I definitely believe that the outdoors is for everyone, but unfortunately one of the barriers to getting outside is having to buy tons of gear. And of course, that gear doesn’t come cheap!
I worked at the head office of a big outdoor retailer for six years, so I understand the seasonal sales cycle. 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 for Black Friday deals for hikers.
This year I’ve complied all the Black Friday and Boxing Day 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 November 19, 2024
This post includes:
- When are the sales? Key dates for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day
- The deals: A huge list of all outdoor retailers running holiday deals along with my picks for the best gear discounts. Includes deals for both Canadians and Americans.
- Retailers who don’t do Black Friday: A few retailers (like REI and Patagonia) don’t participate in Black Friday. But they do have alternative sales
- What gear is on sale: My ex-outdoor retail insider’s tips on what kind of gear you can find on sale and why
- How to make sure you’re getting a good deal: Tips for spotting true deals and avoiding purchases you will regret.
Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn
HEY CANADIANS: Join the Canadian Hiking Gear Deals Facebook group for the latest sales and discounts on hiking gear in Canada
When are the Sales?
Some retailers have started to run Pre-Black Friday Sales in early November.
In 2024, 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 2024, Cyber Monday is Monday December 2nd.
Many outdoor retailers will also have Boxing Day sales on hiking and backpacking gear. In 2024, Boxing Day is Thursday December 26th. You can also find “Boxing Week” Sales the week before and the week after Boxing Day.
Lots of outdoor brands also have general holiday sales throughout December and into the new year. I’ve got details on those below too.
The Deals
Here’s my running list of all the Black Friday, Boxing Day, and holiday sales on hiking and backpacking gear that I know about from American and Canadian retailers. 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.
Altitude Sports (Canada)
Pre-Black Friday Deals – Up to 50% off
Cabela’s Canada
Cabela’s USA
Camp Saver
Pre-Black Friday Sale – 20% off one full price item
Columbia Canada
Early Black Friday Deals: Up to 40% off
Columbia USA
Early Black Friday Deals: Up to 40% off
Eddie Bauer Canada
Holiday Sale – Up to 50% off
Eddie Bauer USA
Holiday Sale – Up to 50% off
Enlightened Equipment
Black November Sale – 20% off everything
Exped USA
Fall Sale – 25% off with code FALLSALE
GearTrade.ca
Helly Hansen Canada
Holiday Head Start Sale: Up to 50% off
Keen Canada
12 Days of Keen: 40% off
MEC
Early Black Friday Deals – Up to 60% off
- Take $140 off Garmin inReach Mini 2 (ends Dec 4)
- 30% off Ciele running hats (ends Dec 2)
- 25% off Osprey packs (ends Dec 2)
- 40% off Big Agnes Tiger Wall Tents (ends Dec 11)
- 25% off Big Agnes Copper Spur tents
Mountain Hardwear USA
Exclusive Offer: Up to 70% off select items with code NOV70FF (ends Dec 1)
Mountain Warehouse Canada
Black Friday Preview: 50% off
Naturehike
Pre-Black Friday: Up to 40% off
Osprey
Winter Sale – Up to 40% off
Outdoor Research
Holiday Deals: $50 off outerwear with code HOLIDAYDEALS (ends Nov 26)
Take and extra 25% off sale clothing (ends Nov 26)
REI
Winter Sale: Up to 30% off
SAIL Canada
Crazy November Deals: Up to 50% off selected items
Salomon Canada
Early Sale: Up to 40% off
Salomon USA
Early Sale: Up to 40% off
Valhalla Pure Outfitters (Canada)
Baselayer Sale: 25% off Icebreaker (ends Nov 25)
Retailers Who Don’t Do Black Friday
A few brands have pushed back on the consumerism around Black Friday and don’t have Black Friday sales.
Patagonia and Patagonia Canada
Patagonia’s website says: “Black Friday is a frenzy of deep discounts, limited-time offers and last-ditch efforts urging you to “save” by spending more. We’re not doing that.” It goes on to explain that they are committed to making durable gear and encouraging repairing gear rather than buying new.
REI
REI’s website says: “Since 2015, we’ve closed our doors on Black Friday, choosing time outside over the busiest in-store shopping day of the year.” However, they do have a sale each year in mid-November called the Winter Sale. This year it runs until November 25.
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 on sale 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 gear. 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 Sales
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 profit 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. 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 for hikers 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.
I hope you found this list of the best Black Friday deals for hikers helpful. (And I hope you snag some sweet gear!) Have you spotted any other good Black Friday deals on hiking and backpacking gear? Tell me in the comments and I’ll add them to the list.
MORE GEAR POSTS:
- 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
- 25 Stocking Stuffers for Hikers Under $25 (That are Totally Useful)
- 40 Best Gifts for Backpackers
- The Best Eco-friendly Gifts for Hikers
- Best Gifts for Snowshoers (25+ Ideas)
- 2024 Black Friday and Boxing Day Deals for Hikers - November 17, 2024
- 40 Best Gifts for Backpackers in 2024 - November 17, 2024
- Stocking Stuffers for Hikers Under $25 - November 17, 2024
Joe
Wednesday 15th of November 2023
RTIC Outdoors is having their Black Friday now, too!
April
Friday 16th of November 2018
So 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!