I was at my local REI one Saturday and a worker was walking around with a pack on his back asking, “Hey, would you like to sign up for the class we had today and be registered to win this backpack?”

“Sure! I love learning and winning stuff,” I said.

“It’s ‘Ultralight Backpacking for Women’ but men are allowed,” REI guy said.

“Sure,” I said. “I’m not a woman, but I know one.” And I thought to myself, “and the more I learn about these fascinating creatures, the better off I’ll be!”

So I called my partner in crime… we shall call her “Becca”, and asked if she’d like to attend. Yes was the answer and entered we were.

It was great. Me and that one other guy stood no chance but to soak it in. I made sure I asked a question or two so to embarrass my junior partner. “You shouldn’t be asking questions. This is a women’s class.”

Granted, I don’t have a uterus and 2 lady bumps, but there “are no stupid questions… just improperly timed and embarrassing ones.”

About a month later I receive an email from REI stating I had won the September prize! The REI Flash 62 men’s backpack!

A man signs up for a woman’s class and wins a mans pack. Thanks REI for being gender unbiased!

But I already had a Deuter 65+10 pack. “Becca” needs to upgrade the Kelty Courser 40. So we bargained with the REI lady to get “Becca” a lady bag (with lady bump-friendly straps).

An hour later and “Becca” was the proud owner of a REI Venus 70. A $200 bag for… courageously attending a lady backpacker class. Yea me! And you’re welcome. 😉