Gear for the Masses: REI's Labor Day Sale and the Democratization of Outdoor Gear REI's annual Labor Day Sale has become a staple of the outdoor industry, offering deep discounts on top brands and housewares that send gear enthusiasts into a frenzy.
This year's sale features savings of up to 40 percent on items like backpacking tents, sleeping bags, and stoves. Beneath the surface of REI's sales lies a more profound trend: the democratization of outdoor gear.
High end outdoor brands have expanded their product lines in recent years, making premium gear more accessible to consumers.