Trekking and Transforming Family Dynamics on The Camino de Santiago with Lauren Duke Shelby Stanger|April 14, 2026 Lauren Duke holds a master’s degree in psychology focused on physiology and body based behavior, and studies how movement helps us process emotion. In 2023, she tested that work on a 535 mile Camino de Santiago hike across Spain with her family. The month long trek surfaced unresolved family dynamics, leaving no real option but to keep walking and stay in relationship.
Honoring the Legacy of Jim Whittaker Mike Lewis|April 7, 2026 The co-op is deeply saddened by the passing of mountaineering legend Jim Whittaker. He was REI's first full-time paid employee, our second CEO and a lifelong champion of living a life outside.
Surfing and Sailing Around the World with John John Florence Shelby Stanger|April 7, 2026 John John Florence is one of the most accomplished surfers in the world. After a 15 year career on the World Surf League Championship Tour, three world titles, and two Olympic appearances, he stepped away from competition to pursue a new wild idea: sailing around the world with his family.
Our Best Trail Magic Stories Mary Beth Skylis|April 3, 2026 Trail magic is a special kindness shown to a long-haul hiker. Maybe it's a snack, a ride or a friendly face, but it's always unforgettable.
From Road Racing to Ultras with Marathon Legend Des Linden Shelby Stanger|March 31, 2026 Marathon legend Des Linden made history on April 16, 2018, becoming the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years. Over more than a decade at the top of the sport, she raced the biggest marathons in the world, represented the United States at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and set a 50K world record. Last year, on the morning of her 13th Boston Marathon, she announced her retirement from professional road racing. Now she is applying the same discipline and curiosity to new challenges, reshaping what a running life can look like beyond the marathon.
Better Trails Club REI Staff|March 30, 2026 This Earth Month, AllTrails and REI Co-op are coming together for a series of six community trail events across the U.S.—each designed to get people outside and give back to the trails we all love.
Big Wall Climbing and Ultrarunning with Thomas Bukowski Shelby Stanger|March 24, 2026 In 2022, Thomas Bukowski took a risk that felt personal and professional by applying to The North Face athlete development program and pitching himself as a climber worth betting on. As a queer athlete from Hong Kong who found climbing later than most, he has long carried the feeling of being an outsider, then watched that narrative shift when he earned a place on The North Face climbing team. Since then, he has chased fear into major climbs in Argentina, Alaska, and Pakistan, and in 2024 he pushed into trail running by running the 211 mile John Muir Trail in four days.
In Defense of the Burn Zone Wudan Yan|March 23, 2026 Burn zones are often viewed as eyesores to avoid. One hiker shares an alternate perspective.
Ask an Outsider: What are the Benefits of Ultralight Backpacking? Tips for Dating a Thru-Hiker? Mary Ashley Krogh and Owen Chikazawa|March 23, 2026 Two backpacking experts weigh in on the benefits of going ultralight and how to maintain a long-distance relationship with a thru-hiker.
Breaking the Self Supported Appalachian Trail FKT with Jeff Garmire Shelby Stanger|March 17, 2026 Jeff Garmire is a legend in the world of fastest known times with more than 20 FKTs on routes including the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Arizona Trail, and John Muir Trail. On September 21, 2025, he reached Mount Springer after setting a self supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, completing the route in 45 days, 8 hours, and 37 minutes.
Spearfishing, Motherhood, and Cooking What You Catch with Kimi Werner Shelby Stanger|March 10, 2026 Kimi Werner is a world champion spearfisher, ocean advocate, and chef whose life centers on sustainable fishing, food, and a deep connection to nature. After winning the largest spearfishing competition in the world in 2008, she stepped away from competition to focus on feeding her community and cooking with fish she harvests. Her upcoming cookbook, Kimi’s Kitchen, blends recipes and memoir to explore living well through the ocean, the land, and family.
First Look: The North Face Ridgelite Waterproof Jacket Rachel Stottmann|March 5, 2026 One Expert Advice gear tester gives her first impressions of the new lightweight, breathable Ridgelite waterproof jacket from The North Face.
