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Heather Balogh Rochfort

Heather is a freelance writer and author specializing in the outdoors and adventure travel, particularly as they apply to women and families. Her organization WildKind educates and empowers families to find their wild. REI member since 2008.

Latest Articles

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Budget Sleeping Bags of 2025: Tested

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

    Our five favorite budget sleeping bags include options for backpacking and car camping, plus a variety of temperature ratings and shapes.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Running Shorts: Staff Picks

    10 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

    Find the best running shorts for any activity. From trail runs to marathons, we've rounded up our favorites, based on input from REI Co-op staff.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Car-Camping Gear of 2025: Staff Picks

    26 reviews with an average rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars

    Spend a night under the stars in car-assisted comfort thanks to our favorite car-camping product picks at REI.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Budget Sleeping Pads of 2024: Tested

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

    Our five favorite sleeping pads for around $100 include options for backpacking and car camping, plus a variety of pad types and warmth ratings.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Bike Shorts: Staff Picks

    23 reviews with an average rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars

    Find the perfect pair of shorts for your next cycling adventure with our staff's top picks.

  • Gear Guides

    The 8 Best Coolers of 2025: Staff Picks

    28 reviews with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars

    Eat and drink well wherever you go with our eight favorite coolers, picked by REI staff and reviewers.

  • Gear Guides

    Altra Lone Peak 7: Tested Review

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

    Review of the Altra Lone Peak 7 trail running shoe

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Road-Running Shoes of 2025: Tested

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

    Hitting the pavement more often? Make sure you have the perfect pair of road running shoes for your next run at REI Expert Advice.

  • Skills

    How to Keep Your Feet Warm

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

    Tips for keeping your feet warm when the mercury drops

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Trail-Running Shoes of 2025: Tested

    74 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

    Our list of the best trail-running shoes at REI includes options for every type of runner, plus honorable mentions. Find the perfect pair today!

  • 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 Water Shoes: Staff Picks

    13 reviews with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars

    From land to sea and back again, these are the top five water shoes currently available from REI.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Walking Shoes of 2025: Staff Picks

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

    These are the eight best pairs of walking shoes, according to REI Co-op member, staff and customer reviews.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Approach Shoes of 2025: Staff Picks

    28 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars

    Discover the top-rated approach shoes at REI, expertly tested for performance and durability. Find the best footwear for tackling any terrain with confidence.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Sleeping Pads for Camping: Tested

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

    We bring you the comfiest self-inflating sleeping pads from Exped, NEMO, Big Agnes, REI Co-op and others, plus one hybrid sleep system and portable cots.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Wide Sleeping Pads of 2024: Tested

    17 reviews with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars

    Our crew of member-testers cued up the best sleeping pads available for backpackers seeking longer lengths and more spacious widths.

  • Skills

    Hiking While Pregnant

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

    Tips for pregnant hikers, including fueling and hydration, how to prepare, what to wear and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The 6 Best Hiking Sandals of 2025: Tested

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

    Our testers choose the best sandals for water crossing, ultralight hikers, urban hiking and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Running Hydration Vests: Tested

    9 reviews with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars

    Discover our testers' favorite running hydration vests put through the ringer across the US. Learn how to choose a running vest with Expert Advice!

  • Gear Guides

    The 7 Best Ski Jackets for Women: Staff Picks

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

    Find the best jacket for skiing or snowboarding among our favorites. We review women's ski jackets from Arc'teryx, The North Face, Outdoor Research, REI Co-op and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Winter Snow Boots of 2024: Staff Picks

    67 reviews with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars

    Keep your toes warm in the fourth season. These nine pairs of boots are great for snowy trails, slick sidewalks and even alpine adventures.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Kid Carriers of 2024: Tested

    56 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars

    Our testers bring you the five best packs for hauling gear and kiddos on day hikes, hard-core epics and everything in between.