Gear Guides
The 4 Best Sleeping Bags for Backpacking of 2026: Tested
Our testers sampled the best sleeping bags for backpacking. These are their four favorites.
Emily Pennington
Latest Articles
Gear Guides
The 7 Best Travel Backpacks of 2026: Staff Picks
Stay organized and travel like a pro with our favorite travel packs at REI. Whether you're touring a modern city or visiting off-the-beaten-path parks, we’ve got you covered with travel backpacks, each hand-picked by staff.
Gear Guides
The 7 Best Gloves and Mittens of 2026: Tested
These are our picks for the warmest and most dexterous gloves and mittens for skiing, snowboarding, snow shoveling and wintery walks.
Gear Guides
The 8 Best Hiking Socks of 2026: Staff Picks
We list our 8 favorite socks for hiking, backpacking, kids, compression and more.
Gear Guides
The 7 Best Rain Jackets of 2026: Tested
Our staffers pick their favorite rain jackets from Patagonia, REI Co-op, Outdoor Research, Arc'teryx and more—perfect for hiking, backpacking, everyday use and anywhere else the clouds might open up.
Skills
Ultralight Backpacking Basics
Ultralight backpacking done well can be safe and comfortable. Get tips on lightening up your Big Four items, plus water and food strategies.
Checklists
Adventure Travel Checklist
Use our checklist to help you plan the travel documents, clothing and packing list must-haves for your next big adventure trip.
Gear Guides
The Perfect Kit for Adventure Travel
From bucket‑list international treks to national parks road trips and multisport adventures, REI gear experts hand‑pick essential travel gear, outdoor equipment and packing list must‑haves for every trip.
Gear Guides
Gear Review: Testing the Exped Terra 15 Sleeping Bag
This versatile backpacking sleeping bag from Exped strikes a balance between warmth, weight and compressibility—at a wallet-friendly price.