Footwear Choices for Hiking or Camping

Footwear Choices

I haven't discussed the actual shoes/boots to use on the trail, so today I thought I would start a discussion on both. I tend to like a lighter weight boot, with good traction, support and insulation and maybe even water proof. There are hundreds of boots and shoes on the market to choose from, and no one knows better than your foot, which one is for you.

Don't go to the store with any pre-conceived notions of getting anything more than a good, comfortable fit. Feet are NOT brand specific, if you know what I mean? They just work best when they are comfortable. Comfort is a big deal for me. If you are going to have these things on your feet for 12-16 hours a day, buy something that suits your trip, as well as something that fits your foot. Even if you are carrying a heavy backpack, the boots do not necessarily have to be the old waffle stompers we all grew up with. Different hiking requires different footwear. If your just going on a day hike on a Forest Service trail, heavy boots aren't needed, so buy and dress accordingly. 

A properly fitted shoe or boot means, your toes should wiggle easily inside the boot, and your foot should NOT slide from side to side nor feel squeezed. Your foot, once inside, should feel secure as if your foot is being cradled. As an example, if the boot fits lengthwise but your foot slides side to side and the next half size down fits fine side to side but your toes are cramped. It simply means the style of boot or shoe you have chosen, is not for you. Choose another style or brand, until you find YOUR boot or shoe. Myself, I tend to like and wear Northface or Columbia boots. I find they fit my foot well. I am in no way endorsing these particular boots, I am simply stating the simple fact, that "my foot" picked them out and THAT is how you should pick yours. Check them out, but by all means, buy what your foot tells you to.

Hiking Shoes

We're going to start with shoes, because this is the most common type of hiking. A good hiking shoe should fit like your favorite pair of tennies. In other words, they should fit like a glove, but need to have a decent flexible and supportive mid sole. The mid sole is the layer between the outer tread, or the bottom and the upper part of the shoe or boot. They should provide cushioning and shock absorption as well as flexibility. Most all manufacturers have improved the quality and durability of their shoes over the years, to the point that you can actually wear them on longer hikes. Keep in mind, these shoes are not intended for climbing and DO NOT have the support for carrying large packs or any type of heavy duty backpacking. These are a good choice shoe for light loads on well maintained trails. Keep in mind though that they offer little protection to the ankles from debris and bushes.

Hiking Boots

Next up? Low top hiking boots. For weekend backpacking trips, and with the myriads of choice out there, pick a boot that fits and is low to mid cut. Mid cut is a style in between an ankle high shoe and a high cut boot. It's a choice for shorter distance, multi-day hikes. They provide added ankle support and protection, but remember, they are recommended for lighter backpack loads. Most of these boots are made from synthetic or suede materials and require little to no break in time.They do not have the durability nor support necessary for carrying heavily loaded packs or for multi-day hikes. Shop for your boot, but make sure it is the right choice for your hike. Again, shop for your comfort.

Backpacking Boots

Now were getting down to it. Just the name alone, belies the difference. These boots are generally made with high cut tops and provide the maximum in ankle support. The also provide protection from the terrain and brush, as well as support for heavy loads, for extended periods of time. These boots are perfect for those 40 lb packs and multi-day hikes into the back country, like hikes to that remote fishing spot, that only you know. You want a boot with a decent outsole (that's the layer that comes in contact with the ground).  Generally these soles are made of rubber and have a cheated type design (AKA, waffle stompers').  The reasoning behind that type of tread is simple. Traction for a variety of surfaces. You also want a boot that is light and waterproof. Adding your own waterproofing is a good idea. Make sure these boots fit and are broken in before you take off on that extended hike. 

Mountain Hiking/Climbing Boots

These bad boys are for the serious packer. These are for those really, rough and tumble hikes and/or climbing forays. This type of boot is especially designed for moving across, up or down, very inhospitable territory. They generally have a higher cut top, simply for additional support. This enables the hiker to climb and move in any direction, with full support. Whether it be up or down, steep or rugged terrain, you do so with ease. Most boots in this category are designed for use with crampons. Crampons are those metal claws that strap to your boot for traction in snow and ice. These boots are also designed for the 50 lb + loads you tend to carry when trekking ice fields and/or mountains. They are the most durable of boots, in that they are waterproof and are made using a combination of materials. These combinations include leather and synthetics like Kevlar, (a registered trademark product developed by Dupont).  Some boots even utilize materials such as lightweight plastics, providing light but strong, ankle and leg support.

I hope I have shed a bit of light on the subject of boots. For more information, click on any of our advertisers. Thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail.

Hiking/Survival Gear and Food- the Basics

Hiking/Survival gear and food

I know we have talked a bit about hiking and what to use, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks and so forth. But what about food? What kinds of food and what does one take on a hiking trip. Well, it's fairly simple if we break it down. There are some basics to consider. First, how long are you going to be gone? Two, how much gear are you going to need to sustain yourself for the duration? Weight, nutritional qualities of the food necessary to sustain your activities.

Freeze Dried Foods

The simplest thing to start with is how long are you planning? Every trip has a duration. So, you plan food to accommodate that time frame. For simplicity, we are going to talk about a weekend hike. Besides the normal items, tent, sleeping bag and small stove, one must allow for first aid, waterproof covers, extra rope and food. Now for the food. If you are a long hiker or just the casual hiker, you want to start with a good breakfast. I recommend freeze dried food pouches, for weight.

This company carries a great selection of freeze dried foods, I prefer the Mountain House brand of freeze dried foods. Not because that brand makes the smallest or lightest packages, but because their food tastes good. The breakfast is easy to fix and eat first thing in the morning, and I have snack bars for the mid day but some of you may want to sit down and have a meal. Well, they offer that too. Myself? A couple of snack bars for energy during the late morning and mid day, then a good meal for the end of the day and a relaxing evening under the stars. But before going further, food choice is important. So whether you choose freeze dried or even the Military MRE's, make sure you carry food to support you.

Water and purification

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes for carrying water while hiking and/or camping. In today's world, there are so many choices. I hate carrying water bottles, because once you have finished the bottle, you are stuck with the empty bottle. We have all hiked our favorite trail or even some remote trails, only to find discarded water and soda containers littering the landscape. Join the world folks. Use a hydration pack. It's a collapsible bladder that fits inside your backpack, with a hose over your shoulder, attached to your shoulder straps for easy access. If you don't like those, there a gazillion canteens of all shapes and sizes for your perusal. Just don't take water bottles, please? Also, if you are on a weekend hike, the standard one or two canteens or even the hydration pack will need refills. Take no chances with the water you find anywhere. Buy and use....water purification tablets. Simple to carry and use. The life you save could be your own.

Mandatory Safety Gear

Every camper or hiker, regardless of their skill set or experience, knows that safety comes from carrying basic equipment. Beyond a first aid kit, rope, flashlight,  knife, etc, there are a few other items to consider.

Always take a couple or three packs of Hydration Salts. These are not not necessarily for yourself, but over the years, I have come upon fellow hiker's in a dehydrated state and these have proven handy. They are inexpensive and could be a life saver. What are they you ask? Well, these small packets, when mixed with water help to replace electrolytes and fluids lost by heat exhaustion from heavy hiking/climbing. The technical term for the ingredients is as follows: Sodium Chloride; Potassium Chloride; Trisodium Citrate, dihydrate; Glucose Anhydrous. Buy a few packs and carry them.

I like to carry a couple of Ace bandages too. They pack easy and you have one when needed. I use them to wrap around my radio and flashlights when hiking, in case I slip and manage to bash my pack, making them sort of double duty.

Should you take a radio? Many places now require you to check in with the Ranger's and take one of their GPS locator radios. But if you are somewhere, where GPS tracker type radios are not available? Take an emergency radio. They are small, lightweight and inexpensive. Simple to operate, as they are operated by hand crank so you don't need batteries.  What an emergency radio is, is an AM/FM weather alert radio. Not only can you receive weather alerts, but you can charge a cell phone battery if needed. All you need to do, is buy the USB cable (not included of course). For safety's sake? Get one, keep it in your backpack. 

I hope you have found these tips informative, as I write from real life trail experience. I try to teach from my mistakes, (so you won't make any) In the coming weeks and months, I will be finishing this series of blogs on Safety, gear, supplies, etc, and begin a new series on some of my more memorable hikes. Should any of you have any questions about anything we have talked about so far here, feel free to join the discussion or just email your question. Thanks for reading and I'll see you on the trail!