Back-to-school deals are flooding outdoor retailers as summer winds down, giving families a chance to outfit students with gear that can handle both classroom walls and trailheads.
Clearance finds at REI Co‑op
REI’s clearance section is stocked with items cut by up to 40 percent. The REI Co‑op Sahara Shade Hoodie, originally $60, now sells for $30 and offers UPF 50+ sun protection, a feature useful for desert hikes and sunny school days alike.
Footwear also sees savings. The Hoka Clifton 10, a road‑running shoe priced at $155, is available for $125, a 19 percent reduction that applies to teen athletes and adult joggers.
Camping gear remains on sale despite the academic calendar. A Marmot Limelight 2‑Person Tent, normally $339, is listed for $250, reflecting a 26 percent markdown tied to a discontinued colorway.
Hydration basics are cheap too. REI’s 16‑ounce Nalgene bottles, often $15, drop to $10, a 33 percent cut that encourages more water intake for students on the go.
For younger campers, the REI Co‑op Kindercamp 40 sleeping bag, originally $70, now costs $52, a 25 percent reduction that still includes a synthetic fill and plush lining.
Kids’ apparel and accessories
Patagonia’s R1 Air Full‑Zip Jacket for kids, usually $115, is discounted to $80, a 30 percent saving that makes the technical fleece more accessible for school‑age wear.
Hot Chillys youth wool trail socks, sold in a four‑pack for $60, are now $39, offering a 35 percent cut that helps families replace worn pairs without breaking the budget.
Helly Hansen’s Storm Playsuit for toddlers, a weather‑proof one‑piece typically $150, is listed for $90, a 40 percent markdown that keeps the youngest students warm through early fall.
The North Face ThermoBall Hooded Insulated Jacket, originally $140, now retails for $100, reflecting a 28 percent reduction that still delivers recycled synthetic insulation for chilly mornings.
Backpack bargains
The SIGG + Mammut Lithium 25 backpack bundle, normally $169, is priced at $135, a 20 percent cut plus an extra 10 percent off when shoppers apply code “SAVE10EXTRA” at checkout.
Topo Designs’ Rover backpack, known for its retro colorblocking and padded 15‑inch laptop sleeve, drops from $109 to $76, a 30 percent discount that appeals to college commuters.
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Deuter’s Kikki backpack, while not on sale, remains a low‑cost option at $60, offering animal‑themed designs that attract younger buyers.
Mammut’s warehouse clearance continues with several pieces under additional promotion. The Haldigrat HS Hooded Jacket for men, originally $649, now sells for $438, a 33 percent reduction plus the extra 10 percent code.
Mammut’s Massone Bra Top, a racerback tank with built‑in support, is reduced from $89 to $54, a 40 percent saving that makes the functional apparel affordable for active students.
The Trovat Summer Shirt for men, a hemp‑cotton blend short‑sleeve button‑up, falls from $89 to $62, providing a versatile option for both campus events and weekend hikes.
Specialty gear for cyclists
Pearl Izumi’s clearance includes bike‑specific clothing and accessories, with items like insulated jackets and merino socks priced well below their usual retail rates, though exact figures vary by product.
Meanwhile, Bogner’s late‑summer sale, though still above average outdoor‑gear prices, offers preppy polos and cashmere sweaters at reduced rates, catering to shoppers seeking a more polished look.
These discounts illustrate how retailers are clearing inventory to make room for fall and winter collections, creating a window for budget‑conscious shoppers.
For families juggling school supplies, extracurricular activities, and everyday expenses, the timing of these sales can ease financial pressure.
Parents can secure essential gear now and avoid higher costs later in the season when demand spikes and discounts disappear.
Retailers report that the surge in back‑to‑school shopping has already boosted foot traffic, and the continued promotion of clearance items suggests they expect the trend to persist through September.
According to the REI clearance page, inventory levels vary by region, so shoppers are encouraged to verify local stock before heading to the store.
