New Year, New Trails: Why January Is the Best Time to Upgrade Your Outdoor Gear (Without Paying Full Price)

Jan 13

January is when we dream bigger.

New goals. New adventures. New bucket lists.
And for many of us, a quiet promise to spend more time outdoors this year.

If hiking, backpacking, or visiting a national park is anywhere on your 2026 vision board, this is one of the best times of the year to upgrade your gear or finally get started.

REI is currently offering up to 50% off past-season gear and apparel, and these are not low-quality leftovers. These are trusted brands, solid staples, and pieces that will serve you well on trails all year long.

👉 Shop current REI deals here

Why January REI Sales Are So Good

If you’re new to hiking or backpacking, or even if you’ve been at it for years, January sales are gold because:

Past-season gear performs just as well as new releases
You can upgrade safely without overspending
It’s a smart time to invest before spring crowds and price hikes

Early-year sales on outdoor and travel gear make it easier to invest intentionally. Whether you’re building your gear piece by piece or replacing items that no longer support how you adventure today.

REI Deals Worth Looking At Right Now

Here are a few categories I think are especially worth checking out:

🔥 Up to 50% Off Past-Season Gear

Patagonia
REI Co-op Brand
The North Face
Beyond Yoga

❄️ Winter & Layering Essentials

Up to 40% off jackets from Patagonia, REI Co-op, The North Face & Helly Hansen
25% off The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1 Jackets (members, through 1/19)

🏃‍♀️ Run & Fitness Clothing (Up to 50% Off)

REI Co-op Brand
rabbit
Arc’teryx

🚴 Cycling Deals (Up to 30% Off)

PEARL iZUMi
Shimano
Zoic

If you’re a beginner, this is the moment to grab solid basics, like layers, jackets, footwear, and packs—without the overwhelm of full-price shopping.

P.S. If you enjoy finding great deals, make sure you’re following me on Instagram.
I regularly share outdoor, hiking, and travel-related finds in my stories—anything I come across that’s a great value or genuinely useful for adventures.

👉 Follow along here: @grateful4living_lifecoach

New to Backpacking? Start Here (Free Guide)

One of the biggest mistakes I see beginners make is buying gear randomly—either too much or not the right stuff.

That’s why I created my Free Beginner’s Backpacking Gear Guide to help you:

Know what you actually need (and what you don’t)
Build confidence before your first trip
Avoid costly mistakes

👉 Download it here (free):
https://www.gratefulforliving.com/gflshop/p/backpackinggearguidebeginners

Pairing this guide with current REI sales is one of the smartest ways to start your outdoor journey.

Want Help Planning a Hiking Trip or National Park Adventure?

Gear is just one piece of the puzzle. Planning the trip—routes, timing, permits, lodging, logistics—is where many people get stuck.

If you’re dreaming of:

A first hiking or backpacking trip
Visiting a national park
A meaningful, well-planned outdoor adventure

I can help you put it all together.

✨ January Special:
My $500 Travel Planning Package is $349 for a limited time.

👉 Book here and use the discount automatically:
https://www.gratefulforliving.com/gflshop/p/travelplanningconsulting

This includes personalized planning so you can focus on the experience rather than being overwhelmed by the planning.

Ready When You Are

You don’t need the newest gear or a perfectly mapped-out plan to start. You just need the decision to begin.

January is the moment to invest intentionally. Whether that means upgrading your gear, learning the basics, or finally saying yes to the adventure you’ve been putting off.

New year. New trails. New adventures. Let’s make this the year you actually go.

If you’re unsure where to start, below is a curated list of reliable outdoor and travel gear I recommend—especially helpful for beginners who want quality without the overwhelm.