Boots and Backpacks oh my!

I'll start with what I feel are two essentials for hiking/backpacking; what goes on your feet and your back. Your boots/shoes and your backpack need to be a carefully selected, well thought out balance of form, function, comfort and fit. Go wrong in this area and you WILL pay for it with blisters, back aches, muscle injuries, endurance, and not being able to complete the adventure you set out on! These items are where you need to put your mind and your money.



I speak from experience (sorry for the graphic picture, but I'm trying to make a point!) These two lovely blisters are my own feet. After completing an 8 mile fitness hike in under 3 hours for my Search and Rescue team a few years back, I realized I left some of myself back on the trail. I wore an old, worn, cheap pair of HiTec boots for the trip and paid dearly. Luckily for me, I have a family member in the medical field who was able to dress my wounds for over a week until I could feel comfortable walking again. I actually had to get Velcro tie shoes and cut the heels out to wear to work as slippers....NOT worth the pain! Get better boots!

Bleh, still makes me cringe with pain! OK, stop looking!





I prefer REI for boots www.rei.com. They have an outstanding assortment, knowledgeable staff, good fitment and their return policy on boots is bar none. And NO, I am not sponsored by REI! I have also seem some good to moderate quality boots at Big 5, Sports Authority and local outdoor running/shoe stores. Don't be afraid to try on multiple pairs, walk around, perform lunges, climb up clothing racks or run in the boots. They are going to travel many miles with you and need to be comfortable, supportive and fit your need-hiking, rock climbing, trail running, etc.

I am currently wearing Vasque Goretex boots with Vibram soles for hiking, SAR and even everyday use. They are light and very comfortable. Vasque Breeze 2.0 GTX Boots

~Here are some tips for finding your Das Boot!~

Flexibility-Stiffer boots in the ankle and tread are for backpacking with larger loads. The boots are stiffer to accommodate for the heavier weight. These boots tend to be heavier themselves though.

Hi-top v. low-top- I prefer hi-top as I have had previous ankle injuries from motorcycling and mountain biking. They offer more ankle support from rolling, twisting and scraping rocks/debris. In addition, hi-tops are a bit better for stepping in mud or water. Low-tops are good for quicker agility, ease of putting on and more ankle articulation.

Vibram soles-Vibram is a brand of sole that many boot manufacturers use. They are harder rubber, but last longer and are considered more durable. They may be a bit heavier also. A drawback of Vibram is that they can be slippery on granite, mud or rocks compared to softer rubber soles.

Rubberized toe box- This is a must in my book. I am always slamming my toes into rocks and debris and without the rubberized front toe box, I probably would have a few less toe nails and a couple upset piggies.

Goretex- Superior breathability, waterproofness and comfort. Goretex makes the boots generally good for warm/hot weather down to cold/freezing temperatures. However, in deep freeze weather, without warm, thick socks, Goretex can be cold. But it warm weather or on strenuous hikes, nothing will cause more problems than damp/wet feet. Goretex helps to wick away moisture and sweat, keeping your feet good for the long haul.

Waterproofness- Weather you plan to be in the wet/cold, or not, I believe waterproofness is a MUST for boots. What if that creek you usually cross is now a stream...having to cross it and getting your boots wet in the process, having a waterproof boot will save you a LOT of time, pain and discomfort.

Big Creek, CA (you can see the SCE power plant penstock pipes in the top right corner)

Next, we'll talk backpacks. OK? Alrighty then!

Mike