Hi Reader!
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Last Monday, we had absolutely no plans to go to Europe.

Then a job opportunity came in, and just like that we're biking 140 miles through Umbria's wine region in April and walking a 10-day self-guided route through the Cotswolds in England right after. Being in the travel creator space is a little weird sometimes. Definitely no 9-5 planning happening over here.

And then we looked at the calendar a little closer. The week we get back from Europe, our National Park road trip starts.

We've been to quite a handful of parks at this point, but this stretch is going to be different. Isle Royale is on the list, and Isle Royale means backpacking. No car to retreat to, no town nearby, no resupply. If we don't bring enough food, pack the right clothes, or show up with the wrong gear, we are genuinely not going to be in a good place. It's the kind of trip that has us equal parts excited and nervous, which honestly might be our favorite combination.

So with all of that suddenly on the calendar, we got serious about gear.

The Backpack Saga

We'd both been planning to use our 55L packs for Isle Royale. Then we started reading trip reports from people who'd done the same route, and the consensus was pretty clear. If you're not going ultralight (and if you know us, you know we are decidedly not ultralight people), 55L isn't going to cut it.

So we drove down to our local REI in Boulder, tried on about a dozen bags, and somehow both walked out winning. Joe grabbed a $300 Gregory Paragon pack that was marked down to $126.98, and Katie got a Gregory Deva 70 ($380 to $227) in this deep eggplant color that is genuinely beautiful.

That kind of deal is exactly why we keep love our REI memberships. And it turns out, REI Member Days are going on right now and they end today.

REI Member Days

If you're an REI member, you get 20% off one full-price item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item.

That first perk is the one we'd highlight. If there's something on your list that's on the pricier side, a tent, a cooler, a good backpack, today's the day. That's where the math really works in your favor.

Not a member yet? It's a one-time $30 fee. Here's what you get:

• 10% back on eligible purchases every year, spend $1,000 and get $100 in credit
• Member-only deals like the ones below​
• A piece of something bigger — REI's Action Fund invested $8.9M in 2024 and helped secure $20B for public lands, state parks, and trails

A few things that caught our eye while we were browsing:

• ​REI Sahara Shade Hoodie $60 → $35
• ​REI Merino Wool Socks (2-Pack) $32 → $25
• ​REI Trailmade Pants $70 → $35
• ​Patagonia Terravia Mini Hip Pack $35 → $23
• ​Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket $229 → $113

And two things that stopped us cold while we were walking the floor:

• ​Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket (in orange, chef's kiss) $500 → $299
• ​Arc'teryx Atom Insulated Hoody $300 → $225

Those Arc'teryx prices are wild. If you've been waiting on something like that, today is genuinely the move.
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The REI website is full of amazing deals, but don't forget that Member Day ends TONIGHT (March 23rd) - Get Shopping!​
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We'll have a lot more to share about all of this as it gets closer.

Still a little in shock that the next few months look the way they do, but that's kind of the job.
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Talk soon!
Joey and Katie
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p.s. Have you ever been to Umbria or the Cotswolds? Reply back to this email and let us know if there are any can't miss spots!
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p.s.s. Live near Boulder, Colorado? We are giving away TWO tickets to the Taste of Pearl (March 29th). Interested? Go enter here!​

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