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Heather Balogh Rochfort

Heather is a freelance writer and author specializing in the outdoors and adventure travel, particularly as they apply to women and families. She is the co-founder of WildKind, an organization educating and empowering families to find their wild. As a lifelong Colorado resident, Heather loves Type-II fun above treeline where the sun is hot and the oxygen depleted. Thing she does not like: rock climbing. REI Co-op Member since 2008.

Latest Articles

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Budget Sleeping Bags of 2025: Tested

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

    Our five favorite budget sleeping bags include options for backpacking and car camping, plus a variety of temperature ratings and shapes.

  • Gear Guides

    The 6 Best Hiking Sandals of 2025: Tested

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

    Our testers choose the 6 best sandals at REI for water crossings, kayaking, ultralight trips, urban hiking and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The 8 Best Walking Shoes of 2025: Staff Picks

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

    These are the eight best pairs of walking shoes, according to REI Co-op member, staff and customer reviews.

  • Gear Guides

    The 6 Best Bike Shorts of 2025: Staff Picks

    23 reviews with an average rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars

    Our staff weighed in on their favorite bike shorts from Pearl iZumi, Outdoor Research, Terry and Rapha.

  • Skills

    Hiking While Pregnant

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

    Tips for pregnant hikers, including fueling and hydration, how to prepare, what to wear and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Sleeping Pads for Camping: Tested

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

    Explore you the comfiest top-rated self-inflating sleeping pads from Exped, NEMO, Big Agnes, and others, plus one hybrid sleep system and portable cots.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Running Shorts: Staff Picks

    10 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

    Find the best running shorts for any activity. From trail runs to marathons, we've rounded up our favorites, based on input from REI Co-op staff.

  • 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 Water Shoes: Staff Picks

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

    From land to sea and back again, these are the top four water shoes from Astral, Salomon, KEEN and Xero Shoes.

  • Gear Guides

    The Best Winter Snow Boots of 2024: Staff Picks

    67 reviews with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars

    Keep your toes warm in the fourth season. These nine pairs of boots are great for snowy trails, slick sidewalks and even alpine adventures.