One of the best, and also worst, parts of this year is that due to social distancing, everyone became an outdoors person. We met each other across lawns or masked in backyards, and went camping or to remote cabins instead of taking big summer vacations. This year, REI is helping to encourage safe habits with its yearly Get Up Get Out sale, which expires on November 23. Moosejaw's Anniversary Sale is also ongoing and expires November 22.
While tons of apparel and equipment for your newest winter hobby are on sale (snowshoeing, anyone?), you can also get 20 percent off on full-price items. REI members can use code GEARUP2020; on Moosejaw, use the word PARTYTIME. Maybe this is the year to start a new holiday tradition, like your own family Turkey Trot or hiking up and down a nearby mountain.
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Camping and Travel Gear
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Solo Stove Lite for $52 ($18 off): Product reviewer Parker Hall likes the much larger firepit version of this tiny stove. This adorable, affordable version is about 6 inches high and perfect for winter camping trips or distanced stoop hangs. This stove and others are also on sale at Solo Stove's store.
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Cotopaxi Fiesta Bundle for $105 ($35 off): Someday we'll travel again. I like Cotopaxi's super-light bags, which are made from postproduction nylon remnants. This bundle, which includes a daypack and a duffel, would be a useful gift for a recent college grad.
Shoes and Apparel Deals
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Smartwool Socks for $17 ($8 off): Merino wool is one of our favorite insulating materials, and these socks have different cushioned zones to make them more comfortable and reduce wear.
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REI Co-Op Midweight Base Layer Crew Top for $35 ($15 off): You don't necessarily need to run out and buy the most expensive coat you can find. Maybe an affordably priced base layer will suffice. This one is synthetic, but it's also bluesign-approved, which means that the materials and manufacturing met sustainable criteria.
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Smartwool Intraknit Crew Neck Top for $98 ($42 off): For a more premium base layer, merino wool is wicking and much more odor-resistant than synthetic fabrics. Smartwool's Intraknit line is also body-mapped to keep you cooler during high-intensity activities and warm where you need it.
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Prana Women's Halle Straight Pants for $62 ($27 off): I've worn a version of these hiking pants for over 10 years. They fit true to size, have a water-repellent DWR coating, and durable stretch fabric that works just as well for hiking as for climbing or other more rugged sports.
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Smartwool Men's Sport Fleece Pants for $88 ($37 off): I have the women's version of these pants. On a distanced gravel bike ride on a blustery 30-degree day, I was the only one who wasn't miserably cold. A windproof front panel and a DWR coating helps block out the elements long enough to stay outside.
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Patagonia Houdini Jacket for $69 ($30 off): A lot of Patagonia gear is on sale right now, but we like this classic, lightweight, packable windbreaker. Wear it over a base layer to go running, and you're set for temperatures as low as 30 to 40 degrees.
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Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX for $112 ($38 off): This is the latest version of one of our favorite trail running shoes. Gore-Tex means they'll keep your feet dry, and Salomon's quick-lace system means you won't have to use cold hands to fumble with wet laces.
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Patagonia Men's Snowshot 3-in-1 Jacket for $237 ($162 off): This is a much more affordable way to start your snow sports journey than by buying all your layers separately. The recycled two-layer shell has a water-repellent DWR coating, as does the reversible inner liner.
Sports Gear
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Garmin Instinct Solar for $300 ($100 off): This is my favorite fitness tracker. It will work just as well for casual backcountry snowshoeing or XC skiing trips as it does for weekend camping.
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Yaktrax Icetrekkers Diamond Grip for $36 ($9 off): If you're not used to spending a lot of time outside, I suggest using coupon code GEARUP2020 on a pair of Yaktrax that can work for everything from running shoes to putting over your boots to shovel the driveway or walk to the mailbox. This is the worst possible time to have to go to the emergency room for a cracked tailbone.
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Atlas Rendezvous Snowshoe Kit for $142 ($48 off): This is a good price for an entry-level bundle that includes trekking poles. Just remember that the maximum load weight is 200 pounds, which includes your gear.
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Osprey Kresta 30 Women's Pack for $127 ($43 off): If you're dipping your toe into the backcountry this year, you'll need a good pack for an emergency sleeping bag, headlamp, and food (lots of food). Osprey is known for its comfortable women's fit and suspension system. There's also a men's version.
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Pearl Izumi Mountain Bike Shoes for $70 ($30 off): Maybe you've spent enough time biking that you need to invest in biking-specific shoes. These have traditional lace closures, a flat sole without clips, and aren't as stiff as normal bike shoes.
Pre-Black Friday Sales Happening Now
If you'd like to peruse the deals yourself, here are some links to more sales this week:
- REI Get Up Get Out Sale
- Moosejaw Anniversary Sale
- Best Buy Coolest Deal Sale (ends November 15 at midnight.)
- Amazon Deals
- B&H Photo and Video Holiday Deals
- Target