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 by way of 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 mountain 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 latest school graduate does: I attempted to purchase every thing at a reduction. Every little thing however my pack. To my novice eyes, the Gregory seemed like greater than I wanted. Its measurement 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 telephone. The shiny purple material seemed glossy. It was good—or so I believed.
There was one downside 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 notice this till I tried to, nicely, pack it. However I’d run out of time to trade it earlier than the journey, so I made a decision to make it work. I carved out room inside for mountain 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 sincere, was lots (tent, sleeping pads, range, gas and extra).
Over the following 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 saved my gear dry throughout an surprising bathe. The sturdy hipbelt relieved stress from my again and shoulders, preserving my physique comfortable 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 keep in mind that you don’t want an ideal setup to have enjoyable. It’s additionally a reminder that everybody begins someplace. Errors could 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. Beneath 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 changing into a Frankenstein shanty, however wanting again now, all I see is a tent filled with reminiscences that span years.
- A Good Pack Match: Till that second I had no concept how totally different packs might really feel; it was like placing on glasses for the primary time if you don’t notice you want them.
- Ski Gloves Join Previous and Current: My dad gave me the present of snowboarding—which I’ve handed on to my very own youngsters—in addition to numerous reminiscences on the slopes. I’ll all the time have that.
- A “Actual” Pair of Mountain climbing Boots: Investing in these extra technical boots additionally made me extra dedicated to my coaching, and as we bought nearer to our huge journey, my anticipation grew.
- A Shelter Named Leslie: I spent many mornings waking up, opening the zipper and looking out on the most breathtaking views.
- Mountain climbing to New Heights: As a queer girl of shade, I don’t typically 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 Store to Slopes: Each fall constructed my resilience, each profitable run was a testomony to my progress.
- “The Mansion”: For practically 10 years, this tent was my journey companion. It gave area 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 by way of 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. Sooner or later, 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 house. I beloved the thought of getting an open-door possibility on a ravishing and breezy day, and I envisioned utilizing the shelter’s hanging pocket to connect my fairy string lights for camp atmosphere.
The following 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 considered one of 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 believed would pancake my tent, nevertheless it held its floor with just one barely bent tent pole by evening’s finish. The following morning, I spotted this shelter might dangle higher than my hammock ever might. Quick ahead 10 years, and my Passage 2 has adopted me by way of desolate wildernesses, desert flash floods, snowy mountain ranges and spontaneous automobile residing.
Tents are greater than shelters. They’re like a house away from house. As a backpacking information and somebody who loves recreating open air, I really feel it’s essential to have a way of the acquainted as I journey. A few of my greatest reminiscences of this tent have been the foolish repairs it’s seen over time, like when mates sat hearth stitching collectively a vestibule after their pup soared by way of 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 changing into a Frankenstein shanty. However wanting again now, all I see is a tent filled with reminiscences that span years. There’s worth in taking good care of your gear so it lasts.
I can’t say sufficient about how this primary piece of drugs has offered 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 mates after they want it.
It’s fairly candy to see a bit of drugs evolve all through your life—with its patched holes and new stitching—as when you’re siblings watching one another develop and discover all these totally different locations. It’s helped me perceive why my dad and mom saved all their previous 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 by way of Italy to discover regional variations in espresso, each so I might personally be taught 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 Publish’s journey part. Having by no means achieved a solo, hostel-hopping journey by way of Europe, I went into an REI for the primary time and was instantly overwhelmed by the packs, pondering I’d must determine this out by myself. (I’m infamous for refusing assist from workers in shops.)
I walked up and down shopping 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 must deliver, how lengthy I’d be there, what sorts of transportation I used to be taking a look at in-country (was I strolling lots or taking trains?), after which they began knocking down packs to suit me. Till that second, I had no concept how totally different packs might really feel; it was like placing on glasses for the primary time if you don’t notice 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 following 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 teen and now, at 47, I nonetheless have them. Although just a few tears threaten their means to heat my getting older fingers, I can’t bear the considered committing to a brand new pair—there’s quite a 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 exceptional job being every thing for my sister and I. When our dad and mom cut up, seeing Dad turned an alternate-weekend incidence. To benefit from our time collectively, Dad centered on planning actions round our house state of Maryland, like crusing at Solomons Island; biking the Nationwide Mall in Washington, D.C.; or snowboarding in Virginia come winter. Ultimately, snowboarding turned the primary exercise we bonded over.
Dad found snowboarding later in life and desperately needed us to be taught it as nicely, 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 dangle of it: Not one of the mechanics got here naturally. There have been just a few 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 stated one thing to the impact of, “You’ll thank me at some point.” His phrases didn’t put a dent in my preteen perspective.
By highschool, I lastly found out 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 take a look at the gloves, I see his palms—thick, sturdy and secure. I additionally see a wonderful present. The gloves have lasted longer than I might have predicted. However the white stuffing that now pokes by way of small holes within the fingers signifies one thing a lot better: My dad gave me the present of snowboarding—which I’ve handed on to my very own youngsters—in addition to numerous reminiscences on the slopes. I’ll all the time 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” mountain climbing boots once I lived in Los Angeles; everybody there simply hiked in sneakers. However there are trade-offs to carrying sneakers that lack correct tread, and I’d typically slip and slide on dirt-path descents, my physique working tougher simply to take care of my stability.
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 known for winding by way of historic Incan ruins, it’s equally recognized 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’d like these boots,” my accomplice, Kyle, stated to me one afternoon, seven weeks earlier than the journey. He swiveled his laptop computer to indicate me a gorgeous pair of ankle-high black mountain climbing boots from Blundstone. “These don’t look like mountain climbing boots, so we are able to put on them for each mountain 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 practical companions for my future out of doors adventures, however fashionable sufficient to pair with denims for an evening out within the metropolis.
I used to be shocked by how nicely they supported my ft. The leather-based lace-up type made me really feel like an actual outdoorswoman—not only a informal day hiker who crested small hills by the ocean outdoors LA. Investing in these extra technical boots additionally made me extra dedicated to my coaching, and as we bought 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 vital harmful days on the path.
Two months after the acquisition, Kyle and I have been mountain 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 ft. I instantly felt grateful for my boots, which gripped the soaked floor with ease—my sneakers wouldn’t have dealt with it as nicely.
Our information warned us to steer clear of the sting of the path because the rain got here down in sheets. One unsuitable 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 following 20 minutes.
As soon as the clouds parted, we resumed our trek, fortunately unscathed. I thanked my boots, which saved me safely planted on the path. Sooner or later of mountain climbing later, I entered Solar Gate, the stone entrance the place Inca Path hikers first behold Machu Picchu within the golden gentle of the dawn.
Since then, my Blundstone boots have reworked me from an off-the-cuff 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 looking out on the most breathtaking views—locations like Isla de Ometepe in Nicaragua and Volcán Tajmulco in Guatemala. I can’t bear in mind why, however I named the tent “Leslie,” and the title 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, nevertheless it 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 Mountain climbing Boots
REI Co-op Member since 2024
Rising up within the Pacific Northwest, I’ve spent greater than half my summers mountain climbing, typically looking for wildflowers, waterfalls and lakes. As a child, every trek by way of Mount Rainier Nationwide Park jogged my memory why I beloved residing in Washington. My adventures additionally fostered a connection to the mountains and sky, which have all the time referred to as me house.
As my love for mountain 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 stable pair was the very best place to start out constructing my equipment, and I might slowly buy different gear like mountain 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 sneakers to hold me by way of the journey.
I headed to my nearest REI, the Seattle flagship retailer, looking for waterproof mountain climbing boots that offered ankle help and will final a whole lot of miles of mountain climbing in my house state and past. I left with a pair of Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof Mountain climbing Boots from Oboz, which checked each requirement whereas nonetheless being gentle sufficient to journey with. I hiked each week within the months main as much as Everest Base Camp, and every step by way of western Washington’s trails made me really feel just a little extra ready for my trek in Nepal. My mountain climbing boots have been the one factor that saved me regular, a reminder to concentrate on staying grounded, each actually and figuratively.
Getting mountain 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 shade, I don’t typically 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 mountain 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 wedding 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 top of the trek, once I made it 17,598 ft as much as Everest Base Camp, I couldn’t assist however be happy with myself. My desires—and my mountain 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 glossy 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 totally 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 by way of the snow with precision and charm. 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 realized to navigate the difficult terrain and push myself to new limits. The snowboard turned an extension of me, a trusted companion on my journey.
By this expertise, I found the worth of laborious work. Constructing ramps and transferring snow in my yard was just the start. Mountain climbing up the slopes, making ready for every run and training 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 realized to belief my abilities and preparation. With every descent, I felt my concern rework into exhilaration, my hesitation into dedication. It was a robust metaphor for all times—going through challenges head-on, making 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 at the present time. Each time I strap right into a snowboard, I keep in mind that first go to to the ski store and the unbelievable journey it set me on.
“The Mansion”
Title: Lestarya Molloy
First Piece of Gear: Coleman Purple Canyon 8-person tent
REI Co-op Member since 2012
Rising up, I wasn’t the child climbing bushes or taking part in within the dust. As an alternative, I discovered solace in lengthy walks outdoors and hikes with mates. After years of day mountain climbing, I ultimately turned interested by tenting. I needed 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 affix.
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 essential to me that the tent felt like a house for us to get pleasure from.
My African American mother and Indonesian dad instilled in me at a younger age the significance of training and making a distinction on the planet. However after they each handed away once I was 11, I realized that point is a present. So whereas I labored laborious to apply their values, I additionally prioritized free time to recharge my battery. My spacious, eight-person tent turned a house away from house not only for myself, but in addition for my mates who’ve turn into like household. By having this extra spacious shelter, there was all the time 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 recent air gracing my face; listening to the tender movement of the river; having no agenda aside from to easily be. Something was potential.
For practically 10 years, this tent was my journey companion. It gave area 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 mates and I took extra adventures to campsites from the coast to the mountains, I discovered myself changing into extra comfy with the nuances of organising our shelter, like utilizing a footprint to guard the tent flooring or placing the rainfly on prime to maintain everybody dry and heat. As these abilities turned second nature, the tent turned much more of a house: A spot the place we advised tales, performed card video games, reveled in “aha” moments and had superb nights of sleep.
The Mansion proved to be greater than a shelter. It was an oasis for leisure, reflection and inspiration, for pure pleasure, enjoyable and journey.
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