• REI Accessibility Statement
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to REI Uncommon Path categories
  • Shop REI
  • REI Outlet
  • Re/Supply
  • Classes & Events
  • Expert Advice
  • Uncommon Path
  • Membership
REI Co-op, Go to REI.com Home Page Uncommon Path
  • My REI Find your store
    • Climate Change
    • Inclusion
    • Philanthropy
    • Public Lands
    • Sustainability
    • All
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Climbing
    • Cycling
    • Watersports
    • Running
    • Fitness
    • Snowsports
    • Travel
    • All
  • Gear
    • All Gear
    • The Perfect Kit
    • Good Gear
    • Gear I Hold Dear
    • New Products
    • All
    • Co-op Cinema
    • Podcasts
    • Recipes
    • All
    • Tips
    • Ask an Expert
    • DIY
    • Recipes
    • All
    • Pacific West
    • Mountain West
    • South
    • Midwest
    • Northeast
    • International
    • All
    • Atlanta
    • Chicago
    • North Carolina
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Editorial Principles
    • REI News
Home/
Ask an Expert

Ask an Expert

two snowshoers on the trail

Do I Have to Stay on the Trail When Snowshoeing?

Stacey Cook|January 20, 2017
The freedom of a pair of snowshoes is that you can go anywhere there’s snow, but there are etiquette and safety considerations. Our REI Experts fill you in.
man pulls baselayer out of a bag.

How Can I Clean Workout Clothes that Stink?

Stacey Cook|December 27, 2016
Ever wonder why your workout clothes stink? REI experts provide some tips to help keep your clothes smelling fresh longer.
hard shell jackets

What’s the Difference Between a Soft Shell and a Hard Shell?

Stacey Cook|November 29, 2016
Our REI Co-op experts break down the difference between soft shell or hard shell jackets and how to choose between the two.
  • Prev
  • 1
  • 2
Return to TopTop

Who we are

At REI, we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938.

Read our story

Become an REI Co-op Member

Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Reward—for life. Join once, enjoy forever.

Join us

Take a stand

Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors.

REI Cooperative Action Network

Apply for the REI Co-op® Mastercard®

Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening.

Details | Manage your card

  • REI Co-op Account
    • Sign Into My Account
    • My Rewards Lookup
    • My Wish Lists
    • Membership Benefits
  • Orders & Returns
    • Order Status
    • Return Policy & Information
    • Store Curbside Pickup
    • Shipping Info
  • Gifts
    • Outdoor Gift Ideas
    • Gift Cards
  • Offers & Discounts
    • Sales & Coupons
    • Free Shipping Details
  • Shopping Tools
    • Member Number Lookup
    • New Gear Collections
    • Used Gear
    • Trade-in Program
  • Learning & Community
    • Expert Advice
    • Classes & Events
    • Uncommon Path
    • Path Ahead Ventures
  • Work with Us
    • Jobs & Careers
    • Co-op Culture
    • Sell at REI
    • Affiliate Program
    • Corporate & Group Sales
  • REI Co-op
    • About REI
    • Cooperative Action Fund
    • Newsroom
    • Technology Blog
    • Stewardship
  • Customer Service
    • Search Help Center
    • Find a Store
    • Live Chat
Help Center

Find answers online anytime.

Find a Store

See our stores and services.

Live Chat

Mon–Fri, 6am–8pm PT

Sat–Sun, 8am–5pm PT

Get REI apps for shopping & adventure
Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store
  • instagram
  • Tik Tok
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • youtube
  • podcasts

© 2025 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc.

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • US State Privacy Notice
  • Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy
  • Product Recalls
  • CA Transparency Act
  • REI Accessibility Statement