Author Bio

REI Co-Op

REI Staff

The editorial staff REI Co-op is a team of passionate editors, writers and producers. We’re dedicated to covering the outdoors: the people who inspire you, the issues and events impacting our community, the skills and gear you need for your next adventure, and the places you want to go. Learn more about our editorial guiding principles.

Stories by REI Staff...
Running Shoe Review: Altra Lone Peak 6 First Look

Running Shoe Review: Altra Lone Peak 6 First Look

Altra's Lone Peak series of trail running shoes has been around for more than a decade, and the Lone Peak 6 is out now. Is it a worthwhile upgrade from the 5? Alan put the shoe through its paces on his local trails and has the breakdown.
What’s in My Running Vest on a Long Trail Run

What’s in My Running Vest on a Long Trail Run

Curious what trail runners take in their vest on long trail runs in the backcountry? Alan has built his run kit to make sure he’s covered no matter what the trail or the weather can throw at him. Watch this video to learn what to bring in your trail running vest. Is there anything Alan forgot?
Choosing My Next Running Vest!

Choosing My Next Running Vest!

Alan's old running vest has served him well for over 7 years, but now it's time for an upgrade. He's narrowed his search to 4 new running vests, and he'll choose his next vest by loading each one with his gear and testing it out. Which running vest will he choose? Watch to find out!
How to Choose Trail Running Shoes

How to Choose Trail Running Shoes

Before you head for the hills, you need the perfect pair of trail running shoes! Alan is here to help break down everything you need to know to find the best trail running shoes for your feet. He covers the types of trail runners, how much cushion is right for you, and how to find the right amount of drop (also called offset) for your style of running.
How to Choose Road Running Shoes

How to Choose Road Running Shoes

Looking for that perfect pair of road shoes? Alan is here to help break down everything you need to know to find the best running shoes for your feet. He covers the types of support, how much cushion is right for you, and how to find the right amount of drop (also called offset) for your style of running.
How I Stay Motivated to Run (Even When I Really Don’t Want To)

How I Stay Motivated to Run (Even When I Really Don’t Want To)

Finding the motivation to run isn't always easy, and some days can feel like more of a struggle than others. In this video Alan talks about how he got started running and what keeps him coming back for more. He also shares some tips for how he gets himself out the door, even on days when it's the last thing he feels like doing.
How to Size and Fit Running Shoes

How to Size and Fit Running Shoes

Finding the best pair of running shoes for your feet starts with getting the right size. Alan breaks down how to find your shoe size at home to make sure you get off on the right foot, then he covers common fit issues and how to fix them so your feet stay happy mile after mile.
The New Outdoors

The New Outdoors

His striking yellow feathers belied his otherwise unassuming stature. He was not much bigger than a canister of film and alighted in my favorite tree, a crabapp...
a yeti catches some rays on a winter camping trip

Can I Get Sunburned In Winter?

Something was off. My face felt tight. Pressure piled in my head like it does when you plunge deep into the ocean or to the bottom of a pool. My heartbeat—rhyth...
Trekking pole shown with white gear tape around around it.

22 Camping Hacks from REI Experts

Editor’s Note: This article originally published 2015 and was updated on Jan. 23, 2022. After generations of sleeping outside, you tend to pick up a few campin...