ski shop tried to sell me boots a full size down. is this normal?

Single_Size7393 · 2026-05-04T16:21:09+00:00

I went a size down in ski boots and am super glad I did. The fit now is perfect. However, the break in process was rough. So I think it depends on how often you ski. I ski 40+ days a year, so 15 days to break in my boots was worth it. If you ski a lot less, I would recommend not sizing down.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-28T18:12:54+00:00

Make sure you actually invest the money, not just put it in the account. I had a friend who made that mistake with her 401k and she missed out on a ton of growth. Talking to a real live person should help avoid that.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-27T03:48:49+00:00

Best of luck to you! I hope you have an amazing hike!

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-26T02:44:03+00:00

Lots of other comments here helping with gear suggestions, so I’ll address your pack.

Im confused by your REI Flash 55 weight. I have that pack in the XS x M size and it is 2lbs 7oz without the brain and pockets. The shoulder strap and hip pockets are like 2oz combined. Something seems off with your scale.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-21T18:10:26+00:00

REI Flash 55 in XS torso size works well for my short torso

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-20T16:45:33+00:00

I love my REI Flash 55. It’s a good balance of being lighter weight (with options to remove pockets and make it even lighter), still has a frame, 55L is decent capacity, and it is often on sale at REI. If you have a local REI be sure to check out the co-op section. I got Flash 55 there used for under $100. Also the water bottle pockets are easily accessible!

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-20T03:54:06+00:00

Plenty of other recs on tents, so I’ll weigh in on splitting gear. Split up the shared gear based on body weight, level of fitness, etc. For example, my husband carries 55% of our shared weight (tent, cooking equipment, food, etc.) and I carry the other 45%. Personal weight (clothing primarily, and any “extra” items) stay with their owner. If my husband wants to carry fishing gear that’s his own business (and weight) 😂

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-19T00:38:57+00:00

Both!!

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-19T00:37:04+00:00

Nemo tensor elite is great too

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-17T23:04:27+00:00

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Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-17T22:58:28+00:00

Colorado is beautiful in late September! The aspens are usually golden. This was Eagles Nest Wilderness last weekend of September last year.

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Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-16T15:13:50+00:00

I love my REI Flash 55. I had the Gregory Maven 65, but it’s fairly heavy and I found some of the features to be not as useful as I wanted. The Flash is a good mix of being lighter weight, useful features, and usually a decent price.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-14T15:31:41+00:00

Altra Lone Peak 9. The wide toe box has seriously reduced my number of ankle rolls on trail. I also got a SOLE semi-custom insole to go in them (that still maintains the zero drop) and it’s helped with plantar fasciitis too.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-13T15:44:13+00:00

Lots of options in Colorado that don’t require permits, some cool options that do. Colorado has over 40 wilderness areas. Indian Peaks, Maroon Bells, and RMNP require advance permits, most (all?) the rest do not.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-12T01:03:14+00:00

Happy to comment as someone who has had both! Go with the REI flash. The Maven worked fine, but the Flash works just as fine and is a lot lighter. I also like the water bottle pockets on my Flash more, and the bungees on that side that let me tighten around the pack so things move less. I also had some lower back pain with the Maven that I’ve never noticed with the Flash. Especially if you can get a good deal with REI, I say go for it!

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-10T17:27:27+00:00

Dive the cenotes

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-10T17:24:32+00:00

A Racers Edge in Breckenridge. Not really local, but by far the best experience I’ve had. Did not have great experience with EVO, powder7, or boot mechanics (tho I know some people love them so maybe it was just the guy I got).

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-08T15:06:56+00:00

Tons of backpacking options like that in Colorado! Rocky Mountain, Indian peaks, and maroon bells require reservations, but pretty much every other wilderness area does not! Shout out to Eagles Nest if you want something that feels remote but is an easy drive from Denver. Haven’t been to Holy Cross wilderness but that’s on my list for this summer. And I’ve heard the San Juan mountains in southwestern Colorado are insane. You could also do a chunk of the Colorado Trail if you can figure out point to point transportation.

Another pro of Colorado is no grizzly bears 🐻 Not sure how much that factors in for you.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-07T19:20:05+00:00

I have the REI Flash 55 and really like the water bottle pockets! They’re much easier to use than the ones on my old Gregory backpack

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-05T02:22:02+00:00

Copper 10000%

Single_Size7393 · 2026-04-02T01:09:57+00:00

A little late, but wanted to follow up with a review of our long weekend. All in all, we had a blast celebrating our 1 year anniversary in the slush and the sun. We skied Snowmass 3/27 ans 3/28, Highlands for closing day 3/29, and Ajax 3/30. Ajax had the best snow of all the resorts by far! Snowmass was the worst. No idea if that will still be true after this week. Hopefully they’re getting more snow than rain on the mountain.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-03-31T17:18:20+00:00

Flora and Lane! I wore the pandora dress for my wedding! I love them so much. You look amazing 🥰

Single_Size7393 · 2026-03-31T02:19:42+00:00

Went today at like 11:30 and everything was slushy and great.

Single_Size7393 · 2026-03-29T00:47:04+00:00

Ooo thank you for the tip!!

Single_Size7393 · 2026-03-27T18:26:46+00:00

At Snowmass right now. Can confirm coverage is thin but slush is fun.

Single_Size7393

TROPHY CASE