REI’s Labor Fight Is a Test of Co-Op Trust
REI’s 2025 financial results show a $54.3 million net loss, following a $156.4 million loss in 2024, yet the co‑op retained roughly $539 million in cash and short‑term investments with no outstanding debt. The REI Union claims the company is using financial pressure to push unlawful bargaining tactics and deeper benefit cuts at union‑run stores. REI counters that its actions are necessary to protect the long‑term health of the member‑owned co‑op. The dispute has evolved into a broader trust issue for members who must weigh fiscal justification against labor rights.
Why You Should Spend a Few Ounces of Pack Weight on Rainwear Ventilation Features
The article argues that adding a few extra ounces for rainwear with robust ventilation features is a worthwhile trade‑off for backpackers, especially during shoulder‑season conditions where cold, wet, and windy weather converge. It contrasts ultralight shells that sacrifice durability and...
Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear From Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands
The Cottage Gear Guide spotlights ultralight shelters, tarps, and sleep systems from small, startup, and cottage brands, emphasizing designs that prioritize weight savings and material innovation. It contrasts premium Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) tents with more affordable silnylon and silpoly...
Episode 144 | Trail Steepness Vs. Difficulty
The Backpacking Light podcast’s Episode 144 examines how trail steepness reshapes hiking difficulty, revealing that metabolic cost does not increase linearly with slope. It highlights that mild downhill grades (‑5 % to ‑10 %) are most energy‑efficient, while steep uphill (≥20 %) and downhill (≤‑25 %)...