REI Presents: Within Reach

63% of women said they could not think of an outdoor female role model

6 in 10 women say that men’s interests in outdoor activities are taken more seriously than women’s

"Once I was able to stop looking at other women through the lens of destructive stereotypes or as the competition, my relationships with women changed into something beautiful, supportive and strong. Women climbing with women isn’t the end-all solution to eradicating sexism. But it is creating an opportunity for us to see that negative social norms and pressures do exist, which make women feel in competition with one another to prove themselves strong enough, good enough, tough enough to hang with men in the outdoors (office, gym, etc)." - Shelma Jun

[voiceOreezn]

Kudos REI! Great job on this. When I am backpacking on the JMT, I still get men saying, "You're out here alone? Your husband is ok with that?" Thank you REI for shining a light on this.

[dualsportwomen]

So important. I took the survey and love what Flash Foxy is doing for women in climbing. Thank you REI and Flash Foxy!

[Bern-a-hot-sandwich]

Beautiful little film you have here, I enjoyed the visuals and storytelling. Its always entertaining when Ceder is part of the conversation! And the messages here, those are interesting too..

I am a climber. I started off bouldering, then after 5 years I added sport into the mix, and now I split my time between both genres. I've always felt supported, cared for (in a positive non-sexist way), challenged, motivated and most importantly, an equal with my male climbing friends, but I also realize I am the minority in this broader conversation about sexism. Also, I won't be bothered by the males or females in climbing with a sexist or overly competitive vibe - confidence and just plain not giving a shit is also key for me, I can tune it out not because I'm accepting it, but because I'm focused on what's truly important for me. This does not mean I don't care about the people that are effected by sexism or negative female competitiveness in this sport, OR the community/culture that wants to make huge positive changes in the way people think and are treated. I do care and I support the efforts like this film and the organizations that are part of it.

My female climbing friends (although currently I climb mostly with males) are strong inside and out, confident, but not overly, and just plain fun to be around. I will note, that I am not an overly competitive person, although I will climb my hardest when its time. I simply enjoy being outside in nature, climbing with my friends, enjoying life. I would also say that I am a confident person and I take the time to chose the right people in my life, I'm choosy, and I think that is a major contributing factor in my successful quest for balance and equality.

My advise for people (perhaps more so for woman, since I am one) looking to be part of a great climbing community where you feel accepted and all of the other great things... Be choosy, pick people that vibe with you, your morals and lifestyle.
Peace.

[JOHNNYHAULAWAY]

HELP!! I can't stop watching these REI videos!!!

[TwistinFool]

I have a weird feeling inside me and I don't know what to make of this. As a guy I genuinely want to help people because I know I've gotten plenty of help from other men and women in the gym and it helped me climb better. I've been a reserved quiet person for most of my life and I noticed lack of human interaction completely shut me down and made me depressed. So I've been trying to be more vocal and interact with people at my gym to bring myself out of my shell. Nonetheless, I try to read body language and figure out if someone really needs help or not, and so far it's been great and no backlashes. But the video, which was magnificent, makes me reflect on past interactions and I wonder if the women I've helped felt offended or not.

[jillianjordan]

This is, by far, the best brand campaign I've seen as a marketer. It works to educate and doesn't pander. It's a tasteful and entertaining approach. Bravo, REI.

[michaelconner]

Pretty sure I ran into Shelma and her crew out in Hueco a couple (maybe few) months ago in Hueco. I was climbing with a group and had my 10 year old girl with me. It made me so happy to see women climbing out there and getting after it. Thanks for being great a role model.

[michac]

Awesome stuff. Thanks for producing, REI. Love the Flash Foxy ladies!

[MarkNieuwenhuizen]

As a child and young boy I was told that I ran like a girl or threw a ball like a girl. Those days I was ashamed of that These days it makes me proud to learn from women

[TheWallnut]

Thank you for producing this kind of content REI

[beckaham]

Wow! Thanks REI for highlighting the lives of these women. Awesome, important, inspired content!

[FabianAhorner]

As in every situation we should try to not offend each other but I have to admit that this is nothing I thought about so far. What would interest me is if this is mainly the problem of general sexism in climbing or is this an additional problem within the climbing community?

[lenbeaudry]

this is excellent video content, thanks REI

[Arc]

In the wrong environment there is hierarchy and posturing going on by more "experienced" practitioners relative to EVERYONE, not just women.

[carlomaragno]

When I eard Sylvan Esso I know this was right for me. REI you made my day

[carly]

Fantastic video, awesome commentary on a very real and important issue. Loving these little REI films!

[robinism]

It would be helpful to add in the description, the definitions of the jargon so we climbing novices could understand what is being said. flash, beta, etc.

[robinism]

sounds like the same old male vs. female in sports thing but these women are being vocal about "it". Women are luckier in this time and age as the younger generation has softened a bit around gender stereotypes. However, it's good to be vocal and to keep the struggle visible.

[wildbrigante]

That is a powerful message! Thank you!

[SartorialDragon]

Thank you, this is great and empowering!