Published August 18, 2026 11:07AM
The Best August Sales to Shop
We prefer nice hikes to price hikes around here. The cost of gear has no doubt been on the rise as of late, but luckily, late-summer sales are finally here, making it the perfect opportunity to stock up on backpacking and hiking gear.
Our team of singletrack-loving, sale-crunching gear nerds sifted through mountains of discounted gear to bring you 17 deals that are worth checking out right now. Below, you’ll find backpacking backpacks and ultralight tents from Backcountry’s semi-annual summer sale, tried-and-true Patagonia apparel for uncharacteristically low prices, and footwear from REI for the old-school hiking boot gang and fast-and-light trail runner loyalists alike. Long story short? Consider this the start of the PCT: the Price Cut Trail.
[Editor’s Note: that was a bad joke, but the sales are pretty good.]
Top 3 August Gear Deals
🌧️ Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket ($132, was $189)
Backcountry Summer Semi-Annual Sale
Backcountry’s semi-annual summer sale has discounts of up to 60 percent off on everything from headlamps to hydration essentials.
Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum Tent for $455 ($650)
One of our favorite ultralight tents, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum has a packed weight of 2 lbs, 3 ounces, and a fast-pitch weight of 1 lb, 9 ounces. Weight savings come courtesy of a gossamer nylon ripstop mesh canopy, a hydrophobic HyperBead nylon ripstop rainfly, and DAC Featherlite poles. Dollar savings come courtesy of Backcountry’s semi-annual summer sale.
Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp for $60 ($80)
Murphy’s law: if you pack a headlamp on a hike, you probably won’t need it. If you don’t pack it, the opposite is true. All jokes aside, a solid headlamp like the powerful, dimmable, rechargeable Black Diamond Spot 400-R can be a literal lifesaver. And the 25 percent discount is a wallet-saver, too.
Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack for $112 ($150)
Murphy is a good name for a dog. If you have a dog, whether their name is Murphy or something else, like Javier, Vilhem the Protector, or Potato, the Ruffwear Palisades Dog Pack is a gamechanger on the trail. (How’s that for a segue?) A saddlebag-style kibble hauler with a comfy harness, the Palisades helps your pooch carry their own weight, and, most importantly, feces. If you love to hike and backpack with your fur baby, this is a must-have essential, and it’s now 25 percent off.
Rab Veil 6L Pack for $112 ($160)
For trail runs, day hikes, and fast-and-light missions, the Rab Veil 6L Pack is a dream. It comes with two soft flasks tucked into the holster-style front pockets, with plenty of room for snacks, more water, and a light layer in the main rear compartment. The Rab vest is now on sale during Backcountry’s summer sale for 30 percent off, freeing up some budget for aforementioned snacks.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Trekking Poles for $117 ($180)
Trekking poles are a huge help on steep, techy trails, and many hikers and backpackers prefer carbon-crafted options to keep kit weight to a minimum. Of course, one of the main downsides of carbon trekking poles is that they’re much pricier than aluminum options. Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon Trekking Poles, for instance, weigh a mere 10 ounces in the 110-centimeter size, making them a go-to for ultra-runners and trekkers, but they do cost a pretty penny. Luckily, they’re on sale for 35 percent off during Backcountry’s summer clearance event.
Backcountry Backpacking Packs on Sale for up to 45% Off
Backcountry has a bunch of backpacking backpacks (say that three times fast) on sale at the moment. Check out all of those backpacks here, or take a peek at a couple of our favorites below.
Mountain Hardwear PCT 50L Backpack – Women’s for $196 ($280)
Mountain Hardwear’s PCT 50L has everything you need—and a few things you might just want—to hit the trail. A robust frame, ample suspension, and plenty of padding facilitate comfortable carrying, while the adjustable torso helps dial in fit. Organizational features galore include a slew of internal and external pockets, plenty of attachment points, and a removable brain. Best of all? The pack is now on sale for 30 percent off.
Granite Gear Blaze 60L Backpack for $241 ($345)
A perennial favorite, the Granite Gear Blaze 60L is the ultimate gear-hauler. Thanks to a structured foam back panel, plush shoulder straps, a comfortable hip belt, and an adjustable frame, the Blaze can handle a heavy load better than most packs in its weight class. We’re also big fans of Granite Gear’s streamlined buckles and straps, as well as the stretchy exterior pockets, which boost carrying capacity and make trekking with wet gear less of a chore. While our testers are happy to pay full retail on this one, we never say no to 30 percent off.
Patagonia’s Huge Summer Sale
Alert! Patagonia is having a huge summer clearance event. To be quite honest, this doesn’t happen often, so it’s worth heading to Patagonia’s site to get a full lay of the land. Or you can check out our recent guide to the sale here. If that doesn’t interest you, we’ve also pulled a few of our favorite pieces below.
Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket for $132 ($189)
Typically, we think of Patagonia as being on the expensive side of the gear continuum. However, the outfitter’s Torrentshell line is an exception to the rule. Crafted from a durable, weatherproof, three-layer fabric with Patagonia’s proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane, the reasonably priced, tester-approved Torrentshell is more reliable than competitors that are twice the price. Factor in the current discount, and now is the perfect time to retire your tired rainwear.
Patagonia Women’s Capilene® Cool Daily Hoody for $41 ($69)
Patagonia sunshirts have a special place in our hearts—and wardrobe. They’re stretchy, comfy, moisture-wicking, and the ultimate defense against UV rays, which explains why they’re an obligatory piece of any adventurer’s warm-weather arsenal. Wear it once, and you’ll understand why Patagonia added the word “Daily” into the Capilene Cool Daily Hoody’s moniker. (Hint: you’ll wear it damn near everyday.) This is another piece that we don’t mind paying full retail for, but it’s even more attractive at 40 percent off!
Patagonia Terravia Pack 22L $87 ($145)
Unless you’re a featherweight fastpacker, the Patagonia Terravia 22L isn’t going to be an overnight companion. However, it’s a dreamy dayhiker thanks to the back panel and straps, which balance airy breathability with comfortable cushioning. It boasts all of the bits and bobs hikers appreciate, like trekking pole straps, hip-belt pockets for snacks on the go, and a removable raincover for inclement weather.
Patagonia Men’s R1® Air Fleece Midlayer Crewneck for $69 ($99)
A warm and cozy yet breathable crewneck stitched from a patterned, hollow-cored yarn, the R1 Air is a midlayer with a cult-like following. Whether you’re banging out emails at a coffee shop, climbing at the crag, or chasing a Fastest Known Time on an obscure stretch of trail, this technical fleece performs as well as it looks. At 30 percent off, this is a bargain we can’t pass up.
Patagonia Men’s Nano-Air® Ultralight Full-Zip Insulated Hoody for $174 ($249)
Weighing just over a half-pound, the Nano Air deserves its ultralight stripes. The petite Patagonia puffy is stuffed with a thin layer of 20g synthetic insulation that’s warm when wet and wicks like a candle factory. We love these stretchy, lightweight insulators for backpacking, backcountry skiing, climbing, steep hikes, and any high-output activity that has us breathing hard and putting out perspiration. Several of last year’s colorways are on sale for 30 percent off, and there’s currently a full size run on tap.
Stellar Summer Footwear Deals at REI
If it’s time to tell your hiking kicks to kick rocks, now’s a sweet time to score a discounted pair from REI. The Co-op has a ton of hiking boots, shoes, and trail runners on sale at the moment. Not only that, but REI has one of the best return policies in the outdoor industry, making it one of our favorite online stores to shop for footwear.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 GTX Trail-Running Shoes – Men’s for $137 ($170)
First of all, we’ve got to shout out the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX. A classic trail runner trusted by many a fast-packer and hard-hustlin’ hiker, the popular Speedgoat features best-in-class Gore-Tex waterproofing and similarly industry-best Vibram outsoles (replete with mud- and root-wrangling five-millimeter lugs). A structured heel collar; foot-wrapping, foam-molded sockliners; ample armor in the toe; and Hoka’s trail-slaying rockered outsole make speed and support top priorities. Savings might be an afterthought given the $170 premium price, but luckily REI has your back with 19 percent off.
Merrell Tempo Sol Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots for $80 ($100)
At 100 bucks MSRP, Merrell’s Tempo Sol Mid Hiking Boot is fairly priced out of the gate. You might notice that Merrell doesn’t license a waterproof membrane or an outsole from another company here, omissions that keep the price on the low side of the spectrum. However, Merrell outfitted the Tempo Sol with a waterproof-membraned suede leather outer and a hard-wearing, toothy rubber outsole, providing hikers with excellent bang for buck performance-wise. On warmer hikes, the mesh uppers let your dogs breathe. Best of all, both men’s and women’s versions of this well-reviewed, supportive mid-high hiker are currently on sale for 20 percent off.
On Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes – Women’s for $140 ($200)
A couple of On’s popular Cloudhorizon 2 colorways are on sale for 30 percent off. And if we’re being honest, we actually prefer the discounted colorways over the full-price ones. These kicks may be stylish enough for casual daily use, but grippy outsoles, rock- and shock-absorbing toe guards and midsoles, and waterproof uppers prove their worth on the trail.
Teva Hydratrek Sandals for $65 ($85)
Light enough to pack on a backpacking trip and grippy enough to tackle the trail while you’re at it, the Teva Hydratrek is a welcome addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s kit. The rubber outsoles offer welcome traction on creek crossings, whether you’re treating a log like a balance beam or feeling your way across slippery, submerged rocks. Classic Teva recycled polyester straps provide all day comfort and minimize chances of pesky blisters. These well-reviewed favorites are discontinued and available sizes are disappearing by the day, so don’t sleep on this one.
