What outdoor gear deals can I expect this Black Friday?

Introduction

Let’s be honest—waiting for Black Friday to score gear feels like being a kid on Christmas Eve, but with more adulting and credit card juggling. Whether you're stalking deals on tents, dreaming of a new sleep system, or finally replacing that jacket that smells like wet dog and regret, Black Friday is *the* time to make it happen. Just remember: the early hiker gets the deal, and the late scroller gets the “out of stock” blues. (Trust me, been there. Stung.)

Why Black Friday Matters for Outdoor Gear

Outdoor brands aren’t shy about slashing prices when Black Friday rolls around. Why? They’re clearing shelf space faster than a marmot stealing your trail mix. Here’s why it’s the best time to stock up:

• Inventory turnover: Old season, meet markdowns. New season, make room.
• Bundle bonanza: Headlamps + filters + multitools = juicy combo deals.
• Retail wars: REI, Amazon, niche brands—they're all out to win your clicky-clicks.

It’s also when you can prep for upcoming trips without paying full price. If you're into ultralight backpacking, this is your moment to snag that fancy featherweight tent that normally costs more than your rent.

Gear Deals by Category

Not all gear is discounted equally, so let's break it down by type:

Tents & Sleeping Gear

Expect 30-60% off on quality tents, sleeping bags, and pads. Pro tip: bundle deals often include a sleep system (pad + bag) with a discount kicker. Look for last season’s models—they’re just as good and way cheaper.

Apparel & Outerwear

We’re talking jackets, fleeces, rain gear, and base layers. Discounts typically land between 20–50%, especially on past-season colors. Earth-tones forever, neon banana yellow? Not so much.

Footwear

Boots, trail runners, camp shoes—Black Friday is the perfect time to upgrade your stinky foot game. You can usually find 25–50% off, especially if you check sizing early. Oh, and if you’re wondering what boots are best for beginners, we’ve covered that too.

Accessories

• Headlamps: Up to 40% off on major brands
• Stoves & cookware: Discounts range widely—especially solid for dispersed campers (yes, you can cook on a wood stove)
• Filters, multi-tools, gadgets: Smaller items = huge markdown opportunities

Tips to Snag the Best Black Friday Outdoor Deals

• Start early: Many brands begin “pre-Black Friday” sales mid-November
• Wishlist it: Make a gear list now, so you’re not panic-buying a neon hammock at 3am
• Know your price points: MSRP vs fake “discounts” is a game—learn to play it
• Returns matter: Especially for boots and apparel. Don’t get stuck with regret pants

And if you plan to camp through cold weather, this is a great time to snag cold gear layers. Just check out our cold-weather backpacking guide to avoid becoming a human popsicle.

What NOT to Do During Black Friday Sales

• Impulse buys: A glow-in-the-dark tent might sound cool until you’re actually glowing all night in bear country
• Off-brand junk: Don’t waste money on no-name gear that rips before you even unzip it
• Forget the basics: It’s not all about big-ticket stuff—headlamps, socks, and base layers matter too

And for the love of Leave No Trace, don’t buy gear you’ll never use. If you’re not actually going off-grid, you prob don’t need that ultralight titanium spork set shaped like a carabiner.

Conclusion

Black Friday is your chance to finally gear up without crying into your wallet. Make your wishlist, budget smart, and don’t let flashy fake discounts fool you. Be the early bird, not the burnt marshmallow. Oh, and if I misspeled anything, blame it on too much campsite coffee.

Want to level up? Grab the Hike More Worry Less Funny Hiking T-Shirt and hit the trail like you mean it. It’s comfy, durable, and cooler than whatever I wore last trip.