Uncommon Path

2 weeks ago | rei.com | Miles Griffis

As the stilts first started dive-bombing us on the water, I couldn’t help but wonder why ornithologists had named them “black-necked” when the nape was the bird’s least telling feature. I was taken by an up-close view of one’s hot pink, pipe cleaner legs as it swooped at my partner and me. Hot pink stilts, I thought as I ducked and dodged the attack from the water. Now that’s a better name.

3 weeks ago | rei.com | Jenny Barber |Shelby Stanger

TranscriptBrooks Bash is an entrepreneur and endurance athlete known for pursuing extraordinary challenges. In 2023, he ran a relay from Canada to Mexico to promote his natural energy drink company, Earthy. Later that year, Brooks completed 100 marathons in 100 days, equivalent to running from L.A. to New York. Just three weeks after his 100th marathon, he tackled another feat, running a 320-mile race from Santa Monica to Las Vegas.

1 month ago | rei.com | Jenny Barber |Shelby Stanger

TranscriptMo Beck is an elite climber who was born with a limb difference. For Mo, rock climbing is a puzzle, requiring her to find unique routes up the wall. Over the course of her career, Mo earned a spot on the national paralympic climbing team and has been a top tier competitor at countless national and international climbing events. Now, she’s encouraging other adaptive climbers to rethink the limits of what their bodies can do.

1 month ago | rei.com | Erin Berger

Whether it’s a childhood camping trip, learning rock climbing as an adult or finally planning that intimidating multiday backpacking trip that’s been on the bucket list for years, a life of outdoor adventure is full of firsts. And those memories can last: Many co-op members still remember the brand of their first pair of hiking boots or where their friend took them on their first mountain bike ride. How do we know? Because they write in and tell us.

1 month ago | rei.com | Jenny Barber |Shelby Stanger

TranscriptKnox Robinson is a unique running coach and founder of the Black Roses running group in New York City. His coaching methods, inspired by music, culture, and the urban environment, are unconventional and effective. The Black Roses practice like an elite track team, but instead of high-end facilities, they use urban areas like parks, city streets, and local trails as their training grounds.