{"id":50889,"date":"2025-02-27T19:52:04","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T19:52:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/27\/meet-the-rei-co-op-members-in-front-of-and-behind-the-camera\/"},"modified":"2025-02-27T19:52:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T19:52:06","slug":"meet-the-rei-co-op-members-in-front-of-and-behind-the-camera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/27\/meet-the-rei-co-op-members-in-front-of-and-behind-the-camera\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the REI Co-op Members In Front of\u2014and Behind\u2014the Camera"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Many issues have modified since Lloyd and Mary Anderson first started importing high-quality Austrian ice axes<\/a> within the Thirties. Over the years, the co-op has grown from a small collective searching for high-quality out of doors gear to a co-op of 24 million adventurers enhancing their outside experiences with every little thing from climbing backpacks<\/a> to chilly plunge requirements<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Throughout all of it, members have remained the guts of the co-op, and their wealthy tales of life outdoors have inspired us to get on the market, too. Some of their adventures, like Cal Dobbs<\/a>\u2019 run throughout America, encourage us, whereas tales like Keva Niver\u2019s<\/a> dedication to serving to extra individuals discover solace in nature, problem us. Still others remind us that point outdoors is at all times price it, even when technically<\/em> we\u2019re presupposed to be someplace else<\/a> (like work).  <\/p>\n

This spring, we invited a number of members to inform their tales by a distinct lens\u2013actually. <\/p>\n

Members took their cameras on their outside adventures, snapping pictures of their experiences that may grow to be the marketing campaign\u2019s imagery. They returned with pictures and movies of sunsets over Grand Canyon National Park, California\u2019s Catalina Island and extra\u2014in addition to photographs of the journey to get to those vistas, the time spent snacking on the trailhead, resting post-run and even celebrating a birthday with a bowl of camp pasta (full with candles). The photographs present the breadth of what out of doors journey appear to be, and much more importantly, who <\/em>an out of doors adventurer may be. As three member-photographers share under, there are numerous methods to discover life outdoors. <\/p>\n

Take me straight to the gear.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Yvonne Leow<\/h2>\n

REI Co-op Member since 2012<\/em><\/p>\n

Age:<\/strong> 36<\/p>\n

Shoot location:<\/strong> Catalina Island, California<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Background: <\/strong>\u201cI grew up in Washington State, which is known as an outdoorsy person\u2019s paradise. But my younger brother Oscar and I were city kids who spent our weekends in malls, movie theaters and amusement parks,\u201d Leow says. \u201cI still love the movies, but when I was 27 years old, I went on my first backpacking trip in California\u2019s eastern Sierra, and everything changed.\u201d Now, because the founder and CEO of out of doors schooling firm Bewilder<\/a>, Leow hopes to encourage extra households to expertise the psychological, emotional and bodily advantages of time spent in nature. (Bewilder acquired assist from REI\u2019s Path Ahead Ventures<\/a> initiative). <\/p>\n

The story behind the photographs: <\/strong>What higher approach to flip 36 than by tenting on an island crammed with greater than 165 miles of climbing trails? Leow couldn\u2019t consider one, which is why she loaded up her REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack<\/a>, charged up her telephone, and introduced alongside her finest four-legged good friend, June, for an in a single day journey. The pair caught the dawn over Little Harbor Beach and feasted on pink curry noodle soup (with candles, in fact), and the pet was very happy to rejoice together with her proprietor. \u201cIt was truly June\u2019s journey to Catalina Island,\u201d Leow says. \u201cEvery moment was magnificent as I saw her sprint up cactus-covered hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, her tail nearly bursting with joy.\u201d <\/p>\n

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Favorite product:<\/strong> \u201cCooking delicious food and enjoying a warm meal by the campfire is one of my favorite pastimes,\u201d Leow says, and her Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System Camp Stove<\/a> makes the expertise really feel simple and seamless. Plus, with twin burners that fold in on themselves\u2013to not point out the built-in design of the pot, pan and range\u2013the Genesis is compact to hold and retailer. \u201cThe entire system is thoughtfully designed so we don\u2019t have to think too hard when we\u2019re huddled around the camp kitchen making red curry noodle soup at dusk,\u201d provides Leow. <\/p>\n

Why she\u2019s an REI Co-op Member: <\/strong>Leow remembers gearing up for her first backpacking journey in 2017, which in fact required a cease at her native REI retailer in San Francisco<\/a>. \u201cI knew nothing about how to camp, let alone backpack<\/em>, through the wilderness, but the REI staff members\u2019 encouragement and excitement were infectious,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s always intimidating to take on a new hobby\u2013especially when you didn\u2019t grow up doing it\u2013and REI\u2019s reputation for having friendly, helpful staff and plenty of outdoor gear proved to be right.\u201d <\/p>\n

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Angela Rodriguez <\/h2>\n

REI Co-op Member since <\/strong>2021 <\/em><\/p>\n

Age: <\/strong>29 <\/p>\n

Shoot location: <\/strong>Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Background: <\/strong>Mud pies with a grass garnish: Those have been Rodriguez\u2019s specialty as a child. So too have been daisy necklaces, which she fortunately made for her mother. She additionally dabbled in geology, hoping to search out diamonds (or least crystals) with every geode she and her sister cracked open utilizing their dad\u2019s previous hammers. \u201cI\u2019ve just always spent time outside,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s always brought me a lot of joy.\u201d For Rodriguez, working with REI on the Member Moment marketing campaign has supplied a lens by which to replicate on her childhood outside and \u201cinspire others to try camping and hiking for themselves,\u201d a privilege she says she \u201chold[s] very dearly.\u201d  <\/p>\n

The story behind the photographs: <\/strong>Rodriguez strives to seize photographs which are pleasing aesthetically, however greater than that, will stand the check of time. \u201cMy goal is always to get a \u2018your family is going to see this picture someday and remember how grand you lived\u2019 picture,\u201d she says. Given that, Rodriguez additionally acknowledges the significance of placing the digital camera down and embracing her environment\u2014this time, the towering partitions of the Grand Canyon. \u201cThere was this moment during sunset at camp where my friends and I paused from the chaos of taking photos. We were just in total awe of the glowing layers of red rock and the fact that our bodies had brought us there.\u201d  <\/p>\n

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Favorite product: <\/strong>\u201cThis is a tough question!\u201d Rodriguez says, laughing. She loves her Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent<\/a> as a result of it\u2019s a breeze to arrange and pack down and \u201cthe space inside is incredible. Ten out of 10!\u201d she says. Bonus: The Copper Spur can be tremendous photogenic. On the opposite hand, Rodriguez calls her REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket<\/a> \u201cthe perfect layer.\u201d The jacket supplied an additional dose of heat when paired together with her Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown<\/a> puffy but additionally labored properly as a solo layer in the course of the hotter hours of the day. <\/p>\n

Why she\u2019s an REI Co-op Member: <\/strong>Rodriguez doesn\u2019t maintain again when speaking concerning the impression of her REI membership. \u201cBecoming an REI member changed my life,\u201d she says, noting that since becoming a member of the co-op she\u2019s hiked an energetic volcano, stood on prime of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park<\/a> and slept a number of nights within the backcountry. \u201cMy membership really gave me the confidence to pursue all of the outdoor adventures I\u2019ve always dreamed of.\u201d Her sole remorse about co-op membership: \u201cI just wish I had been brave enough to join and get involved sooner.\u201d <\/p>\n

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Erik Valiente <\/strong><\/h2>\n

REI Co-op Member since <\/strong>2022 <\/em><\/p>\n

Age: <\/strong>36 <\/p>\n

Shoot location: <\/strong>Griffith Park in Los Angeles <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Background: <\/strong>From his huge grin to the gathering of tattoos on his proper leg, together with a red-tailed hawk that connects him to his Salvadoran ancestors, Valiente oozes gratitude. He\u2019s grateful for his mother and father who’re first-generation Latino immigrants, for his residence in what he calls the \u201cCity of Angels,\u201d and for the liberty bestowed by being energetic outdoors, particularly with singer-songwriter Jason Joshua\u2019s so-called \u201cgolden voice\u201d in his ear<\/a>. \u201cRunning and music and the outdoors fill my soul with happiness,\u201d he says. \u201cI cherish every chance I get to bask in that. That\u2019s life right there!\u201d <\/p>\n

The story behind the photographs: <\/strong>\u201cI loved every minute!\u201d Valiente says along with his attribute enthusiasm. Yet along with the enjoyment of feeling his physique in movement (\u201cRunning and being outdoors is my superpower!\u201d), he additionally relished the minutes post-run. \u201cYou feel like you\u2019re on top of the world and unstoppable. It proves you can achieve hard things if you just set your mind to it, embrace the journey and stay committed to your goals.\u201d <\/p>\n

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Favorite product: <\/strong>Valiente factors to the REI Co-op Swiftland Pack Running Anorak<\/a> as his prime decide due to the jacket\u2019s minimal weight, considerate design and \u201con-point\u201d fashion. \u201cOn those cold morning runs here in LA, you can easily throw on the jacket while you warm up,\u201d he says. \u201cOnce the sun comes out and you\u2019re in your running flow, you can take it off and pack it into its own pocket. It\u2019s so lightweight that you won\u2019t even feel it during your run.\u201d <\/p>\n

Why he\u2019s an REI Co-op Member: <\/strong>Despite Valiente\u2019s fondness for operating quick, he appreciates the best way his co-op membership conjures up him to decelerate. \u201cI feel a strong connection to REI,\u201d he says, \u201cbecause they encourage people to explore nature and spend time outdoors.\u201d Member perks are an enormous profit too, he provides, pointing to the member-only offers and the chance to do good on this planet by the REI Cooperative Action Fund<\/a> and #OptOutside marketing campaign<\/a>, \u201cwhich emphasizes putting people before profits.\u201d <\/p>\n

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Shop the Gear <\/h2>\n
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Leow carrying the REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack, on the correct, as she backpacks on Catalina Island.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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REI Co-op Flash 55 Pack (<\/strong>girls\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>males\u2019s<\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong> <\/h3>\n

$199.00 <\/h3>\n

Best Use:<\/strong> Backpacking <\/p>\n

Adjustable Torso Length: <\/strong>Yes <\/p>\n

Material(s): <\/strong>Recycled ripstop nylon (bluesign permitted) <\/p>\n

Number of Pockets:<\/strong> 9 + foremost compartment <\/p>\n

Removable Daypack: <\/strong>Yes <\/p>\n

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Leow cooking with the Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System Camp Stove.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Jetboil Genesis Basecamp System Camp Stove<\/strong><\/a> <\/h3>\n

$399.95 <\/h3>\n

Fuel Type:<\/strong> Canister (Propane) <\/p>\n

Auto Ignition: <\/strong>Yes <\/p>\n

Number of Burners:<\/strong> 2 <\/p>\n

Heat Output (per burner): <\/strong>10,000 BTUs <\/p>\n

Liquid Capacity (L): <\/strong>5 liters <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rodriguez and her Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent<\/strong><\/a> <\/h3>\n

$370.93 ($523.95<\/s>) <\/h3>\n

Best Use: <\/strong>Backpacking <\/p>\n

Seasons:<\/strong> 3-season <\/p>\n

Sleeping capability:<\/strong> 2-person <\/p>\n

Minimum Trail Weight: <\/strong>2 lbs. 11 oz. <\/p>\n

Packed Weight:<\/strong> 3 lbs. 2 oz.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rodriguez (left) within the REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L Rain Jacket (<\/strong>girls\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>males\u2019s<\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong> <\/h3>\n

$189.00<\/h3>\n

Best Use: <\/strong>Hiking <\/p>\n

Fabric: <\/strong>72% recycled nylon\/28% recycled polyester (bluesign permitted) with jersey backer <\/p>\n

Windproof: <\/strong>Yes <\/p>\n

Type of Waterproofing: <\/strong>3-layer HydroWall waterproof\/breathable laminate <\/p>\n

Packable:<\/strong> Yes <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Image courtesy of Mountain Hardwear.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown<\/strong><\/a> Hoody (<\/strong>girls\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> and <\/strong>males\u2019s<\/strong><\/a>) or Jacket (<\/strong>males\u2019s<\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong> <\/h3>\n

Hoody: $300; Jacket: $270<\/h3>\n

Best Use: Multisport <\/p>\n

Fabric (Hoody): 20-denier sturdy stretch double-weave; solids: 87% nylon\/13% elastane; heathers: 65% nylon\/26% polyester\/9% elastane <\/p>\n

Fabric (Jacket): 20-denier sturdy stretch double-weave: 86% nylon\/14% elastane <\/p>\n

Insulation: 700-fill-power RDS-certified down (85% down\/15% feather) <\/p>\n

Back Length: Hip-length <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Valiente within the REI Co-op Swiftland Pack Running Anorak in Griffith Park, Los Angeles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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REI Co-op Swiftland Pack Running Anorak<\/strong><\/a> <\/h3>\n

$94.95<\/h3>\n

Best Use: Running, Trail Running, Fitness <\/p>\n

Fabric: 100% recycled ripstop nylon; stretch-woven again\/underarm panels: 73% nylon\/27% spandex <\/p>\n

Hood: No <\/p>\n

Packable: Yes <\/p>\n

Gender: Unisex <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Read More:<\/strong> <\/h3>\n
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Best Hiking Pants of 2025: Staff Picks<\/a> <\/p>\n

Essential Running Gear Checklist<\/a> <\/p>\n

Best Backpacking Packs of 2025: Staff Picks<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The submit Meet the REI Co-op Members In Front of\u2014and Behind\u2014the Camera<\/a> appeared first on Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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[ad_1] Many issues have modified since Lloyd and Mary Anderson first started importing high-quality Austrian ice axes within the Thirties. Over the years, the co-op has grown from a small collective searching for high-quality out of doors gear to a co-op of 24 million adventurers enhancing their outside experiences with every little thing from climbing […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50891,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/02\/Leow20241216_002_lg.jpeg?fit=2048,1365","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[2138,1836,2136,1222,858,933,2137,1319],"class_list":{"0":"post-50889","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-camping","8":"tag-behindthe","9":"tag-camera","10":"tag-coop","11":"tag-front","12":"tag-meet","13":"tag-members","14":"tag-ofand","15":"tag-rei"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50889","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50889"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50889\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50891"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50889"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50889"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50889"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}