I’ve been testing outdoor gear since I realized how much I liked hiking. And that I’d probably like it more if I had some better gear. As a former REI employee and always a gear nerd, I’ve tried a heck of a lot of gear over the years. In these posts you’ll find gear reviews, packing lists, and my favorite products I’ve used.
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When I first started hiking, I didn’t own a single piece of real hiking gear. My trail shoes were old Nike gym shoes with zero traction. I was wearing cotton leggings, an oversized cotton sweatshirt, and the same school backpack I used in college. I…
Struggling to find the perfect gift for the outdoorsy person who already seems to have everything? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place! After working at REI for over six years, I’ve helped hundreds of people find gifts that actually get used: not…
Backpacking in Torres del Paine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s absolutely stunning, and you’ll feel lucky with every step, but let’s be real: the weather is no joke. Even in the middle of summer, you’ll get everything from sideways rain to blazing sun to snow…
Do you feel like packing for backpacking trips is overwhelming? Are you always trying to figure out what you really need to pack for backpacking? Are you a woman who is tired of reading what men think women should pack on their backpacking trips? Whether…
It’s that time of year again – REI Co-op’s Biggest Sale of the Year! The Anniversary Sale runs from Friday, May 16 – Monday, May 26, 2025 and is always packed with the best deals for summer hiking and camping gear and you can save…
As an outdoor photographer who loves hiking and backpacking to places far away from the parking lot, I often grapple with how much camera gear I should bring. The photographer in me screams to bring everything, and the thru-hiking backpacker reminds me that I often…
