Outessa is Back

REI’s female-forward program returns for its third year At Ladybird of Leisure, we love the great outdoors. No matter what the season or weather, we always find a way to get outdoors whether we are sashaying down a ski slope or sleeping under the stars. So we were thrilled to hear that REI have not only announced dates and locations for its Outessa retreats, but the company is also going to expand the program!

Photo credit: Tiny Atlas Quartly

Outessa retreats are a series of outdoor events designed to grow and strengthen the community of women in the outdoors. This year marks the third year REI have offered the retreats to women who want to push their limits and learn new skills through immersive experiences during a three-day weekend.

Photo credit: Elena Pressprich

This year two of the retreats will be held in beautiful mountain settings, one in North Lake Tahoe at Squaw Valley, California from Aug. 2-5 and, for the second time due to its popularity with participants, the White Mountains of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire from Sept. 13-16.

Photo credit: Gemina Garland Lewis

The retreats are fully customizable, so whether you want a more holistic and relaxing experience or you want to get down and dirty, there will be something for everyone. Available programs include everything from wilderness survival and map and compass navigation programs to sunrise yoga. There will also be rock climbing, mountain biking, standup paddle boarding, and introduction to backpacking which will be taught by top REI Outdoor School female instructors and brand partners.

Photo credit: Elena Pressprich

Days start with full breakfasts before you head out to a trail, crag, or the water, while evenings are filled with delicious meals and fireside relaxation complete with s'mores, wine, inspirational speakers, and conversation.

Photo credit: Gemina Garland Lewis

Maybe the most exciting addition for 2018 will be REI Outessafest. These one-day festivals will take place near urban centers and will bring together thousands of people to connect through female-forward music, art, wellness, and adventure. Inspired by women but open to families, friends, and allies, REI Outessafest celebrates life outside by spending a full day in nature. Finally, REI will also host a “virtual join” which will offer people from all over the country the chance to come together on one day to pledge miles and work toward a collective goal. Women, their friends, families, and allies can conquer these miles on their own time while empowering women in their communities and potentially meeting new friends that have the same common goals.

Photo credit: Gemina Garland Lewis

Outessa is part of REI's broader effort called Force of Nature to advance gender equity in the outdoors. Force of Nature aims to ensure women are just as inspired and equipped as men to embrace life outside. Launched in 2017, Force of Nature featured four components: over 1,000 events designed for women, a comprehensive marketing effort to change the male-dominated imagery of people in the outdoors, an increased effort to develop and offer high-quality technical gear and apparel for women, and a $1 million commitment to support nonprofits that create opportunities for women in the outdoors. Visit Outessa.com to learn about the retreat locations and dates. Tickets for the REI Outessa retreats will go on sale on Feb. 5.

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