.

You save $47 (25%)

Other things to know: The process of switching to bag form may take a little getting used to. Five-year warranty. Available only in the pepper color.

Read our review of the best bike panniers.

As beach season ebbs and Labor Day ushers in fall, now can be a great time to save on high-end camping gear. These deals on essentials that our outdoors experts swear by may even leave you a happier camper.

With nearly vertical walls, high ceilings, and a single vestibule the size of an actual mudroom, this dome-style camping tent proves that roughing it doesn’t have to be so, well, rough. Plus, its sturdy, lightweight materials make setting up a breeze.

(select colors)

Other things to know: Expensive, even when on sale, but you get a lot of value for your money—including a limited lifetime warranty. Footprint is sold separately. We recommend setting up with two people, but one person can manage in about 15 minutes. On sale in orange/tan/green color combination.

Read our review of the best camping tents.

Roughing it doesn’t mean you have to go without flavorful, full-bodied coffee. Thanks to our pick’s compact, user-friendly design and two-minute brew time, you can get your caffeine fix anytime, anywhere—even at a remote campsite.

With store pickup or REI membership

Other things to know: Dishwasher safe. Brews only one cup at a time. Not the lowest price we’ve seen, but the street price has risen significantly in the past year and a half. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.

Read why we love the AeroPress coffee maker.

As the softest, toughest option we tried, this luxe picnic blanket pulls out all the stops with a plush, spill-resistant topside and sturdy, waterproof underside. It’s definitely pricey compared with our other picks—but it’s also the only picnic blanket in our test group that you can throw into your washing machine and dryer.

Use single-use promo code EGGBAG (select colors)

Other things to know: Comes with a carrying case, which is less ideal for transport than options with integrated straps. Available in fireside red. Get the deal price with single-use code EGGBAG (applies to one full-price item from Moosejaw).

Read our review of the best picnic blanket.

Labor Day can be a great time to refresh your wardrobe as T-shirt weather comes to a close, and these outdoor-focused clothing and shoe sales offer the perfect opportunity. From raincoats to cozy socks, here are the best deals we’ve found.

With the lightweight build of a running shoe and the sturdy ankle support of a hiking boot, this former pick remains a good option for trailblazers seeking the best of both worlds. Even with their added toe protection, these boots are easy to pull on, remove, and flex your feet in.

You save $50 (25%)

For hikers who prefer the fit of trail-running shoes but need some extra ankle support, these boots offer solid underfoot support without any additional weight. They take a little longer to break in, but they’re easier to put on, remove, and flex your feet in than our main picks.

You save $50 (25%)

Other things to know: Runs a bit small, so order a half size to a full size up from your street-shoe size. Doesn’t maintain its support quite as well, less breathable, and less flexible than our new pick. Select colors and sizes available.

Read our review of the best hiking boots.

Both well-made and well-priced, this the second-best hip-length utilitarian rain jacket we tried—it even fully repelled water during our tests. It offers fewer size options than our main pick, but we appreciate its multitude of pockets and its stowable hood.

You save $30 (30%)

Other things to know: We recommend sizing down if you prefer a slimmer fit.

Read our review of the best rain jackets and raincoats.

Good for wearing with both boots and shoes, these micro crew socks offer plenty of midlevel cushioning around the heel and toe. And their breathable material ensured that our testers’ feet remained dry and sweat-free.

With store pickup or REI membership

Other things to know: Lifetime warranty. Choose store pickup or add to a combined order of $50 or more to avoid shipping fees. REI members get free shipping.

Read our review of the best hiking socks.

Considering their unmatched durability, comfortable underfoot padding, and lifetime warranty, it’s no surprise these hiking socks are a longtime Wirecutter top pick. Not only are these the most versatile pair we’ve tested, but we also appreciate their warm yet highly breathable merino-wool-blend construction.

With store pickup or REI membership

Other things to know: Available in multiple colors with limited sizing. Ships free for REI members. Others can opt for store pickup or add to a combined order of $50 or more to avoid shipping fees.

Read our review of the best hiking socks.

For many people, the three-day holiday weekend is the time to bid a fond farewell to summer. But with these deals on some of our favorite luggage picks, you’ll be set for many trips to come.

With its solid metal hardware and a plethora of lash points, this nearly indestructible bag can withstand even the wettest adventures. At more than 5 pounds empty, it’s definitely the heaviest bag we tested—but it’s still comfortable to carry whether you’re toting it as a duffle or a backpack.

Use single-use promo code EGGBAG

Other things to know: The heaviest bag we tested, more than 5 pounds empty. Pricey—typically double the cost of our top pick. Use code EGGBAG to get the deal price. The coupon code is single-use on one full-price item from Moosejaw.

Read our review of the best duffle bags.

The Brad Pitt of daypacks, this minimalist, recycled-nylon bag is sure to turn heads with its classic good looks. Where it’s lacking in internal organization, it makes up for with an ultra-packable design that rolls up to about the size of a bunched-up, heavy T-shirt and fits into a separate zippered pouch.

Price includes shipping (FINAL SALE)

Other things to know: Lacks internal organization beyond the one small, zippered wallet pocket. The black, navy, and teal colors are discounted; sale price includes shipping. This product is final sale and is not returnable but is still protected by a limited warranty.

Read our review of the best packable daypack for travel.

Whether you use it indoors or outdoors, our favorite headlamp is reliable and bright enough to light the way in most situations. On top of its easy-to-navigate buttons and long-lasting battery life, it features a bright beam with the choice of two beam shapes and two colors.

With store pickup or REI membership

May be out of stock

Other things to know: You have to experiment with clicking through the various modes, but most people learn the settings fairly quickly. REI members get free shipping; otherwise opt for store pickup or add to a combined order of $50 or more to avoid shipping charges.

Read our review of the best headlamp.

Durable wheels and a thick-gauge welded aluminum handle make this cooler a breeze to haul across long distances—some of our testers even likened the experience to wheeling around high-end luggage.

Use single-use promo code EGGBAG, price includes shipping (select colors)

Other things to know: Contents may shuffle a bit when it’s tipped at an angle because it has no internal dividers. Only available in white. Get the deal price with single-use code EGGBAG (applies to one full-price item from Moosejaw). Price includes a $5 oversize-shipping fee.

Read our review of the best coolers.

This headlamp is just as bright as our top pick—but comes at half the price. Offering a lightweight build and a 10-hour battery life when used on high, it’s a solid choice for tinkering around the house.

With store pickup or REI membership

Other things to know: Not quite as comfortable to wear and lacks some of the useful features of our other picks. No battery light indicator or red light. REI members get free shipping; others can opt for store pickup or make a combined order of $50 or more.

Read our review of the best headlamp.

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 Ignacia Fulcher, Nathan Burrow, and Annemarie Conte.

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Kaitlin Mahar

Kaitlin Mahar is a staff writer for Wirecutter’s Deals team. Her byline has appeared in Delish, Esquire, and Town & Country. When she’s not hunting for deals and fiercely defending the Oxford comma, she’s a proud cat parent, an avid yogi, and a co-producer and co-host of the podcast Crime Culture. Please tell your pets and grandparents she says hi.