@peregrinoHello, fellow hiker!  I work on REI's Virtual Outfitting team and size people for footwear remotely all the time.  I hope I can reassure you and make you feel more comfortable about ordering the 9.5.  The most important clue you provide in your description is that you tried the 8.5 and your toe touched the front.  If you hadn't given them away already, I would have suggested you take the insole out of your shoe and stand on it.  That way you can see how much room is between the end of your longest toe and the end of that liner.  When we fit people in person, we look for about a thumbnail's width of space there.  If you were touching the inside of the shoe with your big toe, there likely would have been zero space.  A "thumbnail's width" is approximately 5 mm!  And a full size is approximately 5 mm.  Therefore, you need a full size bigger than you were in:  that is, a 9.5.  I do understand the hesitancy to buy another pair of shoes and the fear of having to give those away as well.  But I hope that this reassures you that only going up half a size from what you were in is not quite enough.  Once you bend your foot inside the shoe to step forward, your toes come forward, too.  You need room for that to happen.  If you'd still like to set up a virtual outfitting appointment before you order, we're happy to help further.  You can do that here:  https://www.rei.com/outfitting.  The appointments are free and use video to help confirm all the sizing details.  However you decide to proceed, I wish you happy trails! ... View more

@janeto, I really love the Craft brand in particular - the Craft Glide Full-Zip Pant has both the front and back wind resistance you're looking for.  These would be great for those really cold days in MN where you need that 360-degree protection, but you might want to also consider a front-panel-only wind-proof area for less extreme days to provide the protection you want without that sweaty-behind-the-knee feeling.  Look especially at tights/pants designed for cross-country skiing!  XC ski bottoms have various windproof configurations and all the stretch and articulation you need for running.  What they sometimes lack (because it is assumed you will be on trails) is the kind of reflectivity you need when you run on roads or on trails frequented by snowmobiles.  So, be sure you are visible and/or add reflective ankle bands and vest.   Another borrow from the xc ski world is insulated shorts in a length that covers most, but not all of your thigh.  These come in wool or synthetic with windproof panels in the front and can be worn under regular tights.  Sometimes that gives just the right amount of protection without overheating.   Good for you for keeping up your running in winter.  Dashing through the snow is awesome, right? ... View more

@_casey-j, that's a new one for me!  I'd be really interested to see how you like it.  From the looks, it seems to have a lot more going on in the heel, and I wonder how that translates to ground feel, if you're up for posting a review here. ... View more

@the-bumble, I grew up in the Northeast and began running when I lived there.  I also now live in Fairbanks, Alaska (full disclosure: yes, I know @REI-JohnJ haha).  So I'd like to give my perspective. The snow in the Northeast is fairly wet, meaning it packs down significantly and is not very 'floaty.'  You'll need them for mountain running (VT, NH, ME) where the snow can get deep and last, but unless you will be running on trails or off-trail in the woods the day of or after a significant snow fall, you usually will not "need" snowshoes for flotation.  As John pointed out, however, snowshoe running is a thing and a sport in its own right if you wish to try it.  I just didn't want you to think snow automatically meant you couldn't run there in winter unless you had snowshoes on.  If you will be road running, most communities have ordinances that the streets and sidewalks must be cleared of snow within a certain amount of time after a snowfall (usually less than a day).  And a street or sidewalk cleared of snow is Not a surface you want to be traversing with snowshoes!  The studded option is a much better alternative for that, because even when shoveled, sidewalks and pavement can get very icy and stay that way for days.   One word of caution about the two, however.  Snowshoes with studded sneakers do not match.  Most snowshoes have decking under foot that can be marred by sharp studs.  If they don't have decking and the sole of your foot will be resting on an aluminum plate, the studs can mean a less-secure, scratchy interface.  You won't feel solidly locked into the snowshoe.  So one or the other, not both.   ... View more

@_casey-j, I love the New Balance Minimus Trail.  This shoe is also very snug across the midfoot/arch area, so I would stick with a size 12 (the snugness does give after a wearing or two).  It's got a wider toe box (freedom!) than the Merrells, is just as- if not a little bit more-flexible, and has a tad less cushioning than the Trail Glove, so it's squarely in the barefoot category.  I buy them over and over again.  Next best thing to dipping your bare foot in rubber. ... View more

@Daxigait, I imagine you're back from your solo trip by now, and I would LOVE to hear how it went!  Post when you can. Pictures encouraged:) ... View more

@nathanu Well this was awesomely amusing!  Great trip report.  I am not a hammock camper and have resisted all pressure to become one, but I still read posts like this to see what I might be missing.  Also, I work with campers all the time who have either made the switch or are part-hammock-timers, and it helps to know the challenges (rewards?) they face in doing so.  Thanks so much! ... View more

@Gary2, Like you, I was very concerned about staying healthy when I thru-hiked the AT in 2014.  I chose to do my hike without supplemental vitamins (and also without the half-gallon challenge--though there may still be some residual regret at having not participated in that rite of passage, haha).  My backpacking menu was intentionally varied--including carrying fresh vegetables most fellow hikers shunned because of weight--specifically for reasons of getting the nutrients I needed directly from food.  My method seems to have worked, but for one thing.  My vitamin levels were all normal upon completion (even though I was out there for 7 months), BUT my cholesterol became high.  So much (shelf-stable) bacon, summer sausage, cheese, an all-you-can-eat buffet or 16, etc., was to blame, I suppose.  I don't want to take away from anyone who has a recommendation specifically to what you are asking, but I did want to offer my experience.  Also, for perspective, even a long thru-hike is only a snapshot in time for your nutritional health, especially if you start out healthy; and since that time, even my cholesterol levels have returned to normal without medication.  It's great that you are thinking about this stuff ahead of time.  Do get some blood work done ahead of your hike, though, if you are at all concerned.  You would hate to learn, for example, that you were on the edge for Type 2 diabetes, and all those family-size Snickers bars pushed you over into requiring insulin.   ... View more

@rarsauceI consider myself curvy as well, at least on the bottom.  I've had success with Kuhl Splash Roll-up Pants because they're higher in the back of the waist, are stretchy, and I can go one size up for my hips and thighs and use the draw string to cinch up extra room in the waist.  I also avoid any convertible pants--as the zipper always tends to hit at the wrong part of my thigh and keep me from extending my leg on high step-ups on the trail.  Sizes 14/16 definitely show in a regular search, but did you know that if you add the phrase "extended sizes" to any search string in REI.com, you will get plus sizes?  This might help if you want to try my trick with sizing up. ... View more

@mediocrehiker Isn't that just the thing?  It happens often that cycling-specific clothing and accessories (like knee pads) are not sized for the cycling thighs we work so hard to get!  In a case like knee pads, you have to go with your thigh measurement, not split the difference--too small and you won't be able to get them into position and keep them there. For sizing virtually, make sure you are measuring your thigh about 4 inches above the knee (Not the widest part of your thigh) and your calf around the fullest part of the calf.  I would also look for models that have additional velcro closures, at the both thigh and the calf to cinch up any size discrepancy and keep them in place, like this model: the ION K-Pact Zip Knee Pads .  For enduro riding, these also have zippers which allow you to take them off easily for mellower sections of the ride without having to also remove your shoes.  I hope this helps.   ... View more

@djw Not to worry about the boots.  Good shoes for hiking don't necessarily need to go high up the ankle.  They can be low-top and still work just fine.   ... View more