For some, Labor Day marks the beginning of fall, the time of year when they can start checking fall color forecasts and planning weekend trips where the leaves take center stage. But for the techies at Afar, the first Monday in September means it’s time for the REI Labor Day Sale.

All year long, we collect, test and review bags, backpacks, jackets, water bottles and other items for the discerning traveler. Between Friday, August 23 and Monday, September 2, 2024, some of these items are up to 80 percent off at REI to make room for next season’s products. Whether you’re looking for a new tent or a headlamp for your fall camping trips, grab these great deals before we do.

Patagonia Atom Shoulder Bag

• Buy now: $45 (was $65), rei.com
• Act: 30 percent discount

Patagonia’s Atom Sling Bag is perfect for fans of fanny packs who want something larger but don’t want to buy a full-fledged backpack. The asymmetrical bag distributes weight close to the body, making it perfect for those who walk long distances. The two main compartments and large front pocket make it easy to access your stuff. The sling bag also has stowable front straps that are perfect for storing everything from sweaters to yoga mats.

Cotopaxi Fuego hooded down jacket

• Buy now: $146-$205 (was $295), rei.com (women); rei.com (men)
• Act: 30 percent discount

The Cotopaxi Fuego jacket has earned hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied REI customers. It’s packed with 800-fill-power goose down for maximum warmth and weighs just 14 ounces. When you’re not wearing it, you can pack it into its own carrying bag, making it very compact to pack away. The jacket is currently available in limited sizes for men and women, and you can choose from a variety of stylish color-block patterns that will stand out on the trail but also won’t look out of place when you head into town for a beer after your hike.

Thule compression packing cubes

• Buy now: $34 for two (was $45), rei.com
• Act: 25 percent discount

These Thule compression cubes are one of Afar’s most recommended packing cubes. They’re semi-transparent, water-resistant, and made with minimal environmental impact as they’re made from Bluesign-approved ripstop nylon. They’re discounted on offer as a set of two with one medium and one small cube (they’re also discounted individually). Like other compression cubes, these have a double set of zippers – one that closes the cube and another that tightens it even more to let out excess air and reduce bulk. The YKK zippers on the Thule cubes are extremely durable and easy to close – and the medium cube even fits three thick sweaters. A standard-sized carry-on can fit either one medium and two small cubes, or four small cubes on each side.

Hoka Trail Code GTX hiking shoes

• Buy now: $91 (was $185), rei.com (women)
• Act: 50 percent discount

Hoka hiking shoes are some of the best in the business, offering hikers plenty of support without feeling clunky or heavy on the ankles. They’re also great for rough terrain, meaning you can take them with you on your most adventurous hikes. The “Blue Glass/Coastal Shade” is currently half price during this sale, so just double check that your size is available because these shoes are going fast!

Teva Original Universal Sandals

• Buy now: $40 (was $54), rei.com (kids), rei.com (women)
• Act: 25 percent discount

Afar editors have worn Teva’s original sandals everywhere from the streets of New York to the beaches of the Galápagos Islands. Waterproof and lightweight, they make a great warm-weather travel shoe that packs flat and requires no break-in time. They’re currently available in a range of women’s and kids’ sizes.

Vasque Breeze LT NTX hiking shoes

• Buy now: $95 (was $190), rei.com (women)
• Act: 49 percent discount

When I say Vasque hiking boots don’t require a break-in period, I mean it. They were just as comfortable the first day I walked through Brooklyn’s Prospect Park as they were a few months later when I wore them on the Inca Trail in Peru. These boots feature a Nature-Tex waterproof membrane, so they’re completely waterproof, but the recycled mesh upper is breathable enough that my feet stayed comfortable even in Peruvian humidity. Although this design has a full shaft above the ankle, the women’s version weighs less than two pounds, so these boots won’t weigh down your pocket.

Members can get an additional 20% off this REI Outlet item by using the code “SAVEOUTLET” at checkout, bringing the price of the footwear down to $76.

Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy travel blanket

• Buy now: $71 (was $95), rei.com
• Act: 25 percent discount

A wide range of Rumpl’s compressible blankets and pillows that pack into a small bag or tote are on offer, including the artist’s section collection and a fireproof blend for snuggling up by the fire. Our pick is the Afar Approved Travel Blanket, which currently costs $71 and packs down to the size of a water bottle—making it the perfect airplane companion.

Hydro Flask 32 Oz. Wide Mouth Water Bottle with Flexible Straw Cap

• Buy now: $33 (was $45), rei.com
• Act: 25 percent discount

Afar loves Hydro Flask water bottles. The brand’s double-wall insulation keeps your drinks temperature stable throughout an all-day hike – 24 hours for ice-cold drinks and up to 12 hours for hot drinks.

Teva ReEmber Plush Slipper

• Buy now: $64 (was $100), rei.com (women)
• Act: 36 percent discount

If you’re looking for something cozier for fall, Teva’s ReEmber plush slip-on shoes make a great holiday gift for avid campers. This version – available in brownish “Burro” and “Burlwood” shades – features a 100% recycled Tencel faux fur lining, as well as a 50% recycled EVA midsole and rubber outsole.

Thule Aion Luggage

• Buy now: $142–$262 (was $190–$350), rei.com
• Act: 25 percent discount

The Swedish brand’s sturdy Aion luggage collection is currently 25 percent off and includes a 35-liter duffel bag, a 35-liter rolling suitcase and a 40-liter travel backpack. All three bags are carry-on compatible and made from 100 percent recycled polyester fabric and water-repellent waxed canvas. You can choose between black, dark slate or “nutria,” a khaki color.

Nemo Moonlite reclining camping chair

• Buy now: $120 (was $160), rei.com
• Act: 25 percent discount

A comfortable chair is a must when stargazing. As the name suggests, the Nemo Moonlight Reclining Camp Chair lets you sit back and watch meteor showers without straining your neck or back.

Insulated fleece hoodie “Mountain Sweatshirt” by The North Face

• Buy now: $64 (was $160), rei.com
• Act: 60 percent discount

Brave cold and wet climates without worry with the North Face Insulated Fleece Hoodie. Available in three colors and multiple women’s sizes, this hoodie will keep you warm with North Face’s signature Heatseeker Eco insulation. At 60% off, this highly versatile hoodie is a great addition to any winter wardrobe.

Exped Ultra 5R sleeping mat

• Buy now: $120 (was $160), rei.com
• Act: 25 percent discount

Upgrade your outdoor nap with an Exped sleeping pad. We like the Ultra 5R, which is insulated for four-season use. The Duo version for two people is also 25 percent off.

Osprey Sojourn Porter 30L travel backpack

• Buy now: $131 (was $175), rei.com
• Act: 25 percent discount

For the overnight traveler who needs a little more space, this Osprey travel backpack is perfect. Combining the carrying capabilities of a backpack with the spacious storage of a duffel bag, this bag is the perfect travel bag. This extra-durable travel backpack is made from recycled, high-strength materials that can safely store all your belongings, making it ideal for longer trips or camping trips.

Select Prana Halle II Pants for Women

• Buy now: $48–$71 (was $69–$95), rei.com
• Act: 25–30 percent discount

The latest version of Prana’s popular women’s travel pants – the Halle II – is reduced and available in a range of colors and styles, including straight and bootcut, as well as joggers, shorts and skorts. Prana’s ReZion fabric is abrasion-resistant and quick-drying, and has a durable water-repellent coating, making it ideal for hiking and camping.

This article was originally published in 2020 and was last updated on August 23, 2024 with current sales information.