At Amazon’s signature sale, deals on high-quality backpacking gear are few and far between. Opt for these Independence Day sales on tents, footwear, packs, and more instead.
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Published June 23, 2026 06:24PM
If you browse Prime Day this year hoping to score a deal on hiking gear, you’re likely to be disappointed. While Amazon’s annual sale features steep discounts on everything from appliances to electronics, and even some good car camping picks, brand-name backpacking gear is far outnumbered by no-name shelters, stoves, and boots. (As someone who’s weathered a storm in a bottom-shelf tent before, I recommend against it, unless you like being damp and sad.)
Still need an upgrade? Steer your way to Backcountry instead, which is cutting prices on select products by up to 70 percent as part of its July 4th sale. We dove into what was on offer there and at REI to put together this: the anti-Prime Day list for hikers looking for a good deal on something they’ll actually enjoy using.
Kelty Wireless 2 Tent
Ultralight tents get all the buzz, but if you’re newer to the trail, or just willing to tote a little more, carrying a more full-featured backpacking tent is often both more user-friendly and easier on the wallet. The Kelty Wireless 2 is one of our favorite budget models, thanks to its durable construction and livable 29 feet of floor space. At retail, it’s a great value; getting one at a discount feels like theft.
Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
Looking to go light after all? While they’ve largely fallen out of favor as trekking pole tents have gotten lighter and cheaper, a bivy is still a weight-conscious option for hikers who don’t get claustrophobic. The OR Helium repelled even severe storms on the trail and weighs barely a pound.
NEMO Resolve 15 Backpack
The Resolve 15, which uses largely recycled materials and whose polyester construction is easier to recycle in turn than nylon models, is one of the more sustainable daypacks on the market. It performed, too, with our backpack testers praising its comfort and organizational options.
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated Sleeping Pad
Need your beauty sleep? The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated earned high marks from our testers for its, well, comfort. Dual air chambers and a dimpled top make for a mattress-like feel, so you can get your beauty sleep no matter where you’re camping. At a little under 2 pounds, it’s lighter than luxury should be.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoes
Altra’s zero-drop Lone Peaks continue to be a classic for a reason. The pliable yet toothy rubber outsole grips reliably on a variety of surfaces (downside: you will have to replace it earlier than a lot of other trail runners) while the wide toebox allows your piggies to splay for a barefoot-like feel without the bruised soles.
