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Every hike outside opens opportunities to observe the natural world. All you need to do is look up or, in some cases, look down to find wonders.

How the Infectious Joy of My Dog Got Me Moving—Again and Again

A shelter pup got one member on her feet physically and emotionally. As he aged over their 15 years of exploration together, she found herself returning the favor.

Su-Jit Lin
Member since 2022

Gingerly, Lieutenant Baxter Bear put one paw in front of another, stiffly crossing right over left, left over right, to center his balance. His arthritic elbows were increasingly unyielding; medication, acupuncture and physical therapy could only do so much. Behind them, his back legs didn’t quite shuffle but were certainly not as sure as they were a year, a month or a week before.

He stopped every few steps, presumably to sniff, but after more than a decade as his partner on hikes and walks, I knew better. At nearly 16, he was still a proud and regal dog. Admitting his need for a break in our slow progress down the sidewalk visibly grated on him. He’d pretend the patch of grass before him was why he’d stopped, not to catch his breath. I let him have his little charade as I kept my own going, holding the retractable leash he no longer needed and praising his every step forward, even as each one shattered me a tiny bit more.

Baxter’s advancing pulmonary fibrosis made even short ambles around our townhome community in Atlanta difficult. Even so, he loved to walk; we’d spent years exploring neighborhoods, trails and parks on foot from New Orleans to Long Island. Now, his mind could only triumph over matter so much, so I’d bought a folding beach wagon sturdy enough to hold his 75 (and dropping) pounds so he could go as far as he could … though never as far as he wanted.

“You ready to go in the wagon, Baby Bear?” I asked him. He always declined the first few times but eventually heaved a relieved sigh when I scooped him up and gently placed him in the wagon. After 15 years of getting me on my feet and out to the great outdoors beyond, inspiring me to make moves, both literally and figuratively, it was finally my turn to return the favor—to carry him as he did me.

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A person zips their hiking pants while resting on a rock

GEAR GUIDE

The Best Hiking Pants of 2023: Staff Picks

The Editors

The pants you wear hiking should be a pretty forgettable piece of gear: You want them to feel like they’re one with your body instead of distracting you from the trail by bunching or snagging on branches.

The best hiking pants should move with you as you crank out the miles, keep you comfortable and protect you from the elements. But there are a lot of hiking pants out there to choose from. We talked to the experts at the co-op and scoured member reviews to build the definitive roundup of the best hiking pants available at REI, no matter where they take you.

SHOP OUR PICKS

QUIZ

Can You Identify These Animal Tracks?

David Moskowitz
Member since 1993

From the tiniest shrews to bears and cougars, wild animals leave behind clues to be discovered by any observant outdoor adventurist. Many North American wildlife species stay out of sight of humans, but their traces often show up in surprising places if you take the time to look for them. Animal footprints can be found year-round and in any landscape.

Our ability to find, interpret and follow animal signs has been a fundamental part of our relationship with the natural world since the origin of our species. Tracking skills can be found in the traditional ecological knowledge of many cultures around the world, and they’re just as important today in research, hunting, recreation and conservation.

Learning to identify the creatures that share our outdoor spaces can enrich our connection to nature.

So, can you figure out who left these tracks?

TAKE THE QUIZ

A person peers through binoculars, looking upward

OUTDOOR QUESTIONS—ANSWERED

How Can I Start Bird-watching on Hikes?

Alexandra Marvar
Member since 2019

There are more than 10,000 species of birds, and dozens could be around your favorite trail.

Here are a few tips for building your bird-watching skills.

Know your neighbors: Get familiar with the bird species that live near you through a local bird guidebook or smartphone app. Soon, you’ll start noticing important clues, like species’ colors and habitats, that can help you ID new feathered friends.
Watch with your ears: Learning avian calls—and keeping an ear out for them—makes it easier to locate a new species among a tangle of branches and leaves. Some apps will even listen and identify them for you.
List your “lifers”: When you identify a type of bird for the first time, that’s a “lifer.” (It’s given special distinction because you only get one first time.) Jot it in a notebook or a mobile app and watch your lifer list grow as you hone your skills.

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A person smiles, binoculars in hand, standing amid a scenic landscape

GOOD GEAR

Connect with Nature, Honor the Land with Nocs Provisions

Carrie A. Back

Using binoculars “is like a visual meditation,” says Nocs Provisions founder Chris McKleroy. “It allows you to connect with nature on a deeper level.” McKleroy and team seek to deepen that experience by honoring the land we recreate on and recognizing its Indigenous stewards. The Honor Native Land Binocular Bundle does just that, and it’s available just for members.

Nocs Provisions teamed up with Indigenous artist Amelia Winger-Bearskin to create a woven tapestry strap that features a custom pattern based on the designs of her Seneca-Cayuga Nation. She also helped select the limited-edition tones of the accompanying waterproof and durable 8 x 25 binoculars great for hiking and wildlife viewing. Look closer and feel more deeply tied to the world around you with Nocs.

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SHOP NOW

Spring Bike Sale APR 14 to APR 24. This is a big biking deal

REI Co-op Members can save up to $300 on Gen e1.1 and $400 on Gen e1.2 e-bikes, plus find deals for everyone on bikes, gear, clothing and more—for any kind of ride.

SHOP THE SALE

Discount based on original prices. While supplies last. Selection varies by location. Shop early for best selection. Ends 4/24.

REI Co-op Members receive $30 off your next Hipcamp stay when you book 4/3–5/6.1 Find, reserve and save on some of the best places to camp in the country.

SAVE NOW

Plus, Hipcamp, REI and GearJunkie saved you a spot...again! Enter for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind Hipcamp stay with the best REI gear, plus $1,000 for travel.2 You asked for it back, and we delivered!

ENTER TO WIN

Colorful backpacks, pants, jackets from Trailmade collection

GEAR UP

REI Co-op Trailmade Collection

The Editors

Meet your new favorite hiking and camping gear and apparel, designed with input from members and co-op partners. Comfort, style, performance, inclusive sizing and an affordable price—the REI Co-op Trailmade collection has it all. Members get early access through 5/1.

SHOP THE COLLECTION

Thanks for reading this email. To discover more stories from the co-op, visit Uncommon Path.

Explore Member Benefits

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1Redeemable by REI Members 4/3 - 5/6/2023 for any booking before 12/31/2023 on hipcamp.com. For complete terms, conditions and restrictions on this offer, visit https://www.rei.com/h/hipcamp.

2NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and D.C., 18 years or older. Between 9:00 AM PDT, 04/03/23, and 9:00 AM PDT, 05/07/23, enter for the chance to win weekly drawings and a grand prize. For official rules, including how to enter, entry limitations, odds, prize descriptions and complete details, visit gearjunkie.com/saveaspot. Sponsor: GearJunkie LLC

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