2019 Black Friday and Boxing Day Deals for Hikers

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 Black Friday deals for hikers 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 3, 2019

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 2019 Black Friday is on Friday November 29th. 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 2019 Cyber Monday is on Monday December 2nd.

Many outdoor retailers will also have Boxing Day sales on hiking and backpacking gear. In 2019 Boxing Day is on Thursday 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. I’ll keep them updated every day during the holiday shopping season. If you hear of other great deals, let me know in the comments and I’ll add them.

Backcountry.com

• Save up to 50% off best-selling outdoor gear & apparel at Backcountry’s Massive Cyber Sale! (December 3-10)

Cabela’s

• Christmas Sale. Save up to 50% off selected items. (Ends December 24)
• Save up to 65% at Cabela’s Cyber Week Sale! (December 1-7)

CamelBak

• Free ground shipping on all orders (November 26-December 17)

Columbia

• Up to 60% off Original Price with code NOVSAVE60. (Ends December 3)
• Get $20 When You Spend $100.  (Ends December 3)
• Cyber Monday Sale – 60% Off Doorbusters + 50% Off Almost Everything! (December 1 at 9pm PST to December 3)

Freewaters Sandals

• Year End Sale. Up to 60% off. (Ends December 3)

Hydro Flask

• 25% off most Hydro Flask items + Free Shipping! Use offer code UNDERTREE19 for Free Shipping! (November 29-December 8)

KEEN Footwear

• 20% off the Targhee Collection and 20% off the Durand II Collection (November 30-December 8)
• Take $10 or 10% off your next order from KEEN with promo code DECEMBER10DOLLARS (December 1-31)
• Go big or go home: Spend $500-999, get $100 off or spend $1000, get $300 off your *entire* order! Use promo code BigDeal2019 (December 1-31)

Kula Cloth

• 15% off all Kula cloths. Use code WHIPPEDCREAM15 (November 26-December 3)

Life Proof

• 25% off everything site-wide (November 28, November 30, December 1-3 only)

Mountain Hardwear

• Mountain Hardwear Affiliate Exclusive – 65% off Original Price with code MHWNOV65 Ends December 3

Moosejaw

• Get a Free $20 Almost Gift Card with Any Item Over $99 using code FREEMONEY (November 26-December 8)

prAna

• 30% off select styles and free shipping on all orders (November 26-December 3)

REI

• Save up to 50% off during Cyber Week  (Ends December 8)
• Save 25% off one item at REI Outlet with coupon code: CYBERDEAL19
• 30% Off any REI Co-op class, day tour or event. Use coupon code: “OUTSIDE2019” (November 30—December 8)

Sea to Summit

• Holiday Sale: Save 30% off select items (Ends December 31st)

Steep and Cheap

• 12 Days of Deals: Huge Savings on Best-Sellers (Ends December 14)

What Gear is on Sale?

There are two main types of products offered at a discount for Black Friday and Boxing Day: stuff that is discontinued and stuff that’s marked down just for the holidays.

Discontinued Gear

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.

Seasonal Mark-Downs

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.

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