Meet the REI Co-op Members In Front of—and Behind—the Camera

Many things have changed since Lloyd and Mary Anderson first began importing high-quality Austrian ice axes in the 1930s. Over the years, the co-op has grown from a small collective in search of high-quality outdoor gear to a co-op of 24 million adventurers enhancing their outdoors experiences with everything from hiking backpacks to cold plunge necessities. 

Throughout it all, members have remained the heart of the co-op, and their rich tales of life outside have encouraged us to get out there, too. Some of their adventures, like Cal Dobbs’ run across America, inspire us, while stories like Keva Niver’s commitment to helping more people find solace in nature, challenge us. Still others remind us that time outside is always worth it, even if technically we’re supposed to be somewhere else (like work).  

This spring, we invited several members to tell their stories through a different lens–literally. 

Members took their cameras on their outdoors adventures, snapping photos of their experiences that would become the campaign’s imagery. They returned with photos and videos of sunsets over Grand Canyon National Park, California’s Catalina Island and more—as well as images of the journey to get to these vistas, the time spent snacking at the trailhead, resting post-run and even celebrating a birthday with a bowl of camp pasta (complete with candles). The images show the breadth of what outdoor adventure look like, and even more importantly, who an outdoor adventurer can be. As three member-photographers share below, there are many ways to explore life outside. 

Take me straight to the gear.

Background: “I grew up in Washington State, which is known as an outdoorsy person’s paradise. But my younger brother Oscar and I were city kids who spent our weekends in malls, movie theaters and amusement parks,” Leow says. “I still love the movies, but when I was 27 years old, I went on my first backpacking trip in California’s eastern Sierra, and everything changed.” Now, as the founder and CEO of outdoor education company Bewilder, Leow hopes to inspire more families to experience the mental, emotional and physical benefits of time spent in nature. (Bewilder received support from REI’s Path Ahead Ventures initiative). 

The story behind the images: What better way to turn 36 than by camping on an island filled with more than 165 miles of hiking trails? Leow couldn’t think of one, which is why she loaded up her REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack, charged up her phone, and brought along her best four-legged friend, June, for an overnight adventure. The pair caught the sunrise over Little Harbor Beach and feasted on red curry noodle soup (with candles, of course), and the puppy was more than happy to celebrate with her owner. “It was truly June’s journey to Catalina Island,” Leow says. “Every moment was magnificent as I saw her sprint up cactus-covered hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, her tail nearly bursting with joy.” 

Favorite product: “Cooking delicious food and enjoying a warm meal by the campfire is one of my favorite pastimes,” Leow says, and her Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System Camp Stove makes the experience feel easy and seamless. Plus, with dual burners that fold in on themselves–not to mention the integrated design of the pot, pan and stove–the Genesis is compact to carry and store. “The entire system is thoughtfully designed so we don’t have to think too hard when we’re huddled around the camp kitchen making red curry noodle soup at dusk,” adds Leow. 

Why she’s an REI Co-op Member: Leow remembers gearing up for her first backpacking trip in 2017, which of course required a stop at her local REI store in San Francisco. “I knew nothing about how to camp, let alone backpack, through the wilderness, but the REI staff members’ encouragement and excitement were infectious,” she says. “It’s always intimidating to take on a new hobby–especially when you didn’t grow up doing it–and REI’s reputation for having friendly, helpful staff and plenty of outdoor gear proved to be right.” 

Background: Mud pies with a grass garnish: Those were Rodriguez’s specialty as a kid. So too were daisy necklaces, which she happily made for her mom. She also dabbled in geology, hoping to find diamonds (or least crystals) with each geode she and her sister cracked open using their dad’s old hammers. “I’ve just always spent time outside,” she says. “It’s always brought me a lot of joy.” For Rodriguez, working with REI on the Member Moment campaign has offered a lens through which to reflect on her childhood outdoors and “inspire others to try camping and hiking for themselves,” a privilege she says she “hold[s] very dearly.”  

The story behind the images: Rodriguez strives to capture images that are pleasing aesthetically, but more than that, will stand the test of time. “My goal is always to get a ‘your family is going to see this picture someday and remember how grand you lived’ picture,” she says. Given that, Rodriguez also recognizes the importance of putting the camera down and embracing her surroundings—this time, the towering walls of the Grand Canyon. “There was this moment during sunset at camp where my friends and I paused from the chaos of taking photos. We were just in total awe of the glowing layers of red rock and the fact that our bodies had brought us there.”  

Favorite product: “This is a tough question!” Rodriguez says, laughing. She loves her Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent because it’s a breeze to set up and pack down and “the space inside is incredible. Ten out of 10!” she says. Bonus: The Copper Spur is also super photogenic. On the other hand, Rodriguez calls her REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket “the perfect layer.” The jacket provided an extra dose of warmth when paired with her Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown puffy but also worked well as a solo layer during the warmer hours of the day. 

Why she’s an REI Co-op Member: Rodriguez doesn’t hold back when talking about the impact of her REI membership. “Becoming an REI member changed my life,” she says, noting that since joining the co-op she’s hiked an active volcano, stood on top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and slept multiple nights in the backcountry. “My membership really gave me the confidence to pursue all of the outdoor adventures I’ve always dreamed of.” Her sole regret about co-op membership: “I just wish I had been brave enough to join and get involved sooner.” 

Background: From his wide grin to the collection of tattoos on his right leg, including a red-tailed hawk that connects him to his Salvadoran ancestors, Valiente oozes gratitude. He’s thankful for his parents who are first-generation Latino immigrants, for his home in what he calls the “City of Angels,” and for the freedom bestowed by being active outside, especially with singer-songwriter Jason Joshua’s so-called “golden voice” in his ear. “Running and music and the outdoors fill my soul with happiness,” he says. “I cherish every chance I get to bask in that. That’s life right there!” 

The story behind the images: “I loved every minute!” Valiente says with his characteristic enthusiasm. Yet in addition to the joy of feeling his body in motion (“Running and being outdoors is my superpower!”), he also relished the minutes post-run. “You feel like you’re on top of the world and unstoppable. It proves you can achieve hard things if you just set your mind to it, embrace the journey and stay committed to your goals.” 

Favorite product: Valiente points to the REI Co-op Swiftland Pack Running Anorak as his top pick thanks to the jacket’s minimal weight, thoughtful design and “on-point” style. “On those cold morning runs here in LA, you can easily throw on the jacket while you warm up,” he says. “Once the sun comes out and you’re in your running flow, you can take it off and pack it into its own pocket. It’s so lightweight that you won’t even feel it during your run.” 

Why he’s an REI Co-op Member: Despite Valiente’s fondness for running fast, he appreciates the way his co-op membership inspires him to slow down. “I feel a strong connection to REI,” he says, “because they encourage people to explore nature and spend time outdoors.” Member perks are a big benefit too, he adds, pointing to the member-only deals and the opportunity to do good in the world through the REI Cooperative Action Fund and #OptOutside campaign, “which emphasizes putting people before profits.” 

Shop the Gear 

REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack (women’s and men’s) 

$199.00 

Best Use: Backpacking 

Adjustable Torso Length: Yes 

Material(s): Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign approved) 

Number of Pockets: 9 + main compartment 

Removable Daypack: Yes 

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