|
Forgive me if I am asking an old question but what are good shoes for someone with weak ankles? I routinely twist/sprain them whenever I walk on hiking trails IF I don't keep looking down. Which kind of defeats the purpose of hiking if I'm spending all my time looking at potential tripping hazards.
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 01:44
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 26, 2024 13:43 |
|
|
I carry two lights whenever I think I will need one because if you do need it, life is gonna suck if it dies. And they all die at the worst time. Usually I carry a bright headlamp and a tiny dim flashlight that both take AAAs. If I know I will be out after dark I carry a second headlamp as well. I live on a little farm with maybe 3-5 miles of trails on it. Some times my buddy and I, after a night of partying, go for a night hike with no lights. poo poo is creepy and stressful even on trails I have walked a hundred times, I in no way want to be stuck somewhere I don't know without one.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 02:25
|
|
|
Chewie23 posted:Forgive me if I am asking an old question but what are good shoes for someone with weak ankles? I routinely twist/sprain them whenever I walk on hiking trails IF I don't keep looking down. Which kind of defeats the purpose of hiking if I'm spending all my time looking at potential tripping hazards. i recommend "stretching" if you're actually doing running stretches before hikes and still doing this, you need a full boot. none of that worthless "mid" or "low" boot crap. something with actual ankle support.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 05:10
|
|
|
Tashan Dorrsett posted:i recommend "stretching" A good pair of full boots is your best bet. And don't buy them online without first trying them on. Great boots are a life-changing experience. As for brands, I find that everyone has their own preference. Go try a bunch on and see what you like. (Also always go for goretex)
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 05:43
|
|
|
Rodenthar Drothman posted:A good pair of full boots is your best bet. And don't buy them online without first trying them on. Fair enough. I'll do some research and see what fits.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 18:38
|
|
|
Whats the go to waterproofing? My REI eVent jacket is about 2 years old and starting to lose its repellency. I wash is periodically but I think its time to redo the DWR. I've tried Nikwax in the past but I feel like it needs constant reapplication. Is the Granger spray any better or is there another holy miracle product out there?
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 18:45
|
|
|
Blinkman987 posted:
Thats a fun climb! Did you guys spot the petroglyphs near the top of the canyon on the way up? As for the headlamp, if its an LED buld that should last just short of forever. Extra batteries are you best bet. And if it ever dies you can pick up a new headlamp for $20-$30 just about anywhere. If you're really concerned about losing your headlamp (due to dead batteries, blown light, accidental dunk in a lake) then taking a small flashlight or lantern as backup is okay. I personally prefer the small Luci inflatable solar lantern. Just clip it on the outside of your pack to charge while your hiking. It's also nice to use at night to provide light for a tent or campsite.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 18:46
|
|
|
Verman posted:...but I feel like it needs constant reapplication. All DWR needs a constant reapplication (once it's worn off). It's a coating, that is literally how it works. Washing your item more often can make the coating last longer, but if it's been 2 years and you're just now reapplying, I'd say you've done a good job on that front. I coat my jacket once or twice a year because I wear it so often. I use Nikwax, and be aware there are all kinds now. The spray is better than the wash-in because the wash in type will coat every surface of the jacket, not just the parts you need repellency on.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 20:02
|
|
|
Got a link to the spray? I have some washin but am afraid to use it in a top loading washer (rather than front loading) and would rather just use spray.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 20:20
|
|
|
mastershakeman posted:Got a link to the spray? I have some washin but am afraid to use it in a top loading washer (rather than front loading) and would rather just use spray. http://nikwax-usa.com/en-us/products/productdetail.php?productid=265 Or can just google nikwax spray, they sell it tons of places.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 20:22
|
|
|
https://www.rei.com/product/793105/revivex-air-dry-water-repellent-spray-5-oz https://www.rei.com/product/724688/nikwax-txdirect-spray-on-water-repellent-treatment-169-fl-oz Can find the same stuff on Amazon. Don't know if one brand is better than another, I should probably get some and redo a bunch of my soft shell jackets as well as my rain jacket
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 20:25
|
|
|
Yeah my old jacket was a Mountain Hardware, once the factory DWR wore off it was never the same again. I reapplied with nikwax fairly often but I feel like it never performed as well after that. It seemed like I was nikwaxing it about every 2-3 months or so. A good rain or two and it would start soaking again. I was doing the wash in as it seemed like the most effective way of getting an even coating. I have front load washer and dryer. Sometimes the DWR would still soak even right after application. I was pretty happy with my eVent jacket, it lasted a lot longer on its factory DWR than my MH did. I followed the instructions to keep it clean. I would give it a wash every month or two as I don't wear it every day or anything. So I guess I'll just buy some more spray and really give the thing a good dousing of the white stuff. This is the stuff I'm going to try next. http://www.amazon.com/Grangers-GRF8...r+waterproofing Verman fucked around with this message at 21:13 on Mar 11, 2016 |
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 21:08
|
|
|
Yeah I've used the Granger's and it wore off pretty fast. Kinda sad.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 22:13
|
|
|
It has never occurred to me to wash any of my raincoats and once my soft shell got its first permanent stain I stopped washing it. I assume if I have a top loader I should use a delicates bag?
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 23:40
|
|
|
Tashan Dorrsett posted:i recommend "stretching" Goddamn, I wish stretching fixed my stupid problems. I have really loose joints, so I'm highly prone to injury. I have to be careful all the time because I can and have sprained ankles walking calmly on a flat sidewalk. Full support boots are a must for people born with garbage connective tissue.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 23:42
|
|
|
I wonder why they can't just put the stuff they use to treat the jackets in the factory in a can and sell it. I guess it's planned obsolescence.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 23:46
|
|
|
On that topic, what are some good, resoleable, waterproof boots? Cost is not an issue if they will last more then one to two seasons at most of my boots seem to.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 23:47
|
|
|
What are some adequate hiking socks that DON'T cost $25 a pair? I'm not in the merino wool tax bracket, but would like something better than the cotton bulk package socks I've been using by default.
|
|
#
?
Mar 11, 2016 23:53
|
|
|
Time Cowboy posted:What are some adequate hiking socks that DON'T cost $25 a pair? I'm not in the merino wool tax bracket, but would like something better than the cotton bulk package socks I've been using by default. Costco's Merino blend hiking socks are quality and they are $12 for four pairs. EDIT: Or buy the same ones on Amazon for $19 (4-pack).
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 00:29
|
|
|
Hungryjack posted:Costco's Merino blend hiking socks are quality and they are $12 for four pairs. Awesome, thank you!
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 00:39
|
|
|
The spray on stuff works best if you toss it into the dryer for a while so the material really soaks up the spray. Per Gore's directions you don't need anything fancy like tech wash: http://www.gore-tex.com/en-us/support/washing-instructions I find that my goretex and other laminate clothes degrade in performance not because of the DWR wearing out, but because the laminate is basically dirty. My vague understanding is that oils/dirt/etc clog the pours and you end up getting wet from the lack of breathability. DWR seems to just be something that is put on to make people think "drat this thing repels water!". My whitewater kayaking drysuit/dry top are gore, and the DWR wears off really fast on those pieces of gear due to the whole being the water constantly thing. As long as I wash them once a season the waterproofing works great.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 00:48
|
|
|
Wigwam Men's Cool-Lite Hiker Pro Crew Length Sock, Black, Large are a lot more expensive (around $12/pair) but will last literal years of hard use. Given the nature of hiking socks, you don't need more than a few pairs since even on very long outings you will likely just be rotating them, so it often pays to just get a couple more expensive sets rather than a drawer full of cheaper ones. Obviously if you have both no socks and a tiny sock budget this isn't applicable, but in general is advice I try to follow.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 00:54
|
|
|
Rodenthar Drothman posted:Also always go for Fixed this for you. Leather is a wonder material that is durable, naturally wear resistant, regulates temperature and moisture well, and is naturally water resistant, or fully waterproof with some sno seal. bongwizzard posted:On that topic, what are some good, resoleable, waterproof boots? Cost is not an issue if they will last more then one to two seasons at most of my boots seem to. It's all personal preference, but I especially love my Lowa boots. Mine were around ~200$ when I bought them, so you might find better pricing if you look around, but these things have just been incredible for comfort from day one, and are still in fantastic shape six years later. Plus, they're made in Germany. Generally speaking, if you're looking for resoleability, look for something with a Goodyear welt. It's a very labor intensive old world style of stitching the sole, instead of glue like you largely see nowadays. I don't know if they have hiking boots, but Carolinas are loved by AI and Redwing makes excellent boots here in the USA, off the top of my head.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 01:10
|
|
|
I'm tempted to just try some swiftwicks socks on my next trip because they're pretty awesome for running/cycling
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 01:11
|
|
|
trekking poles help a gently caress load if you're prone to rolling/twisting/etc your ankles too
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 01:23
|
|
|
While we're on the subject of clothing basics, I have really appreciated ExOfficio boxer briefs on hiking trips. Basically they are made of a tough material that dries really fast, which means they stay cleaner and more comfortable. Amazon has them for around $15 a pair which is a lot but your butt is worth it.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 01:33
|
|
|
OSU_Matthew posted:Fixed this for you. Leather is a wonder material that is durable, naturally wear resistant, regulates temperature and moisture well, and is naturally water resistant, or fully waterproof with some sno seal. I am biased against leather boots due to wearing cheap surplus army boots through most of my teens and 20's, but I realize that is what $25 boots are like. However, when I used to work at construction sites I bought a really nice pair of Redwings, took the time to go to one of their stores, was correctly fitted, all that. And after a month of daily wear I gave them away as they never stopped hurting my feet and were total sweat boxes. I tried every style of sock, a few insoles, nothing helped. My fear is dropping that much cash on some thing that I will not be able to really judge the actual fit and comfort of in-store. I am going to look for a local retailer for Lowas, as that is exactly what I am looking for but I am going to be salty as gently caress if they end up not working. I just hate how fast I burn through shoes/boots and I hate unrepairable stuff. Vivian Darkbloom posted:While we're on the subject of clothing basics, I have really appreciated ExOfficio boxer briefs on hiking trips. Basically they are made of a tough material that dries really fast, which means they stay cleaner and more comfortable. Amazon has them for around $15 a pair which is a lot but your butt is worth it. I went commando for like 17 years until I found these amazing undies. I now own like 10 pairs and they rule. All are like 2-3 years old and the elastic is still kicking. I routinely go on week to two week trips with only three pairs. I can wash them in a sink and they are bone dry by morning. bongwizzard fucked around with this message at 01:41 on Mar 12, 2016 |
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 01:39
|
|
|
Vivian Darkbloom posted:While we're on the subject of clothing basics, I have really appreciated ExOfficio boxer briefs on hiking trips. Basically they are made of a tough material that dries really fast, which means they stay cleaner and more comfortable. Amazon has them for around $15 a pair which is a lot but your butt is worth it. I wear these every day. I grew up in a humid area, so you learn to appreciate decent underwear. I have some pairs of SmartWool underwear that I use for hiking / backpacking, but that's really more for just keeping them separate at this point.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 01:50
|
|
|
OSU_Matthew posted:Fixed this for you. Leather is a wonder material that is durable, naturally wear resistant, regulates temperature and moisture well, and is naturally water resistant, or fully waterproof with some sno seal. Tashan Dorrsett posted:trekking poles help a gently caress load if you're prone to rolling/twisting/etc your ankles too bongwizzard posted:I am biased against leather boots due to wearing cheap surplus army boots through most of my teens and 20's, but I realize that is what $25 boots are like. However, when I used to work at construction sites I bought a really nice pair of Redwings, took the time to go to one of their stores, was correctly fitted, all that. And after a month of daily wear I gave them away as they never stopped hurting my feet and were total sweat boxes. I tried every style of sock, a few insoles, nothing helped. My fear is dropping that much cash on some thing that I will not be able to really judge the actual fit and comfort of in-store. I am going to look for a local retailer for Lowas, as that is exactly what I am looking for but I am going to be salty as gently caress if they end up not working. I just hate how fast I burn through shoes/boots and I hate unrepairable stuff. (If you want steeltoes I do recommend wolverines, while we are on the subject of brands.)
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 02:10
|
|
|
Are there australians, preferably queenslanders here?
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 02:31
|
|
|
bongwizzard posted:However, when I used to work at construction sites I bought a really nice pair of Redwings, took the time to go to one of their stores, was correctly fitted, all that. And after a month of daily wear I gave them away as they never stopped hurting my feet and were total sweat boxes. I tried every style of sock, a few insoles, nothing helped. Rodenthar Drothman posted:I had the same problem with Redwing (at least their steeltoes - I too work in a steel toe field). For me they are loving terrible. I do realize that some people think they are great, and have no problems with them - which is why I was reticent to speak about brands in my initial post. (They've also had recall issues with their steeltoes across BROAD swaths of their boots the past couple of years.) I think you're spot on with the maintenance aspect, that part does suck about leather. I only really do it every couple of trips though. You know, I just literally bought my first pair of Redwing boots last week, and I've actually been having the exact same problems both you guys describe, with blisters and some ankle bruising and what have you. I figured that it was just part of the break in period, so I just chalked it up to they'll get better with time, but I'm starting to wonder if they won't. Huh... Thanks for mentioning that! Good to know I'm not alone there. The quality is top notch though. I will double down on my Lowa recommendation though, there wasn't really any break in period for me, they fit and performed great right out of the box. I believe REI carries Lowas, certainly worth trying out a pair there, especially with their year long love it or return it policy. They've been fantastic trudging through mud, rain, snow, and the heat. E: Funny you mention wolverines, I had a second hand pair I wore down till the soles wore through, loved them so much I bought a brand new pair which were completely awful in every way imaginable. My feet boiled alive, the leather cracked, and the fit was completely cattywampus. I also tried a steel toe version of the same boot, which absolutely murdered my toes and wound up getting returned. Most comfortable daily wear boots I've found are Merrell Moabs, though they're delaminating at the sole after just a year. I suspect there's no blanket answer to footwear 
Catatron Prime fucked around with this message at 03:36 on Mar 12, 2016 |
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 03:24
|
|
|
bongwizzard posted:On that topic, what are some good, resoleable, waterproof boots? Cost is not an issue if they will last more then one to two seasons at most of my boots seem to. I've been really happy with my Danner boots. I've had them for years, I've beat the hell out of them and they've held up great. After about 5 years they finally need to be resoled. Expensive but worth it.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 03:42
|
|
|
theroachman posted:I guess it's planned obsolescence. No, it's not. The coating is DWR and is just that - a coating on the face of the fabric. It wears off over time. It has nothing to do with planned obsolescence. A coating cannot last forever. Even the old school canvas and wax jackets had to be re-waxed every so often. n8r posted:Per Gore's directions you don't need anything fancy like tech wash: http://www.gore-tex.com/en-us/support/washing-instructions You are correct that you don't need fancy tech wash, but you do still need to reapply the DWR when it wears off. "When the factory applied treatment can no longer be reactivated, apply a new water-repellent treatment (available at local outdoor retailers) to the garment’s outer fabric." You are half correct. When the face fabric gets dirty, the gore material does not work properly. When the face fabric wets out (due to lack of DWR), the gore also does not work properly. Both washing your item and reapplying the DWR as needed will increase the life span of the garment. DWR helps the gore material to work, it's not just a "drat this thing repels water!" thing until you start coating fleeces and t-shirts.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 06:20
|
|
|
OSU_Matthew posted:I think you're spot on with the maintenance aspect, that part does suck about leather. I only really do it every couple of trips though. Yeah, you could probably beat regular Redwings (not to mention the steeltoes) with a bat for days and they'd hold up. They're just uncomfortable as hell. Hiking in steeltoes is not recommended, I just 'hiked' (walked) 3.5 mi out (and 3.5 back) to/from Hoover Dam (in my Wolverines) after a short day at work in the desert south of Vegas. While my feet were not dead, 3/10 would not recommend. Steeltoes generally have a lot more room around the toe area, which leads to the foot wobbling around a bit. I like Wolverines because they stay more snug on the rest of your foot, not just the ankle. Surprised that your second Wolverines weren't that great. I've had my leather wolverines for about 3 years, wear them constantly for work. While they have a hardcore crease right behind the steel (I kneel/crouch a lot for work) and some scuffs, they've treated me very well (as did my first, suede pair of Wolverine steeltoes). Gel insoles in both, of course. Will get pic on monday. I did just look at my hiking boots, Lowa Renegades (Goretex). They've held up fairly well after a year and a half or so of off-and-on hiking, and I must say that they're a pleasure to wear. I typically forget completely about them, even after walking 12+ miles in a day over hilly terrain (I'm looking at you, Santa Cruz Island...). Excited to take them out to field camp this year. Edit: Herp derp I can spell.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 06:33
|
|
|
Rodenthar Drothman posted:Seconding the trekking poles. After hiking with people with knee/hip/back difficulties, trekking poles help a LOT, especially when going downhill. 100% truth. My knees are garbage, and every summit ended up with severe pain as soon as I started descent. Even with knee braces I was limping off every mountain. Then I got poles and the pain was alleviated substantially. There were even instances where I never put my braces on.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 07:26
|
|
|
Picnic Princess posted:100% truth. My knees are garbage, and every summit ended up with severe pain as soon as I started descent. Even with knee braces I was limping off every mountain. Then I got poles and the pain was alleviated substantially. There were even instances where I never put my braces on. People seem to think that poles are for ascent, but I always stow mine for ascent. If I need to kick in 4WD uphill, I've got some perfectly good hands for that.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 07:28
|
|
|
Poles are for barreling downhill with tired legs.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 07:30
|
|
|
Rodenthar Drothman posted:People seem to think that poles are for ascent, but I always stow mine for ascent. If I need to kick in 4WD uphill, I've got some perfectly good hands for that. I never really understood this because I always felt ascent was all about muscle power while descent was all about joint stress. Poles are great at relieving stress on joints by distributing weight but they don't really add more power, unless you're dragging yourself up with them but then yeah, just skip them and use your drat hands directly.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 10:53
|
|
|
Reformed Tomboy posted:No, it's not. The coating is DWR and is just that - a coating on the face of the fabric. It wears off over time. It has nothing to do with planned obsolescence. A coating cannot last forever. Even the old school canvas and wax jackets had to be re-waxed every so often. I was commenting on people reporting that the factory applied DWR lasts way longer than the aftermarket DWR.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 11:59
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 26, 2024 13:43 |
|
|
I'm about due for my 3rd pair of Lowas. I bought these in 2012 and I typically wear them 5+ days per week and my Renegades are just now starting to show some real major wear.
|
|
#
?
Mar 12, 2016 12:13
|
|