Hi Dave. I'm sorry for the late reply - I just saw this (on 09-11). I have experience with the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator mid. For years, I've used the Ventilator shoe (not mid).  In recent years, I've had issues with my Achilles tendons, and was recommended to go to the mid height.  I bought a pair back in the early Spring, and was I ever happy.  Merrell has made all of their ventilators much lighter and improved on the insole at the same time.  I was able to do a 15-mile day hike using these without any beak in period.  So, I'd at least consider these if you haven't made a purchase.  If you have, hope what you bought works well for you. Also, since you live in New Orleans, some good hiking can be found by going up I-59 into Mississippi and hike in the DeSoto National Forest in either the Hattiesburg or Laurel areas.  There's also good hiking just north of Gulfport.  However, I'd wait until non-Summer months to do so. 🙂 ... View more

Hi.  I have one for you, the Ouachita Trail. This trail is 223 miles long, running from in the west, Talimena State Park (Oklahoma) to Pinnacle Mountain State Park (near Little Rock, Arkansas).  Most of the trail (192 miles) is within the Ouachita National Forest.  The remaining 30+ miles are on private or state-owned lands in central Arkansas.   There are various side trails to view points, camp sites, water, and intersecting trails.  The 37-mile Womble Trail is the longest of the "side" trails, and is open to hikers and bikers. The trail is marked with traditional 2x6 inch blue paint blazes using the standard blazing conventions.  There are 21 trail shelters, which were built and maintained by the trail club "Friends of the Ouachita Trail - FoOT".  Here is a link to their web site: https://friendsoftheouachita.org/wp/  Here is a link to the US Forest Service page for the trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_039448.pdf  Finally, here is a link to general information for the Ouachita Trail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouachita_National_Recreation_Trail  There are several video series on YouTube about this trail. If I wasn't so involved with trying to finish the remaining 1165 miles of the AT, I'd love to try this.  Based on all I've read, it is well marked and maintained, and is lightly used.   There's also the Ozark Highlands Trail. Do a search for that one. Reply is you have more questions, will be interested to hear how this goes for you! God Bless... ... View more

Hi. A few years ago, I watched a nice video series on YouTube about this trail.  The hiker walked it during the Thanksgiving holiday, and had some challenging weather. Here is the link to the playlist on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0weGVw4AjFp0O9kNL-mSn4eKRdTq51ey  I enjoy watching hiking series as I can do so one or two videos at a time.  Plus, the more videos for a trail, the more detail one can see. I welcome comments as to if the reader had heard of this trail, and if so - hiked any part of it. God Bless... ... View more

@REI-JohnJ  Hi John.  Hope you got moved ok. RE: East-West Trail I have one for you, the Ouachita Trail. This trail is 223 miles long, running from in the west, Talimena State Park (Oklahoma) to Pinnacle Mountain State Park (near Little Rock, Arkansas).  Most of the trail (192 miles) is within the Ouachita National Forest.  The remaining 30+ miles are on private or state-owned lands in central Arkansas.   There are various side trails to view points, camp sites, water, and intersecting trails.  The 37-mile Womble Trail is the longest of the "side" trails, and is open to hikers and bikers. The trail is marked with traditional 2x6 inch blue paint blazes using the standard blazing conventions.  There are 21 trail shelters, which were built and maintained by the trail club "Friends of the Ouachita Trail - FoOT".  Here is a link to their web site: https://friendsoftheouachita.org/wp/  Here is a link to the US Forest Service page for the trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_039448.pdf  Finally, here is a link to general information for the Ouachita Trail: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouachita_National_Recreation_Trail  There are several video series on YouTube about this trail. If I wasn't so involved with trying to finish the remaining 1165 miles of the AT, I'd love to try this.  Based on all I've read, it is well marked and maintained, and is lightly used.   I welcome any comments regarding if the reader has heard of this trail or has walked it? God Bless... ... View more

Yeah!  Will head down to the Alpharetta store sometime this week... @REI-JenK - thanks for taking the time to let us know! I have some returns to make, and start my search (trying on) for a new backpack. ... View more

Hi - I appreciate your asking this.  I too have some returns and want to start trying on backpacks for a future purchase.  Hoping it is sooner than later... ... View more

@REI-JenK  Thank you for the prompt and informative response.  I'm encouraged you have started opening the stores.  A win for the customers, and bigger win for the employees.   I appreciate the great job you all do in monitoring and responding in the Conversations. God Bless... ... View more

@REI-JenK Hi.  To all of our fine Community Managers: Does upper management know about the volume of requests to re-open the stores? It's a shame really, the COVID problem is under control so it would not prohibit reopening. I'm sorry to hear that an REI store was hit. I pray for the safety of all REI stores and employees.  Thanks to you for all you do. Ken ... View more

Hi.  Hope you and all of your employees (including the nice people that monitor the conversations) are doing well. Please re-open the stores!  Suggested process: 1. Do like several grocery stores I've seen do, allow a certain number of customers in at a time 2. Allow people to make an appointment to come in So many stores are now open or opening soon.  And, I strongly suggest you NOT treat every store like the stores in the more highly impacted areas (that have more cases).  For example: The Wichita, Ks store should not be treated like a store near/in New York City (if such exists). I'm sure you know all of this, but wanted to share my thoughts. I want REI to remain a viable business for their members, customers, and especially the nice employees.  I strongly urge you to open your stores.  It is time we move on... Thanks, and God Bless... ... View more

Thanks for the information and advice. ... View more

Thank you so much! ... View more