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Emily Pennington

Emily is a freelance writer and journalist with a special focus on the outdoors, national parks, adventure travel and solo female travel. REI member since 2015.

Latest Articles

  • Gear Guides

    The 5 Best Rain Pants of 2025: Staff Picks

    31 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars

    These 5 waterproof pants will help you stay dry in wet weather—whether you're coaching a soccer game or scrambling above treeline.

  • Gear Guides

    The 4 Best Inclusive-Size Sleeping Bags of 2025: Tested

    83 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

    Read on to find our favorite wide sleeping bags for car camping, backpacking and more. The sleep sacks we tested are available in short, wide and long dimensions.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Hiking Socks of 2025: Staff Picks

    49 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars

    Learn what our experts recommend for keeping your tootsies dry and warm through any outdoor activity.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Camping Stoves and Grills: Staff Picks

    18 reviews with an average rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars

    The humble two-burner still reigns, but our quest for fire has evolved. Here are some of our favorite portable stoves and grills.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Gifts for Rock Climbers

    11 reviews with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars

    Looking for a gift for the climber in your life? We've got climbing shoes, recovery sandals, an assisted-blocking belay device, quickdraws and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The 8 Best Rain Jackets of 2025: Staff Picks

    9 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars

    Our staffers pick their favorite rain jackets from Patagonia, REI Co-op, Outdoor Research, Arc'teryx and more—perfect for hiking, backpacking, everyday use and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Kids

    8 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars

    Because time outside is better than any toy with a battery. We've got puzzles, winter wear, a pack, bikes, helmets and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The 9 Best Sleeping Bags for Backpacking: Staff Picks

    4 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars

    Our experts recommend these nine sleeping bags for backpacking, including top picks from REI Co-op, Mountain Hardwear, Big Agnes, Therm-a-Rest and NEMO.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Gifts for Hikers

    21 reviews with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars

    From hiking boots to trekking poles to backpacking gear, find the perfect gift for the hiker in your life.