I definitely believe that the outdoors is for everyone, but unfortunately one of the barriers to getting outside is often the shear amount of gear that’s involved. And of course, that gear doesn’t come cheap! One of my tried and true tips for getting deals on hiking and backpacking gear is to wait for sales. So of course in the run-up to the holidays, I’m always watching the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales to see if there are good deals on hiking and backpacking gear. This year I’ve complied all the deals together into one giant post so you can view them all at a glance. I’ve also provided my picks for the best gear from each of the sales and some tips on how to make sure it is really is a good deal.
This page was updated with the latest deals on December 26, 2018
Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website. -Taryn
When are the Sales?
In 2018 Black Friday is on Friday November 23rd. Look for lots of sales to start the week before and continue through the weekend. (Black Friday is now turning into Black Friday Week and Black Friday Weekend!) Cyber Monday happens on the Monday immediately after Black Friday. In 2018 Cyber Monday is on Monday November 26th.
Many outdoor retailers will also have Boxing Day sales on hiking and backpacking gear. In 2018 Boxing Day is on Wednesday December 26th.
The Deals
Here’s my running list of all the Black Friday, pre-Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales on hiking and backpacking gear that I know about. If you hear of other great deals, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them.
MEC
Boxing Week Deals: Up to 50% off select items
REI
Year-End Clearance: Up to 50% off selected items
Backcountry.com
Happy New Gear Sale: Save up to 30% Off Select Styles at Backcountry.com (December 26-Jan5)
Camp Saver
End of Year Warehouse Blowout Sale (Dec 20-Jan 2): Up to 60% off select items
20/20 Sale: (Ends Jan 1 at 11:59pm) Get 20% off one regular priced item and 20% off everything in the outlet. Use code TWNTY19 at checkout.
Moosejaw
Winter Sale: up to 40% off Footwear, Apparel & much more
The Clymb
Get 25% off site-wide. Use code “WISHES” at checkout. (Ends Dec 27 at midnight)
Outdoor Research
New Year New Gear Sale: Get 25% off your entire order. (Ends Dec 31. Use code CYA2018)
KEEN Footwear
Boxing Day Sale: Save 20% site wide
Columbia Canada
Boxing Day Sale: Get 25% off select items
Cotopaxi
Winter Sale: get up to 50% off on backpacks, apparel and accessories
Leatherman
Deals:
- 25% off Leatherman Juice S2 (While quantities last)
- Free custom engraving (Now-Dec 31, 2018)
Get 50% off custom tools with code CUSTOM50-HOLIDAY18 (Ended November 22)- Year End Sale (November 23-December 31): 20% off Charge+, Wave+, Rebar, Super Tool 300, and Micra
Amazon.ca
Rotating Outdoor Gear Deals – Often up to 40% off
Amazon.com
Six Moon Designs
Holiday Sales (November 21-December 31): 20% off all packs and shelters
BioLite
Kammok
Double Trouble Sale: Buy a Roo Double hammock, get a second Roo Double hammock for free (Ends Dec 31)
What Gear is on Sale?
There are two main types of products offered at a discount for Black Friday and Boxing Day. Most of the hiking gear that is on sale is usually colors or styles that will be discontinued next year. Retailers want to clear this stuff out so they’ll have room for next year’s stuff. In November and December you will usually find the dregs of last summer’s gear on deep discounts. You might also find winter gear like jackets on sale. Typically winter gear goes on sale this early if the retailer bought too much and they aren’t selling that well. The main things you’ll find in this category are clothing and footwear since they change every year.
The other type is just regular priced product that is selling just fine, but the retailer decides to mark-it down for a limited time to bring in extra sales. The retailer is making less profits on these products but they hope that you’ll buy more stuff and boost their overall sales. Tents, backpacks, stoves, headlamps and other non-clothing gear is what you’ll find in this category. Since this kind of gear rarely goes on sale otherwise, Black Friday and Boxing Day are the best time to find deals on hiking and backpacking gear.
How to Make Sure You’re Getting a Good Deal
Just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. Be sure to do your research before you buy. Make sure the gear you buy is the right size and works for your style of hiking or backpacking. Be sure to read reviews. Make sure you buy from companies with good return policies.
Some retailers will offer seemingly insane deals on gear from brands you’ve never heard of. Do your research. These are often knock-off brands that sell things super-cheap anyway. The best Black Friday deals are on brand name gear that doesn’t usually go on sale otherwise. Save your money for the deals that are actually good – not the ones that just LOOK good.
1 Comment
April
November 16, 2018 at 6:38 pmSo very true! Proper hiking equipment can be expensive. If you opt for the cheap stuff, you quickly learn it was a waste of money. And, I agree, research what you want/need, and then wait for the sales. I was looking for a a water filter system and after reading and reading about the various options. I made my decision and then waited. And, got a great deal last week with REIs sale!