I have been to the REI store in Tustin a half-dozen times over the last week or two. It’s an easy ride from my house – just a mile or so off the Peters Canyon Trail – so I can stop by when I am out for a relaxing ride.  I think today’s trip just might be the last.  Today I ended up buying a pair of convertible cargo pants, a couple of fuel canisters for my stove,  and a new sleeping pad.

The sleeping pad, a Therm-a-Rest NeoAiR Xlite, is an impressive gadget.  Inflated and unrolled, it is a 25 x 77 inch mattress.  But it packs into a tiny stuff sack the size of a 1L water bottle, only 2.5″ around and weighing a mere 16 oz.

On previous trips I purchased a rain jacket, a cool weather jacket and a pair of sandals.REI has become my new favorite place! When I go in there and start looking around, my mind fills with all the possibilities.   REI has  cleverly designed the space to make you feel that all your dreams are achievable.   I could through-hike Appalachian Trail (all I need is the $600 backpack), I could go to Wyoming and climb the Grand Tetons (just buy these $375 ropes).   Heck – I could even ride my trike up the Pacific Coast!

I am really looking forward to the REI dividend this year! Then I’ll be able to start buying stuff for my spelunking adventure in Borneo….