@jbweb I love winter running, especially if you live in a location that has seasonal change. There is something to running the trails after all the leaves fall! Here are a few tips that served me well over the years. Always layer up. Start with a nice base layer and make sure it is non cotton. Choosing a next to skin layer really comes down to personal preference. I love running in a Smart wool Mid-Weight base layer, but if you don't like wool on your skin I really love the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top. Next I usually go with a fleece or another non cotton layer if it is super cold, then a fleece as my outer layer generally. I never wear a down layer and would opt to wear two fleece layers or running jacket\wind breaker rather than go with a more insulated options. Always wear a hat if you’re cold before you start your work out. Cold is relative depending on the person but if you walk outside and are immediately cold, grab a hat. You can always put it in a pocket or carry it. You lose so much heat from your head. Also sweat and cold don’t mix, so this is as much as a moisture management tip as it is a means to keep your body temperature regulated. Wear gloves!  I wear The North Face FlashDry Glove Liners, a light weight soft shell glove. Make sure not to wear cotton socks. Go with a wool or a synthetic blend. I prefer to use Balega Enduro Quarter Socks. They maintain shape after long term use, they have seams in the right places, and manage moisture really well. I grew up in Wisconsin and slipping is a concern almost 6 months a year. Making sure your eyes stay focused on your path and keeping proper running form is key to staying on your feet. I personally prefer not to wear a traction aid. One of my favorite places to run was on a frozen lake in the winter. I used to run the snowmobile tracks, usually the trails they create have good foot traction. It is also a great way to enjoy a local lake from a different perspective.   I hope your winter running is amazing and inspiring! ... View more

@GGI don't have a great recommendation for a compression sleeve but also keep in mind that... 1. Hiking with trekking poles also helps with knee stability, balance, and walking posture. If you have trekking poles use them! If not, our Paradise Valley REI store and Chandler REI sell and rent them! 2. Hike with boots/shoes with good torsional rigidity. This will  assure your feet and shoes are more stable keeping your legs working with the proper biomechanics. 3. Lastly it sometimes snows or there is frost at the rim during October especially if you're at the south rim. You may want to bring some sort of additional traction(Yaktrax) to assure you have proper footing. Have Fun! ... View more

@ONDA-Lace Awesome picture! ... View more

@KeenmonkeyAll of our REI Paddling classes do have a minimum age requirement above 3, however you could join the classes learn the skills and get the experience to make a better desision on if you feel the estuary waters is an area you feel confortable to bring your child. You may also be able to connect with a local expert at the class to help find the right location for your maiden voyage on the Bay! I have never paddled witht my 4 year old on the Bay but love to paddle at Lake Chabot, Lake Del Val, and Lafayette reservior in your area! Happy padding! ... View more

@LisaRoseI love this question! It is better to keep the water in the cooler. It's physics! Removing H2O from your cooler will not make the ice any colder and it adds more space in your cooler for the ice to have to cool. Some other tips for you to keep your cooler cooler. 1. Fill it up! The less surface area you have to cool the better! 2. Keep the cooler out of the sun. 3. Open the cooler as little as possible. 4. Great work with the blocked ice! Another great tip! 5. Freeze your food! Thanks for the question! Stay cool! ... View more

@booneycrasher Interesting... I don't have any quick fix suggestions. Fitting a backpack can be tricky. Do you happen to live near an REI where an expert can try to work their magic? ... View more

@LuciaAbsolutely our 100% satisfaction guarantee covers sale items! The only exclusion for returns is Garage Sale items, those sales are final .  Below is the link to our return policy. Find those deals! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed ... View more

@omarwannahike REI unfortunately does not have a sleeping bag washing service.  The good news is that a synthetic bag is way easier to wash than a down bag! Here is a really good video that might help! httpss:/wwwwreii.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-clean-a-sleeping-baghtmll Also using a sleeping bag liner will also be an option that might help out in the future. I'm not sure "how" your sleeping bag is dirty, but if it is because of dirt and oils from you body this will help!  It is easier to wash your sleeping bag liner than your sleeping bag! Good Luck! ... View more

@CarolynI can relate. For the first 3 years of my son's life we lived in Arizona. Even if you hiked early it was hot. When we carried our son I wished we would have had a child carrier from the Osprey Poco series. The back panel is super breathable which gives your back the ability to breath! If your child is going to be hoofing it on the trail make sure you have great sun hat. We have the Outdoor Research Sun Runner hat. It has cooling features and an extended back to keep the sun off your sons neck. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, have fun and repeat! ... View more

@Swamp There are lots of great options on this question! Life Proof makes great cases for everyday day use.  Most Life Proofs cases will keep water away from your phone but will not help your phone to float. I would recommend a Seattle Sports E-MERSE series, there are many options and you could choose the best option for you.  Seattle Sports E-MERSE are a floating bag series. The one I have has the ability to tie the phone case to your boat or to yourself. These cases appear similar to a dry bag design. The one I have even takes perfect picture in the bag! Happy paddling! ... View more

@JennyinAlaska Having Goodendoodles that love hiking and backpacking, I've found that boots are the way to go! I even have them wear them on shorter hikes as it doesn't take long for a pad to peel or get poked. They walked funny for a bit but now they love them! ... View more