A family riding bikes on a path in a park A family riding bikes on a path in a park

Expert Advice

Your go-to source for expert outdoor knowledge you can trust. All the information you need to learn new skills, choose and maintain gear, prep for your trips and have amazing adventures.

Editor's Picks

A backpacker leaping into the air with a badge over the image that reads, "Editors' Choice"

Buying Guides

REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Awards

46 reviews with an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars

REI Co-op Editors’ Choice Awards honor the best equipment and apparel we’ve been recommending for years, along with the latest innovative products.

A cyclist riding on a bike path

Skills

How to Use Bike Gears

162 reviews with an average rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars

Learning about bike gears and shifting will help you understand how your bike works and what changes you can make for more enjoyable riding.

Fire lookout perched atop rocky outcrop with evergreen trees in foreground

Care and Repair

How to Clean a Hydration Bladder

157 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars

Cleaning your hydration reservoir can be an awkward task, but it’s not hard to do. We’ll give you a few tips to make it easier.

Topo map of Mount Rainier National Forest

Skills

How to Read a Topo Map

402 reviews with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars

A topo map is an indispensable navigational tool, but only if you know how to read it. In this article, we'll teach you the basics.

A group of backpackers hiking on steep terrain

Skills

How to Train for Backpacking

404 reviews with an average rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars

Learn a few simple strength-training exercises to prepare you for backpacking. In this article you’ll find a simple workout plan and training tips.