Hiking - Come share your tips and experiences.

RobynLB83

Jonny15121983 wrote: »

earthnut wrote: »

Jonny15121983 wrote: »

earthnut wrote: »

I have hiked in lightweight shoes, but for long hikes, hikes where I'm carrying any significant weight (backpacking), or rough terrain, I need the stability of a hiking boot. Also a taller waterproof boot is nice when crossing streams. You can just stomp through the middle and your feet stay dry.

Walking in boots does feel different than walking in shoes. Your gait changes slightly as your body adjusts to the stiffness.

Even my regular sneakers have more support than most. My feet hurt if I try to wear thin shoes for long.

My hikes are always one shot continuous without stopping hikes so I manage to keep my pack fairly light with just water, a snack, med kits, headlamp/torch for nighttime hiking and a jumper. The terrain is somewhat rough but I just feel so out of contact with it in my boots, I average about 3mph through the hike which is probably a pretty reasonable speed considering the terrain. No water issues to be concerned of here either.

How far would you usually hike in one go? For how long? At what speed? I'm curious as to what most people do and aim for/enjoy in their hikes,

I've never been a "speed hiker" type. I don't like stopping a lot but my hikes are more about keeping a steady pace for long periods of time rather than attaining a certain speed. I havent been hiking as much as I'd like since having a kid, but before then my favorite hikes were multi-day backbacks. I had a full pack, about 40-50 pounds, and averaging 15-20 miles a day.

You should carry the "10 essentials" in case you get lost/injured/stuck. I'd add a knife, firestarter, and a space blanket to your supplies at least.

That sounds like a lot of fun, I've been thinking about going for some multi-day/ hiking holidays. I think there are definitely a few things I need to add like the ones you listed there. I occurred to me today that I really need something a simple as spare laces for my boots too!

Paracord = Spare laces, lashing, anything you need it to be.

mwyvr

I love to hike / backpack / go back-country skiing and mountaineering. I don't get to fit many overnight trips into my life these days, so I really enjoy trail running because I can fit that into my schedule frequently. Running trails for but a few hours opens up territory that would take an entire day to cover hiking. It also happens to be fantastic exercise.

It's a delight to be able to cross rough terrain in lightweight shoes. On the other hand I'm not carrying a lot of supplies. In areas where there is no cell coverage I often take a radio, but not always. Never run farther in than you want to limp out or be carried LOL.

Trail running hasn't replaced my love for hiking and such, but I do spend a heck of a lot more time running in the mountains now.

Sandra37405

I hike regularly in the Smoky Mountains and wear Injinji toe sock liners. I don't get blisters but I lose toenails all the time. Some I have lost more than once.

Jonny15121983

Hey everyone

Thanks for all of your replies! I think I have found the best set-up for me now. I do hike reasonably fast and over some reasonably long distances in one straight shot (43 miles in 16 hours straight was my longest) but my pack weight is low, usually starting at around 1 Stone in weight. As such the boots were indeed a bad idea and I have reverted back to a lighter shoe. I have also pretty much solved the blister issues with a pair of the Injinji Toe Socks, best money I ever spent!!

@RobynLB83 I've added a spare pair of laces into my Medical kit along with specialist blister plasters that work amazingly although I no longer have a need with my new socks and shoe setup

Thanks so much for everyones advice and keep those stories coming of your own hiking experiences as I do love to hear about them

mbaker566

I've not done a lot of hiking, but every couple of years we do trips with hiking. PNW and Arizona and Utah.
I would rather have a pair of boots. A good pair that is properly fitted and with good socks. and waterproof. The extra support makes me feel more sure footed.

for established trail runs, i wouldn't have an issue with trail runners. but hiking boots for hikes

lporter229

queenliz99 wrote: »

Last month I hiked the Angel's Landing in Zion National Park in Utah, USA which was series of switchbacks almost 6 miles long roundtrip. This is a pic of my hubby taking a pic, LOL. If you ever visit the U.S. and like hiking I highly recommend Zion. In fact, I met a lovely couple from England at the top. But we have many amazing places to hike. I have done a bunch. Checkout this link

We visited Zion last fall and hiked Angel's Landing. Well, I hiked it, my hubby and our friend chickened out before reaching the summit, so I ended up finishing solo. Fortunately there were other people around...I am pretty sure I would not have done it completely alone. It was quite an adrenaline rush on the narrow trails. Next week we are heading to Acadia. I am looking forward to checking out Precipice trail. I heard it's equally exciting!

As far as foot wear, I have a pair of Gortex Northface hiking shoes. I like them much better than boots because they offer more flexability, and I feel like they provide me with plenty of traction and support.

mwyvr

I live in Vancouver, British Columbia. Our coastal mountains are super rugged - anyone taking off from YVR (not my screen name) can see that readily. Even though this is a "big" city by Canadian standards, I can get to a trail head within 30 minutes from my front door.

Here's an example of something I run in lightweight running shoes:


It's not just the shoe/boot that protects us, it's balance, agility, and technique that matter most. Like the OP I always favour lighter weight shoes for most hiking, and for all trail running. The only time I don stiff boots is when wearing crampons for ice field and glacier travel, or for kicking steps in same when conditions allow.

Running allows me to turn a notional 5 hour hike (maybe less for the OP) into a sub 2 hour run so I can visit these falls far more regularly. My dog loves the pools below... and we'll be heading there today or tomorrow!

@Jonny15121983 43 miles in one day of hiking? Super beast mode! I'm not at all surprised you favour lighter shoes. It's simply easier to lift our feet with lighter shoes and the longer the distance the more pronounced the difference that makes.

Leslierussell4134

Wanted to get in on the thread, not sure how much advice I have because I only just started hiking with my husband over the last 2 months. Plus it sounds like OP has resolved his initial issues since.
I have decided I like hiking in a middle weight boot. I asked a lot of questions before purchasing them and tried on about 20 pair of various shoes over many different visits to my local REI. I decided to go with Keen mid rise boot. I really liked how large the toe box was and even though I don't have wide feet, I wanted the option to wear a thicker sock and have room for my feet to swell while hiking. Plus I don't feel the ground walking walking over rocks and rough terrain, which tends to make my feet tired. I did buy them a half size bigger because the very knowledgeable sales associate and another customer said I'd lose toenails if they were too small or tight. I'm trying to get accustomed to carrying weight, as my husband and I want to start doing some 2 and 3 day hikes (backpacking) and so far my day pack is about 16 lbs. For my size I never want to carry anything over 35 lbs.
So I must have gotten lucky because my very first pair have been a complete successs. I haven't yet had a blister and my feet are never sore afterward. Mind you we hike about 2 to 3 miles per hour and are never out more than about 4 hours at a time. I'm progressing slowly because I have a knee that can get inflamed.
My hubs has had a lot of trouble with blisters! First it was the wrong boots ( too small, even though I told him to get a bigger size). The second pair has been a lot better, and thanks to REIs return policy, we were able to take them back even though they had about 15 miles on them. Since then he's also learned a few tricks, he wears a sock liner and uses tape at the back of his ankles. He's still losing weight and this gait will continue to change, so this will continue to be something he needs to perfect.
I'm hiking about 8 to 12 miles a week currently for enjoyment and fitness. I live in southern California and there are many trials within a 30 miles radius that are lovely any time of year. Once it cools down some I know we'll be able to stay out longer. Lately if we aren't done by 11am, it is just too hot and not fun anymore. Nice to know there are others on here that share my new found love for hiking.

PAtinCO

My wife and I hike almost every weekend and most of our vacations center around it too. Tasmania is high on our list for a future trip. Last year we did 120 miles in Yellowstone and next summer we're hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland.

I think I'm like most people who take up hiking avidly. I started off with boots and heavier duty equipment in general. As I've become stronger and more agile, I've scaled that down and now use trail runners and lighter weight gear. I get less blisters with them but you also need to have enough confidence in your balance and ankle strength to use them because they do offer less support. In the end I think the lighter weight and quick drying that mesh shoes offer are well worth it once your ankles and feet are strong enough for them.

No matter what shoe you use, you can't go wrong with a good pair of Merino wool socks. They're the best piece of gear I have.

RobynLB83

Leslierussell4134 wrote: »

Wanted to get in on the thread, not sure how much advice I have because I only just started hiking with my husband over the last 2 months. Plus it sounds like OP has resolved his initial issues since.
I have decided I like hiking in a middle weight boot. I asked a lot of questions before purchasing them and tried on about 20 pair of various shoes over many different visits to my local REI. I decided to go with Keen mid rise boot. I really liked how large the toe box was and even though I don't have wide feet, I wanted the option to wear a thicker sock and have room for my feet to swell while hiking. Plus I don't feel the ground walking walking over rocks and rough terrain, which tends to make my feet tired. I did buy them a half size bigger because the very knowledgeable sales associate and another customer said I'd lose toenails if they were too small or tight. I'm trying to get accustomed to carrying weight, as my husband and I want to start doing some 2 and 3 day hikes (backpacking) and so far my day pack is about 16 lbs. For my size I never want to carry anything over 35 lbs.
So I must have gotten lucky because my very first pair have been a complete successs. I haven't yet had a blister and my feet are never sore afterward. Mind you we hike about 2 to 3 miles per hour and are never out more than about 4 hours at a time. I'm progressing slowly because I have a knee that can get inflamed.
My hubs has had a lot of trouble with blisters! First it was the wrong boots ( too small, even though I told him to get a bigger size). The second pair has been a lot better, and thanks to REIs return policy, we were able to take them back even though they had about 15 miles on them. Since then he's also learned a few tricks, he wears a sock liner and uses tape at the back of his ankles. He's still losing weight and this gait will continue to change, so this will continue to be something he needs to perfect.
I'm hiking about 8 to 12 miles a week currently for enjoyment and fitness. I live in southern California and there are many trials within a 30 miles radius that are lovely any time of year. Once it cools down some I know we'll be able to stay out longer. Lately if we aren't done by 11am, it is just too hot and not fun anymore. Nice to know there are others on here that share my new found love for hiking.

I'm in Southers CA too! San Diego and OC area mostly. What areas do you hike?

Azuriaz

I could learn from you! Most I've ever done was 10 or 12 miles unless it was camping and then moving on the next day.

I love hiking, I'm going to beg, borrow, or steal a reliable car from somewhere when the leaves turn and head up to NC for dawn to dusk adventures.

(Just kidding, not going to steal the car, dawn to dusk adventures in jail don't sound fun! Maybe I should change that to beg, borrow, or rent a car!)

Jonny15121983

mwyvr wrote: »

I live in Vancouver, British Columbia. Our coastal mountains are super rugged - anyone taking off from YVR (not my screen name) can see that readily. Even though this is a "big" city by Canadian standards, I can get to a trail head within 30 minutes from my front door.

Here's an example of something I run in lightweight running shoes:


It's not just the shoe/boot that protects us, it's balance, agility, and technique that matter most. Like the OP I always favour lighter weight shoes for most hiking, and for all trail running. The only time I don stiff boots is when wearing crampons for ice field and glacier travel, or for kicking steps in same when conditions allow.

Running allows me to turn a notional 5 hour hike (maybe less for the OP) into a sub 2 hour run so I can visit these falls far more regularly. My dog loves the pools below... and we'll be heading there today or tomorrow!

@Jonny15121983 43 miles in one day of hiking? Super beast mode! I'm not at all surprised you favour lighter shoes. It's simply easier to lift our feet with lighter shoes and the longer the distance the more pronounced the difference that makes.

Wow that is some absolutely gorgeous yet really rough terrain, I'm jealous!! The trails around here are very well established and within half an hour I can be up on the Cotswold Way Trail. I wish we had more undiscovered terrain to enjoy but England being the way it is that isn't too great of an option without travelling further afield.

I completely agree based on what I have learned so far, with proper mental attention it is technique and placement that feel far superior to a well supported ankle. Those falls look gorgeous!!

Haha I think it was more 'Stupidity mode' engaged My aim had actually been to hike the 37 miles to one end of the trail and then return home, the extra stupid part was that this was the first time I had worn my new hiking boots. I made it to the end of the trail at about 1am and turned to head back. By this stage my feet were in agony and 6 miles later I limped into Broadway at 3:30 am physically unable to continue. I've often wondered whether I could have made it there and back had I been wearing lighter shoes. It was a silly distance to be honest with you and I caused some pretty severe damage that took many weeks to heal, I prefer to keep to under 30 miles now, all part of the learning experience though!!

patrikc333

I love hiking, it would be my favourite thing to do if I could do it

water, backpack, hiking boots, and let's go, in the middle of the nature and wildlife

unfortunately I live in a place that is flat, when my favourite is to hike on mountains - but in the last few years I spent my holidays in america/canada (banff, whistler, yellowstone/gran teton, alaska) - wonderful places, great hikes and memories

Jonny15121983

patrikc333 wrote: »

water, backpack, hiking boots, and let's go, in the middle of the nature and wildlife

Naked hiking?! :O

mbaker566

there is a part of me hoping to do part of the PCT or Appalachian. but i think it would be a hard sell to the bf.

RobynLB83

moyer566 wrote: »

there is a part of me hoping to do part of the PCT or Appalachian. but i think it would be a hard sell to the bf.

Do it!

Lahn1969

The blisters you describe - interdigital - are the hardest to prevent. There are a few things you can do, but they work to varying degrees. Use foot powder, usually this will absorb sweat and help keep your feet dry, the powder also acts as a lubricant of sorts to prevent your toes from rubbing skin-on-skin. Next, change your socks - more often than you think. Like every 10 miles or more depending upon the weather. If you're trying to go ultralight, you can hang them on your pack to air them out and rotate 2 pair. If its wet or humid, just bring more socks.

If this absolutely isn't working, then you can carefully use tape or moleskin between your toes (but a word of caution, keep it loose so you don't cut off circulation, and depending upon the tape leave it on until it falls off. Otherwise you risk tearing the skin.) If you plan to use moleskin, pre-cut this at home, put it on your feet while they're dry, before the hike. I've found that cutting it in an hour-glass shape without going too thin works best. That way the wide-ends grab the toenail and bottom of the toe to hold the narrow belly in place. Cutting it on the trail with a small swiss-army knife isn't ideal.

Beyond that is just to keep hiking and eventually you'll build enough callouses.

Jonny15121983

Thanks for the tips but I solved the problem with a pair of Injinji Toe Socks, they are like gloves for your feet Worked perfectly!