[pct-l] Asolo sunset shoes

[Eric Lee]

I don't think most REI employees are purposely trying to sell the wrong stuff, but the outdoor gear industry in general has some strange ideas and traditions about what gear is appropriate in a given situation.

For example, the conventional wisdom is that the longer your trip, the more rugged your gear has to be and the more gear you need. Most actual long-distance hikers will attest that the exact opposite is true.

Conventional wisdom says that having shoes too big leads to blisters. Actually, shoes that are too small are the real hazard. I just got my feet measured at REI last month for giggles. The measuring device says I'm a 10.5 medium width. What I actually hike in is 11.5 wide width. The REI employee was most disapproving. :-)

Don't rely on the average REI employee to give good advice about a highly specialized niche sport.

Eric
________________________________
From: JPL
Sent: 6/15/2013 4:52 PM
To: Tom Weir; pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Asolo sunset shoes

I shop at REI all the time.  I've never found an employee like what you
describe.

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Weir
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 7:50 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Asolo sunset shoes

The REI employee's job is to sell you a big heavy pair of expensive
mountaineering boots.  He/she probably also thinks you need a 7000 cubic
inch backpack and a zero degree sleeping bag.  Has the REI person ever hiked
the JMT or any other long trail?  Working at REI does not make someone an
expert on backpacking; it makes them an expert on selling gear.  Every year
the vast majority on PCT thru-hikers use shoes similar to the Sunset.
Weight, comfort, and durability are king.

Good Luck,

Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of nina zaikina
Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2013 3:23 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Asolo sunset shoes

Hey guys, does anyone has experience with Asolo Sunset hiking boots?
I've been wearing them for a year now and they are really comfortable. The
only drawback I've found so far is a rather thin insole that I'm planning
to replace for my JMT section hike. Today the REI representative have tried
to scare me off, telling that this is a poor choice of footwear for JMT
terrain. Any thoughts?
My backpack base weight is around 15lb, total weight around 30lb on a first
day
Thanks
Nina
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