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2023 Black Friday and Boxing Day Deals for Hikers

By: Author Taryn Eyton

Posted on Last updated:

2023 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 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 December 26, 2023

This post includes:

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 2023, Black Friday is on Friday November 24th. 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 2023, Cyber Monday is Monday November 27th.

Many outdoor retailers will also have Boxing Day sales on hiking and backpacking gear. In 2023, Boxing Day is Tuesday 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)

Boxing Day Deals – Up to 50% off on more than 9,000 products

HEY CANADIANS: Join the Canadian Hiking Gear Deals Facebook group for the latest sales and discounts on hiking gear in Canada

Amazon Canada

Boxing Day Sale

Atmosphere (Canada)

Boxing Day Sale: Up to 60% off (ends Jan 3)

Backcountry

2023 Send-off Sale: Up to 50% off

Cabela’s Canada

Boxing Week Sale: Up to 50% off

Camp Saver

End of Year Outlet Sale – 25% off with code ENDYEAR

Columbia Canada

Boxing Day Deals: Up to 25% off everything on their whole site

Cotopaxi

Past Season Sale: Up to 50% off

Eddie Bauer Canada

Boxing Day Deals – Up to 60% off

GSI Outdoors

Holiday Deals: Up to 40% off

Helly Hansen Canada

Boxing Week Sale: Up to 50% off

Icebreaker Canada

Boxing Day Sale: 25% off

lululemon

Boxing Day Sale: Up to 40% off

Mark’s

Holiday Sale: Take an extra 25% off store-wide

MEC

Boxing Week Deals – Up to 60% off

HEY CANADIANS: Join the Canadian Hiking Gear Deals Facebook group for the latest sales and discounts on hiking gear in Canada

Mountain Hardwear (Canada)

Boxing Week Sale: 25% off almost everything

Mountain Warehouse Canada

Winter Clearance: Up to 50% off

Naturehike

Christmas Sale: Up to 20% off – ends Dec 26

Outdoor Research

Snow Day Sale: 30% off this seasons’s ski gear

REI

Holiday Deals: Up to 50% off

SAIL Canada

Boxing Day Event: Up to 60% off selected items

Sport Chek (Canada)

Boxing Day Sale – Up to 70% off

SPOT

Gear Up for the Holidays Sale: $50 off all SPOT products

The Last Hunt Canada

Boxing Week Sale: Up to 75% off

UST Gear

Holiday Sale: up to 25% off

Valhalla Pure Outfitters (Canada)

Bucksing Week Sale: Up to 60% off

Zenbivy

Holiday Sale: 25% off site wide

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

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.

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 Gear Up Get Out Sale. This year it runs November 10-20. They also have a Cyber Sale this year from November 25 to December 4.

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.

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Taryn Eyton
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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!