Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

And... from time to time, lube zippers, 'raw' aluminum pole ends, rings, stakes, etc. w/ plain parafin wax (no scent), especially if you go where bears go...

 

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the recommendations!

 

Where are you heading out of? Look at BWCA.com. They have outfitters, Routes, Planning. Everything you could want. I would recommend https://www.seagulloutfitters.com/ if your going that way.

 

Okay, I’ve been on a shoe buying frenzy lately. Got quite a bit of gift cards for Christmas, and I already have most of my needed camping/backpacking gear, so I began my quest to find the best hiking shoe for me.

My current boots are Keen Targhee II and I really like them. But, it gets really hot here in central Texas so I felt the need for some low-top hikers. Initially I thought I’d just go with the low top version of the Keens, but decided to try another brand.

Did some research and decided to try a pair of Salomons, ultimately settling on the XA 3D Pros. They’re pretty comfy, have a nice stiff sole, but I’m not sure I can ever get them laced the way I want with the speed laces. They’ve basically become my daily dog-walking shoe.

Still plenty of money on the card, so more research, and back we go to REI. This time I try on the Merrill Moab, the Keen Targhee III, the Vasque Breeze, and the Oboz Sawtooth. I’ve never had good luck with Merrill shoes. Right away I could feel pressure spots that I think they would only get worse as you hiked in them. The Keen lowtop shoes just fit way too loose. I like the wide toe box, but I could never get them tight enough to keep my foot from moving around. I’ve had Vasque shoes in the past, but they fit so narrow that my toes would get numb on longer hikes. Even going up in size didn’t alleviate the problem.

Then I tried the Oboz and boy, did they feel good right off the bat. I’ve tried different orthotics in shoes
in the past, but I think these are good to go as is. Haven’t had a chance to do any serious hiking yet, so the jury’s still out, but I think these are going to meet my expectations.

You’d think that would be it, wouldn’t you, but still had some gift money, so back online, more reading, and another road trip to REI to try on a pair of Altra Lone Peaks. We’d bought a pair of Altras for my wife while on vacation last year and she really likes them. Just about every review and ranking has them included, so to satisfy my curiosity, and for the betterment of all mankind, I felt it was my duty to check them out.

First, they’re ugly...but I love the wider toe box. They’re what is called a “zero drop” shoe, which means the heel and ball of the foot are level...kind of like walking barefooted. It has a different feel because of that, but they’re nicely cushioned, so they meet the comfort criteria. They don’t have the thickest sole, so I’m not sure I want to wear them while hiking over rocky terrain, but they should be great for things like the C&O Canal, in Washington D.C. that I’m going to get to experience the his summer.

So, I think I now have enough hiking shoes and boots. Besides that, I’m almost out of money on my gift card.

 

The last ditch method, if it smells so bad you can't sleep in it: spray bottle, 1cup bleach+water, driveway (you'll kill the grass), hot, sunny, breezy day, garden hose... set it up, spritz w/ bleach water, let dry, hose, repeat as necessary.

The most 'aggresive' method.

 

You know, there's a continuos bike path connecting Pittsburgh and D.C. (the canal path is the D.C. portion) the rest is the Greater Allegheny Passage. Old railroad grade, stay at B&Bs or camp along the way... 'bout 300 miles, takes most folks a week. Just a thought...

 

dropping in:

for those with 32 ounce nalgene bottles - wide mouth: what titanium cups work well for bottle/cup nesting?

 

First, they’re ugly...but I love the wider toe box.

It's easy to get over the Ugly when the shoes are so comfortable.

 

Stupid name and graphics. Won’t buy just for that reason. To small to be really useful anyway.

 

I have three pairs of Altra, two versions of the 1.5 Lone Peak (waterproof and breatheable) and one pair of Superiors. I use all of them for trail running, hiking, climbing 14ers and backpacking. Mine are all the older, thinner soled models, and I'm looking around for old replacements as I'm not sure about the current models with the thicker soles. I've become spoiled by the sure-footedness that comes with the zero-drop, thin soles. I've been very happy with the durability over the last 4 years of rotating through these, and have done an overnight rescue at 13,500' with the waterproof pair. (chilly compared to a real boot).

 

There’s actually one that goes all the way from Chesapeake to western Pennsylvania called the Potomac Heritage Trail. It might be the one you’re talking about. I’ve been reading about it. Has about 800 miles of trails, but there are trails that diverge and then come back together. I’m only going to be doing day hikes while my wife attends a conference, so my distance is rather limited.

 

I'm talking about this:

https://gaptrail.org/

Like I say, it links to the C&O, but sounds like you've already got a plan... have fun!

QUOTE="BKill, post: 17302173, member: 113325"]There’s actually one that goes all the way from Chesapeake to western Pennsylvania called the Potomac Heritage Trail. It might be the one you’re talking about. I’ve been reading about it. Has about 800 miles of trails, but there are trails that diverge and then come back together. I’m only going to be doing day hikes while my wife attends a conference, so my distance is rather limited.[/QUOTE]

 

[/QUOTE]
I’m not familiar with it. I’ll have to do a little reading about. Like I said, I’m only going to be there a couple of days, so I’m really limited in the time I have. I’m trying to find if there’s a shuttle from the DC area that would take me west. I’d like to do a day hike on the Appalachian Trail.

 

When I visited DC a few years ago I took a train from Front Royal all the way in. I parked at the hotel I stayed at, and went in for the day to Capital Mall.
Would that work?

 

Definitely not for everyone. Since it's just going to sit in my cookpot 99% of the time, the logo and name didn't matter. I also don't need a big blade for backpacking, so it works great for me for the small task. I'm not out there cutting down trees and building shelters or anything like that. Honestly I'd just carry a razor blade and it would be sufficient for anything I've ever needed on the trail.

 

To your point: I have razor blades (with a folded plastic guard) and 'blue tip' matches in plastic in the webbing 'loops' at the end of the waistbelts of all my packs. A wrap and a half of red duct tape, with a doublebacked 'easy open' tab, to remind me...

 

no, someone made one that was real simple. not as nice as the one phoosa built, but functional. i can't find the post

 

I know the post you speak of. Think it can be found easier with google.

 

If you're a fan of minimalist zero drops, check out Lems. I got a pair of their Primal 2s a year ago that I wear pretty much daily and they've held up great.

 

Let me know if you guys find it, really interested!