I use the one-person REI Quarter Dome 1 that I purchased three years ago for backpacking and bike touring and love it. I am 5'8" and find it very roomy with plenty of room to store my pack and boots under the vestibule. I recently went car camping with an old two-person Kelty Quartz and wished I had taken my Quarter Dome instead. The Quarter Dome is a lot easier to get in and out of than the Quartz was. The only down side to the Quarter Dome is that it is not a four season tent while the Quartz is. I agree with those who would opt for the smaller tent at less weight, all other things being equal. Maybe you should just make sure what ever tent you buy has a "Q" in the name. ... View more

I just learned that the Pittsburgh, PA Settlers Ridge store is also closing. At least the Pittsburgh Southside store is only a few more miles away.  Is Paramus closer to you than the Manhattan Flagship store? I wonder how many other REI locations will be closing and if it is attributable only to COVID19 or if there are other issues. ... View more

I prefer sunrises but find it more difficult to crawl out of my tent to see them because it can be so cold in the mornings. Sunsets are usually warmer and occur well before I turn in, so I see more of them. ... View more

All true from my experience. ... View more

Just don't try to melt it with a really high flame. Start with a low flame until some water is melted and then turn up the flame.  ... View more

Do not think that you have to buy a pack with a bladder. Most day backs have specific sleeves to accept most bladders, and even if yours does not, you can still use a bladder in it. Find the pack you like. Find the bladder you like. Odds are, they will work together. ... View more

The elastic bungee cord can easily be replaced, but first you will need to buy some new cord. REI sells it bulk by the inch or foot.  REI has a video on line to help guide you through the replacement process. It is not very expensive and a lot less expensive than new poles. How old is the tent? I would expect to replace the cords after three to five years depending on use and storage. ... View more

I will echo others in saying that stoves and tents do not mix. However, I have used a small candle lantern for light in my tent because it gets dark so early in the winter, and I have allowed the candle to burn all night. It seems to raise the temperature in the tent a degree or two, or maybe the light from the candle lantern just makes me think it is warmer in the tent. I also swear by the hot water in the liter Nalgene trick. It helps warm up my bag before I crawl in, but it won't last all night long. Wear clean, dry socks in your bag and a hat on your head for extra warmth. Eat some food to fuel your body through the night. I go with a down bag in the winter and a full length sleeping pad. Supplement your bag by using a liner inside and/or breathable shell outside.  ... View more

When your local REI does again offer in-store bike repair/maintenance classes, I highly recommend you take them. If you are an REI member, you will receive a discount on the cost. In addition to learning about bike maintenance in general, you will learn more about the specifics of your bike as you put it up on the stand and work on it. The classes are also a great way to get to know your local REI bike techs as well as other cyclists. Once you take the REI classes, look for a Park Tool Bike Class at a bike shop in your area. It is longer, more extensive, and overall costs more than the REI classes (but less for the total number of classes) and will really ramp up your repair skills and teach you about your bike. ... View more

I think the #OptOutside closing on Black Friday is one of the greatest ideas and campaigns REI has ever come up with. If anyone doubts that, just look to see how many other companies are now following suit. If the weather is warm and dry, I will be cycling. If it cold and/or wet, I will be day hiking.  ... View more