As an avid hiker myself I suggest the following:Save Money on the clothing not on the Shoes or the Backpack!@Shoes: I prefer low cut trekking type shoes over boots, they are lighter and give me more agility. However, if you plan on going through snow fields, go for boots.@Backpack: That is a tricky one. Make sure it sits well on your hip and your shoulder but does not touch your back (that way you will be sweating much less on your back and be more comfortable over all). For a small backpack I would say a sternum-strap is a must, anything larger than 30 liter you definitively want a hip-belt too.Example Deuter Aircomfort, the mesh is on your back, but the backpack is curved away. Extremely comfortable and great air circulation.(Image removed from quote.)Personally, I like to have a water system. Easy to refill even in a mountain stream and you will stay hydrated, no problem.Some tips:- If you are thirsty, eat something salty. People do not realize that when you hike a day and sweat a bit, you loose a lot of salt. Salami, jerky and the like are excellent.- Keep your feet dry. Hiking with wet feet spells disaster. An extra pair of socks can save the day.- Share the load. Talk to your friend, what kind of first-aid kit they are carrying, no use for everybody to bring the same.
Good points about the layers. Cotton on the other hand. I love it the summer months. No way am I wearing wool in the summer when it is 95F and 70F at night. Nate
Quote from: ducttapetech on October 15, 2014, 04:50:43 PMGood points about the layers. Cotton on the other hand. I love it the summer months. No way am I wearing wool in the summer when it is 95F and 70F at night. NateAnother +1 on layering. As for the material, I usually go synthetic (dries much better and is less sticky when sweaty).
I forgot, some stuff from a military surplus store has some good stuff for cheap. Stuff like Nylon pants. It just maybe in a camo pattern.Nate
I like the synthetic stuff, but it does not like campfire so much. Embers melt right through the stuff. I have ruined some pants and a nice pullover to embers.Nate
Quote from: ducttapetech on October 15, 2014, 05:22:03 PMI like the synthetic stuff, but it does not like campfire so much. Embers melt right through the stuff. I have ruined some pants and a nice pullover to embers.NateAh yes, me too. I stick with sweats or yoga pants around the fire now.I've wrecked many nice pants over the years by the fire.
When walking you might be surprised by just how warm you keep, even in winter. It's only when you stop you'll likely want a good mid layer on. I like a close fitting thick fleece or a wool shirt. Personally I prefer a full zip to make it easier to put on and off. A nice long sleeved thermal t-shirt is also a boon IMO.
With all of these things it's all about getting well fitted gear, boots especially. When trying on boots forget about the idea of breaking them in, they should feel right from the get-go IMO. Last time I was boot shopping I had ear marked a few that I thought I'd like to try, got to the shop and ended up with a totally different pair I hadn't even considered, the others were all OK, but the pair I got were like putting on a pair of old slippers (just not so smelly ). ...I do normally wear 'quick dry' trousers, but again fit is more important than brand. Make sure they have all the pockets you need and I also recommend getting at least one zipped pocket for any gear you just cannot lose ( car keys for example). ...
Quote from: Gareth on October 16, 2014, 12:53:25 AMWith all of these things it's all about getting well fitted gear, boots especially. When trying on boots forget about the idea of breaking them in, they should feel right from the get-go IMO. Last time I was boot shopping I had ear marked a few that I thought I'd like to try, got to the shop and ended up with a totally different pair I hadn't even considered, the others were all OK, but the pair I got were like putting on a pair of old slippers (just not so smelly ). ...I do normally wear 'quick dry' trousers, but again fit is more important than brand. Make sure they have all the pockets you need and I also recommend getting at least one zipped pocket for any gear you just cannot lose ( car keys for example). ...I can't agree more on what said here. Personally, I favor mid-height light weight trekking shoes/boot, and do find the perfect-fit approach works quite well. I don't mind it to be slightly snug(knowing the material usually stretch over time), but it must be a perfect fit. And I sometimes wear/try those shoes on, after I've been walking around a bit, and carry a lengthy conversation with the sales person to see whether I feel 'moist' or 'stuffiness' in the shoes. If it does, the material could be too dense and not breathable enough for my feet.
Now, survival kit. I never actually considered I'd need anything like that... would I? I mean I have a few SAK's (main ones being a Victorinox Climber, and a Wenger Evo something), a Gerber Dime, Gerber Mini Paraframe, some other cheaper multitools, fire steel, survival blanket etc. I also carry a Gerber Shard everywhere. I mean I'd probably keep a SAK on me, maybe throw one, or the Paraframe into the bottom rucksack, but is there anything else vital I'd need?Thanks guys, appreciate the answers.
Vaseline. Stop to put vaseline on those hotspots before they turn to blisters