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Joe Pasteris

Longtime REI Expert Advice editor Joe Pasteris is now a freelance writer based in Vermont. REI member since 2006.

Latest Articles

  • Skills

    Mountaineering Gear Essentials

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

    For new climbers, the variety of gear can be daunting. These tips help you get equipped for your next mountaineering adventure.

  • Skills

    How to Keep Your Hands Warm

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

    Cold hands can quickly take the fun out of an outdoor adventure. Learn how to keep your fingers toasty warm on cold-weather outings.

  • Skills

    Getting Started Mountaineering

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

    Mountaineering can involve rock climbing, glacier travel and off-trail hiking to reach a summit. Learn how to prepare and get the skills you need.

  • Skills

    How to Put on a Climbing Harness

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

    Putting on a climbing harness for the first time can be confounding. But with a few tips and some repetition, it can become as familiar as pulling on a pair of pants. Learn how to put on a climbing harness with these seven easy steps.

  • Skills

    Route Finding and Navigation for Mountaineering

    6 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars

    Learn important route-finding and navigation skills to help you stay on course and travel efficiently up a mountain.

  • Care and Repair

    When to Retire Climbing Gear

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

    Sadly, your climbing gear won’t last forever. Learn when to retire your climbing rope, harness, carabiners, helmet and slings.

  • Skills

    Understanding the Different Types of Skiing

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

    From alpine skiing to backcountry skiing, learn the different types of ways to get down the slopes at REI Expert Advice.

  • Skills

    How Splitboards Work

    8 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars

    Learn how to make quick transitions on a splitboard with these step-by-step directions for taking a splitboard apart and putting it back together.

  • Buying Advice

    Should I Get Waterproof Trail-Running Shoes?

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

    If you run on trails, you’re likely to encounter some muck along the way. This article will help you decide if waterproof running shoes are right for you.

  • Skills

    How to Plan a Mountaineering Trip

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

    Taking the time to thoughtfully plan out a mountaineering trip will increase your odds of summiting and having fun. Learn how.

  • Skills

    How Much Should Your Pack Weigh?

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

    How much should your pack weigh? It’s tricky to answer, but our REI pack-fit pro helps you figure it out, and offers tips for reducing weight.

  • Skills

    The Best Clothing for Humidity and Hot Weather

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

    Stepping outside into a muggy, sticky, stifling wall of hot and humid weather can be pretty miserable. Here are four tips clothing choice tips for dea

  • Buying Advice

    How to Choose the Right Size Cargo Box

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

    A cargo box can expand your vehicle’s storage to hold bulky things like skis, backpacks and strollers. Learn how to get the right size box for you.

  • Skills

    How To Take Better Photos on Your Phone

    4 reviews with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars

    Do you wish you were coming home with better photos from your big adventures? Learn how to take better outdoor photos with your phone.