[pct-l] First time 20 miles

[bholt at ix.netcom.com (Bill Holt)]

Saskia,

I agree with Matt. In the conditions you experienced, I too would prefer dry feet. But tor the bulk of the PCT I'll take the minor discomfort of wet feet over the foot sauna I experience when I'm wearing waterproof shoes or boots in more favorable conditions.

The keys for me when hiking with with trail runners in the wet are having something dry for my feet in the evenings (spare socks) and keeping my core warm so I maintain circulation to my feet. 

Bill


-----Original Message-----
From: Matt Bradley <bodhisattvavow@hotmail.com>
Sent: Feb 14, 2005 7:51 AM
To: PCT-L <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] First time 20 miles

Saskia,
    Congratulations on your first 20+!  You are right that your trail
runners will get wet in the rain.  There is not much that you can do about
it.  In my opinion, this is still preferable to wearing waterproof boots (or
shoes).  While the feet never really dry on wet days, they are much more
comfortable on dry ones and I don't really mind the wet feet on wet days.
In fact, with frequent stream crossings the feet are going to be wet no
matter what.  The more detailed argument for running shoes is in Beyond
Backpacking, you've probably read it so I won't rant on.  I just wanted to
say that what you described works well for me, it might not for you, but
give it a few more tries.  If you try different shoes, let us know what your
experience is hiking 20 miles in the snow/rain/sleet in waterproofs.
Peace and Love,
Matt
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