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The REI Outessa Summit Is Legit The Best Retreat Ever

REI is know to help people 'opt outside' and their Outessa Summit does just that for hundreds of women around the country.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

Outessa Summit

“Sweat, dirty, happy” is the motto of this women’s-only outdoor retreat. For three days, women from all over the country get together to celebrate being active in the outdoors—camping, climbing, hiking, trail running, backpacking, mountain biking, doing yoga, kayaking and enjoying gourmet meals.

My experience

The trail running portion was truly exhilarating with several options to either wake before dawn and run a couple of miles up a mountain to catch the sunrise, or don a headlamp and fly through forested paths at night. Form clinics helped beginners, and every outing included professional trail runners like Stevie Kremer and Magdalena Lewy-Boulet. However, what I enjoyed most about the retreat were the moments shared (during runs or nightly fireside chats with s’mores and wine) with like-minded women seeking peace, self-betterment and joy.

instagram.com/outessasummit
instagram.com/outessasummit

What else you should know

Being able to balance running with other activities including campfire cooking and a wilderness survival class (very useful for female trail runners!) provided a well-rounded experience that encouraged me to be adventurous. You can stay in the REI Signature Camp, which provides a tent and all other camping gear, or nearby lodges, cabins, resort accommodations or a money-saving campground nearby. Single-day passes offer a more customized experience.

Details

3 days, 2017 details TBA for July in Northern California, August in Pacific Northwest and September in Northeast; 2016 pricing $799 to $944 including camp (or $224–$249 for a single day); outessa.com

These Runners Were Not Prepared to Love Non-Alcoholic Beer

L. Renee Blount and Outside TV host Pat Parnell posted up at a popular trailhead, handed out free Athletic Brewing craft non-alcoholic beer, and then recorded runners’ live reactions. Want to find out what all the hype’s about? Click here to discover a world without compromise.

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