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Whether you're gearing up for end-of-summer camping trips or planning ahead for cold-weather desert camping, REI's Labor Day sale is a must check-out. The outdoor retailer is offering shoppers up to 40% off (or more, in some cases) some of its bestselling gear to help make this transitional season even more fun. The sale runs through Sept. 2, but some deals are so good that they might sell out before then.
If you're in need of a tent, you're in luck: REI's Labor Day sale features sizable discounts on the most popular tents and accessories from The North Face, Nemo, REI Co-op, and more. And, to sleep soundly, you can score 40% off nearly all of Exped's ultra-cushioned sleeping pads. A ton of camp kitchen gear from GSI Outdoors and Coleman is on sale, and if you plan on packing a bike, Thule's top-selling racks are all 20% off. After Men's Journal shopped through the sale, we found six immediately-worthy additions to any gear kit.
One of The North Face's flagship tents, the Wawona 6 sleeps up to six people and is perfect for groups or families. This version of the Wawona is rarely on sale and comfortably packs up into a carrying case that adds minimal weight to a pack and comfortably stows in a trunk. The three-season tent also has unique technology, such as a hybrid double-wall construction with tons of mesh that can provide cooling and ventilation when needed and warmth when wrapped up. The design is camper-friendly with several ceiling pockets and side pockets to stow lights, personal electronics, and more. One of the best features is the covered vestibule, which can house gear or other items, and protect them from the sun or other elements. This version of the Wawona tent was updated with more durability and a new color-coded system that easily allows for assembly even when lighting is difficult.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “This is the best tent. We are a family of 3 with a medium dog who sleeps in a crate and we fit snug but comfortably with two cots and one hiking mattress. Love the vestibule, the two entrances, and all the pockets on both sides so no matter which way you are situated, you have pockets available.“
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Comfortable and high-quality furniture is helpful for any camping excursion, and REI's Flexlite Camp Dreamer Chair has quickly become a customer favorite. This updated version of the Flexlite includes a new headrest as well as side pockets that make it easy to store items when lounging around a campfire. Best of all, the scoop design provides significant body support and comfort with a weight capacity of 300 pounds. The aluminum frame collapses into a small footprint and weighs less than 3 pounds, making it perfectly portable. Any outdoor enthusiast has sat in camping chairs that wobble and wiggle, and this design perfectly sits on the ground with four different cross-legs that add extra stability, even outside.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “Flexlite to the next level. I. have the air version for backpacking—so comfortable—but I always thought it would be amazing if I could fully relax and not prop my neck up. Solved! So comfortable and amazing!”
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Mounting a bicycle to a car can be a pain, but this bike hitch rack from Thule solves all of the common problems that come with transporting bicycles to your favorite trails. One of the stand-out benefits of this rack is that it can comfortably store two separate bikes, even fat-tire and small children's bikes. Best of all, cyclists don't lose access to the trunk as the rack has a loaded tilt which provides an easy way to stow extra items. The rack also features an integrated locking system to keep bikes safe and secure when not in use.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “Great bike rack. This rack is easy to assemble and extremely sturdy. Once on the vehicle, the bikes load easily and are very secure.”
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It just got easier to get a better night's sleep outdoors with Exped's MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad. Known for its quick set-up, comfort, and durability, Exped has really made a big statement in the outdoor industry for its high-quality products. The MegaMat Duo 10 is rarely on sale and is available in a variety of sizes including Queen and Double, and it's perfect for any use, including camping in a tent, car, or even on top of a car. The thickness reaches 4 inches, which provides a sturdy and comfortable foundation for a great night's rest.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “The best of the best—I have hip pain and back pain and no camp mats have ever allowed me to sleep comfortably. I splurged on this mat and I am a happy camper for sure. When I have relatives come to visit they use this mat and they love it. Worth every penny,”
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Every camper knows the feeling of trekking out to a campsite, setting up the tent, and then turning the attention to dinner. After a long day of work, it's critical to have high-quality equipment for cooking, and Coleman's Cascade Classic Camp Stove is a customer favorite for exactly that because of its durability and high-quality output. Equipped with two adjustable burners, the stove emits an astonishing 20,000 BTUs of cooking power which can quickly heat a variety of meals. Best of all, it comfortably collapses and folds down into a slim profile, which doesn't add extra space to a campsite or during transport.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “In my opinion, this is the best Coleman Stove. The clicking igniter is more durable than the push button type and it doesn't move the whole stove when trying to light up. The wind deflectors are simple and perform as advertised and the grate is durable and provides adequate support...I have been using Coleman camping products since 1963 and this retro stove is the one to buy.”
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Hiking sticks and trekking poles can save your life by adding extra grip, stability, and support with each step. REI's top-selling Flash Carbon Trekking Poles have been recognized for their durability, high-quality design, and comfortable grip. They're constructed from a lightweight carbon shaft, weighing in at under 14 ounces for the pair. Best of all, the locking system keeps any adjusted height secure as hikers use them on trails. REI recommends these for a variety of use cases including hiking, trail running, or backpacking, and they can also be used for general stability when walking on flat trails.
What Shoppers Are Saying: "Love my walking Sticks. 75 miles on these sticks with no problems. Very sturdy and light.”
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