Hiking Boots
Everyone is going to agree that the most important piece of gear a person has on a hiking trip is good, broken in hiking boots.
I have a story about what may happen if you don’t break in your boots before a long hike. I had bought a pair of great hiking boots that fit like a dream. I wore them two or three times before my trip up the Peak. They were starting to soften up a bit and felt pretty good. Six miles in my toes were throbbing. The upward movement of my toes rubbing against the top of the boot had bruised my big toe so much that the pain became unbearable. When I made it to Barr Camp, I couldn’t wear the boots any longer. Turning my back on the summit, I made the trip back down barefoot. The ugly purple bruises on my toenails were very painful. Of course, I lost the nail and they have never been the same. Break in those boots kids, and when you think they are broken in, break them in some more.
• You can’t break boots in fast. It takes time to wear them around the house, the yard and on errands. Even though boots loosen up after each wear, if it hurts take them back before it’s too late. This is why you wear them in the house first, so if they hurt you can return them to the store. Painful spots are not going to stop being painful, so go find a different pair if they are not comfortable.
• Waterproof your boots.
The Backpack
Backpacks can get pretty fancy, and it really depends on how far you plan to go hiking. Personally, I have an off-brand backpack with built-in water bladder. It is small and light, perfect for short day hikes. If I am going up the Peak, I am going to pack a larger pack to accommodate more supplies. Most of my buddies splurge on the expensive stuff, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Find something that will fit the following list of supplies. Remember – the amount you pack is going to depend on what type of hike you are taking. Take advice and listen to your fellow hikers.
• Just like boots, backpacks are going to soften up with wear. Make sure the pack fits against your back good.
• Waterproof your backpack.
• Pick a backpack that will hold all of your gear inside without overloading it.
• Adjustable shoulder straps are a necessity, so the pack fits comfortably.
• An adjustable hip belts on a backpack is essential because your hips are great at supporting the weight of a heavy backpack.
In the Backpack
• Trail maps and compasses are important. It is very easy to get turned around because a lot of trails intersect each other. Know your area.
• Put a first aid kit together. Whether you buy one, or purchase the items separately you should have: Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, Ace wrap, and adhesive tape.
• Colorado doesn’t have too many insects to worry about, but ticks can be a problem so throw in a can of insect repellent. Ticks carry Lyme disease and people have contracted these bacteria by being bitten by a tick.
• It is really easy to get sunburned very fast in the mountain altitude. Apply sunscreen before hiking and throw the bottle in your pack.
• I always carry one of those headlamps that have the elastic bands to fit around my head. Any lightweight flashlight will do. If your hike lasts too long, and it gets dark you will be very grateful. The mountains get dark very fast and have no streetlamps to guide the way home.
• Put some toilet paper in a Ziploc bag. Trust me. You’ll need it.
• A folding knife is a handy tool and doesn’t take much room.
• Protect a book of matches or a lighter by placing them in a Ziploc bag.
• Snacks and water. A baggie of trail mix is a must have. I usually bring a long some fruit and crackers. If it is a long hike, bring a lunch. Your energy is going to burn quickly. Bring plenty of water to drink. If you are taking your dog, bring water for him too.
Clothes
Remember that just because it is sunny in the morning doesn’t mean that there won’t be a thunderstorm in the afternoon. In fact, it rains almost every afternoon in the mountains unless we are in a drought. No matter what season, you literally have to be prepared for any type of weather to hit you. You do not want to get caught in the mountains and be wet and cold.
• Layers, layers, layers and then a few more layers. I would rather be wearing 5 layers of shirts than one down jacket.
• Choose synthetic fiber, silk or wool over cotton. If you get rained on in a pair of jeans, they will not dry out. Cotton clothing is bad for outdoor wear.
• Wear heavy socks, even in the summer. They protect and cushion your feet.
• Sometimes I will wear shorts under very loose fitting pants as long as I am still comfortable. Otherwise in the summer I will pack my pants away.
• Fall, winter and spring hikes all need a down-filled jacket. If you are climbing Pikes Peak, it can snow on the summit in July. Always bring a rain jacket.
• Gloves and a hat. You need to protect your hands because it gets cold fast in the mountains. A hat needs to protect you from the sun.
All in all use common sense and listen to the experienced fellow hikers you will be hiking with. Being prepared is always a necessity before going for a hike in the mountains.
Everyone is going to agree that the most important piece of gear a person has on a hiking trip is good, broken in hiking boots.
I have a story about what may happen if you don’t break in your boots before a long hike. I had bought a pair of great hiking boots that fit like a dream. I wore them two or three times before my trip up the Peak. They were starting to soften up a bit and felt pretty good. Six miles in my toes were throbbing. The upward movement of my toes rubbing against the top of the boot had bruised my big toe so much that the pain became unbearable. When I made it to Barr Camp, I couldn’t wear the boots any longer. Turning my back on the summit, I made the trip back down barefoot. The ugly purple bruises on my toenails were very painful. Of course, I lost the nail and they have never been the same. Break in those boots kids, and when you think they are broken in, break them in some more.
• You can’t break boots in fast. It takes time to wear them around the house, the yard and on errands. Even though boots loosen up after each wear, if it hurts take them back before it’s too late. This is why you wear them in the house first, so if they hurt you can return them to the store. Painful spots are not going to stop being painful, so go find a different pair if they are not comfortable.
• Waterproof your boots.
The Backpack
Backpacks can get pretty fancy, and it really depends on how far you plan to go hiking. Personally, I have an off-brand backpack with built-in water bladder. It is small and light, perfect for short day hikes. If I am going up the Peak, I am going to pack a larger pack to accommodate more supplies. Most of my buddies splurge on the expensive stuff, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Find something that will fit the following list of supplies. Remember – the amount you pack is going to depend on what type of hike you are taking. Take advice and listen to your fellow hikers.
• Just like boots, backpacks are going to soften up with wear. Make sure the pack fits against your back good.
• Waterproof your backpack.
• Pick a backpack that will hold all of your gear inside without overloading it.
• Adjustable shoulder straps are a necessity, so the pack fits comfortably.
• An adjustable hip belts on a backpack is essential because your hips are great at supporting the weight of a heavy backpack.
In the Backpack
• Trail maps and compasses are important. It is very easy to get turned around because a lot of trails intersect each other. Know your area.
• Put a first aid kit together. Whether you buy one, or purchase the items separately you should have: Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, Ace wrap, and adhesive tape.
• Colorado doesn’t have too many insects to worry about, but ticks can be a problem so throw in a can of insect repellent. Ticks carry Lyme disease and people have contracted these bacteria by being bitten by a tick.
• It is really easy to get sunburned very fast in the mountain altitude. Apply sunscreen before hiking and throw the bottle in your pack.
• I always carry one of those headlamps that have the elastic bands to fit around my head. Any lightweight flashlight will do. If your hike lasts too long, and it gets dark you will be very grateful. The mountains get dark very fast and have no streetlamps to guide the way home.
• Put some toilet paper in a Ziploc bag. Trust me. You’ll need it.
• A folding knife is a handy tool and doesn’t take much room.
• Protect a book of matches or a lighter by placing them in a Ziploc bag.
• Snacks and water. A baggie of trail mix is a must have. I usually bring a long some fruit and crackers. If it is a long hike, bring a lunch. Your energy is going to burn quickly. Bring plenty of water to drink. If you are taking your dog, bring water for him too.
Clothes
Remember that just because it is sunny in the morning doesn’t mean that there won’t be a thunderstorm in the afternoon. In fact, it rains almost every afternoon in the mountains unless we are in a drought. No matter what season, you literally have to be prepared for any type of weather to hit you. You do not want to get caught in the mountains and be wet and cold.
• Layers, layers, layers and then a few more layers. I would rather be wearing 5 layers of shirts than one down jacket.
• Choose synthetic fiber, silk or wool over cotton. If you get rained on in a pair of jeans, they will not dry out. Cotton clothing is bad for outdoor wear.
• Wear heavy socks, even in the summer. They protect and cushion your feet.
• Sometimes I will wear shorts under very loose fitting pants as long as I am still comfortable. Otherwise in the summer I will pack my pants away.
• Fall, winter and spring hikes all need a down-filled jacket. If you are climbing Pikes Peak, it can snow on the summit in July. Always bring a rain jacket.
• Gloves and a hat. You need to protect your hands because it gets cold fast in the mountains. A hat needs to protect you from the sun.
All in all use common sense and listen to the experienced fellow hikers you will be hiking with. Being prepared is always a necessity before going for a hike in the mountains.
No comments:
Post a Comment