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Kelly Bastone

At six years old, when Kelly Bastone obeyed her mother’s command to “go play outside,” she began a lifelong passion for outdoor recreation that continues to this day. Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail schooled Bastone in ultralight backpacking techniques, and living at the foot of Colorado’s 10,570-foot Mt. Werner let her ski, mountain bike, fly-fish and forage for mushrooms on a daily basis. For two decades, she has covered outdoor gear for publications such as Backpacker, Gear Junkie and Outside. Now residing on the coast of Maine, Bastone continues to bike and ski—often in the company of her teen daughter—and has added kayaks to her equipment shed. REI member since 2020.

Latest Articles

  • Buying Advice

    How to Choose Satellite Communicators

    Learn the difference between a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a satellite messenger, and which satellite communicator device might be right for you.

  • Skills

    The Ten Essentials

    Use this list of Ten Essentials to help you remember what to bring on your next hiking, backpacking or camping trip to help you stay prepared in case of an emergency and you end up outside longer than expected.

  • Gear Guides

    The 6 Best Water Bottles of 2026: Tested

    Here are our favorite reusable water bottles for hiking, running, cycling, everyday use and more. Find the best water bottle at REI from YETI, Nalgene, Bivo, Klean Kanteen, Ocean Bottle and more.

  • Gear Guides

    The 7 Best Mountain Bike Shoes of 2025: Staff Picks

    Our REI mountain biking experts hit paved bike paths, rocky rubble and everything in between to find the best pair of mountain bike shoes at REI for all riding conditions. Our picks include flat pedal shoes from Five Ten and crankbrothers, gravel shoes from Shimano and more.

  • Buying Advice

    What to Look for in a Camping Tent

    Learn how to choose a car-camping tent. This article with video covers capacity, seasonality, features and optional accessories.