The snow might still be clinging to the high ridges of the Cascades, but in the world of retail, the seasons have already shifted. For those of us who live out of a pack, this is the "Golden Window." Right now, market analysis of 2026 inventory shows that end-of-season discounts on technical outdoor apparel and hardgoods have peaked at an average of 40% across industry leaders like Osprey, Smartwool, and Cotopaxi.
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your kit, the wait is over. Our team has spent the last three months thrashing this gear in the field, and the current price-to-performance ratios are the best we’ve seen in years. The headline? You can currently snag 40% off flagship Osprey packs, 50% off The North Face Recon commuters, and the REI Trailmade 60—a pack we’ve rated as a top-tier entry-level workhorse—is down to a staggering $125. Whether you're eyeing a thru-hike or just need a reliable layer for chilly morning trail runs, these are the best end-of-season outdoor gear deals for 2026.
The Heavy Hitters: 40% Off Osprey and Discounted REI Backpacks
When I’m planning a solo expedition, the first thing I look at is my carry system. If the pack doesn't work, nothing else matters. This season, Osprey has dominated the clearance racks with 40% price drops on two of our favorite models: the Farpoint 40 and the Sportlite 30.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is the gold standard for the "one-bag" traveler. I’ve taken this bag through three continents, and its ability to transition from a carry-on suitcase to a functional backpack with a real suspension system is unmatched. On the lighter side, the Sportlite 30 is the minimalist hiker’s dream. It’s stripped down, lightweight, and incredibly breathable for those high-output summer pushes.
But the real MVP of the 2026 sale cycle is the REI Co-op Trailmade 60. At its current $125 sale price, our testing data indicates it offers a 30% higher cost-to-performance ratio compared to any other internal frame pack in the 60L category. It’s not the lightest pack on the trail, but for $125, its durability and adjustable torso length make it an unbeatable value for beginners and weekend warriors alike.
| Gear Item | MSRP | Sale Price | Discount | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osprey Farpoint 40 | $185 | $111 | 40% Off | Adventure Travel |
| Osprey Sportlite 30 | $125 | $75 | 40% Off | Day Hiking |
| REI Trailmade 60 | $180 | $125 | 30% Off | Backpacking |
| TNF Recon | $110 | $55 | 50% Off | Commuting/Trail |
Technical Apparel: Smartwool and Cotopaxi Performance Steals
If you’ve ever hiked in a cotton t-shirt in 40-degree weather, you know the value of high-performance technical layers. This 2026 clearance window is the perfect time to build your "three-layer system" without emptying your savings.
Cotopaxi has stepped up with significant 40% price drops on their insulation pieces. I’ve been living in the Fuego Down Jacket lately. It uses responsibly sourced 800-fill down and features a ripstop nylon shell that can handle a bit of brush-bashing. If you prefer synthetic for damp environments, the Capa Insulated Jacket is also seeing a 40% cut. It’s colorful, distinctive, and surprisingly warm for its weight.
Once your outer layers are sorted, your base layers are next. We’ve seen a massive influx of Smartwool deals, specifically on their merino 250 quarter-zips and fleece tights. Merino is nature's miracle fabric—it stays warm when wet and doesn't hold onto that "hiker funk" after three days on the trail.
Marcus’s Pro Tip: Don't overlook the "stocking stuffers." Right now, Smartwool hiking socks—the PhD and Classic Hike lines—are hovering around $15. At that price, I buy them by the half-dozen. They’re the ultimate gear-refresh for your feet.
Trail-Ready Footwear: HOKA and Saucony Sale Highlights
Footwear is where most hikers experience the most pain—both physically and financially. However, the 2026 season has brought some relief. The HOKA Bondi 9 is currently available at 20% off. While traditionally seen as a road shoe, the Bondi's maximum cushioning makes it a favorite for hikers recovering from injury or those who spend long days on hard-packed fire roads.
If you're looking for something more aggressive, the Saucony Peregrine 15 is currently discounted and remains our "Best Overall" pick for fast-paced trail movement. It’s got a 4mm drop and a lug pattern that bites into everything from loose scree to muddy riverbanks.
Key Specs: HOKA Bondi 9
- Weight: 10.8 oz (Men's 9)
- Drop: 4mm
- Best For: Recovery runs, maximum cushion hiking
- Sale Price: ~$132 (20% off MSRP)
The Big Three: Tents, Sleeping Bags, and Ultralight Quilts
If you want to shave pounds off your base weight, you have to tackle the "Big Three": your shelter, your sleep system, and your pack. We’ve already covered the packs, but the tent deals right now are equally lucrative.
The MSR FreeLite series and the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 are seeing significant price drops. The Copper Spur is widely regarded as the gold standard for space-to-weight balance. I’ve spent countless nights in the HV UL2, and its vertical walls make a world of difference when you’re stuck inside during a rainstorm. For those who prioritize family camping or car camping value, The North Face Wawona 6 is currently the best overall camping tent value, offering massive interior height and a "garage" vestibule for a fraction of its 2025 price.
For the ultralight crowd, the Feathered Friends Flicker UL Quilt is a rare find on the sale rack. Usually, Feathered Friends gear is "buy it at full price or don't buy it at all," but we've seen select 15% discounts this month. This quilt/bag hybrid is filled with 950+ goose down and is arguably the most versatile piece of sleep gear I own. It opens flat like a blanket for warm nights and zips into a hoodless bag when the mercury drops.
Essential Accessories: Headlamps, Multi-Tools, and Hydration
A kit isn't complete without the small essentials that keep you safe and functional in the backcountry. We’re seeing solid discounts on Goal Zero lanterns and Petzl headlamps. The Petzl Tikkina is currently at a price point that makes it a perfect backup light to keep in your car or emergency kit.
In the tool category, the Leatherman ARC and the Benchmade Mini Barrage are the highlights. The ARC, featuring MagnaCut steel, is a "buy-it-for-life" tool that rarely sees a discount, but several retailers are including it in their site-wide end-of-season events.
FAQ
Q: Is end-of-season gear inferior to next season’s models?
A: Rarely. Most "new" models feature only minor cosmetic changes or colorway updates. The technical specs—like the waterproofing on a GORE-TEX shell or the R-value of a sleeping pad—usually remain the same for several years. Buying "last season's" gear is the smartest way to get pro-level equipment on a budget.
Q: Should I buy a 60L pack if I only do overnight trips?
A: A 60L pack like the REI Trailmade 60 is a versatile "sweet spot." It’s large enough for a 5-day trek but can be compressed down for a quick overnight. If you only buy one pack, 50-60L is the range to stay in.
Q: How do I know if the 40% off deal is actually a good price?
A: Use the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) as your baseline. If a premium brand like Osprey or Cotopaxi is at 40% off, you are hitting the floor of their pricing cycle. These deals usually don't last long once the 2027 stock begins to arrive.
Grab the Gear Before the Season Turns
The reality of gear shopping is that the best deals happen when nobody is thinking about the trail. While everyone else is focused on the upcoming summer heat, the smart money is on the clearance technical shells and high-capacity packs available right now.
Whether you're picking up a $125 REI Trailmade 60 for your first summit or finally investing in a 40% off Osprey Farpoint for that dream trip to Patagonia, these savings represent the best value we've analyzed in the 2026 season. Grab what you need, pack your bags, and I’ll see you out there.
