Outdoor gear, especially for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding, can be a big investment. If you’re looking to upgrade these winter essentials at a discount, look no further than Backcountry’s semi-annual sale, which has up to 50% off men’s and women’s apparel, footwear, socks and baselayers, gloves and more. Plus, the sale includes NBC Select favorites like The North Face, Patagonia, Osprey and Salomon.
I’ve covered deals for NBC Select since 2021, so I know how to find discounted products that are truly worth buying. Below, I rounded up the best deals on highly rated and NBC Select staff-favorite items to shop during the outdoor mega-retailer’s semi-annual sale. Keep in mind stock and availability may change and not all colorways for individual products are on sale.
SKIP AHEAD Best Backcountry apparel deals | Best Backcountry winter accessories deals | Best Backcountry footwear deals | Best Backcountry travel deals
Best apparel deal$83.40$139.00
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Best Backcountry apparel deals
Patagonia Women’s Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover
NBC Select commerce editor Lindsey Schneider is a fan of this Patagonia pullover due to its warm and soft fleece material. It wicks away moisture and dries quickly, plus it’s easy to clean and generally versatile to wear, says Schneider. She recommends sizing up for an even cozier fit.
The North Face Women’s Snoga Pant
These snow pants are a favorite of NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez, who wore a pair on recent trips to the Poconos and Breckenridge. “They fit amazingly, had plenty of room for layers underneath (I could get away with at most three leggings/thermal underwear) and most importantly, they kept me warm and dry,” says Alvarez. “I’m 5’4, so some snow pants look like I’m drowning in them. These are form-fitting, which worked perfectly when I was skiing because it had less bulk.” The pants also have zippered pockets, so Alvarez could easily store her ski essentials.
The North Face Men’s 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket
I love my The North Face puffer jacket and wear it almost everyday during the frigid January and February months — it’s incredibly lightweight and keeps me the warmest out of all my winter coats. This highly rated men’s option is water- and rip-resistant. It’s also easy to store: you can fold and pack it away inside its own pocket and stuff the hood inside the collar.
Patagonia Kids’ Powder Town Pant
These are our favorite snow pants for kids. They have an insulated dual-layer lining that maintains warmth and blocks out snow, and they have a water-repellent finish on the outside. Designed for both boys and girls, the pants have a stitch on the back to help them fit more securely and the bottom of the pant legs have elastics that grip to the ankle, according to the brand.
Best Backcountry winter accessories deals
Outdoor Research Men’s Flurry Sensor Glove
These are one of our favorite touchscreen-friendly gloves, and both men’s and women’s styles are on sale. The palms and fingers have a silicone grip material that allows your phone or tablet to sense your touch or swipe. Made from a blend of wool and polyester, the gloves also have tapered cuffs with loops to make them easier to pull on.
Smith I/O MAG XL ChromaPop Goggles
Alvarez is a fan of Smith Goggles: “In my experience, they are one of the most comfortable options out there. They never get foggy, help block out the bright sun reflecting on the snow and have a cozy fit so it stays on without adding too much pressure on my face,” she says. The I/O MAG ChromaPop Goggles have extra-large spherical lenses to keep your vision in tip-top shape in all conditions, plus they boost color and contrast to help you see the snow, according to the brand. They also have an anti-fog coating and adjustable silicone strap.
Smartwool Men’s Classic Mountaineer Maximum Cushion Crew Sock
These wool socks are our favorites for long, cold periods of outdoor activity. They’re made from a thick Merino wool blend and have a plush bottom cushioning for warmth and comfort, according to the brand. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown says she loves using these socks after she received them in a bridesmaid goodie bag (and they came in handy during the cold Midwest wedding). The socks also have an elasticized arch brace for added support and to ensure a secure fit, according to the brand.
Smith Method Mips Helmet
The Smith Method Mips Helmet is a game changer for me when I’m skiing — it’s lightweight, fits securely and it’s comfortable,” says Alvarez. “I love that I can adjust it so it fits my head perfectly without sliding around. After days of skiing in Colorado, my helmet kept me safe and looked good as new after constant wear.” The helmet, which is made for both men and women, has built-in ear pads that make it even more comfortable, says Alvarez.
Best Backcountry footwear deals
Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Shoe
These hiking shoes are a favorite of NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz. “As someone who used to hike in running shoes, the grippy traction on these boots is a game changer — no longer do I approach rocky inclines or root-covered descents with terror,” he says. “They are warm, comfortable and great for blustery northeast weather, and I’ve used them to hike in the fall and spring.”
Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Another one of our favorite hiking boots, these have great traction, a wide footbed and keep your feet dry and warm, even after hours of trekking on hikes. They also have a leather and mesh upper, rubber outsole and a cushioned midsole, according to the brand.
Oboz Men’s Sawtooth X Low Shoe
These water-resistant shoes come recommended by Kevin Rosenberg, founder and lead guide of International Adventure Guides, in our guide to hiking boots. Though they’re not insulated, the shoes have a low cut similar to running shoes, good traction and a midsole that supports a smoother landing, according to the brand. They also have fabric loops on the tongue and the heel to make pulling them on and taking them off easier.
Best Backcountry travel deals
The North Face Borealis 28L Backpack
One of our favorite backpacks for everyday wear, the Borealis backpack has a padded laptop compartment in the back, adjustable straps and a main compartment with room for things like books, clothing and a tablet. There’s also a thin front compartment for securing small personal items like your phone, passport, charging cables and wallet.
Nomadix Puffer Blanket
If you’re looking for a puffer blanket to take on camping trips and picnic dates, consider this option from Nomadix. It’s lightweight, water-resistant and easily packs into a travel case, according to the brand.
Baggu Camera Crossbody Bag
Our NBC Select editors are big fans of Baggu, especially the brand’s purses and tote bags. This camera crossbody bag is made from water-resistant nylon and is machine-washable. It also has a zippered interior pocket to keep smaller essentials safe.
Osprey Daylite Plus Earth Backpack
Another one of our favorite backpacks, the Osprey Daylite backpack is great for those who have long commutes or spend time outdoors. It has both sternum and waist straps to give your body more support, which come in handy when the bag is particularly heavy. Plus, it has two mesh side pockets to hold your water bottles and a padded interior sleeve that fits laptops and tablets up to 14 inches.
Patagonia Black Hole 70L Wheeled Duffel
The original Patagonia Black Hole Duffel won an NBC Select Travel Award due to its spacious interior and durable, weather-resistant exterior — I actually use this duffel whenever I go on long weekend trips since it’s comfortable to carry, even when I fill it with clothes, shoes and accessories. However, if you do need a little more support with heavier items, this version of the classic duffel has durable, water-resistant oversized wheels that make it much easier to transport.
More Backcountry sales to shop
- Up to 40% off women’s snow outerwear
- Up to 40% off men’s insulated jackets
- Up to 30% off helmets and goggles
- Up to 30% off skiing essentials
- Up to 30% off snowboarding essentials
- Up to 50% off kids’ outdoor gear
- Up to 40% off women’s running shoes
- Up to 50% off men’s fleece
- Up to 40% off outdoor accessories
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I’m an updates editor at NBC Select, where I regularly cover sales events since 2021. I also write about wellness and beauty topics, including recent stories on the best lip balms for dry lips and how to treat milia.
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