anybody know anything about hiking boots?

liontamer

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Dec-12-05 11:44 PM
Original message

anybody know anything about hiking boots?

I need hiking boots for a trip to australia. Does anybody have recommendations for cheap shoes that would be good for hiking through a tropical rainforest?

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

GrpCaptMandrake

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Dec-12-05 11:51 PM
Response to Original message

1. Not cheap

but you'll get maximum hikeage out of a pair of Rocky's. Even used to be American made. Assuming the water doesn't go over your boot tops, your feet will remain absolutely dry.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

liontamer

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Dec-12-05 11:56 PM
Response to Reply #1

3. they look really heavy

what height would you recommend?

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

GrpCaptMandrake

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Dec-13-05 12:10 AM
Response to Reply #3

9. It's all gore-tex and nylon

so it's not as heavy as you might imagine.

For a tropical romp, I'd go with zero insulation and a high top to add a little snake protection. The high laces also offer more ankle support, which can come in handy for soft ground circumstances.

Happy hiking!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

liontamer

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Dec-13-05 12:16 AM
Response to Reply #9

10. thank you!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Briarius

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Dec-12-05 11:54 PM
Response to Original message

2. Don't go cheap

your feet will thank you! Go to a local sporting goods shop or two and try on a bunch. If you're doing light hiking don't get full leather, but other than that look for ones with good support and arches. That and wear them at least a week before you hike in them to break them in.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

liontamer

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Dec-12-05 11:57 PM
Response to Reply #2

4. what counts as light hiking?

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Briarius

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Dec-13-05 12:00 AM
Response to Reply #4

5. length of the hike and the terrain

if it's not all day or all day not too steep or on well maintained trails, light hikers would work. That being said, I did fine in the Rockies with so called light hikers from hi-tech. The main thing is the fit, they have to be comfortable!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

liontamer

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Dec-13-05 12:02 AM
Response to Reply #5

7. I was looking at some timberlands that were on sale

Do those seem reasonable, even in warm weather?

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Briarius

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Dec-13-05 12:03 AM
Response to Reply #7

8. I haven't had timberland boots, so I can't say

other than try them on, good luck and have fun! :D

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

pokerfan

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Dec-13-05 12:01 AM
Response to Original message

6. I always swore by Asolo brand

Edited on Tue Dec-13-05 12:03 AM by pokerfan

back when I was doing the mountaineering thing. Very comfortable and very waterproof. Try on a bunch of different boots and find something comfortable. Break them in before your vacation.
http://www.asolo.com/default.asp?l=3

In a rain forrest, gaiters (AKA leggings) will be a must to keep water from running inside your boot. Just walking through tall wet grass can soak your socks in no time flat.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

XemaSab

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Dec-13-05 12:40 AM
Response to Reply #6

11. Gaiters are also good to keep out seeds

and they're good for a hearty coat of bug spray too!

Get expensive socks (such as these gray wool socks.... forget the brand.... wolverine??) and a pair of gaiters! Your feet will thank you!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

pokerfan

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Dec-13-05 12:48 AM
Response to Reply #11

12. Also wear a liner sock made of silk or polypro

Sweat will get wicked into the main sock leaving your feet dry.

If you feel a hotspot while hiking, don't tough it out. Stop immediately and apply moleskin. Blisters can ruin a hike.

If it's still in print, I recommend picking up a copy of Backpacking, One Step at a Time. Full of lots of helpful tips.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Sat Apr 20th 2024, 04:45 AM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.