I Test Outdoor Gear for a Living and Here’s What I’d Buy During REI’s Labor Day Sale

This headlamp was a 2026 Fitness Awards winner for best running headlamp, and I can attest to that. It’s a barely-there weight at 2.6 ounces, provides a non-irritating fit, doesn’t bounce at all, and is USB-C rechargeable.

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Danner followed up its N45 Low last year with this Mid GTX version and it’s a pair I had in the rotation last fall and winter. I’ve done a few hikes in these (including in Jackson Hole, and even doing the Via Ferrata with them) as well as using them for some rainy day commutes in the fall and winter (that Gore-Tex is a lifesaver). These are fairly lightweight at 1 lb 13 oz, are comfy right out of the box, and beefy enough for more demanding hikes as well.

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The newer (and trimmer) Osprey Kestrel LT 45 is our new pick for best hiking backpack right now. But the more traditional Kestrel (and this 58 version) is definitely a classic that’s versatile enough to handle different climates and terrains. It’s meant for hauling heavy gear, so ultralight enthusiasts, be aware—that’s not to say you can’t pack it light, but you’re starting with nearly five pounds empty.

What makes the Terrabone Joggers great is their versatility. They can be worn standalone even on warm days, as they breathe pretty well. They can be worn with a baselayer underneath on cooler days. And they can even be layered overtop of since they’re pretty slim and lightweight. This wearability in lots of different temperatures makes them an easy selection.

The gold standard of sleeping mats, the MegaMat Duo is about as luxe as you can get. The four-inch thickness from seriously structured foam coils has provided me with some of the comfiest nights I’ve ever had in a tent. The fill-time and deflating are about as simple as it gets, but the MegaMat does take up quite a bit of space and is really geared toward car campers and those looking for maximum comfort.

I went to San Francisco earlier this summer to spend some time with the Mountain Hardwear crew and learn about the redesigned Stretchdown Hoodie. While this new version isn’t on sale, the older version is. The older version still encompasses one of the most flexible, comfortable down jackets on the market thanks to that tiny bit of stretch in the shell. And at half off, it’s difficult to find a better packable down jacket value right now.

When it comes to affordable, reliable tents, REI’s Half Dome 2 is hard to beat. It’s durable, all seams are fully sealed, is pretty roomy for two people, and is as easy as it comes to set up. This iconic tent is a good price at its typical $329, but at under $200 for the color shown it’s an absolute steal.

I haven’t tested the new Leaf GTX version, but I have worn the previous Mountain 600 Boot (seen here) previously. Danner essentially turned the Mountain 600 into the recraftable Leaf and added Gore-Tex for ultimate waterproofing. Like the original 600, these hiking boots are comfy right out of the box and feature one of the most distinct looks of anything out there—with the performance to back it up.

I can’t camp without a way to get caffeine in me first thing. I’ve used lots of methods before (percolators, French presses, even cowboy coffee) and nothing has worked as simply and effectively as the AeroPress. It’s essentially a combo of pour over and French press that all packs into itself. And you can use it multiple times if you have other camp mugs. I’ve even used it in hotels to get around crappy Keurig coffee in the room.

Camp pillows should be lightweight, unfussy to inflate, no larger than what you need, and able to stay inflated for nights at a time. Sea to Summit’s Aeros Pillow has done that for years, and the Ultralight version is simply one of the best out there of achieving all those musts.

A good windbreaker is harder to find than you might think. Zippers can jam, hoods can fit incorrectly, and if a little wet they can stick to you like glue. This one from Mountain Hardwear has YKK No. 3 knit taped zippers that operate like a breeze, a cinchable and adjustable three-piece hood, and doesn’t completely sop up every ounce of moisture. I keep it at the office for cooler weather runs and days where I may have forgotten a rain jacket (even though it’s not waterproof).

If you grew up camping, then Coleman’s Cascade Classic Camp Stove is probably something you used at some point. While I last used one over a decade ago, it hasn’t changed all that much (and you’ll find that many from decades past are still usable). The two-burner setup is great for prepping as much as possible at the same time, while the ignition is always reliable.

The Keen Targhee is a classic hiking boot. And earlier this year the Targhee Apex was ushered in to create a low, more sneaker-like version of the boot. I was wearing it quite a bit in the spring and it’s got the same great construction and traction of the boot, while still providing good stability in a more nimble option.

Rumpl changed the camp blanket game back in the early aughts, and it remains one of the best out there. The smart details are what set it apart: corner staking loops, a cape clip for wearing it like a throw, and weather resistance.

It’s hard to beat the best, and the Helinox Chair One is just that in the camp chair space. The sturdiness and comfort you get with such a small packing footprint is second to none. It’s seriously the best camp chair that fits in just about any packing scenario.