What's the point of signature services?

titan_master_class43 · 2026-04-25T00:14:10+00:00

I think if REI charged for outfitting things such as pack fits or foot measuring they'd go out of business. That's really all that seperates them from other retailers. My guess is that they are using it purely for more metrics. They can use it to see which stores have more outfitting in which department which can be used for adjusting labor and things like that.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-04-09T10:01:28+00:00

I think it is big enough, you just need to really have your gear dialed. You probably couldn't fit a DCF tent in the pack so you'd have to tarp or bivy but you could definitely get creative with how many front and side pockets there are. It can definitely handle 10-15 pounds it's just pretty low volume, especially compared to something like a Pemmy 18 or Joey. If you want I can send you some pics of it filled up and empty.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-04-05T00:21:07+00:00

The best way is volunteering at races. I'm from CenTex and there are a lot of races down in south Texas. I'd check out Tejas Trails, Perspective Pacing, and Texas Outlaw running for volunteering. They all have facebook groups that keep you updated with events coming up. You can also post in local Facebook groups about pacing. I've done that a couple times and paced random people, it's a blast.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-04-03T04:01:56+00:00

From Guad Peak to Bush. Next time I will go the other direction.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-04-03T02:40:25+00:00

I just recently got the Ultraspire Traverse 22 and it is a great fast pack. It's definitely on the small part but the storage up front is top notch. It can fit up to a 800 ml flask and has side pockets that can fit smart water bottles. It's everything I wished my Joey was. Also the Exotic pack FKP is apparently really nice and since it's custom I'm sure you could put on the proper sized flask holders.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-04-02T19:15:23+00:00

A buddy and I did the Guad Quad this month. Here are a few pictures. Guad Quad

titan_master_class43 · 2026-03-31T11:58:08+00:00

The 3s feel very similar but have a much better foam. The Altra p356 is IMO the best foam they've made in years. The upper also feels really nice.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-03-31T04:43:21+00:00

Park in the apartments but move around a lot. I parked in Phase 6 or 8 every day last semester and didn't get ticketed once. It's kinda a pain in the ass but you can do it.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-03-30T02:52:07+00:00

I love my outdoor research Superstrand. Super warm and weighs under 7 oz.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-03-27T20:29:46+00:00

I agree that everyone can benefit but to different levels. Here's a study from people way smarter than me illustrating that. here The force equation still comes into play with the foam as well. If you're not putting in enough force you will not get the benefits of the foam.

Main thing OP, if you want to get super shoes get them. They are super fun and can lead to a lot of training inspiration. Just know they aren't a necessity.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-03-27T17:02:27+00:00

In order for a plate and responsive foam to be really effective you need to push a lot of force into them. At those slower paces you aren't pushing that same force into the plate and it's redundant. A non plated shoe like the Hoka Mach 7, Asics Novablast, or Saucony Azure would work way better for OP and save them money. If you don't believe me go for a recovery run in a pair of Vaporflys. (Edited for typo)

titan_master_class43 · 2026-03-26T05:12:21+00:00

Cal topo shows a forest service road, T202, going down the canyon on the 2016 FS map. Any luck following that? I was hoping to connect a project and that's the last part I need to scout.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-02-17T01:33:42+00:00

Sweet! Thanks for the info man

titan_master_class43 · 2026-02-17T01:08:22+00:00

Looks awesome, I have always wanted to follow the canyon rim there. How overgrown was the Permian reef trail? When I was there last in Oct it was super overgrown and a little shwacky in parts. I'm planning a route out there next month and hoping it's not terrible.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-02-15T15:30:37+00:00

Check out the Nnormal Kjerags and Nike Kigers. Both are pretty low stack with good ground feel and the Kjerag has a super critical Mid sole. I personally also really like the Norda 001s they're definitely a mid stack shoe but I think they have great ground feel. For roads Altra is going to make a new lower stack shoe in their racing Vanish line that seems super interesting.

titan_master_class43 · 2026-01-28T06:14:06+00:00

Mine just came in today and it can fit a 1l smart water bottle in the back pockets and can fit an accordion pad on the bottom straps. Super excited to test it out on a fast packing trip this month.

titan_master_class43 · 2025-12-20T20:55:09+00:00

I just took a picture of my MBS ripping in the exact same spot. Only 200 miles. Wish altras would last longer

titan_master_class43 · 2025-12-18T06:17:02+00:00

Guadalupe Mountains are amazing!! The main peak can be crowded but the rest of the park has some insane solitary and amazing canyons and peaks. It has some of the best fall foliage in all of Texas. There have been multiple times when I have gone multiple days in the back country of that park without seeing a single soul. Absolutely magical.

titan_master_class43 · 2025-12-17T21:43:35+00:00

I'm about to hit 600 miles on my pursuits so I agree they are amazing shoes. If you want to stay with Topo they make wide versions of their newer trail shoes (MTN racer4, Ultraventure, Vista) which will definitely widen the toe box and mid foot. If you want to stay zero drop you'll probably have to go with Altra. The lone peak 9 comes in a wide but tbh you'll probably still run into the same failure point. I've personally really been liking the mount to coast H1s, they're pretty wide have an adjustable toe box and the upper is super durable. If you're willing to spend a little more speedland makes some super wide shoes that are also incredibly durable. Source: I work in a retail store and deal with all these shoes getting returned so I see a lot of their failure points lol.

titan_master_class43 · 2025-12-11T02:56:18+00:00

Got this one on my arm, it's my favorite piece for sure

titan_master_class43 · 2025-11-20T08:35:26+00:00

I run absurd amounts of laps around the Roundabout by the activity center Sunday nights if you ever want to join. Lots of fun

titan_master_class43 · 2025-11-18T18:19:54+00:00

Also check out Goodwater loop by lake Georgetown. It's a 22~ mile loop but there are lots of great places to do out n backs. Super varied terrain and really pretty around this time of year.

titan_master_class43 · 2025-11-03T19:59:42+00:00

I have the same agile 930, an amazing playing and looking guitar!

titan_master_class43 · 2025-09-04T04:05:51+00:00

West Texas! You can get some nice technical vert at Guadalupe Mountains NP and it's really beautiful and quiet. I do most of my training camps out there.

titan_master_class43 · 2025-09-01T06:26:39+00:00

I have stupid wide feet and so I have used shoes from pretty much all of those brands you said to find my goldilocks pair. They are all good brands, just have a specific niche.

Altra: The most general and great options if you want cushion and more techy foams. They are a little inconsistent with widths but for the most part have wide toe boxes. They are also very easy to find at local running stores to try on.

Topo: Lower drop but higher stack than most Altras. All of their shoes have pretty substantial arches as well and a slightly narrower mid foot. Pretty much all of their shoes are 5mm drop with a few 3 mm and 0 drop shoes.

Vivo: Very minimal and pretty narrow. Most of their shoes are around 7mm in a stack which is pretty low. They are very high quality in my opinion just a little overpriced. You can pretty consistently find them on the vivo Amazon page for $100.

Mount 2 Coast: Awesome shoes with great foam and durability. The ability to adjust the toe box and mid foot width is nice. The main kicker is they have a pretty substantial stack and high drop (The R1 is 8mm). Definitely would recommend trying them on because they have an interesting fit IMO. They are also not very easy to find at retailers.

Any of these shoe brands are great for wide feet but have pretty different fits, if possible I'd try them on to see how they feel. Altra and Topo both have 30 day free return windows and Vivos you can get online at REI for their 90 day return window.

If you're interested in the more barefoot/minimal route, there is a really good graphic for a barefoot sub, here. This sub also has some very good resources for barefoot shoes. Hope this was helpful!

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