Published November 6, 2026 05:33AM
I love Black Friday. I also hate Black Friday. Sure, you can snag unbelievable bargains on outdoor gear on what’s become the national holiday of capitalism, but it’s also easy to get lost in the digital vortex. There are just so many sales to choose from, and often those sales are limited to a brief window. Decision paralysis and exhaustion ensue—even if you haven’t loaded up on tryptophan-laced turkey.
That said, I’m happy to report that Backcountry’s Early Black Friday sale starts today, November 6th. While the online outfitter will add heaps of gear to the sale as Black Friday approaches, the early sale gives bargain hunters weeks to shop.
Even better? Right now, Backcountry is offering up to 20% off full-price items and an extra 10 to 20% off clearance, from high-end brands like The North Face, Blundstone, Dakine, Black Diamond, and more. No code necessary, just add your wish list gear and the discount shows up in your cart when you’re signed in to your (free) Summit Club Membership. And if you’re a Summit+ Member, you get even more savings, like an extra $50 cash back on certain deals.
This is pretty cool. I write about the best gear sales every month for Outside, and this discount code gives shoppers a rare opportunity to scoop up current gear (not last season’s inventory) at a double-digit discount. To celebrate, I rounded up 20 picks from Backcountry’s Early Black Friday Sale, all of which I’ve personally tested or am currently putting on the chopping block here in Tahoe.
Long story short: keep reading for my top picks or check out the sale in its entirety here.
One Deal We’re Obsessed With
20% Off The North Face’s Summit Nuptse Jacket
Three decades after its debut, The North Face dug into the archives and dropped an alpine-ready version of the iconic Nuptse Jacket (available in both men’s and women’s styles). Generously stuffed with 800-fill goose down (Backcountry’s current product description says 700-fill, but The North Face claims higher-grade 800-fill down here), the Summit Nuptse puffy is as warm as they come. I love the boxy cut and classic color-blocked colorways—style elements that are at home in mountain towns and metros alike. In my opinion, this puffy is overkill on the slopes, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it as a winter camping basecamp parka or a belay puffy. That said, you can also deploy it as a daily winter essential, whether you’re partaking in parking lot après at your local ski resort or on a frigid dog walk.
The Best Ski and Snowboard Deals from Backcountry’s Early Black Friday Sale
Up to 40% Off Smith Method Pro MIPS Helmet and Squad MAG Goggle
This pairing of the Smith Method Pro MIPS helmet and the Squad MAG goggle has everything I’m looking for in a helmet-and-goggle combo. The helmet offers solid protection thanks to a MIPS liner and in-mold construction, while the grid-style ear pads are comfortable and removable to boot. I love the low-profile silhouette of the helmet, the built-in ventilation, and the quick-and-easy magnetic buckle. It’s also light enough for me to bring on backcountry tours. The Method Pro’s flat brim fits seamlessly with the Squad MAG, a stylish cylindrical goggle that features Smith’s streamlined lens interchangeability system and top-of-the-line ChromaPop contrast-enhancing lens tech. Separately, I’m a big fan of these Smith options, but together, they’re a dynamic duo that can seriously amp up your on-hill enjoyment.
Up to 40% Off Smartwool Base Layers
I’ve never had a pair of Smartwool base layers that I haven’t liked—and that’s saying something, as I’ve tested enough of the brand’s thermal merino offerings over the last 15 years to have a fresh set of long johns for every day of the week. One of the alluring aspects of merino wool, however, is the natural fiber’s antimicrobial and anti-odor properties, so if you’re traveling, camping, or only have one set, you can wear these Smartwool pieces multiple days in a row without inciting the ire of your ski buddies. These base layers are crafted from 100% merino wool, and the mid-heavyweight fabric is toasty and ready for sub-zero days on the slopes.
Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Kit: Spend $800+ on Outerwear, Get $50 Cash Back
I just got my hands on this Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro kit last week, and I took it out during the first snowfall of the season here in Tahoe. It withstood fat, sopping flakes with no problem—unsurprising considering that it’s crafted with Gore-Tex Pro, what many (myself included) consider to be the best-in-class membrane for skiing and snowboarding. I was surprised, however, by how much I dug the style (the two-tone red is unabashedly fly), and I love how the pant and jacket zip together for extra defense on the deepest of days. I can’t offer anything beyond these first impressions right now, but if you’re in the market for premium outerwear—and want to save some money while you’re at it—this Scandinavian alpine armor merits a closer look.
Save on This Lightweight, Skintrack-Ready Norrona More Kit
While I appreciate the breathability of a softshell kit for touring, I love to chase powder and shred through storm cycles. I also call the moisture-prone Sierra home. As such, I often gravitate toward a less breathable but more waterproof hardshell. Enter Norrona’s More outerwear—a featherweight option that skintrack regulars will appreciate.
The Gore-Tex weatherproofing is on point when winter storm warnings roll in, while the 40D face fabric and a no-frills feature set keep weight low. It’s not the most durable jacket in my closet, but it’s one of the most capable in its weight class and one I reach for on backyard adventures and international trips alike. The low-slung bib is a highlight of the kit, too: the cut is high enough to keep powder from soaking your base layers, but low enough that you won’t overheat as much while touring.
The Best Camping Deals from Backcountry’s Early Black Friday Sale
20% Off Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad
Gram-counting backpackers won’t even consider this Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad. But if you prioritize comfort over pack weight, the 4.6-inch-thick NeoLoft is worth considering, especially if you split time between moderate backpacking missions and car camping adventures. My favorite feature is the curvature of the side rails, which keep you from falling off the comfy, supportive, well-insulated sleeping pad onto cold, hard ground.
20% Off The North Face Universal Wawona 3 Tent
The tried-and-true Wawona tent series has long been a favorite of Outside staff, but the new Universal 3-person version is an entirely fresh addition to the lineup. Essentially, it’s designed using “universal design” principles, which seek to improve outdoor accessibility and inclusivity. Noteworthy additions on that front include a massive, floor-to-ceiling vestibule that can fit two wheelchairs and a leash attachment for service dogs. This tent is truly universal, though, as any campers will appreciate the vertical space, durable materials, and painless setup.
20% Off Snow Peak Takibi Fire & Grill
Equal parts fire pit, grill, and campground centerpiece, Snow Peak’s Takibi will change the way you camp more than any other piece of gear in this guide. Forged from stainless steel, the Japanese-made fire pit is built to last. While the heirloom-quality build isn’t lightweight, intentional design makes folding, transporting, and storing it relatively chill. The raised, removable grill is a welcome tool if you’re looking to get into open-fire cooking—one best paired with wagyu steaks, fresh-caught trout, sizzling prawns, and other such delicacies. And Snow Peak makes veritable mountains of accessories, so you can customize your Takibi setup to your camp cooking needs.
The Best Travel Deals at Backcountry Right Now
20% Off DB Snow Roller Pro
I love DB’s Snow Roller Pro for a few reasons. First off, an internal “ribcage” protects contents in transit. The versatile roller handles both skis and boards thanks to an adjustable length that fits 203-centimeter skis and chubby, volume-shifted snowboards. The wheels are beefy, and the handle connects to the DB 90L Hugger Roller Bag for near-effortless one-handed steering. But as someone with limited gear storage at home, my favorite feature is that the Snow Roller Pro rolls up into a compact, easy-to-stash bundle when you’re not using it. All told, it’s a welcome addition to any powder-chaser’s arsenal, and a great gift for anyone you tolerate enough to invite on a ski trip.
Up to 30% Off Our Favorite Rolling Duffel: Patagonia Black Hole 70L Wheeled Duffel
This rolling Black Hole Wheeled Duffel features the same tester-beloved armored fabric, pocket configuration, and heavy-duty lash points. However, it’s much more expensive, but you get a ton of utility for the extra outlay, with oversized wheels and a telescoping handle for easy maneuvering in international airports and crowded subway stations. This is my go-to for powder pilgrimages to Japan, British Columbia, you name it.
