Gear Guides
The Best Budget Sleeping Pads of 2024: Tested
Our five favorite sleeping pads for around $100 include options for backpacking and car camping, plus a variety of pad types and warmth ratings.
Ken Knapp
Latest Articles
Skills
How to Prevent Condensation in a Tent
We offer proven hacks to prevent condensation from forming in your tent. Learn how to make camping a little less wet at REI Expert Advice.
Buying Advice
How to Choose Backcountry Ski Bindings
AT bindings allow you to lift your heels to stride uphill and then lock the heels in place for the descent. We help you sort out your choices.
Buying Advice
The Difference Between Rim Brakes and Disc Bike Brakes
If you’re just getting into bikes, you might wonder why some have rim brakes and some have disc brakes. Learn the pros and cons of each design.
Skills
How to Choose the Right Backpacking Stove Fuel
Because stove choice begins with fuel choice, it helps to know pros and cons of gas and liquid fuels. We also highlight some alternative fuel options.
Skills
Avalanche Safety for Snowshoers
Snowshoeing is an easy, fun and relatively low-risk winter activity—as long as you follow a few basic guidelines about avoiding avalanches.
Buying Advice
How to Pick the Most Breathable Fabrics
When the weather is hot, breathable fabric is a must. Learn what makes a fabric breathe well and what other features will help you stay cool.
Skills
How to Cross-Country Ski
Learn the basics of classic cross-country skiing; tips in this video and article will help you get moving on Nordic skis quickly and easily.
Buying Advice
How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
Learn how to shop for backpacking tents: We'll cover tent capacity, seasonality, weight, livability, setup and materials.
Skills
Guide to Adaptive Camping
Two camping experts who use wheelchairs offer tips to help ensure you have a successful and enjoyable camping trip.
Skills
Wildlife Safety Tips
Seeing wildlife can be a highlight of a day outside. But some up-close encounters can be a nuisance or dangerous. Learn more about wildlife encounters
Gear Guides
The 6 Best Cycling Jackets of 2025: Staff Picks
A cycling jacket comes in handy when the weather takes a turn. We’ve gathered our top recommendations for however you ride.
Skills
How to Protect Your Dog’s Paws in Winter
Winter can be hard on your dog’s paws. We offer tips on how protect them and to safeguard overall canine health during cold-weather outings.
Gear Guides
The Best Camping Stoves and Grills: Staff Picks
The humble two-burner still reigns, but our quest for fire has evolved. Here are some of our favorite portable stoves and grills.
Buying Advice
How to Choose Binoculars
Numbers on binoculars can be a little confusing; this article explains basic specs, why prices differ so much and how to choose based on your end use.
Buying Advice
How to Choose and Use an Avalanche Transceiver
Learn how to choose this safety essential for snow travelers. We cover avalanche transceiver features, use tips and trailhead transceiver checks.
Buying Advice
Do I Need Cycling Socks?
Learn how cycling socks differ from socks designed for other activities and what you should look for when buying socks to wear while you ride your bike.
Buying Advice
How to Choose an Electric Bike
E-bikes offer an efficient and fun way to get around. This primer helps you sort through your options for commuting, errands, trail riding and more.
Buying Advice
Understanding Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings
The key factor when you choose a sleeping bag is temperature rating. Here's how sleeping bags receive their comfort and lower-limit ratings.
Skills
How to Recover From a Hike
Most hikers will experience post-trail fatigue, soreness and pain at some point. Learn to prevent issues, and get your body feeling good again.
Checklists
Mountaineering Checklist
Our comprehensive checklist for mountaineering features required and optional gear, clothing and accessories.
Care and Repair
How to Do End-of-Summer Gear Care
Learn how to take care of camping, hiking and other gear at the end of camping and hiking season. Get key tips on cleaning and storing gear, plus links to more in-depth care and repair articles.
Skills
What to Wear Climbing Indoors
One appeal of indoor climbing is that you don’t need a lot of stuff to get started. Gyms will rent you the gear; we give advice on what to wear.
Buying Advice
How to Buy Used Outdoor Gear and Clothing
Buying used outdoor gear and clothing saves money and keeps it out of landfills. Learn about resellers, shopping tips and how to sell your own gear.
Buying Advice
What Is Down Fill Power?
Down fill power is an oft-stated number. We explain what this spec does and does not tell you about quality and warmth in a down jacket or bag.
Buying Advice
What Does Moisture-Wicking Mean?
If you’ve ever wondered what “moisture wicking” means, we can help. Learn which fabrics wick and how they help you stay more comfortable outdoors.
Gear Guides
The Best Gravel Bikes: Staff Picks
Gravel bikes handle both asphalt and dirt; our favorites include carbon- and aluminum-frame bicycles for weekend rides, gravel races or bikepacking.
Skills
How to Skate Ski
Learn the basics of skate skiing; this video and article will explain the fundamentals of this fast and fun way to cross-country ski.
Gear Guides
The 9 Best Sleeping Bags for Backpacking: Staff Picks
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.
Buying Advice
How to Choose an Ice Axe
Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider.