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Phuong Le

Managing Editor / Expert Advice

Phuong Le manages editorial content at REI to help all people get outside and see themselves reflected in the outdoors. Before joining the co-op, she spent over two decades as a news journalist, including as an environmental reporter at The Associated Press. You’ll find her and her family on flowy mountain bike trails, along fishy rivers, on the slopes, or cooking a gourmet meal in the backcountry. Ask her about the time she was tased for work, her recipe for backcountry tiramisu and why you should always invest in a good sleeping bag. phle@rei.com

Latest Articles

  • Skills

    How to Cross-Country Ski with Kids

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

    Introduce your kids early to the joys of cross-country skiing. Learn tips on how to cross-country ski with your children.

  • Skills

    How to Stargaze

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

    You don’t need much to start stargazing. We offer tips on how to get started stargazing for beginners and what to look for in the night sky.

  • Skills

    How to Read an Avalanche Forecast

    9 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars

    An avalanche forecast tells you about potential slide dangers. Learn what it is, where to find it and how to read a forecast.

  • Skills

    Intro to Avalanche Safety

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

    Avalanches are a risk any time you head into snow-covered mountains. Learn basic information to help you make good decisions to avoid avalanches.

  • Buying Advice

    How to Choose Backcountry Skis

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

    Find the best backcountry skis that strike a balance between uphill travel and downhill performance.

  • Skills

    How to Read a Tide Table

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

    Learn how to read a tide table to know the best time to explore tide pools, dig for clams, anchor your boat or beachcomb for shells.

  • Skills

    What Is Fastpacking?

    32 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars

    Fastpacking is a running and backpacking adventure rolled into one. Learn tips to get started, what to take on a trip and how to plan a route.

  • Skills

    Snow Anchors for Mountaineering

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

    Learn about the common snow anchors you'd use when traveling on a glacier, crossing steep slopes, or to aid in crevasse rescues.

  • Skills

    How to Use Crampons

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

    Crampons are a crucial traction device for walking on firm snow and ice. Learn when and how to use them properly.

  • Skills

    How to Train for Skiing

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

    Prepare for the ski season with simple exercises that target your lower body and improve your balance so you can ski better and longer.

  • Skills

    Snow Travel Techniques for Mountaineering

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

    Learn a foundational skill of mountaineering: How to ascend and descend efficiently on snow.

  • Skills

    How to Use an Ice Axe for Mountaineering

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

    An ice axe is an essential tool for mountaineering. Learn when and how to use it to stay in balance and self-arrest when you fall.

  • Skills

    How to Snowboard

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

    Learn to snowboard with this beginner guide that shows you how to get into the proper stance and balance as well as how to cross a slope and make thos

  • Skills

    How to Ski

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

    Learn to ski with these basic tips for beginners, including walking uphill on skis, gliding downhill, controlling your speed and linking turns.

  • Skills

    Backpacking Food Ideas & Meal Planning

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

    Eating is one of the best things we do on the trail. Learn tips on how to plan snacks, breakfasts, lunches and dinners for your next backpacking trip.