Paddy "PaddyO" O'Connell begins his Nordic Skiing adventure like any other novice—wearing jean shorts and neon spandex, with absolutely zero knowledge of technique. How will he become a Nordork, you ask? Following an ego-crushing fall, or twelve, he will smile through the difficulty...and use ibuprofen and ice packs. Subscribe to REI's YouTube channel to be notified when new episodes publish on Fridays!

Backpacking Pasta Primavera
Full recipe at: https://www.rei.com/blog/camp/....backpacking-recipe-p

Fresh veggies and hearty pasta come together to make this backpacking-friendly version of Pasta Primavera. Finding the right balance between healthy and filling can be a challenge when planning your backpacking meals. On one hand, you want to prioritize calories. But on the other, you can only go so long without seeing a vegetable before you start to feel a little strange. This pasta primavera was designed to check both boxes.

Vegetarian White Bean Chili
Full recipe at: https://www.rei.com/blog/camp/....camp-recipe-vegetari

Sweet and spicy, this vegetarian white bean chili is a lighter alternative to the traditional tomato-based version. 

While spicy red chili is our go-to comfort food during the fall, this white bean chili offers a balanced flavor that feels more fitting for summer.  It’s the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and smoky. So if you like the idea of a simple one-pot stew but also want to keep things light, then this white bean chili will be right up your alley!

Granola Bar Recipe: Make it Your Way
Why settle for what you don’t want when you can have exactly what you do? Here’s a granola bar recipe all that’s all about choices. Because you deserve snacks that you love.

Ingredients
• 1/3 cup crispy brown rice cereal
• 1/3 cup brown rice syrup (or substitute light corn syrup)
• 1/8 tsp fine sea salt

Choose One:
• 2 cups mix-ins
• 2 cups nuts and/or seeds
• 1 and 1⁄2 cups nuts and/or seeds, 1⁄2 cup dried fruit

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly oil the paper.
2. Sir together the cereal, syrup, salt, and mix-ins.
3. Pour mixture into pan. Use parchment paper to shape the bars into a rectangle.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned. Once cool, cut into bars.

On this episode of Co-op Tested, Co-op Made, we ask: How are sleeping pad durability tests done, and what are the surprising tools used in the process?

At REI we test our gear in the ‘Mag Lab’ – named after the legendary Cal Magnusson who was our first dedicated testing engineer back in the 1970s. Since then we continue to test what we make for quality and durability. Between controlled experiments and getting out there on the trail as a Co-op community, we discover what works and what doesn’t. Great experiences start with the right gear, and testing is at the heart of our design process.

Level up your winter skills by learning exactly how to get your skis on edge—which allows you ski steeper terrain and take shorter turns. Watch this REI Expert Advice Video and gain confidence before you taking your learnings to the mountain. Plus, our experts provide a drill that will help you get it right once you’re out there.

Visit your local REI store to ask questions, purchase your ski gear or find an Outdoor School course that is perfect for you.

Learn more ski techinques at: https://www.rei.com/learn/expe....rt-advice/snowsports

Learn more about PSIA - AASI at: http://www.thesnowpros.org/

Find REI’s selection of downhill skiing gear at: https://www.rei.com/c/downhill-skiing?r=c&origin=web&ir=category%3Adownhill-skiing&page=1.

Take an unforgettable multisport adventure in Washington's San Juan Islands. Enjoy whale watching, hiking, biking, sea kayaking and more, all guided by REI experts. Learn more at http://www.rei.com/adventures/trips/namer/smu.html

Mushroom Pasta Alfredo
Full recipe at: https://www.rei.com/blog/camp/....backpacking-recipe-m

Rich, creamy, and totally filling, this pasta dish is the perfect meal to cap off a day on the trail.

Filled with meaty mushrooms, bright sun-dried tomatoes, and savory bacon bits, this recipe is a lightweight, calorie-dense version of pasta Alfredo. After a long day of hiking, we can think of no better way to refuel than with some hearty Italian-style comfort food!

Stasher bags available here: https://www.rei.com/b/stasher/c/coolers

We believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived and that we all could use a break from everyday life. We suggest getting outdoors, but if you can't in this moment, we're bringing the outdoors to you. Slip on your headphones and give yourself a quick reprieve. Breathe in, breathe out, and let go.

Can a routine blood test cause one grown man to lose his resolve? Colin gets serious about his health in preparation for his first mountain summit. Big changes in nutrition and health are embarked upon with the guidance of Dr. David Ramaley and nutritionist Vanessa Imus, RD. Colin, Dawn, and Davis welcome the newest member of the McArthur family.

The Figure 8 Knot on a Bight is a convenient knot to use any time you need to form a loop in the middle of the rope, especially if the knot needs to hold a heavy load. Learn how to tie a Figure 8 Knot on a Bight in this video.

Learn more in our videos on
How to Tie and Overhand Knot on a Bight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fOKk1HPjbI
How to Tie a Figure 8 Knot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFlwrvggas0

Learn more climbing techniques at: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/climbing

Sliding downhill quickly on two skinny sticks is as hard as it sounds. Resident goofballs Anna and Elena mastered the art of cross country skiing their last time out, and they are back for more fun. Laugh, learn and get inspired to hit the slopes yourself.

Big thanks to our Anne and our friends at the Professional Ski Instructors of America for helping make this video possilbe.

Visit your local REI store to ask an expert your questions, rent alpine skis or pick up everything you need to hit the mountain.

Learn more about ski carving and turning technique at https://www.rei.com/learn/expe....rt-advice/skiing-car

Watch more Trailheads video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ElcaPr5Zkg&list=PL7tqTAgUK4Uzfg46IuEJc0xKZfmzc2V8F

If you want to clean your frame or work on your chainrings, or if one of your crank arms needs to be replaced, you’ll need to remove the crankset. In this video, we show you how to remove the left crank arm, remove the crankset, replace the crankset and tighten the crank arm. Shop REI’s selection of bike cranksets at http://www.rei.com/c/bike-cranksets.

Video Transcript
Being able to remove your two piece crank set is handy if you want to clean off your frame, work on your chain rings, or if one of your crank arms needs to be replaced. You'll need a number 5 hex key, a torque wrench, and a bottom bracket tool. First, lift the chain off the chain ring, and rest it gently on the bearing cap. You can push the tensioning arm forward to loosen the chain. Then, loosen the pinch bolts on the non-drive-side crank arm, but don't fully remove them. Now, you can use the bottom bracket tool to remove the plastic preload cap, and set the cap aside. With the cap off, pull the left crank off the spindle. Then, tap the spindle loose with your
hand. If it needs some encouragement, gently use a rubber mallet.

Once the spindle is loose, pull the crank and chain rings out the other side. When you're done with your work, and it's time to replace the crank, slide the spindle through the bottom bracket shell, and tap it into place with the heel of your hand. Replace the left crank arm, followed by the plastic preload cap. Gently tighten the cap with your bottom bracket tool. Next, tighten the pinch bolts on the crank arm, but don't fully tighten one bolt before the other. Go back and forth on each bolt until they're hand tight, then use your torque wrench to reach the specified torque. Finish by moving the chain back onto the chain ring, and shifting through the gears.

To recap, loosen the pinch bolts. Remove the preload cap, and pull off the left crank arm. Pull the crank and spindle through the bottom bracket shell. Replace the crank and spindle, and reinstall the left crank arm, and preload cap, and tighten the pinch bolts.

The North Face and REI have joined forces to launch REWIND NATURE, a series that springs from our desire to roll back time—to when the Earth was cleaner, cooler and wilder. Inspired by the Eco Heritage Collection, the series produced in partnership with National Geographic spotlights changemakers who are taking a step forward to reverse the damage we’ve caused to our planet, and brings to light actionable ways to make small changes that have a big impact.

In this episode, The North Face’s Tim Hamilton shares his perspective on sustainable design.

The experts at REI discuss the parts of the bicycle that need to regular inspection and maintenance to keep you on the road or trail and out of the shop. Check out REI's selection of cycling accessories and bikes at: http://bit.ly/reicycle

For more information or to purchase this trip go to: http://www.rei.com/adventures/....trips/europe/ireland

Watch the Full Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as-UJkGtsx8
2 Friends, 4,700 miles, 1 mission: Pick up trash! The short film, 'Leave It Better' documents Seth Orme and Abby Taylor’s bike ride across America. Their route took them from Georgia to Washington State, including a circuit of stops at National Forests, scenic areas, campgrounds, etc., hosting trash cleanups and conservation-theme clinics as they rode.

For 5 months, their goal was to explore the country, meet people, spread the word on 'Packing It Out,' and continue their message of environmental stewardship. At each destination, whether alone or with a group, Orme and Taylor cleaned up trash, totaling more than 2,100 pounds over the course of the trip.

Learn more about their bikepacking trip here:
https://www.rei.com/blog/cycle/packin...
https://gearjunkie.com/p/packing-it-o...

Credits:
Directed by Luke Kantola & Colin Arisman
A Wild Confluence Film
In Partnership with REI & GearJunkie

Music:
Juniper - Y La Bamba
Dalai Lama – Y La Bamba
Ostrich - Y La Bamba
Mama Said - Cat Clyde
Greenland - Emancipator
Wrong Number - Heavy Deeds
Hey Man - Liz Cooper
Kaleidoscope Eyes - Liz Cooper

This National Public Lands Day, Sept. 22, all national parks are free.

Happy National Public Lands Day to Lou and you. From the city park down the street, to the state forest outside town, you can enjoy public land just about everywhere—even if you don’t have elbows.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), we love to get outside and play, and we know first-hand the importance of quality outdoor gear. We stand behind all our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and we design our own line of award-winning REI brand gear and clothing. Whether you're new to outdoor adventure or a seasoned pro, we gladly share our enthusiasm for our products—and the trails, slopes and waterways where we play.

Shop REI.com: https://www.rei.com/
Take a class: https://www.rei.com/learn.html
Travel with REI: https://www.rei.com/adventures
Learn something new: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice
Find a trail: https://www.rei.com/h/adventure-projects
Read: https://www.rei.com/blog
REI Membership: https://www.rei.com/membership/bene

On this episode of Co-op Tested, Co-op Made, we ask: How do sleeping pads keep you warm?

At REI we test our gear in the ‘Mag Lab’ – named after the legendary Cal Magnusson who was our first dedicated testing engineer back in the 1970s. Since then we continue to test what we make for quality and durability. Between controlled experiments and getting out there on the trail as a Co-op community, we discover what works and what doesn’t. Great experiences start with the right gear, and testing is at the heart of our design process.

The experts at REI show you how to care for your tent while camping and storing. Check out REI's tent selection at http://bit.ly/Eareitents