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Valerie Loughney Stapleton

REI Camping Department Sales Lead

Valerie Loughney is the sales lead of the REI Silverdale, Wash. camping department and the in-store instructor for camping, cooking, backpacking and hiking classes. She loves exploring nearby Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks.

Latest Articles

  • Care and Repair

    How to Wash a Sleeping Bag

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

    A dirty sleeping bag is also a less-warm sleeping bag. Learn how to properly wash it to get peak performance from the insulation again.

  • Buying Advice

    How to Choose Sleeping Pads

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

    Sleeping pads and camping mats from popular brands like NEMO, Therm-a-Rest, Sea-to-Summit and more offer cushioning and insulation for sound sleeping. Learn about types of pads, insulation, R-value and other features.

  • Buying Advice

    How to Choose Daypacks

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

    Choosing a daypack can be daunting. Learn how to find the right one by looking at how you plan to use it, plus capacity, features and fit.

  • Care and Repair

    Sleeping Bag Care

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

    Learn how to wash, dry and store your down or synthetic sleeping bag. Get tips on care and repair in camp and at home.