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17 Best REI Labor Day Sale Deals For Your Explorer Chick Trip

The REI Labor Day Sale is huge… like, “57 tabs open and still scrolling” huge. 

And with your next Explorer Chick adventure on the horizon, the last thing you need is to waste time looking at your Packing List, wondering which brand is actually worth buying. 

Our team dove headfirst into REI’s sale to dig out the real gems, like the hiking boots that won’t murder your feet, the rain pants that survived Iceland’s sideways rain, and the day pack that won’t tweak your back.

And we compiled everything you’ll really want to know in one easy list! (You’re welcome 😉)

Every pick here is something our team actually wears and loves.

No fluff. No overhyped gear. Just solid, trail-tested gear favorites… that just happen to be up to 30% off, August 22-September 1.

Because if there’s anything we love almost as much as adventure, it’s scoring a sweet deal on gear for our next adventure.

Shop smarter. Pack better. Adventure bolder.

Let’s get you ready for your next Explorer Chick trip.

NOTE: Explorer Chick participates in affiliate programs with a variety of retailers. We independently choose all products and stand behind our recommendations. When you buy from product links in our posts, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thanks for your support!

Click the number above to jump down to a category.

  1. Hiking Boots & Socks
  2. Hiking Shirts
  3. Hiking Pants & Shorts
  4. Rain Gear
  5. Daypacks & Hiking Accessories
  6. Travel Bags
Keen Targhee IV Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

1 Hiking Boots & Socks

KEEN TARGHEE MID – 25% Off

EC Destination Manager Amy has worn variations of these hiking boots for over 10 years, and they’ve never let her down! She’s worn these on our trips to Alaska, Patagonia, and the Smokies without any blisters or wet feet…impressive!

LA SPORTIVA MUTANT – 25% Off

EC Guide Mary swears by these trail runners—lightweight, agile, breathable, and built for scrambly terrain. The Mutants excel in the desert, as the shoes breathe well but aren’t so porous that they let lots of sand in. We’d recommend these for any of our Southwest trips!

DARN TOUGH SOCKS – 25% Off

Moisture-wicking, blister-resistant, and built to last. Our team won’t hike in anything other than wool socks, and Darn Tough is the top choice by many women on our team. They even offer a LIFETIME guarantee on their socks!

Read Our Complete Hiking Boot Guide

2 Hiking Shirts

REI CO-OP SAHARA T-SHIRT — 30% Off

Lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable with built-in UPF protection— it’s an affordable t-shirt for hikes and travel days alike.

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR CRATER LAKE SUN HOODIE– 25% Off

This sun protection hoodie is our guide team’s most recommended item—and for good reason. It gives you full UPF sun coverage without needing to constantly reapply sunscreen. And the lightweight, breathable fabric keeps you cool even in the heat — it’s versatile enough to wear year-round. EC Guide Kirstie’s run 100 miles in it. EC Guide Katie practically lived in hers while guiding in Belize. And Mary? She’s hiked all over Utah and beyond wearing it.

REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie — 30% OFF

Soft, stretchy, and UPF 50+ lightweight protection with thumbholes and a drawstring hood. The Sahara Shade has a softer fabric feel vs. the Crater Lake above, which has more of a dri-fit fabric feel. Both are excellent! Once you hike in a sun hoodie, you may never go back to t-shirts.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants

3 Hiking Pants & Shorts

PrAna Halle Pants – 25% Off

Nicki wore these up Kilimanjaro. Enough said. Durable, stretchy, and great for all kinds of hikes. These have been fan-favorite hiking pants for years for good reason!

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Pants – 25% Off

These are your “live in them all week” kind of hiking pants, recommended by Christina. High-waisted, great pockets, quick-drying, and stretchy in all the right places.

REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pants – 30% Off

Zip-off pants, but make them functional. These are a solid choice if you want versatility when there are drastic temperature swings. They’re breathable, lightweight, and perfect for changing weather and lightweight packing.

REI Co-op Rainer Rain Pants

4 Rain Gear

REI Co-op Rainier Rain Pants – 30% Off

These kept our Website Manager, Courtney, dry during a drizzly 10-mile day hiking in California. Lightweight, packable, and wallet-friendly—they’re great for light sprinkles and drizzly conditions, but not downpour conditions.

 

5 Day Packs & Accessories

Osprey Tempest 22 Pack – 25% Off

This women’s-fit daypack has tons of organization pockets, a hip belt for even weight distribution, and comes in fun colors. Comfy, organized, and ready to hit the trail straight out of the store!

HUMANGEAR TRAVEL SIZE TOILETRY CONTAINERS — 30% OFF

Courtney’s go-to for packing toiletries for years. Durable silicone, wide-mouth design for easy cleaning/refills, and a locking cap to keep spills out of your suitcase. No more leaky shampoo!!

Sunski Sunglasses — 25% OFF

Durable, polarized, and adventure-ready in a range of cute, functional styles you’ll want to wear everywhere.

REI Co-op Packable Towel — 30% OFF

Lightweight, quick-drying, and ultra-absorbent—packs down small for trails and travel. Perfect for hot springs and waterfalls!

REI Co-op Sahara Gaiters — 30% off

Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying… gaiters are optional but help keep trail debris out of your boots without weighing you down. We often pair trail runners or hiking tennis shoes with gaiters!

6 Travel Bags

REI ROADTRIPPER DUFFEL 40 – 30% Off

Carry-on size, water-resistant and durable, AND Explorer Chick van-friendly. Easy to stash under seats—unlike hard-sided luggage.

REI ROADTRIPPER DUFFEL 60 – 30% Off

Like the duffel above, only larger (checked baggage size). Ideal for longer trips, this spacious duffel also fits under van seats with ease. A great no-frills option for all your gear on longer trips.

And hey, if the thrill of new gear has you dreaming even bigger, check out our upcoming trips at Explorer Chick. We’ll bring the adventure—you just bring your fabulous, deal-savvy self.

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