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Forget about end-of-summer barbecues and beach trips—the big story right now is REI’s Labor Day sale. Fortunately, you don’t have to clear your calendar for the long weekend, because the sale has officially launched (it runs through Sept. 1) and the deals are here.
While there’s a ton of great discounts to shop through, we’re particularly excited about all the top hiking gear REI has on sale. Hiking boots, durable hiking pants, even things like trekking poles: We’re seeing big discounts up to 30% off on coveted items from top-tier brands that rarely see big markdowns, like Kuhl, Danner, and Fjallraven, as well as REI’s own house brand. After Men’s Journal shopped through all the hiking deals at REI, we found four that are worth an immediate add-to-card before sizes disappear.
Kuhl Renegade Recon Pants, From $74 (was $99) at REI
Need a versatile, comfortable, and tough-as-hell pair of pants for hiking and travel? The Renegade Recon is it. These pants are crafted from Kuhl’s Duralux performance fabric, a blend of nylon and spandex that’s lightweight and breathable while also offering solid durability and good stretchiness, so it won’t restrict your movement. It’s treated with a PFAS-free DWR coating to repel light moisture and stains, and it also helps the pants dry quickly if they get wet. Plus, shoppers really love the tailored silhouette: The pants have a tapered leg shape that gives them a sharp, semi-fitted look (not too baggy, not too tight).
What Shoppers Are Saying: “They are lightweight, fast-drying, super comfortable, fit beautifully, and—bonus—look amazing.”
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Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Hiking Boots, $172 (was $230) at REI
Combining rugged trail performance with a classic aesthetic, the Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is the kind of boot you’ll proudly wear from alpine paths to neighborhood bar patios—and still want to re-sole years later. The upper is made from handsome full-grain leather, and it’s paired with a waterproof Gore-Tex liner (made with up to 45% recycled materials) for increased wet-weather protection. Underfoot, an OrthoLite Eco footbed and an EVA midsole deliver a cushioned ride, and the Vibram outsole generates confident grip. This boot is also recraftable—Danner will resole and recondition your pair to extend their life (and your adventures).
What Shoppers Are Saying: “Feel great right away and will last a long time.”
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- Keen Hightrail Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots, $116 (was $155)
- Altra Timp 5 Hiker GTX Hiking Boots, From $139 (was $185)
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie, $35 (was $50) at REI
When the sun’s blazing and the trail’s calling, REI’s Sahara Shade Hoodie will be your go-to shield. Crafted from a featherlight, bluesign-approved polyester-spandex fabric, this stretchy knit top delivers UPF 50+ coverage to block nearly all harmful UV rays. It wicks moisture and dries fast, and the three‑panel hood—with a cinchable drawcord and crossover neckline—gives extra neck and head protection when you need it most. Raglan sleeves keep your range of motion free, and thumbholes prevent the sleeves from riding up as you move. For hikes, fishing trips, kayak journeys, and long days under the sun, this is a must-pack item.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “This is my most favorite, most useful, most valuable, most versatile, and most valuable piece of gear I took on the trail.”
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Fjallraven Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers, $126 (was $180) at REI
While the deals above are great, REI is really rolling out the discounts for Fjallraven products—there are widespread markdowns of 30% off for the brand’s products. Hikers should pay special attention to the Vidda Pro Ventilated Trousers, a highly functional pair of pants built for the backcountry. They’re made from Fjallraven’s G-1000 fabric, a heavyweight blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton that offers top-tier durability, and stretch panels at the crotch boost the pants’ mobility. Large zippered openings on both legs allow you to vent hot air, while reinforced knees and a large suite of pockets (there’s even an axe loop) make them incredibly useful for off-the-grid exploring—or tackling yard work at home.
What Shoppers Are Saying: “Phenomenal in almost every way. Hard-wearing, durable, and stylish.”
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