After 52 years of backpacking in boots, I tried Hoka Speedgoats last year. I definitely liked the low weight and fast drying time. I did notice a little more pain in a temperamental ankle and my feet got much dirtier from the trail. My next hike will have a great deal of the trail over 10,000 feet so I plan to switch back to boots for warmth.
I stay with my hiking boots. Yes heavier, yes slower to dry. But at the end of a 15-20 mile day my feet are great. No blisters, no hot spots, no soreness or aching. My trail companions in trail runners complain of sore feet and their feet are usually very dirty.
Goofy advice. I’ll keep my boots. My trail runners are for that: trail running. Those poles? Fk those poles. I’ll use pole hiking a river. Nowhere else.
Trail runners are nice for nice weather. They’re dangerous in the winter, especially for creek crossing. I’ll take my heavy waterproof boots in the winter over lighter shoes.
I’ve always been barefooted growing up. I always got tired of getting my feet dirty when going out door. Those shoes would make my feet stinky and dirty. So I tried hiking boots. No dirt got into it. Just sweat. But afterward it wouldn’t stink as bad as before. So i prefer the boots. Easy on the ankles too.
Compression bags – I’ve tried the cheap compression bags that come with the british tropical sleeping bags, does the job for really cheap.
Walking sticks is something I was proudly against for a long time, but after having tried them I now see their use on longer hikes.
I also think your advice for jogging shoes is great. If on a long hike and the possibility to walk some kms on a path strikes, a lightweight pair of joggers is worth carrying.
Camelback comes on 4th place then? 😛
I love my LaSportive boots. They are very light & water proof. Boots to me are great. You can cross shallow creeks & not even get your feet wet. Also protects my ankles from rocks & roots.
Trekking poles are just extra weight and annoying
I am not wearing trail runners in the winter
After 52 years of backpacking in boots, I tried Hoka Speedgoats last year. I definitely liked the low weight and fast drying time. I did notice a little more pain in a temperamental ankle and my feet got much dirtier from the trail. My next hike will have a great deal of the trail over 10,000 feet so I plan to switch back to boots for warmth.
I stay with my hiking boots. Yes heavier, yes slower to dry. But at the end of a 15-20 mile day my feet are great. No blisters, no hot spots, no soreness or aching. My trail companions in trail runners complain of sore feet and their feet are usually very dirty.
Goofy advice. I’ll keep my boots. My trail runners are for that: trail running. Those poles? Fk those poles. I’ll use pole hiking a river. Nowhere else.
Trail runners are nice for nice weather. They’re dangerous in the winter, especially for creek crossing. I’ll take my heavy waterproof boots in the winter over lighter shoes.
Thank you! Can you provide the best brands to use?
Not against shoes but a pair of 5.11 tactical long trek boots are amazing. Lightweight and great grip.
Thanks for the advice, totally would’ve used my boots but now I know
No thank you, i’ll keep my big black heavy combat boots. Especially for beginners this is terrible advice.
I’ve always been barefooted growing up. I always got tired of getting my feet dirty when going out door. Those shoes would make my feet stinky and dirty. So I tried hiking boots. No dirt got into it. Just sweat. But afterward it wouldn’t stink as bad as before. So i prefer the boots. Easy on the ankles too.
So yeah hello. I have a fully reconstructed ankle I will not be using anything but my lightweight boots
No walking stick are for old people
Compression bags – I’ve tried the cheap compression bags that come with the british tropical sleeping bags, does the job for really cheap.
Walking sticks is something I was proudly against for a long time, but after having tried them I now see their use on longer hikes.
I also think your advice for jogging shoes is great. If on a long hike and the possibility to walk some kms on a path strikes, a lightweight pair of joggers is worth carrying.
Camelback comes on 4th place then? 😛
Thank you
I love my LaSportive boots. They are very light & water proof. Boots to me are great. You can cross shallow creeks & not even get your feet wet. Also protects my ankles from rocks & roots.