The year I was in second grade I donned a little brown uniform every Wednesday for our weekly girl scout meeting. I was a Brownie, y’all. I have the sash and badges to prove it.
That year I learned two things: 1) I love girl scout cookies and 2) I hate camping.
Which is why I hadn’t been a frequent visitor to REI stores, because I thought they sold camping stuff. And they do. Sell camping stuff I mean. But they are SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT.
This is the story of the time I went shopping at an REI store. Also, there’s a giveaway for a $100 REI gift card in this post to entice you to read it 
I used to be fairly athletic. I was a gymnast in my youth. And in college, I took up rock climbing.
I’ll pause and let that sink in for a minute.
Not only did I rock climb, but the first time I ever went climbing I was with the guy I was dating and one of our friends. And do you know what I did? I hiked up a cliff and repelled off the top of it. Did I mention I’m afraid of heights? Or that we didn’t have any certified climbing people with us? And that it was probably one of the most reckless things I’ve ever done?
Turns out, I’m really good at rock climbing and decided to take up the sport after that.
Since having the baby I have done a little yoga and patted myself on the back for attempting to get in shape. But now that our quarantine is over, I decided that the baby and I would join Jeff and take up running. Which meant I needed some running shoes. Which, okay, probably they’re more like jogging shoes. But the point is, we’ll be doing something active and healthy together as a family.
REI generously offered to let us tour their store so that they could show us how they are all about promoting family friendly outdoor activities. They set us up with Tim, who hit it off with my husband and gave us a briefing on getting started as a runner. First up: running shoes.
I convinced Jeff to try on these:
Apparently these 5 fingered shoes are all the rage with runners right now. Tim told us it has to do with the placement of your heel when you run. The barefoot style shoes keeps the pressure off your knees and heels. I wanted Jeff to try them on because they were so funny looking but he loved them and ended up with a different pair in the barefoot style.
I have a crazy high arch and I’m incredibly bow legged and so I thought I’d be kind of a challenge for Tim. I wasn’t. He totally knew what sort of shoes I needed (special running inserts, actually) but the problem? I am really tiny.
Here is where we ended up buying shoes for me:
Yeah, I’m sporting some kid’s running shoes. Don’t hate.
Then we ran into some of friends that we met when Scarlette was in the NICU and chatted with them for a long time. Tim was really patient with us as we caught up on how their baby is doing (really well, in case you were wondering.)
Then we browsed the jogging strollers. I fell in love with the BOB Stroller but it was definitely out of our price range, even with REI generously footing the bill for our shopping trip. Footing the bill. I crack myself up.
Then we shopped around and picked up a few BPA free water bottles, some running attire and a couple little sunhats for Scarlette. Jeff browsed through the mountain bike section because he is really into trail biking. I tried trail biking once. I fell off the bike. I think I need the kid’s size in bikes too. While he talked to the sales associates about the merits of tire sizes, I swooned over little girl’s bikes and imagined a day when the baby is older and we can all go bike riding together.
When we do, REI has these great little Adventure Journals where kids can track their outdoor activities. Plus, REI offers some really great classes on cycling. Actually, they have some really great classes on a lot of topics, including one on outdoor photography that I think y’all would like. And by y’all, I mean all of you scrapbookers who read my blog. It’s definitely the one I’m most interested in. (Specifically, the digital camera basics class in Atlanta is only $30 for member and $50 for non-members. That is an excellent price for a beginner’s photography class.) Or you could take a rock climbing class if my tales of hanging from a cliff in West Virginia got you all inspired.
For now, I’m focusing on the running. I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m feeling pretty inspired about the idea of getting in shape and having a concentrated family activity to get us out of the house more.
And since REI is all about inspiring you to get active, they are giving away a $100 giftcard to one of my readers!
What outdoor activity do you pledge to do with your family this summer and how would a $100 REI gift card help you get there? Take the REI Outdoor Pledge and submit your comment to be entered.
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older and runs from 8/17 – 9/20/11. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. Head to the BlogHer round-up page for more chances to win.
About Kayla Aimee
Backpacking! I would use the giftcard to buy a new backpack (mine is ancient, and weighs 6 million pounds)
I love all of the cool clothes and shoes that REI sells for those of us active mommies! Gotta have good running shoes to chase after little boys!
My husband and I and our 3 boys have really gotten into hiking lately. We love to find cool, hilly, have to climb over rocks, unsure footing kinds of trails. So much fun! And we could totally all use some new hiking shoes. Would love to win! Also? I’m probably nearly the same size as you (still can’t give blood cause I don’t weigh enough, and am commonly mistaken for a teenager or my kids’ babysitter) so I totally understand the kids shoes thing. And I’m allowed to laugh.
well jogging with my travle system stroller has become a challenge. I’d love a jogging stroller for my feb 2011 baby:)
Camping! My husband and I have been dreaming about a weekend in the beautiful Colorado mountains!
buying a new mountain bike or paddle board!!! our kids are getting so big that i handed my mountain bike down to my 12 year old this summer. last weekend we rented a paddle board for the day and the whole family took turns paddle boarding…talk about FUN!!! we are planning a gettysburg camping/bike ride tour of the battlegrounds in october and the bike is a definite must though. doing things as a family is the BEST!!!
I have been wanting a new bike. My daughter would love some new running shoes. I hope my husband won’t want those toe shoes. And in Arizona?…..I think we will swim this weekend.
I dont camp either, but do almost every other outdoor activitty. Would love to shop REI for some new threads or shoes. BTW, that is the cutest little pink bike i have ever seen!
We have been caming again and a gift card would help with the missing supplies!
We want to start riding bikes as a family….but our kids are 1 and 2. So our only chance of riding a bike involves straping them into a trailer!
I love camping; my husband – not so much. He likes to hike & bike, I like to walk & swim. So I hike with him and he walks with me and we live happily day by day. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
We live right near a bike trail, so we try and get out there often…my oldest will ride his bike and I push the little guy in the baby jogger and we head out via the trail to a local park for more outdoor fun the little guy can join in on….
My 8yr old has also joined my when I run on the trail.
When everyone was littler my husband and I would take them out in seats on the back of our bikes.
We love to be active outside.
I would love to buy a bike and have had my eye on one at REI for about a year now, $100 gift card woudl sure help!
I just started running this summer and have already run a 5K! I didn’t finish with a great time, but I’m proud of myself for doing it! I would love to get some good running shoes!
My family loves to ride our bikes (with our helmets of course) We have a bike trail right by our neighborhood and lots of times we bike to our relatives and back. It makes it so much better when you have a destination
We camp, hike a little, my son (9 years old) loves rock climbing (I’m terrified of heights), and I could really use a new pair of comfortable walking shoes. I’ve been thinking it would be fun for us to get mountain bikes, too.
We would love to ride bikes, but need a trailer for our son to ride in. This would definitely help get us one! Thanks!
I just started training this summer to run a 10k. I’m going to encourage my kids to train with me, so that gift card would totally help!
We loooooove REI!!! I’ve been upping my hiking this summer to lose weight, but am also working toward a hike up Mt. Adams with my brother next summer and a backpacking trip around one of the mountains as well (Timeberline around Mt. Hood, Loowit around Mt. St. Helens, or Wonderland around Mt. Rainier-not sure which I’ll take on first yet).
I would so buy my almost 5 year old a new bike! We go to REI once a week and “play”. Owen rides a bike around downstairs, we all try on hats and swing in the hammock and occasionally spend way too much money on things like a BOB stroller.
Here’s my tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/racheldallaire/status/103927802230882305
I ran my first-ever 5k in April, but I’m in need of some new running shoes if I’m going to keep it up or keep up with my family for that matter!
I would love to start running, and I need a decent pair of shoes. A giftcard would definitely help those shoes fit into my budget!
I pledge to camp with my family. REI can help me get there with this double sleeping bag:
http://www.rei.com/product/809428/kelty-callisto-35-sleeping-bag-double
Blogged!
http://mattandjolenelenahan.blogspot.com/2011/08/rei-giveaway_4276.html
Coming out of lurking to comment on this!
We have a camper we want to use to take our princess camping, and hiking! We camped a lot early in marriage, but life and the baby pushed things off a little bit, hoping to get back on track!
My Poetic Pledges to REI:
My sleeping bag is old
My tent is tired
I’d love new stuff
To enjoy by the fire.
Your gadgets are fun
Your classes entice
You’ve inspired me
More than twice.
I pledge to camp with my family of 5. We have already take our huge camping trip this summer with my extended family (lots of aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents) but I love just opening up the tent and letting the kids have a fun adventure in the back yard. I would love a gift card to pick up a great fitting pair of running shoes. I joined a gym but only have a pair of $20 shoes and would love to get something better for my feet.
My husband (pre-kiddos) loved to go hiking and camping. Now that our kiddos are a bit older I would love for us all to take a mini camping trip!
(One perk to fitting into the smaller footwear – smaller price:)
I would love to use the gift certificate for some new walking shoes! I walk all the time with my sister and her children!
I would get my 3 1/2 year old a new bike, so we can all ride together without the bike trailer! Maybe while wearing those great shoes that Jeff is wearing in the pic!
We live in a great biking city and every summer we talk about how we need to get bikes and take advantage of what is around us. And every summer we continue to drive the 2 miles to the Farmer’s Market. I pledge to buy our bootys bikes so that we can get in shape!!
i pledged to camp and this would help me buy a new, nonmoldy tank!
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/104019584612442112
We started family biking this summer. The problem is my husaband “under-bought” (first time for everything) his bike. A $100 gift card would definately help in getting him the right type od bike.
I would use the gift card to buy my 6 month old a trailer that goes on the back of my bike. So that we can ride bikes as a family with our 12 yr old some as well. We are looking to get one that turns into a stroller as well. thanks!
I would love to go hiking with my husband but I would need to get him a pair of hiking boots. The gift card would really help!
I would use the gift card to buy some camping gear. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
I just tweeted about it here:
http://twitter.com/#!/mrecessionist/status/104048105837694977
My husband and I love to go on bike rides to the state park that is about 5 miles away. There are a pair of bald eagles that we love to watch as they fly over the lake. I would use the gift certificate to get a backpack water bottle thingy for my husband.
I just moved to Nashville and would love to do some camping so I would love to get a tent and other camping necessities.
I am eating a delicious chocolate covered cream filled donut for breakfast as I read your post, so I don’t think I qualify
But reading your post makes me wanna throw it in the trash and squirt dish soap all over it!!! Ok, maybe not, but it does inspire me to get out and go for a walk with my two kiddos after we eat our donuts.
We are expecting twins in December! So, my summer activities have slowed down quite a bit
But, we are definitely interested in the double BOB because I love to run – when I’m not carrying two babies in my belly 
So $100 giftcard would definitely help towards that expensive purchase!!
We LOVE to camp & hike & would love an REI gift card!
I would also like to start running with the family and have my eye on the Vibram FiveFingers Jaya Multisport Shoes – Women’s just no extra cash
I’ve gotten really into biking lately instead of driving. It saves gas, gives me a workout, and makes parking a cinch!
We just made reservations to camp in a remote state park over labor day weekend, and $100 at REI would get us a nice camp stove!
I have never been to REI… guess I really need to check it out. Knowing me I’ll find a ton of stuff I want and spend waaaaaay over $100. Well, I’m sure I would if I had more money.
Camping is our favorite summer/fall activity where we live (Minnesota), and we could certainly use some new cookware/dishes for our adventures.
My husband LOVES REI! This summer/fall I want to get out and start walking as a family. I am sure my son will be riding his bike or Razor Scooter. Once baby girl is born I would really love to start running. I would love to be able to do 5Ks as a family!
I need new workout/jogging shoes. This gift card would be great!
Would love to get the family new hiking shoes, we all enjoying hiking!
We really need to get out and camp for the first time this summer! We have a tent but some new sleeping bags would be awesome!!
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/corgipants/status/104224102205755393
I would do a little more hiking! Last time we went, we brought the worst snacks (smartfood and cheeze-its) and were totally unprepared to spend an entire day going up a mountain in our running sneakers (mine now have a few holes..). SO, I would check out some hiking shoes, backpacks, and some kind of hiking nourishment! Thanks!
We have started to really get into hiking, so I would but a hydration backback so we can do longer hikes without lugging water bottles.
I would love to get a bike !
We’ve got a few more hikes before the weather cools!
http://twitter.com/#!/channynn/status/104231931377487872
love rei, they have great camping gear but also ski/snowboard stuff that my husband and I love to do here in Seattle!
We have developed a love of hiking. My 4-year-old is awesome since it gives him the “heavy work” that he needs for sensory input…and that makes all of us happy! I am in need of some good summer hiking shoes…my flip flops are not cutting it!
We love us some REI! We are a camping/scouting/hiking family and our local (45 min away) REI has helped us out with great camping equipment and clothing for hiking. I think it is my son’s and my husband’s favorite store! With 4 kids, we are always in need of new hiking shoes. Glad you found some REI love!
http://twitter.com/#!/CraftysCorner
I would love to get some new hiking shoes for myself and my hubby!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
madame.kent at yahoo dot com
A bike helmet for my son and a new knit skirt or comfy, yet cute, shoes for me would be on my list. I love REI!
I would buy new hiking shoes…since my feet grew WIDER while pregnant. (And they haven’t shrunk back!)
I would so buy some new Nalgenes and probably some cute comfy shoes! i love REI!
I’d put it towards a bike. I have a mountain bike and have been lusting after another bike that would work on paved roads better
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/redwine_ambien/status/104363643063382016
We plan many more hikes with our daughter. At age six, she is finally able to keep up for longer distances.
Doing more biking. Really need to get out and do something!
More camping; we haven’t gone in at least a year and the kids are always asking when we’ll go again. Some new sleeping bags from REI are in order!
Tweeted;
http://twitter.com/#!/auntiethesis/status/104411598600404993
Running….my daughter and I would like to start running together….$100 would help get us some new running shoes
I’ve been running on my own, but we love to bike and camp as a family.
My friend and I are planning to go on a bicycle tour next year. We’re not sure where we are going but that is our challenge to each other to get into shape. I’m pretty excited about it but I need to get in shape for sure. I recently slipped down my stairs and injured my knee so exercise has been cut off by my doctor for a while. But I’m truly hoping to get back to cycling soon. If I had the $100 gift card I would get something bicycling related for my future tour. I’m really excited about it and a gift card would be a great help in achieving my goal.
Be encouraged…
I too would like to start running … I’m looking in to the couch-to-5k program!
Family hikes with the little one have been great, and she has the best view in her Deuter Carrier.
My hiking partners and I do a major fall hike every year and I’m usually living at REI for a few day retrofitting my gear and stocking up. It’s like Christmas in late summer!
I’m getting back into cycling and I’d love to take one of the bike maintenance classes at my local REI. I have all the tools in my bike bag, but I’m not sure how to use all of them properly!
I just came back from a six mile run in my Vibram Five Finger shoes. I LOVE them. But this weekend, I pledge to take my kids hiking and identify some wildflowers.
If I won I would get gear to go snowshoeing this winter! My husband and I moved to Colorado 1 1/2 years ago and were planning on taking up the sport last year, but my husband had to have emergency quad bypass surgery in February!! This year he’s all checked out and healthy so we’re planning on getting out there this year!
Sure, the fleece is so comfy even if you never go outdoors! Excellent selection of gear, especially online.
Those five-finger shoes look so cool. I am not a runner, (but I have run in the past) but would wear these just for fun. ALSO…I love R.E.I, but I also love borrowing gear to make camping trips more enjoyable without breaking the bank. I would LOVE to win a gift card to R.E.I so I can stock up on much-needed gear for my family, like a new, bigger tent!
I hope those vibram toe shoes are comfy. I’m not sure I could do it. Along with a day hike this weekend I pledge that myself and 3 others will take a bike ride around town.
This summer will be when we introduce our 1 year to camping. We cannot wait and we have a lot of gear to buy. Needless to say a gift card to REI, my favorite place in the world, would be terrific!
REI rocks!
I pledge to get outside and bike with my family. REI can help me get their with this bike:
http://www.rei.com/product/808694/marin-pioneer-trail-bike-2011
http://twitter.com/#!/mjplower/status/104613579164102656
We’ll be planning a great car-camping adventure for a group, as we our working on starting our family, but want to enjoy the outdoors with our sisters and brothers at the end of this summer – all thanks to a LOT of REI gear we keep stocked on!
One of the things I love most about REI, besides their quality of products and their awesome steadfastness to their products and customers, is their dedication to conservation – and getting their communities involved with different initiatives to take care of the environment and experience everything our planet has to offer! <3 Yay for the REI coop!
I am always tempted to try out those toe shoes… But in my head I can’t get pasted how uncomfortable they probably aren’t.
Best of luck with the 5-finger shoes!! there were several people at my summer job who had them and loved them! they are supposed to be great. I also have tiny feet which can be a huge problem sometimes, but I’ve had good luck at REI!
Personally, I pledge to go try salmon fishing for the first time, and to take at least one more weekend backpacking trip with friends up here. I’d like to go whitewater canoeing before everything freezes up as well if I can find a canoe partner!
My family and I have recently pledged to get out and enjoy the outdoors more. We just got a state park pass and are going hiking this weekend!
I just started jogging with my daughter-in-law and got a cute hat and sexy running shirt to encourage myself. I also loved those journals they gave out. I take my grandchildren hiking and on the way back they write and draw in these journals and it keeps them from getting on each others nerves!!
i’d love to do some camping with our family this fall (as soon as we’re not in triple digit temps!) and REI would be great…we’ve got a tent and two good sleeping bags, but we could use some for the children. and some other camping related equipment.
My kids went to a friend’s house last year and had a backyard campout ~ the whole nine yards: bonfire, smores, tents, sleeping bags, you name it! So of course, our kids want to do the same thing! Only problem, we don’t have a tent. There are 4 people in our family and with my husband being 6’4″, we want a good-sized tent that wouldn’t leave us feeling like sardines. A $100 gift card would help us purchase the tent at REI we’ve been eyeing, but haven’t committed to purchasing yet. We pledge to do more campouts and outside activities.
(btw, saw your comment about the BOB. I know it’s expensive but it’s totally worth it! We own the BOB duallie, and LOVE it. It’s well worth the money spent!)
I shall be in the Linville Gorge with some friends Labor Day Weekend to celebrate the unofficial end of summer and the knowledge that we will soon get some temps that are bearable for hiking here in the South East
I’d like to hike with my dogs in some state parks, and I could really use some new hiking shoes/boots!
We need to go hiking with the baby… so that $100 could get me some nice hiking shoes!
We haven’t taken our 8 1/2 month old son hiking or camping yet, so $100 would get us a great hiking backpack!
Planning a long weekend to governor dodge state park, and a trip with dad to wabeno labor day weekend.
@AshleySue tweeted – http://twitter.com/#!/AshleySue/status/104641084369539072 !!!
Planning a camping trip with my family right now!
Since Hadley is back in school, Connor & I will be hitting the park after we drop her off.
I love camping and I used to camp a lot before I have kids. Now, my kids are older (2 and 4) and should be able to enjoy a camping trip. I really want to take them camping so they can have fun and experience what I enjoyed so much. $100 REI gift card would be wonderful to help me get some camping equipment that I needed!
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Just Tweeted about this giveaway. Here’s the link: http://twitter.com/#!/uTry_it
KA, you’ve inspired me. I’d spend the money on some rock climbing gear. There’s a rock wall at my gym which would have to do for now b/c there’s not many cliffs in the midwest. But I’d get some of the gear I’d need to get started on climbing if I won to 100 bucks.
I pledge to spend more time hiking and geocaching with the kids. REI could seriously help with some hydration packs
Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/104751431634010112
I love REI! Could spend hours there! I would love to get some equipment for a camping trip!
Oh man, we could all use some camping gear. My son is convinced camping is the best thing in the world… me not so much.
It will be great to take the kids on a hike, we could use some hiking shoe.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet.http://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/104798826057052160
I pledge to get to Bryce canyon this summer. I would use my gift card to buy a cambelbak so my husband wouldn’t have to carry all the water!
We love to camp and ride bikes, so we would use a gift card to get my son a new bike, b/c he is outgrowing his!!
I pledge to take hikes with the kids and we’d love some hiking shoes.
tweet-http://twitter.com/#!/mami2jcn/status/104903997625872384
I love REI! I pledge to have our family go on bike trips together around where we live. We just got back from beautiful Yosemite where we rented bikes and it was one of my fav things we did. Now I am looking to get a bike at REI and the gift card would really help out
I pledge to hike and explore more areas where we live with my family. New hiking boots would be handy
ooops sorry, the page didn’t reload properly so i posted again and BOTH posts got posted!!!
We are planning a family camping trip once the weather cools off some. We all love camping and REI!
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/annedoggett/status/104960852985257984
I might use it towards a new bike! I want to get more into bike riding, but my bike is quite old & worn out!
training with my cousin and boyfriend for our first half marathon in november. thanks for the chance to win!
Want to get all the family camping together again. Card would go toward gear for mom.
I would love to go hiking with the family– as soon as it cools off here in GA. I’ve had *enough* of the sweating already!
I know the REI store is air-conditioned maybe I’ll just head over there until the weather take a turn for the better. : )
I pledge to take our family camping and the REI GC would be great to buy some camping equipment
http://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/105029928097026049
Those shoes with toes really freak me out.
I love working out with the kids because they are always close behind we have a double jogging stroller and have been trying to work out all summer. My husband loves running too. Also, those finger shoes your husband had are awesome!
Outdoor activities are a big way that my family spends time together. This summer, we have pledged to spend more time together doing activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. A $100 REI giftcard could help us get there by allowing us to provide various supplies for the activities that we might not otherwise be able to afford.
I am in serious need of new hiking shoes! We’d take our 9 and 6-year-old for hikes in some of our beautiful parks this fall! (when it finally COOLS OFF)
Running! I just had a baby and seriously need some new running clothes and shoes to get back to it!
Backpacking! We love it! We also need new equipment
Last yr my husband & I rented kayaks several times & fell in love, as I knew I would. This June we purchased kayaks & have been discovering all the little things that we really want to make kayaking more enjoyable. From water shoes, to quick dry clothing, hats, paddle gloves, good seat cushions, compasses, dry bags, waterproof plastic cases for cameras, keys, & wallets, dog life jackets, and of course a means to store & transport the kayaks. REI has all I need & yes a bit of drool escaped my mouth while eyeing it all in the store. A $100 REI gift certificate would really help us get out on the water to enjoy the beauty & solitude kayaking offers.
I love hiking, and I need to take advantage of the great parks we’ve got to do more hiking with my family. A combination of lazyness and a fear of ticks has kept me and my family indoors far too much this summer – we need to get out there before the rains and chills of fall creep in.
REI card can help get some new chairs and plates for our trips
love rei and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/cjsorel/status/105462758308458497
I could really use a pair of hiking shoes. My husband and I are planning a trip to Maine this fall. REI has a great selection of shoes. Thank you so much for the chance to win!
We pledge to go on a family bike ride this weekend.
Love REI! I would definitely be able to put this to great use! We love to head over to REI and just spend an hour or two looking around! Thanks!
I recently started running. I ran a 5k nearly two weeks ago and met my goal of not coming in last. I love to explore the out of doors and would love to make that a tradition with my husband to pass down to our children someday. (If they are a part of God’s plan for us) I would put this prize to very good use! I love all of the pictures you took while there. Thanks for the chance to win!
I’d like to do some more hiking with Hubby & the kiddo. I definitely could use some shoes for that, plus some new water bottles would be great.
I would love to purchase a bike so we could bike as a family. I’m the only one without one in the family!!
we took the pledge, more biking, i would replace the tires on one of bikes and get a bike and helmet for our youngest gal.
I’m a big-time outdoor girl, so this gift certificate would be fabulous! This summer we were not able to take our annual whitewater trip (last summer we spent 19 days rafting the Grand Canyon on private permit!), but we did get in a couple of really sweet fishing trips near our home. If I won, I’d definitely be checking out the toe shoes. I also need a new whitewater PFD.
I hope you find your outdoor bliss!
We just got back from a fabulous Montana vacation and it has inspired me to do more hiking with the kids!
I’d like to do more hiking!!! and swimming!
I might be able to buy a
Osprey Manta 25 Hydration Pack from REI!
thanks also for a chance to win!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom
We like to get out and fish and hike with the kids . its a great way to teach them about nature ! thanks for the chance
miketx60atmail dotcom
My eldest daughter just learned to ride w/o training wheels & her youngest sister is fast on her heels. I think some family bike rides may be in our very near future! I’d love to use the REI GC to retire my craigslist bike. Thanks for the chance to win!
I’ve just started running this summer…already have two 5Ks under my belt! I would love to be able to get a pair of really great running shoes.
We love to camp and could use some additional supplies–especially for hiking! I’d love to win.
I live ONE mile from REI, it’s very dangerous.
I’m training for a marathon, REI is awesome!
I tweeted it!
https://twitter.com/#!/MsIndigo/status/107103774132285442
i pledge to keep taking the kids out for bike rides …and to make it more fun we always have a picnic
and the REI GC would be great for getting a new helmet for my daughter.
I got my BOB from REI a few months ago. It’s the best!! I pledge to go on more family hikes. We went on one today in fact! That $100 would be great for a new pair of Keens or even some helmets for our bike rides!
I would do a kayaking trip in Northern MI! I would love a new sleeping pad and a footprint for my tent. The plastic tarp’s just not cutting it… I love REI and the gift card would definitely be greatly appreciated!
We love to go camping and would use the money toward a new tent!
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/hypnotania/status/107630517985357824
Adam and I are looking forward to one day being able to hike the Grand Tetons together, though can’t do it until we have all of the appropriate (expensive) gear. A 100$ gift card would certainly help us get closer to going on one of our dream vacations.
I’d love to win! My husband could use some new running shoes (he’s content with the ones he has now, but they are DIRTY & old!) & this would offset most of the cost!
I would like to go camping more often ~ I need to get a better tent.
we’re going to do a family camping trip soon – I could use the GC toward a new sleeping bag
i tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/#!/bellows22/status/108029178305191936
I pledged to take my kids bike riding, but I’ll be honest. I HATE riding bikes. It makes my butt hurt. So, instead, I’ll take them for a walk or to the zoo!
WE have a pop up camper and have yet to use it this year. I would promise to take my son camping this fall.
I have always wanted to try those 5 toed shoes! My friend LOVES them!! (I buy kids shoes for my feet too!)
I would love to take my 5 nieces hiking, but they all need the proper footwear! We’ve tried going on shorter hikes with their regular sneakers, but they’re too worried about getting their sneakers dirty to really enjoy it!
I’d put the REI Gift Card towards a new sleeping bag….my boyfriend and I love to backpack and I no longer have my AwEsOmE down bag I purchased years ago….at REI:-)
my husband and i would love to go camping, but we don’t have a tent!
We will be swimming this summer. The $100 REI gift card would help with swim suits. helenkeeler@comcast.net
tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/helen1949/status/108238248052146178
helenkeeler@comcast.net
We should hike more, but I need some boots with ankle support
bike riding
I would love to get some new fall camping gear; we hike quite a bit but would love to start camping again with our toddler!
We need to get out hiking more before the rains come, and I’d love to get everyone outfitted in new sunhats!
We fish at least twice a month so I´d buy new rods and reels for my family.
We are a family of runners, so I’d either get new running shoes for Oliver (his feet grow so fast!) or running clothes for me as we transition into a bit of a cooler running season. Thanks for the opportunity!
Our next outdoor activity is cleaning up some brush at my Grandma’s. REI could definitely help with some hiking boots for my son to help with this!
Camping!!! I need a new tent
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/108698613785444352
I want to start running outside! its almost cool enough now that I wont stroke out! new shoes and a custom fit from REI experts is exactly what I need!!
We love REI!
We’ve already hiked around the Smokies twice this year. Next year we’re planning some section hikes on the AT. A REI gift card would really help with gear!
With Fall approaching in Colorado, we would probably stock up on some colder weather gear!
In my family of eleven kids, each child gets a “big” birthday celebration for their 5th, 10th and 15th birthday. One of my Ethiopian children turns ten later this fall, and I am going to take her and a group of her friends (plus my daughter’s siblings) camping to celebrate. I love REI: I just recently retired my 32-year-old external frame pack and replaced it with a much more comfortable internal frame pack (Osprey Argon 85 for those who want to know-with eleven kids, there is no such thing as “fast and light”).
I need that $100 to buy a bike!
I took the pledge! REI is great! If I won the money I would buy my mom a pair of keens…(so I could get mine back)! She tried them on and never wants to give them back! And don’t worry about the kids shoes thing…I am jealous, a bunch of my friends have to buy in the kids section and they have such a cute selection these days!! (And they are cheaper!)
Being from the great Northwest I have long loved REI. Recently, though, my husband and I have been visiting more often as we are beginning bikers. We are taking our first ride together this very weekend. And REI is full of biking gear I am drooling over. Love that place. The salespeople are very helpful and knowledgeable.
REI is my happy place!
I pledged to take a family bike ride! A good reminder to get out and enjoy summer while it lasts. With that gift card, I’d probably buy some nice biking gloves for long rides.
We just moved across the country and have found there are so many activities we do not own supplies for. We would love to kayak, do some hiking, fishing and biking. REI is one of my favorite places for supplies!
I took the REI Outdoor Pledge. I’m want to go hiking in the local botanic garden with my daughter and take pictures of flora and fauna while there. REI has hiking boots, sunscreen, hats and classes on digital cameras to help us!
My husband and I are planning a camping trip! We just stocked up some stuff at REI over labor day weekend but we still need some utensils and cookware…
We camp at the beach a few times a year… and day trip, hike, geocahce, etc. etc. we love the outdoors so pledging was easy for us! We are drooling over some camp mats for under our sleeping bags right now… at our brand new REI store in town!! wha hoo!
Hope I win! =) Love the story about the toe shoes… I have been wondering… and now… wondering if I could get over it… b/c I need shoes that are easy on my knees/back… ha ha! 
*sigh*… not sure I can get over the toe thing… ha ha!
We take an annual camping trip in the summer. I have always wanted a cast iron Dutch Oven. Browsing in camping supplies is a hobby for me.
My pledge is to start biking, I’ve been way into Spin lately and this would totally help me to be able to a. put money towards the bike or b. get some funtastic clothes to wear while biking.
And I tweeted it… Cause I’m a super cool tweeter. http://twitter.com/#!/supercoolstephy/status/111445490054332417
We love hiking! Would love to put this toward some new and improved hiking/camping gear for our family of 5. And REI is opening near us in just a few weeks!! Can’t wait!
We love car camping and being out doors. I pledge to try backpacking…only I need the gear. I would use the $100 gift card for this. What a great way to spend time with your spouse!
My husband and I would LOVE to take our 4 yr old quadruplets camping!! Only thing we’re missing now is a tent for 6. I think that $100 would come in quite handy!
I submitted my comment to REI and I am going to go hiking in a National Park on September 24th because that is Public Lands Day and entrance to the parks is free!
My blog entry – http://agalneedsatleast2blogs.blogspot.com/2011/09/great-giveaways.html
This would enable us to get walking shoes to go walking in the forest preserves and also some gear for our bike rides.
Family Bike Rides!! I would use the money towards a new bike for my husband.
We moved from NC to NM a year ago and I’m very excited to do more exploring around the state. I would use the gift card for a sleeping bag that can survive some colder weather in Colorado! I might also try some of those 5-fingered shoes…
I pledge to attempt at least one of our peak here in the Adirondacks this fall with the family and a Rei gift card would be great to get a utilitarian back pack and some good quality water bottles for our adventure.
tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/fairydancer35/status/115110002326380544
I couldn’t and still cannot take a trip with the family but I would love to win the card to purchase some running shoes.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Tweeted too:
http://twitter.com/#!/gmissycat/status/115170148092100610
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Thanks for sharing… The first time I saw people running without shoes on a trip to NYC I thought I was seeing things!
your family is adorable
thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
https://twitter.com/#!/misaacmom/status/115607809290289152
also, our favorite family activity is swimming but my kids do sports,
I pledged to go hiking. We would use the gift card for new hiking socks and water bottles.
INTERESTING SHOES. I’VE ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED THE HIKE THIS SUMMER BUT COULD PUT THAT REI CARD TO GOOD USE. THANKS FOR THE CHANCE!
2ND ENTRY TWEET @ http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/115954780798595072
I pledge to get my family back into camping. It’s something we did years ago, but have gotten away from. I know we need new gear, and the GC would help tremendously!!
http://psthisisthelife.blogspot.com/2011/09/perfect-use-for-blog.html
I pledge to bike and this would help get me one!
Tweeet! http://twitter.com/#!/mssluna02/status/116992126348312576
I like that your husband was willing to try those running shoes. I saw them & wanted a pair & the other day my hubby saw someone wearing a pair & he commented on them. He wants to start running in the mornings before work, so I’m going to tell him about your hubby getting them & then try to encourage him to try them. Hee hee hee!
Thanks for the inspiration.
Namaste,
Keleigh