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Courtney Holden

Courtney moved to Boulder, Colorado, to pursue her dream of hiking, biking, skiing and writing about it. So far, things are working out. In the past four years, she’s transitioned from 100-mile days on her road bike to backpacking with a stuffed rabbit, Tonka truck and toddler in tow. Her husband comes too. She confesses to preferring Diet Coke to craft beer. REI member since 2011.

Latest Articles

  • Gear Guides

    The 7 Best Bike Locks of 2025: Staff Picks

    15 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars

    Discover the bike locks that REI experts recommend, from U-locks to chain locks. Learn how to pick the right one to secure your bike in different environments.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Camp Pillows of 2025: Staff Picks

    18 reviews with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars

    Rest easy with our expert picks for pillows for car camping, backpacking, travel and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The 10 Best Hiking Shoes of 2025: Staff Picks

    37 reviews with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars

    REI Co-op Members and staff share their 10 favorite lower cut, lighter weight hiking shoes for everything from urban trails to thru-hikes.

  • Skills

    The Benefits of Cycling

    The physical, mental and practical benefits of biking outside on the road or in the mountains—or indoors.

  • Buying Advice

    The Perfect Camp Kit, at Four Different Price Points

    19 reviews with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars

    Whether you want to invest in your first few pieces of camp gear or need to upgrade your existing setup, we have gear recommendations for creating a camp kit at four different budgets.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Gifts for Cyclists

    6 reviews with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars

    We've pulled together great gifts for cyclists, including bike helmets, bike computers, handlebar bag, an electric mountain bike and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Gifts for Runners

    15 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars

    Whether they love the trail or just get out in the city for a quick jog, find the perfect gift for the runner in your life.

  • Gear Guides

    The 7 Best Insulated Jackets of 2025: Staff Picks

    27 reviews with an average rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars

    REI experts share their favorite down or synthetic insulated jackets for casual wear, hiking, snowsports and more. Read on for our top picks for down jackets and synthetic jackets from Arc'teryx, REI Co-op, Patagonia and more.

  • Skills

    A Guide to Common Hiking Injuries

    23 reviews with an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars

    This guide reviews some of the most common hiking injuries, how to identify them, how to prevent them and what to do when you're injured on trail.