This kind of thing always makes me think of the Mary Oliver poem "How I go to the Woods" Ordinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore unsuitable. I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of praying, as you no doubt have yours. Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost unhearable sound of the roses singing. If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love you very much.
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I am just light on everything else so I can muscle all the water I drink. I'm ashamed to say I often start with 5 liters, even when there is a refill point.
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I have one that is basically a roll top dry bag that has a 1 inch "down" part. Great concept but loses air. The REI one is a bit bulky/heavy for UL hiking, but I have shaved enough weight off of my pack, sleeping bag, and other gear that I decided it was worth it.
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That's cool and all, but I only stopped in for the stickers. I normally just buy everything I need on their website. It was still a really rad store though, don't get me wrong.
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I have been struggling with my pillow situation for years! Glad REI came up with a solution and one that utilizes waste. https://www.rei.com/product/148557/rei-co-op-trailbreak-foam-pillow My wife bought one for each of us, and I finally slept through the night with no "numb arm". Full disclosure, I had updated my pad too.
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So kind of an REI super nerd here and so is my wife. I am in Seattle for the first time and got a chance to go check out the mothership REI store. The whole idea was to grab a Washington REI sticker or a local REI sticker for my wife since she couldn't come, and they were out! The guy (who was awesome) who checked me out said they have been out of stickers for 2.5 years. Can that be right? This kind of sucked. The climbing was a cool surprise and that mountain bike testing area....seemed legit.
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If I place an order for in store pickup, will my wife be able to pick up, or do I need to show an ID or anything? How can I make this work? Thanks
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I think quiting smoking helped me enjoy it more too. When I actually go somewhere, I don't have to go backoutside in to the cold every hour or so. I can enjoy the warmth and appreciatte the cold when I go outside for something more meaningful.
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What are some good jobs in the Chicago area that would support a person working in the outdoor industry (Moreso than just in the outdoors)
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My first camping trip was in Erie, Pennsylvania when I was five. We ate lemon mountain pies, and I've been chasing that high ever since. Eagle Scout, Backpacker, Climber, Biker, Skier, kayaker, car camper, dad, husband, kid, weirdo, hippy, punk, gross, and getting better all the time.