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Emily Pennington

Emily is a freelance writer and journalist with a special focus on the outdoors, national parks, adventure travel and solo female travel. REI member since 2015.

Latest Articles

  • Gear Guides

    The 5 Best Rain Pants of 2025: Staff Picks

    31 reviews with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars

    These 5 waterproof pants will help you stay dry in wet weather—whether you're coaching a soccer game or scrambling above treeline.

  • Gear Guides

    The 9 Best Backpacking Tents of 2025: Tested

    69 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars

    Discover our favorite backpacking tents, tested and reviewed: From ultralight solo shelters to spacious four-person hideaways, these 9 backpacking tents provide a cozy haven for every type of backpacker.

  • Gear Guides

    The 4 Best Inclusive-Size Sleeping Bags of 2025: Tested

    83 reviews with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars

    Read on to find our favorite wide sleeping bags for car camping, backpacking and more. The sleep sacks we tested are available in short, wide and long dimensions.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Gifts for Rock Climbers

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

    Looking for a gift for the climber in your life? We've got climbing shoes, recovery sandals, an assisted-blocking belay device, quickdraws and more.