REI’s Labor Day Sale Is Here — And Lots of Wirecutter Faves Are Included

by | Aug 24, 2025 | Product Reviews | 0 comments

REI’s Labor Day Sale Is Here — And Lots of Wirecutter Faves Are Included

The best car-camping tent for two

Cozy up in a tent that’s durable, lightweight, and spacious, with ample three-season weather protection and a livability that testers loved. It’s easy to set up and pack away, and the full-mesh dome allows for stargazing when skies are clear.

Other things to know: Recently updated with symmetrical doors and an interior canopy cord that adds extra stabilization in wind and space for hanging gear. Comes with only six ground stakes. The less of the rain fly you use at campgrounds, the less privacy you have. Footprint included.

Read more: The Best Camping Tents

A durable sleeping bag with comfy features

Our top car-camping sleeping bag is warm, roomy, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean. It feels great on the skin, comes in a newly expanded size range, and is free of knowingly added PFAS and filled with Bluesign-approved recycled poly.

Other things to know: A recommendation since 2017. Unzips into a quilt. Hood works with a standard-size pillow from home. Has less padding and loft than our other picks. REI’s warranty on Co-op gear is limited, but its return policy is generous.

Read more: The Best Sleeping Bag

A generous two-person sleeping bag

One of the roomiest we tested, this queen-size sleeping bag is ideal for car campers who bunk together. It has an easy-to-clean water-resistant shell, side zippers, foot vents, and two sewn-in interior quilts, so each sleeper can adjust their own side.

Other things to know: Backed by a lifetime warranty. Rated to below 20 °F but lacks draft tubes or cinchable hood; it kept our testers warm in temps below the low 50s. Stuff sack included. Unfortunately not as low as the last deal we shared, but it has recently seen a price hike.

Read more: The Best Sleeping Bag

An ultralight bag for budget-conscious backpackers

This 850-fill-down bag weighs just 20 ounces in its smallest size and costs much less than many others in its class. It’s an accessible choice for people who want to take a first step into ultralight backpacking, with a great hood and zipper, too.

Other things to know: Comfortable enough, though the narrow-size cut was constrictive, and the nylon shell had that slippery, ultralight-fabric feel. Available in three lengths and three widths for a total of nine unisex size options.

Read more: The Best Sleeping Bag

A self-inflating sleeping pad that’s stood the test of time

We’ve been using our test-model LuxuryMap for seven years and counting. It has extra foam and an air pocket on top, placed exactly where the body exerts more pressure; this design provides better comfort and prevents the pad from bottoming out overnight. Sleepers of all types (back, side, and stomach) found it comfortable and warm.

Other things to know: Easier to inflate, deflate, roll, and store than any other pad we tested. At 3 inches thick, it’s notably warm and good for colder ground temps. Street price has increased exponentially since 2020. Deal price is for the regular size.

Read more: The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping

The most comfortable sleeping pad we’ve tested

Testers say our newly revamped car-camping pick for couples feels more like a real mattress than a sleeping pad. Containing 4 inches of self-inflating foam and air cores, it won’t bounce when your partner moves, and it’s warm enough for year-round use. It’s even ideal for side sleepers.

Other things to know: Outer fabric repels dirt and moisture. Three sizes, but the smallest may be too small for some adults to comfortably share. Deflating without a pump is a bear. Five-year warranty on defects; the company will repair rips and leaks for a fee.

Read more: The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping

A dreamy hammock that packs down small

The two-person version of our top portable hammock pick is just as breathable and quick-drying, made of silky, high-tenacity nylon. It’s light enough to take to the backcountry but comfortable enough for the backyard, with triple-stitched seams for durability.

Other things to know: Doesn’t come with suspension straps for hanging. Compared with cotton material, the nylon of this model might tear slightly more easily. Attached storage sack becomes a pouch for your gear when the hammock is in use.

Read more: The Best Portable Hammock

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