I talked with MSR when I had a rivet break, and sent them in for repair.  They came back with new everything except the deck.  No charge.  They seem to really stand by their product.  Mine were also quite aged.  The updated strapping system is a great improvement.  ... View more

Around Denver I'd hike in Mt. Falcon Park, Castlewood Canyon SP, Golden Gate Canyon SP.  Rosalie Trail is quite nice, too.  The higher you go the more chance of running into snow. For sightseeing types of things, go to Pearl Street Mall in Boulder.  The Denver Art Museum is very good.  Drive up Pikes Peak.  Drive to Rocky Mtn NP on Hwy 36, but return on 7/72/119/6. ... View more

  @Jsan22  Where in Colorado will you be?  There are so many varied experiences, including the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and others; hot springs - both primitive and commercial; desert or mountain hiking; Great Sand Dunes; of course RMNP; Colorado National Monument; Dinosaur NM; Mesa Verde NP; Dinosaur tracks in Picket Wire Canyonlands (long hike to them); and whitewater rafting, caves and waterfalls, to name a few things.  If you could give me an idea of location and interests I could narrow it down for you.  What I wouldn't plan for is climbing a 14er in May unless you have extensive mountaineering experience. I've lived in Colorado since 1985 and have explored the state quite a bit.  I'd be happy to help guide you so you might come to love it as much as I do. ... View more

Well, a very strange twist indeed.  Each and every one of you has "better" weather.  I live at 8000' in the Colorado Rockies, and often can brag about the snow, cold, wind, or all three.  We got about 2" of snow, it's 28º, and the wind is 10mph.  It is cloudy for a change, though!  And the only silly walk I can do is because of my bum knee.  No xc, snowshoe, hiking.  Stuck at home because of covid, stuck in home because of my knee.  And I can't even complain about the weather.  So you guys get out there and enjoy it while you can!  You can't beat me forever. Just a flesh wound. ... View more

@here-we-go - Downward Dog,  Adho mukha svanasana, can be done on your forearms.  Other poses, like tabletop, may be able to be adapted by putting your injured side forearm on stacked blocks. Listening to your body is critical.  Trying to keep your body in alignment is also important.  But it's OK to skip any pose in an online class that doesn't feel good.  You're still getting the positive benefits of movement, self-care and breath.   Good luck to your roommate, and don't forget the power of chant. ... View more

I wish GJ wasn't so far from BV.  It sounds like we could be pretty compatible in our hiking interests.   I, too, am retired, prefer smaller groups (or solo), and have a taste for adventure and exploration.  GJ hikes are good for that.  Good luck to you. ... View more

The Boulder area is a great base for doing some fabulous day hiking.  It also has Pearl Street Mall which would be of interest to both you and your daughter.  Realize that the end of March could still have a significant amount of snow on the mountain trails.  That said, @REI-CarterC has good suggestions.  I'd also recommend Walker Ranch Loop and Golden Gate Canyon State Park.   For going further afield, Salida or Buena Vista, where I live, has many incredible trails that I could clue you in on if interested.  Interlaken Trail at Twin Lakes has a great historical aspect - even a hexagonal outhouse!  In its day there was even a live orchestra every night. Happy hiking!  PM me if interested in the Salida/BV area.   ... View more

Oh, man.  Tough parameters there.  I really like having my pack inside so I don't worry about rodents, bugs, rain, snakes, scorpions, etc.  But the 5lb8oz one is quite a bit of weight if you're going solo and not sharing cooking gear and tent.  I'd have to go with the one man.  I'd see if there's a way to squeeze my pack in and still be comfortable. Or identify a lighter 2-man that you like but is out of budget, and see if it goes on sale.  Maybe a previous season one.  Check all the good companies.   And there is no over-thinking when it comes to gear.   ... View more

I prefer the Yaktrax Diamond Grip over the Pro model.  The Pro is flimsier and doesn't hold up well to mixed conditions (snow/dirt or snow/concrete).  It also tends to come out of place on steeper terrain which can result in losing it.  The Diamond Grip is beefier, and also feels more natural on your foot rather than the springy feel of the Pro.  I really love Kahtoolas Microspikes but I think they'd be overkill for you, especially if you have mixed snow and concrete.  I have no experience with the Nanos. ... View more

I am very interested in hearing replies on this as well.  I'm a short guy and have a heck of a time finding pants with a short enough inseam.  I routinely have pants hemmed, but for tech fabrics and ski-snow pants I don't have a solution. ... View more