Any Experienced Hikers Here?

09-03-2010, 09:01 AM

If you sign up for the co-op option at REI, you can get some good discounts, especially if you're looking to drop some serious coin and get boots, a pack, tent, camp stove, mummy bags, etc.

Only thing I can say about the boots is get what fits your foot right...wide/narrow, high arch/flat feet, ankle problems/strong ankles, etc. What works for me won't likely work for you (I have a pair of Vasque Sundowners that are over 10 yrs old).

As for a pack, I've used both internal and external, and both have their advantages. Gotta get what is comfortable on your back with the amount of weight you'll be carrying and gives you as much protection and accessibility to your stuff as you want. If I remember correctly, REI in Bloomington has weights that you can add into the packs when you try them to simulate the load and how it will fit when you're out on the trail.

ninjavanish · 09-03-2010, 09:30 AM

A second thought on this:

As far as boots are concerned, I think you should be fully prepared to drop somewhere in the range of $80 to $150 on a good pair of sturdy shoes. You can go REALLY extravagant and buy brands like Vasque for more than $150 and if that's the way you want to go then more power to you... but be wary of any brand that doesn't fit the bill of quality... and you will have to pay for quality. I don't want to sound like a snob... but Timberlands probably not the brand to be looking at.

Socks as someone mentioned are vital to the health of your feet on a hike... especially a hot weather hike where you will be sweating a lot. You may not think about foot sweat... but wicking socks are essential to move the perspiration away from your foot. This keeps your feet dry and dry feet mean no blisters. I typically wear 2 sets of socks. An extremely thin pair of Polypropelyne socks/liners beneath a thicker wicking sock. If your shoes and socks fit how they should... blisters should be something you never have to deal with.

HOWEVER... it happens even to the best... Go to your local CVS or Walgreens and track down a substance called "Mole Skin". Dr. Sholl's makes it think. You wont need the entire pack to take with you... usually a couple of sheets of this will do. This is in the case you DO have the misfortune to blister up. The mole skin is a lifesaver. Cut out a patch big enough to cover the blistered area and place it over the affected area. This will protect it and keep it from getting worse if you find yourself at the bottom of the Canyon staring up at the other side wondering if your poor, aching dogs are going to carry you to the finish line.

Carry extra pairs of socks. Keep them changed often... I typically wear two set of socks per day... wearing one while allowing the other pair to dry... chaning them at lunch or at a break point... and allowing the pair I just wore to dry. KEEP THOSE FEET DRY.

Good boots should also be breathable... so stay away from boots that are fully leather. You can find boots that are both waterproof AND breathable. Those are great choices.

09-03-2010, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninjavanish

A second thought on this:

HOWEVER... it happens even to the best... Go to your local CVS or Walgreens and track down a substance called "Mole Skin". Dr. Sholl's makes it think. You wont need the entire pack to take with you... usually a couple of sheets of this will do. This is in the case you DO have the misfortune to blister up. The mole skin is a lifesaver. Cut out a patch big enough to cover the blistered area and place it over the affected area. This will protect it and keep it from getting worse if you find yourself at the bottom of the Canyon staring up at the other side wondering if your poor, aching dogs are going to carry you to the finish line.

Should ALWAYS be part of a first aid kit when you're hiking. Every time I've gone, we've had it with. Thankfully I've never needed it.

And that brings up one more thing...when you do get the boots, break them in before doing any serious hiking. That is one thing that can cause a lot of pain and blisters.

replicant_argent · 09-03-2010, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanger

If you sign up for the co-op option at REI, you can get some good discounts, especially if you're looking to drop some serious coin and get boots, a pack, tent, camp stove, mummy bags, If I remember correctly, REI in Bloomington has weights that you can add into the packs when you try them to simulate the load and how it will fit when you're out on the trail.

A good thing to remember, like Mike said, is that any outdoor store worth its salt will let you load up the gear with weights and galumph around the store for an hour or so. If you are buying a bag, get in that sucker and roll around in it, try to ventilate it, make sure it is the right length, or if it is too claustrophobic. Buying a stove? Ask to see if you can torch one up? It is also a good way to shop, bending, climbing stairs, lifting, trying to access pockets for a water bottle or see if the hydration bladder setup works for you. Loaded up, and properly adjusted (possibly with help from a pro on site, not just a fluffy repurposed Mickey D's employee), you will know fairly quickly how the boots fit under a load, whether the pack straps fit your chest, shoulders and hips, if it moves properly with you, etc. Try a sweater or fleece under it, get some heat working from your body and see if some exertion makes that particular internal frame pack a sweaty mess, and a clammy slimy back might work not as well as an external for a situation that calls for ventilation.

Oh, and GREAT point about the polypro liners and good socks. There are some fantastic alternatives in the hosiery world, with wicking/channeled/well constructed and purpose built socks.

Steve · 09-03-2010, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by replicant_argent

Oh, and GREAT point about the polypro liners and good socks. There are some fantastic alternatives in the hosiery world, with wicking/channeled/well constructed and purpose built socks.

x2!

d'am · 09-03-2010, 08:58 PM

You want some generic advice? Learn from others' mistakes. There are a bunch of great books out there, but I can think of three standouts:

1) The Backpacker's Field Manual, Revised and Updated: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills

2) ACEP First Aid Manual

3) Don't Get Sick: The Hidden Dangers of Camping and Hiking

09-03-2010, 09:01 AM	#1
Wanger Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Any Experienced Hikers Here? If you sign up for the co-op option at REI, you can get some good discounts, especially if you're looking to drop some serious coin and get boots, a pack, tent, camp stove, mummy bags, etc. Only thing I can say about the boots is get what fits your foot right...wide/narrow, high arch/flat feet, ankle problems/strong ankles, etc. What works for me won't likely work for you (I have a pair of Vasque Sundowners that are over 10 yrs old). As for a pack, I've used both internal and external, and both have their advantages. Gotta get what is comfortable on your back with the amount of weight you'll be carrying and gives you as much protection and accessibility to your stuff as you want. If I remember correctly, REI in Bloomington has weights that you can add into the packs when you try them to simulate the load and how it will fit when you're out on the trail.

09-03-2010, 09:30 AM	#2
ninjavanish Feeling at Home Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Trust me, your humi isn't big enough. Posts: 507 Trading: (16)	Re: Any Experienced Hikers Here? A second thought on this: As far as boots are concerned, I think you should be fully prepared to drop somewhere in the range of $80 to $150 on a good pair of sturdy shoes. You can go REALLY extravagant and buy brands like Vasque for more than $150 and if that's the way you want to go then more power to you... but be wary of any brand that doesn't fit the bill of quality... and you will have to pay for quality. I don't want to sound like a snob... but Timberlands probably not the brand to be looking at. Socks as someone mentioned are vital to the health of your feet on a hike... especially a hot weather hike where you will be sweating a lot. You may not think about foot sweat... but wicking socks are essential to move the perspiration away from your foot. This keeps your feet dry and dry feet mean no blisters. I typically wear 2 sets of socks. An extremely thin pair of Polypropelyne socks/liners beneath a thicker wicking sock. If your shoes and socks fit how they should... blisters should be something you never have to deal with. HOWEVER... it happens even to the best... Go to your local CVS or Walgreens and track down a substance called "Mole Skin". Dr. Sholl's makes it think. You wont need the entire pack to take with you... usually a couple of sheets of this will do. This is in the case you DO have the misfortune to blister up. The mole skin is a lifesaver. Cut out a patch big enough to cover the blistered area and place it over the affected area. This will protect it and keep it from getting worse if you find yourself at the bottom of the Canyon staring up at the other side wondering if your poor, aching dogs are going to carry you to the finish line. Carry extra pairs of socks. Keep them changed often... I typically wear two set of socks per day... wearing one while allowing the other pair to dry... chaning them at lunch or at a break point... and allowing the pair I just wore to dry. KEEP THOSE FEET DRY. Good boots should also be breathable... so stay away from boots that are fully leather. You can find boots that are both waterproof AND breathable. Those are great choices.

09-03-2010, 08:58 PM	#6
d'am Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Midwest Posts: 96 Trading: (7)	Re: Any Experienced Hikers Here? You want some generic advice? Learn from others' mistakes. There are a bunch of great books out there, but I can think of three standouts: 1) The Backpacker's Field Manual, Revised and Updated: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Backcountry Skills 2) ACEP First Aid Manual 3) Don't Get Sick: The Hidden Dangers of Camping and Hiking