Wow @Lexi805 what an exciting adventure! As a plus size gal myself, I hope I can help point you in the right direction initially. I’ve never done anything as ambitious as the PCT but I can let you know what a few essentials are that could be helpful.  I’ll start with rainwear. I love the Talusphere Rain Pants by REI Co-op brands. I have linked the women’s here but I actually initially bought the men’s version as it fit me a bit better. The best thing about them is they provide a little stretch which is great for mobility and comfort.  If you’re looking for a fleece layer, my favorite option is the REI Hyperaxis Pant and there is a matching jacket that I am obsessed with.  Lastly, you can’t go wrong with some leggings even on trail! I haven’t tried them out yet, but I’m excited about the Flash Hybrid Tights by Co-op Brands. I hope this gets you started and some other folks can chime in! Have an incredible trip and thank you for reaching out to the Community!   ... View more

Hello there @Kasha!  As a fellow plus sized woman, I am happy to weigh in on this subject! Not knowing exactly what size you are looking for, I can at least let you know what has worked for me.  Starting with what is available through REI, I cannot say enough good things about the Brooks Maia Bra.  It has been my favorite for years.  No need to pull a bra awkwardly overhead and risk getting tangled or strangled!  Equally great is the Brooks Fiona Bra.  If you can't find these in the right size for you through REI, I would take a look at Brooks directly. The last one I have to recommend is the SheFit Bra.  I found this bra during quarantine and I love it so much.  I saw it on Instagram so many times and wasn't sure it was worth the hype.  I think it is!  I love the adjustability and the fact that it zips in the front making it the easiest to get in and out of! Hope this info helps and that some other ladies will be willing to offer additional suggestions!      ... View more

Hey there @rgrosenthal!  Thanks for reaching out to the Community! I have been strictly riding with flat pedals but stopped using toe clips a while back.  I think I can still speak to your concerns though!  I am currently using the Five Ten Sleuth DLX  bike shoes (available in M's and W's) and loving them!  I find the toe box to be slightly narrower which could prove helpful with the toe clips.  In addition I can attest to the sturdy construction of the shoe and think it would hold up well. In terms of support, I find myself needing less on my bike than a regular shoe.  With that being said, the stiffness of the shoe, combined with a supportive foot bed should be sufficient for the average person.  If you find yourself needing insoles for your everyday footwear, it might help throwing a set in these as well. While I don't have experience with the Freerider Pro shoes specifically, the specifications call out good arch support specifically! Hope this helps!  Happy trails! ... View more

Hey there @Gypsea! I feel your pain!  When I was 15 I broke my ankle roller skating and after 2 surgeries and a long recovery, I swore I would never strap something to me feet again.  And you know what...I didn't!  It took me many years to overcome this fear.  About 20 years later I decided to learn to ski and it was so much fun, but I really wish I would've done it earlier. Fast forward to current day and I just recently took a nasty spill on my bike.  Fortunately nothing broke.  However, the idea of getting back on the bike, even after everything was healed up, was scary.  I have avoided the path I fell on entirely!  But I am back on my bike!  What helped me was visualizing what went wrong and reminding myself of all the countless rides I have been on where everything went perfectly fine.  I found this helped tremendously.  Sounds like you have likely had many great rides over the years. Hopefully, you continue to have a great recovery and then just go at your own pace, whatever that might look like post trauma.  You are definitely not alone! ... View more

Hey there @jsgmom if you’re up for trying something different, I’ve heard great things about The Giant Stairs Hike in the Palisades. It is at the state line lookout exit on the Palisades Parkway. I haven’t been there yet but I hear that it rarely gets busy and is a unique challenge! ... View more

Hey there @CherB! @REI-JohnJ mentioned a great spot! The Cape Cod National Seashore has lots to offer! Check out this article that was written a few years ago. It highlights some great Cape Cod Hikes! While it is less of a hike, I strongly recommend the Cape Cod Rail Trail for walking, running, or riding your bike! Hope this helps! ... View more

Hey there @rarsauce! Thanks for reaching out to the Community!  As a curvy woman myself, I can understand some of the challenges with finding the right fit.  As a result I mostly steer away from a structured pant and have leaned into leggings pretty heavily.  No regrets here! Right now my absolute favorite leggings are the REI Take Your Time Leggings.  What I love most about them is how soft and breathable they are, high-waisted, and they have deep pockets!  A close second would be the REI Active Pursuits Capri. I recently bought this Columbia tank top and love the fit, not to mention it is currently at a great price!  I also love the look and feel of the Prana Reylian top.    Hope this helps and enjoy your road trip! ... View more

Hello there @RAH! Thanks for reaching out to us in the Community!  If you are looking to convert your existing bike into an e-bike, it may be possible with some help from our experts.  We would recommend reaching out to your local REI bike shop with the specifics around your bike and desired outcome for the best advice!  Hope this gets you started in the right direction! ... View more

Hey there @kugelmass! Thanks for reaching out to us in the Community!  Here is a great article with some advice to get you started on How to Choose Binoculars.  One of the biggest concerns for folks like us with glasses is the eye relief measurement.  You will want something with at least 11mm. The Nikon Prostaff Binoculars meet that criteria and is within your desired spending range.  We have several other options for you to consider as you decide what else is most important to you! Hope this helps and thanks again for being a part of the Community! ... View more

Hey there @stinemarie! Thanks for joining the conversation! I haven’t heard of that spot before and am super appreciative that you’ve brought it to my attention!  Getting outside seems more important than ever right now and super appealing! Thanks again for being a part of the Community! ... View more

Hey there @addygkruse! We appreciate you reaching out to us in the Community!  The simple answer is yes, this could be considered normal wear and tear.  The main contributing factor is likely from your foot dragging down the wall, whether in the gym or outside.  Depending on your current skill level, you may see your climbing technique evolve and as a result less of this wear pattern.  Climbing shoes can also be re-soled, but typically this is more cost effective before the leather is showing through. Hope this info helps and it is pretty rad that you are getting to climb so often! ... View more