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Getting outside with kids can feel overwhelming, but it’s always worth it. Fresh air, movement, and connection with nature can turn even the hardest days into lighter, more joyful ones.

For us, the right gear has made all the difference. As a family of four, we’ve learned that when you invest in quality pieces—whether it’s a child carrier, a sleeping bag, or a survival kit—it not only makes adventures smoother in the moment, but it also holds up for years (and often resells well when you’re ready to pass it on). That kind of value matters.

That’s why I love the REI Labor Day Sale. It’s the perfect time to grab items that will make family adventures easier and more enjoyable, without breaking the budget.

Here are some of our favorite picks—things we’ve invested in and loved—that I think you’ll find just as helpful.

Structured Hiking Packs

When you’re carrying a little one, comfort and safety are everything. We’ve used packs like these for years, and they’ve been worth every penny. They adjust easily between parents, last through multiple kids, and even hold up enough to resell later.

 

Essentials for Parents on the Go

These are the “peace of mind” items we don’t leave home without. From keeping small necessities close to being prepared for the unexpected, they’ve proven themselves again and again on the trail.

Biking With Littles

We’ve always loved biking as a family, and the right setup makes it so much safer (and way more fun). Helmets that actually fit kids comfortably are a must, and trailers and seats grow with your family over the years.

Camping Favorites

Camping with kids takes a little extra prep, but it’s been some of our best family memory-making. These items have lasted season after season for us. Some of our sleeping bags are still in incredible condition after years of use—which makes the cost easier to justify knowing we can keep using them or sell them later.

Not on Sale, But Worth the Investment

These carriers aren’t part of the sale right now, but they’re some of the best we’ve ever used. If you’re ready to invest in something that will truly last through multiple kids and still hold resale value when you’re done, these are fantastic options.

Final Thoughts

As parents, we know how quickly kids grow and how much gear we cycle through. That’s why I always look for items that can last through years of use, across multiple kids, and even retain their value if we decide to resell.

The REI Labor Day Sale is the perfect chance to grab these kinds of pieces at a lower cost. From hiking packs to helmets, sleeping bags to survival kits, these are the tools that make it possible for our family to get outside with more ease and more joy.

So whether you’re just starting your outdoor adventures or you’re upgrading for your growing crew, these picks are ones we’ve truly been happy with—and I think you will be too.

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