Backpacking Beginner Class...

What I haven't shared with you is the fact that if Kathleen is going to spend money on something, she's going to find out what everyone else thinks about it... that means websites, reviews, videos, etc. After she visited REI in Denver, she became a member. With member status comes the perk of being able to take classes in the store for free. She signed us up for a Beginner Backpacking class at REI in Kansas City. We drove down on a Saturday morning, did some shopping around town, then headed to REI prepared to be informed. Our person spent time telling us about several of her mistakes so we wouldn't make the same ones and showed us a nice variety of equipment that would make the adventure more enjoyable. She had the top of the line stuff that everyone wants and some of the basic tools that would get you by. I was looking forward to a little "hands-on" with some Sleeping Pads. The top rated pad sounded like a potato chip bag! That one would keep me up all night long! The REI AirRail 1.5 Women's Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad was quiet! It was a beautiful turquoise color and was pretty amazing to lie on. When I tried it out, my hips only touched the ground while I was turning over on my side. Once I was in position, there was a nice cushion between me and the floor. Its only an inch and a half thick! How is this possible? I never thought I would spend so much for a Sleeping Pad, but it looks like its worth it! There's the first thing off my list! 

This is what it looks like! Pretty color and nice outer cover.

REI AirRail 1.5 - Store

REI AirRail 1.5 - Review