🎁The Best Black Friday Deals for Hikers and Backpackers🛒

It’s the perfect time to gear up for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a weekend hiker, these deals on outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories will help you save big while preparing for your next journey. From lightweight tents to high-performance hiking boots, we’ve rounded up the best discounts to ensure you’re ready for any trail.

The Story Behind Black Friday

Black Friday is far more than just a day of discounts—it has grown into a global event that kicks off the holiday shopping frenzy. But how did this single day become such an iconic part of modern culture? Let’s explore the evolution of Black Friday through the years.

The Beginning

The term “Black Friday” originally had nothing to do with sales. Back in the 1950s, it was used by Philadelphia police to describe the disorderly crowds and traffic jams that filled the streets the day after Thanksgiving. With both shoppers and football fans flooding the city, it was a logistical nightmare for law enforcement trying to manage the chaos.

The Shift to Profit

By the 1980s, the phrase “Black Friday” took on a new meaning. Retailers began to embrace it as a reflection of their financial success. Traditionally, businesses operated at a loss (“in the red”) for most of the year, but Black Friday marked the moment when sales surged enough to put stores “in the black,” meaning they were finally turning a profit. This shift made Black Friday an appealing day for retailers to offer significant discounts and promotions, signaling the start of the holiday shopping season.

The Sales Boom

In the 1990s, Black Friday truly began to gain momentum across the United States. Retailers began opening their doors earlier than ever, some even at the crack of dawn or in the dead of night, offering incredible deals to attract throngs of shoppers. Black Friday became synonymous with bargain hunting, and consumers began planning their holiday shopping around these deep discounts.

A Global Phenomenon

By the early 2000s, Black Friday had made its way beyond American borders. As online shopping boomed, global retailers adopted the event, offering enticing deals for shoppers everywhere. Major e-commerce platforms like Amazon led the charge, giving people the chance to score discounts without leaving home. What was once a U.S. tradition soon became an international retail spectacle, with other countries like Canada and the UK jumping on the bandwagon.

The Rise of Cyber Monday

As the digital shopping landscape evolved, the concept of Cyber Monday emerged in the early 2000s. It offered an online shopping alternative to Black Friday’s in-store chaos, with deals exclusively available on the internet. Over time, both Black Friday and Cyber Monday became part of a larger “Holiday Shopping Weekend,” marking a period of significant consumer spending, both in stores and online.

Present Day

Today, Black Friday is no longer just a single day—it’s an entire season of sales. Retailers often begin their promotions days, or even weeks, ahead of time. This expansion has transformed Black Friday into a month-long shopping event, with stores and online retailers vying for attention and spending. Whether it’s the excitement of in-person shopping or the convenience of online deals, Black Friday has evolved into a massive global retail occasion.

Top Black Friday Deals for Hikers

1. Hiking Boots at 30-50% Off

Stay comfortable on rugged trails with high-quality hiking boots from brands like Merrell, Salomon, and Columbia. Look for waterproof options and breathable designs at significant discounts.

2. Lightweight Tents at 40% Off

Upgrade your camping game with lightweight, durable tents. Popular options from brands like REI, Big Agnes, and MSR are available for a fraction of their usual price.

3. Backpacks Up to 45% Off

Find ergonomic and spacious backpacks from Osprey, Deuter, and Gregory. Perfect for both day hikes and multi-day adventures.

4. Sleeping Bags and Pads at 35% Off

Snag deals on cozy sleeping bags and lightweight sleeping pads to enhance your overnight camping comfort. Look for insulated options for cold-weather adventures.

5. Outerwear and Base Layers at 40% Off

Stay warm and dry with discounts on Gore-Tex jackets, fleece layers, and moisture-wicking base layers. Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and North Face have great offers this year.

6. Navigation Gear at 30% Off

Get GPS devices, compasses, and trail maps on sale. Brands like Garmin and Suunto have amazing Black Friday discounts.

7. Water Filtration Systems at 25% Off

Ensure clean drinking water on your hikes with discounted water filters and purifiers from brands like LifeStraw and Sawyer.

8. Trekking Poles at 30% Off

Protect your knees and improve balance with high-quality trekking poles. Brands like Black Diamond and Leki are offering durable, lightweight options at a discount.

9. Portable Cooking Gear at 35% Off

Cook meals on the trail with compact stoves, cookware, and utensils. Check out deals on Jetboil systems, MSR stoves, and collapsible camping cookware.

10. Headlamps and Lanterns at 25% Off

Light up your adventures with rechargeable headlamps and LED lanterns. Brands like Petzl and Black Diamond are offering discounts on reliable, long-lasting lighting gear.

11. Hiking Apparel at 40% Off

Stock up on breathable, moisture-wicking hiking shirts, pants, and hats. Look for deals from Columbia, Outdoor Research, and Mountain Hardwear.

12. Hydration Packs and Water Bottles at 30% Off

Stay hydrated with discounted hydration packs from CamelBak and Osprey or pick up durable water bottles from Hydro Flask and Nalgene.

13. Multi-Tools at 25% Off

Get versatile tools for trail repairs and emergencies. Look for deals on Leatherman multi-tools and Swiss Army knives.

14. Trail Running Shoes at 35% Off

For hikers who prefer lighter footwear, trail running shoes from brands like Altra, HOKA, and Salomon are on sale. Perfect for fast-paced adventures.

15. Sun Protection Gear at 30% Off

Protect yourself from harsh UV rays with deals on sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen from brands like Buff, Costa, and Coola.

16. Camp Chairs and Hammocks at 40% Off

Relax after a long day of hiking with lightweight, packable camp chairs or hammocks. Look for discounts on Helinox chairs and ENO hammocks.

Tips to Maximize Your Savings

• Shop Early: Many Black Friday deals start weeks before the official date, so keep an eye out for early bird discounts.
• Use Coupons: Stack coupons and cashback offers to save even more.
• Compare Prices: Check multiple retailers for the best deal on your desired item.
• Subscribe to Newsletters: Brands often share exclusive deals and promo codes with their subscribers.

Where to Find These Deals

• Amazon: Offers steep discounts across all hiking and backpacking categories.
• REI Co-op: Renowned for its outdoor gear, REI’s Black Friday sale is a must-visit for adventurers.
• Backcountry: Look for sitewide deals on premium brands.
• Walmart & Target: Great for budget-friendly gear and essentials.

Why Shop for Hiking Gear on Black Friday?

Black Friday provides a unique opportunity to invest in high-quality hiking gear without breaking the bank. By taking advantage of these deals, you can explore the outdoors with better equipment and more confidence, all while staying within your budget.

Conclusion

This Black Friday, gear up for less with these incredible deals for hikers and backpackers. From hiking boots to sleeping bags, now’s the time to upgrade your adventure essentials. Don’t miss out—shop early to snag the best deals before they’re gone!

Ready to save big? Check out our curated list of the best Black Friday deals for hikers and backpackers and prepare for your next adventure.