{"id":192341,"date":"2023-10-02T15:43:32","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T22:43:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=192341"},"modified":"2025-11-20T23:44:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T07:44:54","slug":"gear-check-alan-ortegas-running-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/gear-check-alan-ortegas-running-journey","title":{"rendered":"Gear Check: Alan Ortega\u2019s Running Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\">\n<p>Defining the word \u201crun\u201d seems straightforward. It\u2019s the process of going forward fast on foot\u2013or, if you want to get technical about it, moving \u201cwith quick steps on alternate feet.\u201d But wait, that\u2019s just the first&nbsp;entry in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oed.com\/search\/advanced\/Entries?textTermText0=run&amp;textTermOpt0=WordPhrase&amp;dateOfUseFirstUse=false&amp;page=1&amp;sortOption=Frequency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Oxford English Dictionary<\/a>. You could also be going out on a run, as in the \u201cact or spell of running.\u201d Maybe a <em>runner<\/em> <em>runs<\/em> into a friend while <em>running<\/em> next to <em>running<\/em> water and takes a moment to <em>run<\/em> an idea past them about a dog <em>run<\/em>. Yikes!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As many have reported, <a href=\"http:\/\/xn--run-2o0ai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201crun\u201d<\/a> has a whopping 645 different interpretations (or more), a tally some experts say earns it the title as the most complicated word in the English language. It\u2019s not only the lexicographers who find themselves wrestling with the term, however\u2014REI Store Manager and avid quick stepper Alan Ortega takes issue with it as well. \u201cI have always told people I like to run,\u201d he says. \u201cI\u2019ve never said, \u2018I am a runner.\u2019\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many who partake in the activity can relate: Maybe it\u2019s something you do, but not who you think you are. And therein lies the beauty of the running journey: As Ortega discovered his love for running over the years, in its many forms and permutations, his sense of self also started to shift. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn more about Ortega\u2019s running journey and check out some of the tried-and-true gear that\u2019s helped him level up over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Watch the Video&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nearly a decade into his running journey, Ortega\u2019s mindset is beginning to shift. He\u2019s exploring different types of terrain, taking a closer look at his training regimen and revamping his closet accordingly. That evolution\u2014and some of Ortega\u2019s favorite gear\u2014take center stage in the short film, <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/8_YWPoL7jYY\">How I Became a Runner<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" \n  width=\"560\" \n  height=\"315\" \n  src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/8_YWPoL7jYY\" \n  title=\"YouTube video player\" \n  frameborder=\"0\" \n  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" \n  referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" \n  allowfullscreen>\n<\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jump ahead:<\/strong> <a href=\"#GearGuide\">Take me straight to the gear<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does It Take to Be a Runner?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If Ortega\u2019s face\u2013or perhaps his flowing locks\u2013looks familiar, it might be because he\u2019s been the front man for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UClTrr59yzJoB7QuaFgDj1Ag\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Run With REI Co-op<\/a> since August 2022. He\u2019s put in the miles to bring thousands of YouTube viewers and REI member along on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-tkiDeS6jKo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rim-to-rim-to-rim run across the Grand Canyon<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=s1QTf8wsZGQ&amp;t=15s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">93-mile circumnavigation (on foot of course) of Mount Rainier<\/a>, a 100-kilometer trail race and more. Along the way, he\u2019s improved his technique, picked up tips from greats like Scott Jurek and shared recommendations on everything from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dDa0ZEicAc8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Brooks running shoes<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wcBZfVJvac4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">route planning<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One might think all that running would make someone, well, a runner. Ortega isn\u2019t so sure. \u201cWhen I started getting more and more into trail running, and I started to do more adventures, I would run into people on the trail that would say things like, \u2018Yeah, you\u2019re a runner,\u2019\u201d he says. \u201cIt blew my mind. It didn\u2019t make sense to me.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s because for most of Ortega\u2019s life, running led to flare-ups of asthma. The term \u201crunning\u201d was synonymous with misery. \u201cI didn&#8217;t grow up running,\u201d he says. Actually, \u201cI didn&#8217;t feel physically well when I ran. \u2026 I kind of avoided that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Going Uphill and Getting Dirty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn\u2019t until 2014, when a friend took him on a trail run on Mount San Antonio (better known among the locals as Mount Baldy) that Ortega\u2019s understanding of what running could be expanded. \u201cI fell in love with mountain running,\u201d he says. \u201c[Running] just meant being out in the mountains, being out on the trails, enjoying myself, not being specific to any one goal.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/2023_REI_RUN_A7IV_00243-1.jpg?resize=900%2C450\" alt=\"Perched on a mountain ridge, a white bucket hat with a green band around around the base of the cap and the words &quot;THE MT BALDY 5000&quot; written in green with a read square border around the words. On the side of the hat is an illustrated map of Mt. Baldy.\" class=\"wp-image-192410\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As he started tackling Los Angeles-area mountains like Cucamonga Peak and Mount Baldy, running became a way to explore new swaths of wilderness and \u201csee how long I could be out [there],\u201d he says. He joined friends on runs up Potato Mountain\u2019s fire road, and the sport became an avenue to strengthen relationships. The miles he put in on Schabarum-Skyline Trail, in West Covina, CA, helped him clear his head. \u201cWhether I was feeling really good or really bad, I think the trail just helped me connect to how I was feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Smooth Moves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When Ortega accepted a senior sales manager position with REI in 2020, and moved from sunny Los Angeles to soggy Seattle, his definition of running grew again. It turned into a feat of prioritization and perseverance. \u201cIt rains a lot,\u201d he laments about the Pacific Northwest. \u201cPeople would tell me, \u2018Don\u2019t look at the weather apps. Ignore the weather apps. Just open the door. If it\u2019s dry, go run. Stop everything you\u2019re doing and get outside.\u2019\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To catch those windows of sun (or just not rain) Ortega revised his running routine. He still preferred the dirt, but he began to embrace the pavement. He could simply throw on a pair or road shoes and head right out the door. \u201c\u200b\u200bRoad running \u2026 made me feel like running was a lot more accessible than I\u2019d previously thought.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He picked up a pair of HOKA Rincon 3s and running became simpler. Rather than having to spend double-digit hours on the trail, he could fit in a quick after-work workout.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Ortega participated in the New York City Marathon in November 2022\u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YPRLSfKUfXs&amp;t=438s%27\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a starting line he never thought he\u2019d queue up for<\/a>\u2013running\u2019s meaning expanded once more to include camaraderie and infectious energy. It also left him wanting more. \u201cThere was no training for my first marathon,\u201d Ortega says. \u201cI just ran on the trails a lot and that translated to be[ing] able to run for that long on the road. \u2026 I probably would have walked some of it if it wasn\u2019t for the crowd.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What might happen, he wondered, if he was more intentional about his preparation?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Back Where the Journey Began&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the past two months, a lot has changed for Ortega. An opportunity to open a new REI store in Los Angeles has brought him back to his home city where he\u2019s looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and re-running many of his favorite routes. \u201cI\u2019m excited to see what I can do and get in better shape\u2014and just have more fun.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/2023_REI_RUN_A7IV_09923.jpg?resize=900%2C450\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-192412\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ortega getting ready to run the Trials of Miles Mt. Baldy 5000 mountain race<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>More fun in the mountains, yes. But he\u2019s also hoping to \u201cmaximize\u201d his fun on his second go at 26.2 paved miles. He\u2019s been working with a coach, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=0CRKRi8efn4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">honing his footwear lineup<\/a> and learning new-to-him vocab like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/CrudU62LMjT\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cbase miles,\u201d \u201cspeedwork\u201d and \u201ctapering.\u201d<\/a> He\u2019s beginning to embrace both the road and trails, he says, \u201cand just think about it [all] as running.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Does Ortega\u2019s journey make him a runner? It sure does in our minds. After all, if the shoe fits, run in it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"GearGuide\">Gear Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ortega\u2019s favorite gear picks pop up frequently on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UClTrr59yzJoB7QuaFgDj1Ag\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Run With REI Co-op<\/a> YouTube channel, but a few favorite pieces have been integral to his pursuit of an even more enjoyable second marathon experience. Read on to learn about his quiver of road shoes and the running vest with the \u201cleast amount of bounce \u2026 I\u2019ve ever worn\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HOKA Stinson 7 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/221833\/hoka-stinson-7-trail-running-shoes-womens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Women\u2019s<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/221853\/hoka-stinson-7-trail-running-shoes-mens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Men\u2019s<\/strong><\/a><strong>)<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/2023_REI_RUN_09337.jpg?resize=900%2C450\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-192411\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ortega in the HOKA Stinson 7, on Mt. Baldy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One great way to jazz up the humdrum of marathon training: Substitute standard training runs with a short-distance race. Enter the inaugural <a href=\"https:\/\/trialsofmilesracing.com\/tom\/baldy5000\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trials of Miles Mt. Baldy 5000<\/a>, which Ortega ran earlier this summer. Like many trail races, this 5K takes place on a dirt course with cheering crowds and stellar views. Unlike other trail races, the Mt. Baldy 5000 has at 5pm start-time, gains a lung-busting 1,500 feet of elevation and features an apr\u00e8s-race barbeque.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going into the Mt. Baldy 5000, Ortega knew the terrain would be steep and gravelly, most of it exposed to the unforgiving California sun. Those conditions led him to reach for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/b\/hoka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HOKA<\/a> Stinson 7, a shoe with versatile traction (thanks to 4-millimeter, multidirectional lugs), a secure fit due to the Deep Active Foot Frame with wraparound side walls and the brand\u2019s signature cushioning. Likewise, the jacquard mesh upper would provide much-needed breathability. \u201cI love cushy trail runners,\u201d Ortega says. At first glance, the shoe\u2019s profile was \u201cintimidating, but once they were on my feet, I didn\u2019t want to take them off.\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>New to this seventh iteration of HOKA\u2019s Stinson franchise is H-Frame technology, which, according to the brand, serves to stabilize each stride and deter excessive inward roll without overcorrecting the runner\u2019s gait. \u201cThe H-frame kept me from rolling over the incredible stack height cushioning me underfoot,\u201d Ortega confirms. \u201cThey inspired confidence in a way no other shoe has.\u201d <em>$170<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">adidas Adizero Boston 12 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/221837\/adidas-adizero-boston-12-road-running-shoes-womens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Women\u2019s<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/221821\/adidas-adizero-boston-12-road-running-shoes-mens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Men\u2019s<\/strong><\/a><strong>)<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"894\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/2023_REI_RUN_A7IV_00772.jpg?resize=894%2C450\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-192413\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ortega in the adidas Adizero Boston 12 road-running shoes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone who laces up their sneakers and dreams of pounding out 26.2 paved miles sees Boston as the bucket list marathon destination. And it\u2019s from this iconic race that the adidas Adizero Boston 12 draws not only its name but also the inspiration behind its design.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Best suited for middle and long-distance pursuits on the road and track, the Adizero Boston 12 from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/search?q=adidas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">adidas<\/a> marries responsiveness with comfort. That magic blend comes from its combination of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro cushioning, which are paired with embedded carbon Energyrods 2.0 to minimize energy loss and boost forward propulsion. For Ortega, these attributes\u2013along with a breathable, recycled polyester mesh upper\u2013made the Adizero Boston 12 an <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Vglmg26JMs4?si=VUQIXcqWVQReKlMT\">obvious choice for race day<\/a>. \u201cThey just felt like I had springs under my feet,\u201d he says. \u201cOnce I decided that these [were] the shoes that I [was] going to wear for [race] day, it [was] important to spend some time in them.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ahead of the race, Ortega laced up the Adizero Boston 12 for his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/speed-training.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tempo runs and speed workouts<\/a>. \u201cDays on the track should be short mileage, but I should go home feeling really tired,\u201d he says. That was a new concept for someone who, until recently, had been a trails-only type of runner. \u201cI&#8217;ve never even sprinted before, \u2026 so it was a learning curve. But what helped was figuring out the [right] shoe. The Adizero Boston 12 helped push Ortega to his potential. <em>$160<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HOKA Clifton 9 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/216945\/hoka-clifton-9-road-running-shoes-womens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Women\u2019s<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/217110\/hoka-clifton-9-road-running-shoes-mens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Men\u2019s<\/strong><\/a><strong>)<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/217401_073123_72243.jpeg?resize=900%2C450\" alt=\"A single, multi-colored HOKA Clifton 9 Road-Running Shoe on a yellow platform against a yellow backdrop.\" class=\"wp-image-192348\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image courtesy of HOKA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When Ortega wasn\u2019t zipping around on speed-work days, he was cruising along in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/how-to-train-with-a-heart-rate-monitor.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">heart rate zones 1 and 2<\/a> for hours at a time. In other words, he runs slow. \u201cI don&#8217;t have a distance in mind. I\u2019m just \u2026 focus[ing] on my breathing, on my form, really enjoying the run.\u201d This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/easy-is-a-feeling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">easy-run ritual<\/a> became treasured for Ortega, as he was able to savor the miles while recovering for the next hard session.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/b\/hoka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">HOKA<\/a> Clifton 9 proved to be the perfect companion for these runs. Designed to offer ample cushioning in a relatively lightweight and delightfully reactive package, the latest member of HOKA\u2019s award-winning and customer-beloved Clifton line features a 32-millimeter stack height at the heel and 27 millimeters at the forefoot (3 millimeters more than previous iterations) and weighs in at just 8.7 ounces for the men\u2019s size 9 (4 grams less than the Clifton 8). Breathable, vegan-friendly, recycled-content mesh comprises the upper. Underfoot, new CMEVA foam and an early-stage meta rocker silhouette deliver inherent stability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, the Clifton 9 lives up its billing as a disruptive daily runner, Ortega says. \u201cThere\u2019s a ton of cushion below. It&#8217;s really comfortable and really \u2026 supportive,\u201d he adds. \u201cIt\u2019s hard to find a shoe that feels reliably comfy for hundreds of miles as a daily trainer, but the Clifton makes you a believer.\u201d <em>$145<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">REI Co-op Swiftland TT Hydration Vest (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/202073\/rei-co-op-swiftland-tt-hydration-vest-womens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Women\u2019s<\/strong><\/a><strong>, <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/204330\/rei-co-op-swiftland-tt-hydration-vest-mens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Men\u2019s<\/strong><\/a><strong>,)<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/Kingman_04072022_0153.jpeg?resize=900%2C600\" alt=\"A person buckling the top strap of their REI Co-op Swiftland TT Hydration Vest, which has two bottles in the chest pockets. \" class=\"wp-image-192349\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ortega has long been a fan of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/product\/171390\/salomon-adv-skin-12-set-hydration-vest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set Hydration Vest<\/a>, even selecting it for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/gear-check-running-the-wonderland-trail\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">his 93-mile, three-day trip along the Wonderland Trail<\/a> last summer (<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/s1QTf8wsZGQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">watch his adventure here<\/a>). For the past few months, however, he\u2019s been reaching for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/b\/rei-co-op\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">REI Co-op<\/a> Swiftland TT Running Vest instead, a vest customers have called the \u201cbest running purchase ever\u201d and an \u201cexcellent training companion.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Ortega explains in his <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/wsAg4HUg5gw?si=FwFNqoDAF7G5hHwL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">video review<\/a>, the Swiftland TT Hydration Vest earned top billing in his mind thanks to its performance in three key areas: fit, capacity and accessibility. Not only do three different size options in both the men\u2019s and women\u2019s versions create a sure<s>&#8211;<\/s>fire fit, but the vest also stays in place thanks to a combination of two adjustable front torso straps, shoulder compression cords and wide hook-and-loop straps on the sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vest boasts a 7-liter gear capacity, but after testing it on multi-hour runs in both the Grand Canyon and in the Pacific Northwest, Ortega realized it can carry even more. \u201cIt\u2019s comfy when you\u2019re putting in hard miles uphill, having fun flying downhill, or keeping your cool coasting on flowy singletrack.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two chest pockets make snagging a sip from the HydraPak 500-milliliter SoftFlasks (included) a breeze, and a pass-through pocket on the back facilitates easy-access to gloves, small snacks or anything else stashed there. Bulkier layers or a hydration sleeve (not included) fit into the larger, zippered back pocket. Other gear (hiking poles, for example) can be secured using the removable bungees or any of the multiple lash points. \u201cGear should complement your adventure,\u201d Ortega says. \u201cCertainly, I feel that way when I look at the Swiftland TT.\u201d <em>$120<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Defining the word \u201crun\u201d seems straightforward. It\u2019s the process of going forward fast on foot\u2013or, if you want to get technical about it, moving \u201cwith quick steps on alternate feet.\u201d But wait, that\u2019s just the first&nbsp;entry in the Oxford English Dictionary. You could also be going out on a run, as in the \u201cact or [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30729,"featured_media":192408,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[2175,284,727,969,2198,2241,1376,1486,2240,2174],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-192341","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-run","tag-adidas","tag-hoka","tag-latest-posts","tag-marathon","tag-road-running","tag-run-with-rei-co-op","tag-running","tag-staff-stories","tag-swiftland","tag-trail-running-2"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/run\/gear-check-alan-ortegas-running-journey","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Gear Check: Alan Ortega\u2019s Running Journey","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/gear-check-alan-ortegas-running-journey","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/gear-check-alan-ortegas-running-journey"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/2023_REI_RUN_09793.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/2023_REI_RUN_09793.jpg?fit=2000%2C1333"},"articleSection":"Run","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Cassie da Costa"}],"creator":["Cassie da Costa"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["adidas","hoka","latest posts","marathon","road running","run with rei co-op","running","staff stories","swiftland","trail running"],"dateCreated":"2023-10-02T22:43:32Z","datePublished":"2023-10-02T22:43:32Z","dateModified":"2025-11-21T07:44:54Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Gear Check: Alan Ortega\\u2019s Running Journey\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/run\\\/gear-check-alan-ortegas-running-journey\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/run\\\/gear-check-alan-ortegas-running-journey\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/2023_REI_RUN_09793.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/2023_REI_RUN_09793.jpg?fit=2000%2C1333\"},\"articleSection\":\"Run\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Cassie da Costa\"}],\"creator\":[\"Cassie da Costa\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"adidas\",\"hoka\",\"latest posts\",\"marathon\",\"road running\",\"run with rei co-op\",\"running\",\"staff stories\",\"swiftland\",\"trail running\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2023-10-02T22:43:32Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-10-02T22:43:32Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-21T07:44:54Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2023\/08\/2023_REI_RUN_09793.jpg?fit=2000%2C1333","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192341","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30729"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=192341"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192341\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":201220,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/192341\/revisions\/201220"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/192408"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=192341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=192341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=192341"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=192341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}