What a chicken**bleep** response.  You guys didn't donate to the cause, you spat some babbling corporate nonsense out for "solidarity".  Like most corporations you don't care, you're doing everything as a PR stunt and pulling advertising from Facebook because they wont "censor" other people's thoughts is the dumbest thing I've ever seen.  Why don't you boycott your Chinese manufacturing?  Oh yeah, it's because you value your profits over everything.   ... View more

hi my story begins back in 1981 yes that’s right I’ve been a member for 39 years 2021 will be 40 years I just started bicycling I still am bicycling as a matter fact right now I rather bicycle anywhere and use my car very sparingly but getting on with my story then January 1, 2001 I finally retired and from January from the end of December January and most of February I was going to my REI in East Hanover New Jersey getting all the help that I could possibly get buying all my gear at REI from my first Appalachian trail hike through hike I did that I got all the help that I needed and sure enough I went back the following year swapped out some gear I did another through hike so as time went by I thru hike the Appalachian Trail in 2001 2000 to 2003 and 2004 and it was all with the help of REI you guys have been and will always be great your always have an answer you’re always willing to do the best that you can and help everyone and I appreciate it love you guys and the story ... View more

Given that the majority of responses I've seen to this post were negative or about disappointment in REI, I just wanted to share my gratitude to you @AJH for calling out REI and asking for their support in this measure. I, for one, would prefer not to see ad's on facebook at all. But while we are subjected to ad content while we use the platform I think it is necessary to hold facebook at least partially responsible for the content that they profit from. Thank you @REI co-op for taking a more vocal position and in supporting BLM! Please don't stop here, we need more diversity in the outdoors! ... View more

@HokieHiker I second the suggestions by @hikermor and @scottmc . My one piece of advice would be to try to avoid doing this trip in July/August; the temperatures can get pretty high during those months, which is something you may want to avoid for backpacking. Regardless, enjoy your trip and be safe! ... View more

@Orb2009  In addition to the other suggestions, Colorado Bend State Park is great. A bit of a drive, but not too bad. ... View more

@pageeightstudio As someone else mentioned, the REI staff actually do the activities that their gear is made for. They also have worthwhile short classes at some of their stores. I did a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail in 2018, and went to a few thru hiking classes at the REI in downtown Austin. What I learned in their classes helped me plan for my trip. ... View more