Just because temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate. Fall is a perfect time to get outside, and it’s also a great opportunity to save on gadgets and gear designed for the outdoors. To celebrate the unofficial end of summer, REI is offering up to 30 percent off during its Labor Day sale, with many of these deals set to expire on September 1st.
Right now, you can save on our favorite Garmin smartwatch, emergency backup power, a great pair of open-ear headphones, and a miniature satellite communicator. We’ve tested or reviewed all of the products below, so you can shop with confidence before you hit your favorite national park. Keep in mind that if you’re an REI member, you can also take an additional 20 percent off one REI Outlet item when you use promo code LABORDAY2025.
Garmin Venu 3S
The Venu 3S remains our favorite Garmin smartwatch. It’s a comfortable wearable with up to 10 days of battery life and a vibrant 1.2-inch OLED display, not to mention solid sleep tracking, Atrial Fibrillation detection, and a built-in EKG reader. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- You can also save on the Garmin Venu 3, which is currently on sale at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy for $399 ($50 off), the lowest price we’ve seen in weeks. The smartwatch is similar to the Venu 3 but features a larger 1.4-inch OLED display and up to 14 days of battery life. Otherwise, the two models are identical; both offer a suite of advanced features, including sleep coaching and nap detection, along with the same heart rate sensors that support EKG readings for detecting atrial fibrillation.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Garmin’s palm-sized inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator provides off-the-grid two-way messaging, built-in navigation capabilities, and powerful mapping features, such as the ability to set waypoints when paired with Garmin’s Explore app. A subscription plan is required to access the Iridium network, with prices starting at $7.99 a month.
Where to Buy:
- Garmin’s inReach Messenger is down to $249 ($50 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy. The rugged communication device also supports two-way text messaging and the ability to trigger emergency SOS alerts, but it lacks support for advanced mapping functionality. That being said, it offers better battery life than the inReach Mini 2, along with a patch antenna design, which promises better connectivity. Just note that an active satellite subscription is required, with plans starting at $7.99 a month.
EcoFlow River 3 Plus Portable Power Station
The River 3 Plus is a relatively compact but mighty portable power station with an output of up to 600W. It weighs 10 pounds, features app support, and can double as an uninterruptible power supply in emergencies.
Where to Buy:
Insta360 X5
The Insta360 X5 is a powerful 360-degree camera that offers a larger sensor and new image processing. It can capture 4K footage at up to 120fps or 8K footage at up to 30fps, producing sharp video with rich colors. It also features more durable lenses than prior models, which you can swap out if they get damaged. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
The OpenRun Pro 2 are Shokz’ best bone conduction headphones yet, with better sound and more bass than their predecessor. Our reviewer Victoria Song praised their cozy fit as well as their USB-C charging (goodbye, proprietary charger!). Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- The Shokz OpenFit 2 offer a nice upgrade over the original model, and they’re currently down to an all-time low of $139.99 ($40 off) at REI, Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Each bud features two speakers: one dedicated to bass and another to mids and highs. The ear hooks have also been redesigned to be thinner, so the OpenFit 2 fit better while wearing glasses. Meanwhile, physical buttons were added to each bud, making it easy to control your audio. Read our hands-on impressions.
- The original Shokz OpenFit are also currently on sale for $119.93 (about $40 off) at REI, which is a new low price. The wireless earbuds feature an open-ear design, so instead of going into your ear canal, they sit just outside it. That means you can still hear your surroundings while listening to music and podcasts, making them a safe option for exercising outdoors. They’re also lightweight, feature an IP54 rating for water resistance, and offer up to seven hours of battery life.
- If you own an older iPhone with a Lightning port, you can grab InfinityLab’s InstantGo 5000 Power Bank for just $29.93 (about $20 off) at REI. The portable battery features a 5,000mAh capacity and a built-in Lightning cable, making it a solid all-in-one option for days when you won’t be near an outlet. It also supports passthrough charging, allowing you to charge your phone and the power bank at the same time.
LifeStraw Peak Series Straw
LifeStraw’s redesigned Peak Series Straw features a durable, leakproof design that’s great for backcountry treks. It can remove unwanted viruses, bacteria, and microplastics as you drink — just like the base model — but benefits from an increased flow rate and more premium materials.
Where to Buy:
- The JetBoil Stash Cooking System is a compact, lightweight cooking system that’s currently down to $123.69 (about $41 off) at REI — one of the lowest prices we’ve seen all summer. It features a standalone stove with a titanium burner and a 0.8-liter cooking pot, allowing you to boil water or heat food at your campsite. The pot comes with a lid and a pour handle, and everything can be stowed inside the pot when you’re finished, making packing easy.
- MSR’s TrailShot Pocket-Sized Water Filter is currently going for around $48 (about $16 off) at REI and Amazon, which is the lowest price we’ve seen in months. The 5.2-ounce water filter is small enough to fit in your pocket and easy enough to use one-handed, letting you quickly remove 99 percent of bacteria, protozoa, and particulates. You can use the water filter to drink directly from a water source or fill a 1-liter bottle in just 60 seconds. And it’s easy to clean, too — just give it a few shakes to restore the flow rate.
- REI’s Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent, a classic that offers enough room to comfortably fit two people, is currently on sale for $224.19 (about $85 off) at REI. It’s easy to set up and pack down, and it features two D-shaped doors, providing ample room to get in and out. It has ample headroom, ventilation, and the interior features multiple storage pockets and hang loops for your gear. It also offers a rain cover to keep you dry when the weather suddenly turns.
Kelty Low Loveseat
The Kelty Low Loveseat is a sturdy, low-profile camp chair built for two. It features a steel frame, a padded seat, and extra-large cup holders for your drinks or gear. It also includes a padded roll-tote storage bag, making it easy to transport when it’s folded down.
Where to Buy:
- REI Co-op’s Flexlite Camp Chair is a more compact seating option that’s down to $55.89 (about $24 off) right now at REI. It features an aluminum frame, a stable four-leg design, and a ripstop polyester seat with water and stain resistance. When you’re done, it can also quickly fold down into a drawstring bag, so you can throw it in your car or tent.
- REI’s Magma 30 Down Trail Quilt will keep you warm when temperatures drop, and it’s now available for $246.69 (about $82 off) at REI. It can be used flat or cinched into a footbox, and it features cords to securely connect to a sleeping pad. The quilt comes with water-resistant, 850-fill goose down, along with insulated draft tubes that help prevent heat loss.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L
Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel features a spacious 70-liter capacity, making it an ideal choice for extended trips. The bag features a durable construction that can withstand everyday wear and tear, while padded shoulder straps allow you to carry the bag like a backpack.
Where to Buy:
- The Exped MegaMat Duo Sleeping Pad provides comfort at your campsite or in your car, and currently, you can purchase it for as low as $277.39 at REI. The 4-inch, self-inflating mattress features an open-cell polyurethane foam and generous padding, so you won’t “bottom out” while sleeping. A side handle makes it easy to move around, and two deflate valves allow you to quickly deflate the sleeping pad. It also makes for a nice air mattress at home, so guests don’t have to sleep on the floor.
- The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad is a lighter, more compact option that features an accordion-style design, allowing you to attach it to your backpack. Right now, you can get it at REI for as low as $37.39 (about $13 off). The closed-cell foam provides comfort after a long day of hiking, while the sleeping pad’s surface helps reflect radiant heat back to your body, so you can stay warm in the cool fall weather.
- Hydro Flask’s Travel Tumbler is available from REI, Amazon, and Hydro Flask starting at $29.89 (about $10 off), which is the best price we’ve seen in months. The 40-ounce water bottle is made of pro-grade stainless steel and features double-wall vacuum insulation, ensuring your beverage stays hot or cold for hours. It also features a press-in straw lid and can fit most cupholders, making it a great road trip companion.
Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag
Sea to Summit’s small toiletry bag lets you keep all of your essentials close at hand for weekend getaways. It features a water–resistant fabric and a convenient hanging hook, along with internal mesh pockets so you can quickly find whatever it is you need.
Where to Buy:
- Humangear’s Stax stacking container set, which provides easy storage for your snacks, is currently down to $9.69 (about $4 off) at REI. The four-piece, interlocking design keeps the containers connected, with a cylindrical shape that’s easy to slip into a backpack or a water bottle pocket. Meanwhile, the silicone lid gasket in each container ensures a watertight seal, so your snacks won’t get drenched while you’re attempting your next stream crossing.
GoPro Hero 13 Black Specialty Bundle
The GoPro Hero 13 features in-camera noise reduction and a new burst slo-mo mode that can record 5.3K video at 120fps. The camera has been updated with Wi-Fi 6 (an upgrade from its predecessor’s Wi-Fi 5), though it still offers many of the same specs as the Hero 12, including the same 8:7 sensor. Read our review.
Where to Buy:
- The JBL Vibe Beam 2 are are at an all-time low price of $39.99 ($25 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy. They offer noise cancellation and a helpful transparency mode that allows outside noise to pass through, so you can stay aware of your surroundings. An IP54 rating provides water- and dust-resistance, and the wireless earbuds promise up to 10 hours of continuous listening, or 30 hours with the included charging case.
- The DJI Osmo Mobile 7 is the perfect accessory for capturing steady footage with your phone — and it’s down to an all-time low of $74.99 ($15 off) at REI, Amazon, and Best Buy. The budget steadicam offers 3-axis gimbal stabilization, a built-in tripod, and a magnetic mount, so you can quickly connect and disconnect your device. The Mobile 7 features a foldable design, too, making it easy to pack in a bag.
Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights: Color
Mpowerd’s solar-powered string lights are perfect for camping or a backyard shindig. The 18-foot string can display six colors and last up to 15 hours on a single charge; it also doubles as a charger.
Where to Buy:
- Hydro Flask’s Food Jar is available starting at $29.89 ($10 off) at REI, Amazon, and Hydro Flask’s online storefront, the lowest price we’ve seen in weeks. The 20-ounce container is made of durable stainless steel that won’t impart a metallic flavor to your food, and the double-wall vacuum insulation provides hours of temperature retention. It also features a leakproof design, meaning you won’t have to worry about your food ending up in your bag.
- If you’re planning to go on a night hike, you’re going to need a headlamp. Luckily, the Petzl Tikka Headlamp is on sale at REI for $27.73 (about $7 off). The headlamp is a great basic option that features a max output of 350 lumens, tilt functionality, and an IPX4 rating, making it safe to use in light rain. It also features a lock function, preventing it from accidentally turning on when packed.
- The Chapter MIPS Bike Helmet is on sale starting at around $111 ($37 off) at Amazon and REI, nearly matching its second-best price to date. The lightweight bike helmet features a hidden PopLock for securing it with a U-lock or chain, along with a sleek visor and a rechargeable USB taillight that offers 30 lumens of brightness. The latter will even automatically turn on when magnetically attached to the helmet or Thousand’s multi-use adapter.
