I have used everything from wooden repurposed shovel handles to carbon fiber collapsible poles, including trail side branches, slightly modified ski touring poles, etc.  They all are useful and are much better than nothing, especially when crossing streams and navigating slippery terrain. I have never been bothered by the differences in weight among these different poles.  Improperly tightened collapsible poles, true to form, may collapse under a heavy load, but can also be stowed handily in a backpack' These days, bothered by an arthritic hip (surgery postponed until covid-19 is handled) I find my ancient Chouinard Equipment Alpine Probe sticks are very handy.  These are trekking pole, if you please, and not canes.  Only the lame and halt use canes.   So, grab a pole,any pole and use it.  You will be glad you did.   ... View more

@CatharineMeyers  Thank you so much for your email. I am excited you found a bike that hopefully you’ll love! Have fun and stay safe! Feel free to keep the community here updated as you log some miles! ... View more

Thank you, everyone!  The screen I see on Recreation.gov for Rose Canyon Lake in Coronado National Forest in AZ is not very detailed compared to the one you shared.. I know that they charge an additional fee for a second vehicle, and there is a max for the people per campsite... I will keep calling the number I have until someone answers! Thank you for your advice! ... View more

Hello @astosak  It sounds like you are looking directly at the Thule website.  They offer this as a package but REI does not, although the pricing works out to be the same.  You are correct that these items would include 2 bars and 4 feet.  They also would qualify for free shipping to your home when ordering on our website.  I have included the links below.  You will notice for the bars that we list them by inches which is different than on Thule's website.  You will need to purchase the 47" bars if you were looking at the 118's. Thanks for loving REI!  Happy trails!   Evo Raised Rail Foot Pack  Square Load Bars  ... View more

An  EDC knife is a deeply personal decision.  It can be anything from a Swiss Army Classic ($15) to items that are easily ten times as costly.  Know for sure or consider a gift certificate (bills folded into aknife shape.) ... View more

Hello there! @Lmarquez  Your initial instincts with 150 is correct!  That would be a good length for you but it would depend a bit on where you are skiing. For example 143-147 for East Coast "groomers", 145-150 for all mountain, 147-153 for powder. Pay attention to the waist width also. You should be looking for something around 88mm for East Coast, 92mm All-mountain, and 110 for powder. I would say 147-150 with a 92mm width would be the most versatile all around ski for you based off the details you provided. In general a longer ski is more stable in turns at speed, and a shorter ski will make smaller tighter turns, and move a bit slower with less float. Intermediate-Advanced skiers usually ski something longer, it will perform better and give you more room to improve your techniques. Hope this helps and you enjoy shredding this year! ... View more

I live in Brooklyn so Prospect Park is my favorite place in the city. It's great for cycling, running, picnicking, concerts, and has amazing playgrounds!  ... View more

@darlades first and foremost, a big Northeast welcome to your daughter!  As a New England native, I can attest to the chilly temps and the need to adjust with clothing accordingly.  Depending on what your daughter does for work, and what typical dress may be for her, there are a variety of options!  I personally prefer using a baselayer that is wool.  However, if there is an allergy, synthetic materials and fleece are an option.  Each come in a variety of weights so she would just need to choose something that is going to fit comfortably as a layering piece.  Both REI and Smartwool would be good options.   I am including a few products that you might be able to share with her: the REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights, the REI Co-op Teton Fleece Pants, and the Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Bottoms are all great options.  Hope this advice helps!   ... View more

Hi @curragh4213   We would love to help you out!  Can you provide some more details on what it is exactly you are looking for?  Are you looking for a watch to pair with an existing chest strap or vice versa? ... View more

@qb looks like you got some solid advice from a fellow camper here!  I remember the Taj well and am disappointed that you are having trouble finding an equivalent.  My first thought was the Marmot Limelight, but i see that you already have that tent.  My advice would be to look at some of the companies that really experiment with tent shapes and therefore may give you the little extra space you are looking for.  You might find a win with Nemo (galaxi), Big Agnes, or Kelty (gunnison).  I also spotted the Marmot Thor, which might be more tent than you're looking for but worth mentioning.  Also, if you just want to see a cool, spacious tent, look up the North Face Golden Gate.  I stumbled upon that and may need it for myself now! Hope any of this helps and you keep enjoying your time outdoors! ... View more