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 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 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 30, 2021
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
Table of Contents
When are the Sales?
In 2021, Black Friday was on Friday November 26th. 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 2021, Cyber Monday was on Monday November 29th.
Many outdoor retailers will also have Boxing Day sales on hiking and backpacking gear. In 2021, Boxing Day was on Sunday December 26th.
Lots of outdoor brands also have general holiday sales throughout December. 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. 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
Boxing Week Sale – up to 40% off (ends December 31)
- Smartwool base layers and socks up to 25% off
- Up to 25% off GSI Outdoors cookware
- 20% off Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads
- Up to 30% off Gregory backpacks
Amazon.ca
Boxing Day Deals: Up to 50% off sports and outdoors gear.
Amazon.com
Epic Daily Deals: Up to 50% off sports and outdoors gear.
Backcountry.com
Happy New Gear Sale: Up to 40% off select gear (ends January 7)
- Up to 50% off Smartwool clothing and base layers
- 25% off Gregory Packs
- Up to 55% off Mountain Hardwear apparel
- Up to 50% off Patagonia
- 25% off Danner hiking boots
- Up to 30% off Big Agnes sleeping bags and sleeping pads
Columbia Canada
Boxing Day Sale: 25% off almost everything (ends January 3)
Cotopaxi
Winter Sale: Up to 30% off select gear (ends December 30)
Eastern Mountain Sports
Gear Up for the Holidays: Up to 80% off
Eddie Bauer
New Year New Gear Sale: up to 60% off select gear
- Up to 30% off MicroTherm insulated jackets – this is my current favorite lightweight down jacket
- Up to 25% off performance hiking pants
- Up to 25% off technical fleece
- Take an extra 50% off clearance with code DECEMBER50
Eddie Bauer Canada
New Year New Gear Sale: up to 60% off select gear
- Up to 30% off MicroTherm insulated jackets – this is my current favorite lightweight down jacket
- Up to 25% off performance hiking pants
- Take an extra 50% off clearance with code DECEMBER50
Icebreaker Canada
Boxing Day Sale: 25% off
KEEN Footwear
2022 is Coming Sale: 22% off select sale items + an extra off with code KEENfriend10 (ends December 31)
MEC
Boxing Day Sale: Up to 60% off
- Up to 30% off MEC backpacking sleeping bags
- Up to 30% off insulated jackets
- 50% off Teva sandals
- 20% off Osprey backpacks
- 27% off MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Stove
- 20% off select Petzl headlamps
- 25% off Therm-a-Rest Xlite sleeping pads
- Up to 29% off camping pots and outdoor cookware from Sea to Summit, GSI, MSR, and Primus
HEY CANADIANS: Join the Canadian Hiking Gear Deals Facebook group for the latest sales and discounts on hiking gear in Canada
Moosejaw
Magical Winter Sale: Up to 40% off
- Up to 40% off apparel from Mountain Hardwear
- Up to 22% off Smartwool socks
- Up to 40% off Prana clothing
- 15% off Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads
Mountain Hardwear Canada
Boxing Week Sale: 25% off almost everything
Mountain Warehouse Canada
Winter Sale: Up to 60% off
- Take an extra 10% off with code WINTER10
- Puffer jackets as low as $35
- Rain jackets as low as $40
Outdoor Research
End of Year Sale: Up to 25% off select styles (ends December 31)
Prana
End of Season Sale: up to 60% off all sale styles (Ends January 12)
70% off selected items with codes:
- 70% Off Men’s + Women’s Short Sleeve Tops, Tees & Dresses + Free Shipping! Use code: SAVE70
- 70% Off Women’s & Men’s Swim + Free Shipping! Use code: SWIM70
- 70% Off Yoga & Active + Free Shipping! Use code: ACTIVE70
SAIL
Boxing Day Sale: Up to 40% off
- 20% off Big Agnes tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads
- 25% off Outdoor Research apparel
- 25% off Altra Lone Peak trail runners
- 20% off Deuter backpacks
- 15% off Hillsound traction devices
Saxx Canada
Winter Sale: 20% off select underwear styles
Sea to Summit
Holiday Savings: Up to 30% off gear
Steep and Cheap
Holiday Sale: Up to 65% off
Sunski Sunglasses
Full Send Event – take 40% off select items (ends December 31)
The Clymb
Cyber Savings: Up to 80% off
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 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.
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.
HEY CANADIANS: Join the Canadian Hiking Gear Deals Facebook group for the latest sales and discounts on hiking gear in Canada
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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!