Like a primary love, my first gear buy is etched in my reminiscence: a Gregory J28 pack. I purchased it in 2014 in preparation for my inaugural backpacking journey—a multiday trek via Washington’s Olympic Nationwide Park. I moved out west from Ohio a 12 months earlier and fell in love with exploring the state’s rugged landscapes. Planning that first journey felt like a commencement after months of climbing native trails.
Like most individuals who undertake a brand new interest, I spent days researching the gear I’d want and which manufacturers have been most reliable. I additionally did what any current school graduate does: I attempted to purchase every thing at a reduction. All the pieces however my pack. To my novice eyes, the Gregory appeared like greater than I wanted. Its dimension and options overshadowed the small, shapeless bag I sometimes introduced on hikes. Once I tried it on, the straps felt cushioned and supportive towards my shoulders. The spacious hipbelt pockets might match a pair bars, gels and my cellphone. The shiny purple cloth appeared modern. It was good—or so I assumed.
There was one drawback with the Gregory J28: It’s a daypack. That means, it’s about 20 liters shy of space for storing for a multiday journey. I didn’t understand this till I tried to, properly, pack it. However I’d run out of time to alternate it earlier than the journey, so I made a decision to make it work. I carved out room inside for climbing garments, snacks, a pair dehydrated meals and smaller necessities like a headlamp and multitool. I fixed a borrowed sleeping bag to the highest utilizing string. My path mate shouldered every thing I couldn’t carry—which, to be trustworthy, was loads (tent, sleeping pads, range, gas and extra).
Over the subsequent few days, the pack and I trekked dozens of path miles. It housed the primary dehydrated meal I ever cooked with my Jetboil. Its built-in rain fly stored my gear dry throughout an surprising bathe. The sturdy hipbelt relieved stress from my again and shoulders, preserving my physique completely satisfied even after miles of switchbacks. As of late, I carry my beloved REI Co-op Flash 55 on in a single day journeys, however my Gregory continues to be my go-to for day hikes in Seattle. And its origin story is a good dialog starter with these I meet on the path.
My fake pas is equal elements cautionary and humorous—the 2 takeaways being to analysis your gear and to do not forget that you don’t want an ideal setup to have enjoyable. It’s additionally a reminder that everybody begins someplace. Errors might be the best academics.
In honor of the too-small pack that ignited my love for backpacking, I requested REI Co-op Members, staff and others to share the story of their first gear buy. Under are eight tales of journey, love, loss, progress and belonging.
—Sarah Grothjan, Editor
Leap Forward
- A Patchwork Tent: I started to assume my Passage would find yourself turning into a Frankenstein shanty, however trying again now, all I see is a tent filled with reminiscences that span years.
- A Perfect Pack Fit: Till that second I had no concept how completely different packs might really feel; it was like placing on glasses for the primary time once you don’t understand you want them.
- Ski Gloves Connect Past and Present: My dad gave me the present of snowboarding—which I’ve handed on to my very own children—in addition to numerous reminiscences on the slopes. I’ll at all times have that.
- A “Real” Pair of Hiking Boots: Investing in these extra technical boots additionally made me extra dedicated to my coaching, and as we obtained nearer to our huge journey, my anticipation grew.
- A Shelter Named Leslie: I spent many mornings waking up, opening the zipper and searching on the most breathtaking views.
- Hiking to New Heights: As a queer girl of colour, I don’t usually see myself represented in tales about journey or treks to faraway locations. Forward of the journey, I needed to remind myself I might do it.
- From Snowboard Shop to Slopes: Each fall constructed my resilience, each profitable run was a testomony to my progress.
- “The Mansion”: For almost 10 years, this tent was my journey companion. It gave house for my concepts and deepest reflections to take type as I navigated life
A Patchwork Tent
Title: Ericka Johnson
First Piece of Gear: REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent
REI Co-op Member since 2016
Ten years in the past, as I sifted via my dad and mom’ dusty tenting gear of their storage, I began to really feel impressed to construct out my very own journey equipment. On the time, I overnighted in a hammock, however had lately begun on the lookout for extra safety in bear nation—hoping to really feel much less like a human burrito. At some point, whereas roaming round an REI retailer with armfuls of tenting gear, I noticed an REI Co-op Passage 2 Tent on show. I nestled inside and immediately discovered a spot for every thing, as if transferring into a brand new dwelling. I liked the thought of getting an open-door choice on a fantastic and breezy day, and I envisioned utilizing the shelter’s hanging pocket to connect my fairy string lights for camp atmosphere.
The subsequent week, I put my Passage 2 to the take a look at on a 20,000-mile highway journey to go to seven nationwide parks out west, ranging from Michigan. On one in all my first tenting stops, in Glacier Nationwide Park, I arrange in Saint Mary Campground. The winds have been gusting as much as 40 mph that evening, which I assumed would pancake my tent, but it surely held its floor with just one barely bent tent pole by evening’s finish. The subsequent morning, I spotted this shelter might cling higher than my hammock ever might. Quick ahead 10 years, and my Passage 2 has adopted me via desolate wildernesses, desert flash floods, snowy mountain ranges and spontaneous automobile residing.
Tents are greater than shelters. They’re like a house away from dwelling. As a backpacking information and somebody who loves recreating outside, I really feel it’s necessary to have a way of the acquainted as I journey. A few of my finest reminiscences of this tent have been the foolish repairs it’s seen through the years, like when buddies sat hearth stitching collectively a vestibule after their pup soared via the guyline. There’s additionally a patch within the rainfly from the time a badger nibbled on it in Utah. After a number of mishaps and repairs, I started to assume my Passage would find yourself turning into a Frankenstein shanty. However trying again now, all I see is a tent filled with reminiscences that span years. There’s worth in caring for your gear so it lasts.
I can’t say sufficient about how this primary piece of substances has supplied me with safety, consolation and love. It means a lot to me to return to a shelter I’m aware of, can belief 12 months after 12 months and may supply to buddies after they want it.
It’s fairly candy to see a bit of substances evolve all through your life—with its patched holes and new stitching—as in the event you’re siblings watching one another develop and discover all these completely different locations. It’s helped me perceive why my dad and mom stored all their outdated tenting gear: It’s not only a tent, it’s a house.
A Good Pack Match
Title: Ever Meister
First Piece of Gear: REI Co-op Lookout Pack
REI Co-op Member since 2012
In December of 2012, I took myself on a solo journey via Italy to discover regional variations in espresso, each so I might personally study extra for my espresso profession (my calling earlier than I began as an editor at REI) and since I used to be on project for The Washington Put up’s journey part. Having by no means executed a solo, hostel-hopping journey via Europe, I went into an REI for the primary time and was instantly overwhelmed by the packs, pondering I’d have to determine this out by myself. (I’m infamous for refusing assist from employees in shops.)
I walked up and down searching the racks in REI Soho, not even actually understanding what I used to be on the lookout for, and when a inexperienced vest stopped to ask what I wanted I don’t assume I’ve ever been so relieved in my life. We talked about what issues I’d have to convey, how lengthy I’d be there, what sorts of transportation I used to be taking a look at in-country (was I strolling loads or taking trains?), after which they began knocking down packs to suit me. Till that second, I had no concept how completely different packs might really feel; it was like placing on glasses for the primary time once you don’t understand you want them. I walked out with a pack that felt made for me, a newfound confidence within the journey I used to be about to take and an REI membership. The subsequent month I used to be giddily overcaffeinating in Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples—the journey of my younger lifetime. I nonetheless have the pack, although it’s worse for put on with a pair puncture holes and a lacking buckle on the sternum strap; I simply can’t think about saying “arrivederci” to it but.
Ski Gloves Join Previous and Current
Title: Amy Jamieson
First Piece of Gear: Gordini AquaBloc Heatrap Gloves
They have been a sensible, if not barely underwhelming birthday present: Gordini AquaBloc Heatrap Gloves. My dad gave them to me once I was a young person and now, at 47, I nonetheless have them. Although a couple of tears threaten their capacity to heat my growing older fingers, I can’t bear the considered committing to a brand new pair—there’s a whole lot of historical past in these palms.
I used to be not an athletic little one. Not essentially by alternative—my single mother labored 40-hour weeks and didn’t have time to cart me round to extracurricular actions, although she did an outstanding job being every thing for my sister and I. When our dad and mom break up, seeing Dad grew to become an alternate-weekend incidence. To take advantage of our time collectively, Dad targeted on planning actions round our dwelling state of Maryland, like crusing at Solomons Island; biking the Nationwide Mall in Washington, D.C.; or snowboarding in Virginia come winter. Finally, snowboarding grew to become the primary exercise we bonded over.
Dad found snowboarding later in life and desperately wished us to study it as properly, so we shared ski journeys and classes. He took us to resorts in Vail and Beaver Creek, Colorado. I took at the least a dozen classes at native mountains like Ski Liberty and Wintergreen Resort earlier than I used to be 15. Nonetheless, it took some time for me to get the cling of it: Not one of the mechanics got here naturally. There have been a couple of heated arguments with Dad about why he was making me ski. One ignited once I worn out and my skis continued downhill with out me—it might have been the second that helped coin the phrase “redhead with a fiery mood.” On the chairlift later that very same day, I barked at him for pushing me to grasp the infuriating sport, and he mentioned one thing to the impact of, “You’ll thank me someday.” His phrases didn’t put a dent in my preteen angle.
By highschool, I lastly discovered snowboarding and even started having fun with it. So, like a professor awarding a diploma, my dad gifted me my very personal set of ski gloves. I’ve skied with them ever since—in Telluride, Colorado, throughout spring break in school; Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire as a newlywed; and now I put on them as a ski mother at Connecticut’s Ski Sunset resort.
My dad died proper earlier than Christmas in 2019. Six days later, I skied my native mountain simply to be nearer to him, wiping frozen tears from my face with the gloves he gifted me all these years in the past.
Once I have a look at the gloves, I see his palms—thick, sturdy and protected. I additionally see a superb present. The gloves have lasted longer than I might have predicted. However the white stuffing that now pokes via small holes within the fingers signifies one thing a lot higher: My dad gave me the present of snowboarding—which I’ve handed on to my very own children—in addition to numerous reminiscences on the slopes. I’ll at all times have that.
A “Actual” Pair of Mountain climbing Boots
Title: Amy Suto
First Piece of Gear: Blundstone Originals Lace Up Boots
I didn’t personal “actual” climbing boots once I lived in Los Angeles; everybody there simply hiked in sneakers. However there are trade-offs to carrying footwear that lack correct tread, and I’d usually slip and slide on dirt-path descents, my physique working more durable simply to take care of my steadiness.
My perspective on acceptable footwear modified in August 2023 when, two months earlier than a visit to Peru, I signed up for the 26-mile Inca Path hike to Machu Picchu. This four-day trek is a “bucket listing” journey for many individuals. Whereas the path is legendary for winding via historical Incan ruins, it’s equally identified for its steep drop-offs and sharp inclines because it stretches into the Andes. I knew I wanted substantial footwear to forestall my transition from mountain climber to unintentional cliff diver.
“I feel we want these boots,” my associate, Kyle, mentioned to me one afternoon, seven weeks earlier than the journey. He swiveled his laptop computer to point out me a gorgeous pair of ankle-high black climbing boots from Blundstone. “These don’t look like climbing boots, so we will put on them for each climbing and to dinner.”
Even after Kyle bought a pair of his personal, I hesitated. At greater than $200, the hikers have been an funding. However one thing additionally felt proper about them: With their stunning darkish leather-based, they’d be versatile—not solely useful companions for my future outside adventures, however fashionable sufficient to pair with denims for an evening out within the metropolis.
I used to be shocked by how properly they supported my toes. The leather-based lace-up model made me really feel like an actual outdoorswoman—not only a informal day hiker who crested small hills by the ocean exterior LA. Investing in these extra technical boots additionally made me extra dedicated to my coaching, and as we obtained nearer to our huge journey, my anticipation grew.
What I couldn’t have predicted was that these boots would assist shield me throughout one of the crucial harmful days on the path.
Two months after the acquisition, Kyle and I have been climbing the Inca Path. As we climbed to the ultimate mountain peak, lightning struck the horizon and rain began to pour, slicking the stone beneath our toes. I instantly felt grateful for my boots, which gripped the soaked floor with ease—my sneakers wouldn’t have dealt with it as properly.
Our information warned us to avoid the sting of the path because the rain got here down in sheets. One flawed step, and we might tumble to our deaths. Rigorously, we sprinted to a relaxation cease on the peak that supplied the one protection from the offended climate. We made it simply in time, the thunder roaring like an offended god as we huddled with different hikers beneath the hideaway for the subsequent 20 minutes.
As soon as the clouds parted, we resumed our trek, fortunately unscathed. I thanked my boots, which stored me safely planted on the path. At some point of climbing later, I entered Solar Gate, the stone entrance the place Inca Path hikers first behold Machu Picchu within the golden mild of the dawn.
Since then, my Blundstone boots have remodeled me from an informal hiker to a assured trekker. I’ve began planning month-to-month adventures. I’ve traversed trails from Argentina to Japan, and I’ve one other journey deliberate in Madeira, Portugal. I wore them earlier this 12 months in Cappadocia, the place I watched sizzling air balloons drift into the air on the morning of my 30th birthday.
A Shelter Named Leslie
Title: Jackie Garrido Zawalski
First Piece of Gear: Kelty Crestone 2 Tent
REI Co-op Member since 2008
I purchased my Kelty two-person tent earlier than backpacking in Central America in 2008. I spent many mornings waking up, opening the zipper and searching on the most breathtaking views—locations like Isla de Ometepe in Nicaragua and Volcán Tajmulco in Guatemala. I can’t keep in mind why, however I named the tent “Leslie,” and the identify caught. Years later, once I met my husband, we took Leslie on a seven-day hike round Mount Hood in Oregon. We nonetheless have it. We don’t use it as a lot anymore, but it surely holds a particular place in my coronary heart.
Mountain climbing to New Heights
Title: Aleenah Ansari
First Piece of Gear: Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
REI Co-op Member since 2024
Rising up within the Pacific Northwest, I’ve spent greater than half my summers climbing, usually in the hunt for wildflowers, waterfalls and lakes. As a child, every trek via Mount Rainier Nationwide Park jogged my memory why I liked residing in Washington. My adventures additionally fostered a connection to the mountains and sky, which have at all times referred to as me dwelling.
As my love for climbing grew, so did my want for extra technical gear. In 2021, after stumbling in my trainers whereas trekking down steep trails in western Washington, I made a decision to put money into a pair of shoes. I figured getting a strong pair was the very best place to begin constructing my equipment, and I might slowly buy different gear like climbing poles and a backpack over time. Plus, I used to be a 12 months away from trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal; I wanted good footwear to hold me via the journey.
I headed to my nearest REI, the Seattle flagship retailer, in the hunt for water resistant climbing boots that supplied ankle assist and will final tons of of miles of climbing in my dwelling state and past. I left with a pair of Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots from Oboz, which checked each requirement whereas nonetheless being mild sufficient to journey with. I hiked each week within the months main as much as Everest Base Camp, and every step via western Washington’s trails made me really feel a bit of extra ready for my trek in Nepal. My climbing boots have been the one factor that stored me regular, a reminder to concentrate on staying grounded, each actually and figuratively.
Getting climbing boots was solely half the battle, although. The opposite half was trusting myself to complete the trek to Everest Base Camp. As a queer girl of colour, I don’t usually see myself represented in tales about journey or treks to faraway locations. Forward of the journey, I needed to remind myself I might do it. In any case, years of climbing had ready me. And I did issues that scared me on a regular basis, whether or not it was giving a TEDx discuss, beginning a writing enterprise or planning a queer marriage ceremony whereas surrounded by examples of straight ones. If I might do all of that, then I absolutely deserved to belief myself on the paths. And by the tip of the trek, once I made it 17,598 toes as much as Everest Base Camp, I couldn’t assist however be pleased with myself. My desires—and my climbing boots—had taken me to locations I’d by no means been earlier than.
From Snowboard Store to Slopes
Title: John Wolf
First Piece of Gear: LTD snowboard
REI Co-op Member since 2009
It was a bustling night on the native ski and snowboard store once I first noticed it—a modern board displayed prominently on a rack among the many others. It had a white and purple prime sheet and a purple base with a white hand making a “rock on” gesture close to the tail. Till then, I’d been utilizing a lower-quality snowboard and snow boots, making do with what I had. However this journey was completely different; it was a gateway to new adventures.
The second I held it in my palms, I had a surge of pleasure. The primary time I strapped in and glided down the hill, I felt free. The snowboard responded to my each transfer, carving via the snow with precision and beauty. It was as if it had been made only for me.
This snowboard additionally accompanied me on my first journey to Colorado. The western mountains, pristine slopes, and fluffy, deep snow have been a far cry from my yard of Pennsylvania, however I used to be prepared. Every run down the mountain was a lesson in perseverance and braveness. I discovered to navigate the difficult terrain and push myself to new limits. The snowboard grew to become an extension of me, a trusted companion on my journey.
By way of this expertise, I found the worth of laborious work. Constructing ramps and transferring snow in my yard was only the start. Mountain climbing up the slopes, getting ready for every run and practising relentlessly taught me the significance of dedication and energy. Each fall constructed my resilience, each profitable run was a testomony to my progress.
Greater than something, this snowboard taught me to channel my fears into confidence. Standing on the prime of a steep slope, coronary heart pounding, I discovered to belief my abilities and preparation. With every descent, I felt my concern remodel into exhilaration, my hesitation into dedication. It was a robust metaphor for all times—dealing with challenges head-on, getting ready and progressing step-by-step.
That first snowboard was a catalyst for progress and journey. It opened doorways to new experiences and taught me invaluable classes that I carry with me to this present day. Each time I strap right into a snowboard, I do not forget that first go to to the ski store and the unimaginable journey it set me on.
“The Mansion”
Title: Lestarya Molloy
First Piece of Gear: Coleman Crimson Canyon 8-person tent
REI Co-op Member since 2012
Rising up, I wasn’t the child climbing bushes or enjoying within the filth. As a substitute, I discovered solace in lengthy walks exterior and hikes with buddies. After years of day climbing, I ultimately grew to become interested by tenting. I wished the in a single day nature expertise, so I booked a campsite at Lockaby Campground in Oregon’s Mount Hood Nationwide Forest and invited some friends to hitch.
Most of us have been new to tenting, and none of us owned a tent. So, we chipped in cash towards a communal eight-person Coleman tent that was tall sufficient to face in. The spaciousness to maneuver round, change garments, and get out and in was a plus. It was additionally necessary to me that the tent felt like a house for us to take pleasure in.
My African American mother and Indonesian dad instilled in me at a younger age the significance of schooling and making a distinction on this planet. However after they each handed away once I was 11, I discovered that point is a present. So whereas I labored laborious to follow their values, I additionally prioritized free time to recharge my battery. My spacious, eight-person tent grew to become a house away from dwelling not only for myself, but in addition for my buddies who’ve turn out to be like household. By having this extra spacious shelter, there was at all times room for them—a lot in order that we referred to the tent as “The Mansion”.
Throughout that first tenting journey, I fell in love with all of it: waking as much as lush, tall bushes within the mornings; the contemporary air gracing my face; listening to the comfortable circulate of the river; having no agenda aside from to easily be. Something was doable.
For almost 10 years, this tent was my journey companion. It gave house for my concepts and deepest reflections to take type as I navigated life—constantly studying and rising in my work, deepening lifelong friendships and falling in love with my now husband, Scott.
As my buddies and I took extra adventures to campsites from the coast to the mountains, I discovered myself turning into extra snug with the nuances of establishing our shelter, like utilizing a footprint to guard the tent ground or placing the rainfly on prime to maintain everybody dry and heat. As these abilities grew to become second nature, the tent grew to become much more of a house: A spot the place we informed tales, performed card video games, reveled in “aha” moments and had wonderful nights of sleep.
The Mansion proved to be greater than a shelter. It was an oasis for rest, reflection and inspiration, for pure pleasure, enjoyable and journey.
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