[pct-l] foot ware

[CHUCK CHELIN]

Good evening, Ned,



Footwear that always remains dry under all conditions -- whether from slop
and wading or from perspiration – for weeks at a time is truly
remarkable.  Further
– and even more remarkable – is a pair of gaiters that keep shin-deep water
out of one’s boots.



I am monumentally embarrassed that I’m so far behind that technology curve.



Steel-Eye

Hiking the Pct since before it was the PCT – 1965

http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye

http://www.trailjournals.com/SteelEye09


On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 11:58 AM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:

> Hey, Mango!
>
> Let me add that our boots used between KM and the MTR in the months of May
> and June when there was six diminishing to two feet of snow nearly
> everywhere above 9,000 feet did exceptionally well, not only for certainty
> of footing but in staying dry and keeping our feet dry, especially when
> there was water running everywhere!
>
> Of course, through the shallow creek crossings (water up to mid-shin), we
> wore our heavy weight tall gaitors, which kept the water out, but on the
> sections of trail which were, literally, mini-creeks, where each footfall
> was a huge splash onto the other foot, we didn't and still the boots kept
> our feet dry.
>
> Because the boots were maintained as needed on-trail with a waterproof
> manufacturer-supplied treatment, they never got wet enough to freeze at
> night, even when at the base of Forester when we had a zero-degree night
> where every water container froze solid.
>
> Good comment about loosening laces of wet shoes on nights where you
> anticipate a freeze! Trying to get your feet into a stiff boot in the
> morning is sometimes challenging!
>
>
>
> Ned Tibbits, Director
> Mountain Education
> 1106A Ski Run Blvd
> South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
>    P: 888-996-8333
>    F: 530-541-1456
>    C: 530-721-1551
>    http://www.mountaineducation.org
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jim & Jane Moody" <moodyjj at comcast.net>
> To: "Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes" <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
> Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:19 AM
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] foot ware
>
>
> >
> >
> > I disagree with a portion of Diane's post about footwear in the Sierra
> > (below). Heavier boots were much preferred in the Sierra this past year,
> > which had a much higher than average snowpack. Kicking steps in trail
> > runners on a steep traverse (e.g., Mather Pass) requires a shoe that is
> > sturdy with an actual heel and firm sole, which trail runners / sneakers
> > do not have. For those who hike the Sierra when the snow is gone, then I
> > guess sneakers would suffice.
> >
> >
> >
> > The "dry out quicker" argument is also specious. This year the Sierra had
> > so many creek crossings that nobody's shoes dried out, boots or sneakers.
> > However, if they freeze overnight, then trail runners are easier to get
> > on, especially if you forget to loosen the laces on your boots.
> >
> >
> >
> > Her comments about the sandals in the desert seem like great advice, from
> > personal experience.
> >
> >
> > Mango
> >
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes" <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
> > To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> > Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 10:08:14 AM
> > Subject: Re: [pct-l] foot ware
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Boots are actually a liability in the Sierras because they don't dry
> > as quickly on your feet while you walk. Of course, if you're a
> > traditionalist, you'll reject that assertion on some notion of
> > needing protection or support or shoes that don't wear out quickly,
> > or shoes that can handle the supposedly super rugged conditions
> > (seemed like a regular trail to me). That's fine.
> >
> >
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