"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."C. S. Lewis
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All About Hiking In The Appalachians
The Appalachian trail is a 2000+ mile trail that starts in Katahdin, Maine and ends at Springer Mountain in Northern Georgia. The trail will take its travelers through Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, ...
Hiking Gear Supplies
Hundreds of companies supply high-quality hiking gear. Hiking gear is extremely important for hikers and adventure lovers, because no outdoor trip can be possible or complete without the essential gear. With so many types and makes of hiking gear, it is ...
Safe Hiking Practices
Summertime is the time when folks want to take to the wilderness. If you are planning a hiking trip into the mountainous areas there are special considerations. One of these is making sure that you are physically fit enough to undertake this sort of ...
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How to evaluate hiking boots and footwear for comfort, protection, and durability.
Choosing hiking boots and footwear is one of the most important decisions you as a hiker or camper will make. They'll either make your trip memorable or miserable. To find what's best for you, ask yourself "What type of hiking do I do?"
Day Hiking (Light-weight)- Do you usually go for short hikes for one to several hours during the week or weekend without a backpack? Then you'll want to consider these. They're lighter, flexible, and breathe better because they're usually made of fabric and split-grain leather. They're comfortable for day outings but you'll become fatigued and your feet will begin to bother you if you try to hike with a pack or for an extended trip because they aren't designed to support you like the hiking boots below.
Backpacking/Hiking (Mid-weight)- Stiffer mid-weight hiking boots provide more support and protection for shorter 2-3 day trips or even day hikes with or without a light to moderate load. If you hike for a few hours and want more support and/or up to three days on or off-trail on easy to moderate trails get a mid-weight leather backpacking boot.
Extended Backpacking (Mountaineering)- The best level of support, protection, and durability for heavier loads and longer trips, but they're also usually heavier. Supports heavy loads of approximately 40+ pounds (could vary with hiking boot). If you hike for more than three days on or off-trail with a moderate to heavy pack on demanding terrain get an extended (heavy weight) backpacking boot. If you need to attach crampons for glaciers check to make sure the boots are compatible before you buy. For cold-weather hiking it's critical to get waterproof insulated boots that breathe to keep you dry.
Full-grain leather and Nubuck suede take water repellant products well but keep in mind that they won't waterproof a hiking boot NOT designed to be waterproof in the first place. The repellant will help shed water but if you're walking through streams or deep puddles you're going to get wet.
Waterproofing
You may or may not need waterproof hiking boots. Consider the environment you usually hike in and how long your trips are. If you do a lot of short desert hiking trips you probably don't need waterproof boots. Actually in a dry environment they'll only make it harder for your feet to breathe (more numerous or heavy layers mean less breathability). Nylon mesh fabric breathes better than leather, but remember you're making tradeoffs for durability, support, and protection.
If you would like to learn more about selecting your next pair of
hiking boots and what's important regarding fit and construction click here. Or take a look at this related article to help say goodbye to blisters caused by poor quality hiking socks.
About the Author
Marc learned about quality gear just after his pup tent flooded forcing him to sleep in his tiny 2-seat Honda CRX. His hiking equipment & camping gear guides & reviews save you time & money. Subscribe to his camping & hiking newsletter & get the most usable info. FREE! © 2005. Reprint permission if author, copyright, links & this notice are intact.
Written By: Marc Wiltse
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