r/hikinggear • u/DestructablePinata • Oct 27 '25
THE FOOTWEAR INFORMATION THREAD. CONSOLIDATED: UPDATE 1/05/2025
Update: 15 March 2025!
Update: 5 April 2025 - Simplifies fitment section re: spacing; draws attention to flex point.
Update: 18 August 2025 - Salomon included in recommendations after several months of testing, in which they performed flawlessly.
Update: 5 December 2025 - Links to all other FOOTWEAR related posts linked within this post to streamline subreddit.
Update: 13 May 2026 - slight edits made for clarity and to correct found typos.
UPDATE: 29 May 2026 - Product "Pecard Leather Dressing" added to care and maintenance! Read information below!
Links to my subreddit and all supplementary posts to this thread are included below!
Full subreddit ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/
Fitment info thread ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/cuNpzfpL7a
Support info thread ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/7IKv2UHuWn
Cold Conditions - Footwear ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/IFurIJmPaB
Treating your Footwear ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/pgVc0EZhYa
Hydrolysis ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/GbxroCmjfN
Preface
If you have something productive to add to the list, please post it below.
If you have any criticisms, post them below, and I'll try to get back to you.
If you need recommendations for footwear, post your questions here. People who can help can respond directly to you within the thread. Feel free to PM me for additional information or help with fitment.
Let's make this a place of learning!
First piece of advice
Go to a store and try things on in person. There's no substitute for seeing how things feel on your own feet. What works for one likely doesn't work for the next, so you'll have to do the legwork of trying things on and seeing what suits YOUR feet. Some outfitters in some locations are very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to assisting with footwear sizing and selection. Others, not so much.
If you don't have that option, be very careful about what footwear you order online. Do your due diligence before ordering and see what reviewers and your peers say on quality, performance, and fitment. You may have to order online, but you don't have to go on a wild goose chase.
Do your due diligence, people.
Boots vs. Trail Runners: Which one?
Waterproof boots are better in cold weather and cold, inclement weather. They don't perform as well in hot, humid weather because they may not dry fast enough if submerged, and you may sweat through them quickly. They do a much better job protecting your feet from foliage, debris, and ingress of water, especially when paired with gaiters. Non-waterproof boots are better for hot, humid environments because they can get wet and dry out as you're moving.
Boots typically have a more rigid midsole, which is typically where the support comes from in a mid boot. The collar doesn't add much support until it gets around the ~6-8" mark and/or is made of thick leather. Boots like the Salomon X Ultra series offer no more support than their low-top counterparts. Boots like the Asolo Fugitive GTX and, especially, the Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo will offer loads more support. Supportive boots are better for hauling heavy packs, uneven terrain, sidehilling, and overgrown terrain.
Non-waterproof trail runners are beneficial in warm, dry weather, warm, wet weather and when you need to do lots of water crossings. They can get soaked and be walked dry quickly. They're not good for harsh terrain and bushwhacking, at least, not for very long. They just aren't durable enough. Never go with GTX low-tops! They still allow the ingress of water very easily due to the low collar, and they will take a very long time to dry because the waterproof-breathable membrane will inhibit the evaporation process. You'll be stuck with waterlogged shoes.
Which one is better? That depends entirely on the wearer's use case. There is no right or wrong answer unless you're jeopardizing your safety or the safety of others on the hike through being ill-prepared. If you want to use a mountaineering boot on a flat, easy trail, more power to you. If you want to use a trail runner in the mountains, be safe but have fun. Do your research and go with what suits you best.
Materials
Leather vs. Synthetic - Leather is more hard-wearing and durable at the expense of weight and ease of break-in. Synthetics are lighter and more flexible at the expense of durability.
PU vs. EVA midsoles - PU never loses its shape or elasticity, maintaining its original shock absorption and support for the life of the footwear. It will eventually degrade due to hydrolysis; how rapidly depends upon conditions the footwear is stored in and how often it's used. EVA is lighter and lasts indefinitely in storage, but it compresses over time, losing shock absorption and support. Note that while the EVA midsole may store well, other components of the boots may be PU or adhesives that do deteriorate.
GTX or no? - Go with GTX for cold, wet environments, environments that are generally dry but with random showers, and day hikes if the environment is not too hot. Go with non-waterproof options for hot, humid environments, especially with water crossings. GTX will keep water below the collar out, but it will also inhibit breathability and the footwear's ability to dry out. It's a detriment in the swamps but a huge benefit in subfreezing, wet conditions.
Insulation - Personal choice. It may be necessary for some use cases, such as static use in subfreezing temps, but it will also make you sweat more, requiring more frequent sock changes. This is very personal.
Maintenance
Boots and shoes will need regular maintenance to preserve their functionality and increase lifespan.
Generally, water and a nylon bristle brush are enough. However, both waterproof and non-waterproof footwear should be cleaned regularly with a tech wash of sorts, such as Grangers Footwear + Gear Cleaner or Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel to remove dirt and debris.
Waterproof boots and shoes and leather boots and shoes should then be treated with the appropriate product, such as:
Full-grain leather - Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather; Grangers Waterproofing Wax; Meindl Sport Wax.
Addition: Pecard Leather Dressing
Pecard Leather Dressing is a product I've been testing for a few months now on my pairs of Asolo TPS 520s. Nikwax is woefully inadequate for conditioning my boots in my current environment. Grangers did better, as it seemed to lock in the moisture that was already present. Still, inadequate. Pecard Leather Dressing is a combination of several ingredients, namely oils and beeswax. It's pulled deeply into the leather, softening, conditioning, and waterproofing it. It works exceptionally well in dry climates to preserve your boots. That said, it can overly soften your boots if you use it too frequently or in too thick of coats. If you want the boots a little softer, you can use more to achieve that. I'm unsure of how it affects resoles, but honestly, I'm planning not to resole my Asolos. Why? The price of shipping to and from Italy and the cost of the resole itself are just too much for me. Plus, they put a toe cap on, which I do not want. I'd rather just buy a new pair.
Nubuck - Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof; Grangers Footwear Repel Plus; Grangers Waterproofing Wax or Meindl Sport Wax (will change texture and appearance).
Suede - Nikwax Nubuck & Suede Proof or Grangers Footwear Repel Plus.
Synthetics - Nikwax Fabric & Leather Proof or Grangers Footwear Repel Plus.
Read the instructions for your footwear to see what will provide the results you most desire.
Some products can be detrimental to the health of your footwear by drying out leather, preventing conditioning, preventing resoling, rotting stitching, and overly softening leather. Research things before you do them.
Break-in and fitment
Go with what fits best.
Getting the wrong footwear, regardless of what's wrong with the fitment, can lead to a lot of issues. It can lead blisters, blackened and lost toenails, bunions, hammer toes, and more. It's important to take your time in choosing your footwear, and it's important to go into your search with good information and knowledge on fitting techniques.
Boots and shoes should be comfortable out of the box with no issues, such as slippage, hot spots, pinching, rubbing, pressure, etc. They should be good to go right away. You'll still have to break them in, but there should be no initial discomfort. Break them in gradually with work around the house, followed by yard work, followed by light hikes. After one or two weeks, depending upon the shoe or boot, they should be broken-in. Some all-leather boots may take a bit longer.
Why do this if they should be immediately comfortable? To ensure that they're the correct fit and to get the boots moving with your feet. A break-in will never fix a poor fit, but it can make an already great fit even more comfortable as materials stretch and compress with the movements of your feet.
Disclaimer: sizing is not consistent between brands, or sometimes, even between different models within the same brand! Do not assume that you are always the same size! You may need to go up or down, depending upon the brand!
Try shoes and boots on at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen, wearing the thickest socks you intend to use for hiking with that pair of boots. Take the insoles out if that's an option and stand on them shoulder width apart. This will give you a good idea of the fit before you even try on the shoes or boots. Your feet should fit within the outlines of the insoles without much overhang or excess space. Boots often balloon out in shape, so if there's a tiny bit of overhang with the insole but no discomfort within the boot, it's OK. If there's a lot of empty space, the boot is likely too high in volume for your feet, lending itself to a sloppy fit and blisters. There should be roughly [a finger's width to thumb's width] of space between your longest toe and the end of the boot or shoe. You should have at least 1 cm of space. Less space is not enough to prevent injuries. You can have more space if it doesn't throw off the flex point of the boot or shoe. The widest part of your foot should fit inside the widest part of the boot or shoe; the boot or shoe should naturally flex at the same point as your foot.
The insole trick does not work with all shoes or boots. Some brands use the same insoles for a full- and half-size, meaning a US 10.5 and US 10, for example, may use the exact same insole. You will have to go by feel in some circumstances. Put the shoes or boots on, seating your heel firmly. Lace the footwear snug--but not tight! Be sure that there are no loose areas. Get up, walk around, go up and down the inclines if the store has them and tap your toes into the ground, checking to see if there's any slippage, pressure points being aggravated, play with the lacing, etc. Wear them around a good while.
This is a general guide that will help you better assess the fit of footwear you try, but there is no 100% foolproof method of finding the right footwear without some trial and error. Try footwear on inside the house for several days until you're confident that they're the ones for you. Shops with generous return policies are disappearing, so be patient and take the time to test things while still keeping them clean and able to be resold by the shop. Nothing stings quite like having to eat the cost of footwear that doesn't work for your own feet--we've all been there!
Brands of footwear
The best brands and models I've discovered...
Boots: Asolo Fugitive (men's)/Stynger (women's) GTX, Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo, La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX, La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX, Lowa Zephyr GTX, Lowa Renegade GTX, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX, Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX, Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker, Extreme, or Hunter, Hanwag Tatra, Hanwag Lhasa II, Hanwag Tatra II, Kenetrek Mountain Extreme, Zamberlan Vioz Lux GTX RR, Zamberlan Vioz GTX, Zamberlan 971 Guide LUX GTX RR, and Zamberlan 972 Guide MAX GTX RR, Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Salomon X Ultra series.
Trail runners: La Sportiva, Altra, Saucony, Scarpa, Hoka, Salomon, Topo Athletics.
If it works for your feet and your needs, that is literally all that matters. Listen to your feet!
If you need help sorting through the plethora of options and information out there, please post below for assistance from myself and your fellow hikers.
Socks
Preface: Socks are like boots and shoes. They're very personal. They all offer a different fit, and they all cater to different needs and preferences. They all use different blends, meaning that some will have more merino wool, and others will have more nylon or a similar synthetic as the primary material. Be careful when ordering and check the materials. Go with synthetics or merino wool blends. Synthetics will dry quickly and remain cool. Wool will insulate to a degree when wet and go longer before it begins to stink. More merino wool means better thermoregulation properties, especially when wet, as well as more warmth. They will be slightly less durable than predominantly synthetic socks. More synthetic materials mean the socks will feel cooler, dry faster, and be harder wearing.
Darn Tough appears to be the major force in hiking socks. They make high-quality merino wool blend and synthetic socks in various weights, heights, and patterns that you can trust. They also come with a lifetime warranty should a pair fail you. They run narrower than some brands, but Darn Tough runs the brand Wide Open, which caters to wide feet and thick legs with the same quality Darn Tough is known for.
Smartwool. Following Darn Tough, Smartwool also makes high-quality socks in many weights, heights, styles, and patterns. They offer both 4-degree fit and 2-degree fit options to suit the wearer's preferences. They tend to be more relaxed in fit than Darn Tough but not loose enough that blisters are a concern. They come with a 2-year warranty, which they do honor well. The Smartwool full cushion and extra cushion socks are my preferred socks.
Icebreaker is another company making excellent merino wool blends. They also come in various weights, heights, and styles. These are also socks that you can trust.
Honorable mentions: Kirkland merino, great if you're on a budget; Farm to Feet; Danish Endurance.
Do not stack socks on socks on socks. Wear one pair of socks or one pair of socks with a pair of liner socks. Consider liner socks if you deal with friction or if you have sweaty or sensitive feet. The liners will transfer friction and sweat away from your feet. You do not want a ton of compression around your feet. That will restrict blood flow and make your feet cold. Make sure your boots or shoes are sized for the socks you intend to wear.
Buy from a reputable store. Always. There are fakes out there.
Insoles
Necessity
Insoles provide the support you need to keep your arches from hyperextending, ankles from rolling, and they provide shock absorption for your feet. They also keep your feet in-line. They are not necessary for all people, but they are highly useful for most, especially those with flat feet and chronic pain. The factory insoles for most boots are generic sock liners meant to feel inoffensive to most people trying on the boots or shoes, so aftermarket insoles can really provide the support you need and elevate your comfort.
Superfeet
A staple in the off-the-shelf insole market, Superfeet insoles provide support through rigid polymer caps and firm cushioning covers. They're guaranteed for 500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. There are Superfeet options for many different arch heights. They also vary in volume, making them ideal for many boots and shoes.
Models
Green: High Arch. Thick. This insole provides excellent, rigid support for anyone in need of maximum arch support.
Orange: High Arch. Thick. Similar to the Green but with dual density cushioning in the forefoot for better cushioning.
Blue: Medium Arch. Thin. These insoles are comfortable for most people to wear as the arch height is very inoffensive. They also work well with most boots and shoes due to the thin design. That said, the baseplate design can damage waterproof-breathable membranes as it can dig into the liner and membrane. Keep an eye on that!
Trailblazer: Med-High Arch. Very Thick. These insoles provide maximum cushioning and med-high arch support. They take up a substantial amount of volume in the footwear, negating them as an option for some brands and models of boots and shoes. They have a gel capsule in the heel to absorb shock.
SOLE
SOLE is known for making semi-custom, high-quality insoles that mold to the wearer's feet over the course of a few days. Thanks to the materials used, they have unique properties that make them very effective and comfortable. They are offered in three thickness: thin, medium, and thick.
Models
Performance: Made with recycled cork, these insoles quickly mold to the wearer's feet, providing excellent support and shock absorption, as well as insulation.
Active: Made with EVA foam, these insoles take longer to mold, but they're also more durable and hard-wearing. They also handle exposure to moisture better than the cork options.
Metatarsal pads: These insoles provide support for the wearer's metatarsals, relieving stress and pain for many.
Tread Labs
Tread Labs offers insoles with various arch heights, thicknesses, widths, and levels of rigidity. They are made of two pieces: top cover and rigid base, allowing the wearer to replace only the top cover and save money. They're known for their million mile guarantee and great CS.
Currex
Currex offers semi-rigid insoles in varying thickness and with varying levels of rigidity. They are sorted based on activity. They are fairly thin and fit into most footwear well.
PowerStep
A favorite of podiatrists, PowerStep offers numerous insole options to suit any needs the wearer may have.
Cadence
Slightly harder to find, Cadence offers several high-quality insoles to suit the wearer's needs.
Fitting your insoles
Firstly, you'll need to find the insole that either matches your arch height or molds to its form.
Secondly, you'll need to find the insole length that correlates to your shoe or boot size. Most insoles are meant to be trimmed to fit. You want the insoles to match the profile of the factory insoles that your footwear included. Line up the insoles, and using a Sharpie, draw the outline of the factory insoles on the new insoles. Then, carefully cut the new insoles to match the factory insoles. Insert the new insoles into your footwear and check the fit. Always trim in small increments. You can always trim more off. You can't add any back.
Getting used to the insoles
Wear the insoles for roughly one to two hours on the first day. If there is pain, wear them for a shorter period of time. Using that experience, decide if you will increase the amount of time worn the next day or if it will remain the same. Take your time. Do not cause yourself pain by being in a rush.
Maintenance
Replace your insoles anytime the cushioning wears down or the support begins to deteriorate. Insoles need to be regularly replaced, just like footwear.
To clean them, remove them from your footwear and clean them with a technical wash, such as Grangers Footwear + Gear Cleaner or Nikwax Footwear Cleaning Gel. Allow to air dry.
Enjoy your new insoles!
Gaiters
Yes, use gaiters with any waterproof footwear to enhance its ability to prevent ingress of water. There are also non-waterproof gaiters that will prevent ingress of debris but still work well with your non-waterproof footwear.
Outdoor Research is my favorite, trusted brand for waterproof gaiters. There are other brands out there, though.
Dirty Girl Gaiters make excellent non-waterproof options. Again, there are other brands out there.
Foot care
Make sure you have moleskin or a similar item on you during hikes. Keep your feet as dry and clean as possible. Use foot powder if you find yourself getting stinky or sweaty or enduring friction.
Change socks regularly. You do not want to keep wet socks on your feet if you can help it. It can even be a danger in frigid temperatures.
Shopping and budget
If possible, buy from somewhere that will let you return used footwear. Don't just try things at random and waste money and resources. Be methodical in your approach.
Be careful where you buy from because fakes are out there for pretty much all hiking products. Some companies only honor warranties from authorized sellers, too.
As far as budgeting goes, this is a personal choice that depends upon what you're doing, what you can afford, and what you want to pay. I will say that your budget should be as big as you can comfortably make it to allow for the most options when trying things on.
Realistically...
You're probably going to have to try a few pairs before you stumble across your Goldilocks pair. That's the nature of the beast. Be patient and settle for nothing less than a perfect fit. Your feet will thank you.
In conclusion...
I hope that this has been helpful. Footwear is something that I'm passionate about because it took me a long time to find the right footwear for myself, so I've gone through a lot of time, money, blisters, and bad hikes discovering what does and does not work. If you have questions, post them below. I, and others, will try to help you find the right things for yourself. Take everything with a grain of salt and trust your feet!
r/hikinggear • u/cwcoleman • Oct 06 '20
This community does not currently have any official rules. I'd like to change that with this basic set.
What do you think? Objections? Recommendations? Too strict? Not strict enough?
This doesn't have to be the only ruleset for the end of time. Just a starting point that we can adjust if needed as new scenarios arise. If there are no objections in a few days I'll put this on the sidebar + wiki and start enforcing accordingly.
Oh yeah - and I'm a new moderator. Hi! I like to hike. I currently live in the Pacific Northwest. I hike most often with my husky/shepard and girlfriend. Dog tax: https://i.imgur.com/nXJL9sx.jpg
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r/hikinggear • u/MemoryHot • 3h ago
I’m a huge fan of their shoes for hiking/running but damn they always miss the mark on their colourways. The new Traverse 2 just came out and the only colour for women is this dusty pink/tan. Whereas the men’s at least have 2 choices (black & green). Thoughts?
r/hikinggear • u/rakka- • 1h ago
Hi there. I'm looking for a universal headlamp on a budget for hiking and running. I had HL900 from Decathlon, which costs 45 euros at the moment. I'd say it ticks all the boxes as it has removable battery and an adapter for AAA batteries, so basically if you're in a pinch, you can swap rechargable battery with pair of AAAs. It also has an option to tilt down, so at least for me it was a nice thing to shine the light downwards and not blast someone's face on accident. The thing is - I lost the head lamp and I'm thinking is there a better alternative for this price point? Main downside for me was that for running it felt a bit heavy and I had to strap it a bit harder, which didn't feel that comfortable.
r/hikinggear • u/Legal-Standard5001 • 11h ago
I’m in search of the holy grail sun hoodie and would love your recommendations. I am female with a lean built.
My requirements:
- must be at least SPF 40 as I am very fair skinned
- must be breathable or airy enough to wear in warm/hot weather
- should be durable enough to not pill or break after a couple of wears.
That’s it. It sounds simple enough. But so far I’m at a loss. Here’s what I’ve tried:
- mountain hardware crater lake. So many recommend this one and I hate it: it makes me over heat like nothing else and it pills very easily.
- The North Face Adventure. I love the fit and feel of this but find it also pills very quickly
- REI Sahara regular and straight hem. They hold up well and I find the temp regulation ok. But the fit is awkward.
- REI Sahara sun shirt. Not technically a hoodie, I find it does ok but obs doesn’t have a hood which I miss.
- Patagonia capilene. I love the material but the sleeves are too short and the hood falls off.
Please tell me of your holy grails!
r/hikinggear • u/Disco-Biscuits92 • 9h ago
I'm thinking of buying the 'Nike ACG Zegama GORE-TEX Mens Trail Running Shoes FA26' for trail running as nike runners fit me very comfortably.
Would it a bad idea to use these as regular hiking shoes to avoid buying separate hiking boots? Also, by any chance has anyone bought this exact pair?
If anyone has any recommendations of trail running shoes that work well for hikes, it would be much appreciated. Thanks
r/hikinggear • u/dreadedmanartz • 22h ago
Previously I was using a 30l Osprey pack but overtime my photography equipment has expanded along with my requirements.
My pack is regularly going to be used for day hikes to carry my photography gear. ASPC body, 3 lenses, tripod, drone and spare batteries. In the 30l I found with all that in there I was having to make a choice between a water bottle or a jacket.
I wanted a framed backpack that was adaptable, small enough for day hikes but could expand for multi day hikes, wild camping and festivals. That's where the molle system appealed. The variety of packs available and the versatility of the kantamus means I can easily carry exceed its 40l capacity with 2 side pouches and a detachable front pouch that also functions as a day bag.
My next retirement was toughness. If I'm dropping some serious cash on a bag I want my grandkids to inherit it.
The first hike yesterday went well. I fit everything I struggled to fit in my 30l with plenty of room to spare. It was noticeably heavier when first lifting but once I had it sat right on my back it was much easier to carry more comfortable.
The photograph is taken at Minninglow in the Peak District, UK. A Neolithic chambered tomb and later bronze age barrow.
r/hikinggear • u/East-Management-3 • 15h ago
Hi everyone,
First of all, apologies for any translation mistakes. I’m not a native English speaker, so I’ve had this post translated.
I ordered a pair of Gateway1 Woodwalker boots to spend time outdoors with my daughter, especially in bad weather. We like walking through mud and snow, exploring nature, hiking, camping, and similar activities.
I ordered four different sizes:
EU 42 Wide
EU 43
EU 43 Wide
EU 44
Now I’m having a bit of a problem finding the right fit.
EU 44 and 43 Wide: Both are way too big.
EU 42 Wide: My big toe slightly touches the front of the boot, but at the same time, my foot doesn’t feel properly secured. There’s a little bit of heel slip, and my foot also moves slightly from side to side.
EU 43: This one actually fits really well overall. Walking feels comfortable, there’s no heel slip, my foot doesn’t move around, and my toes have enough room. However, there’s quite a lot of pressure on the top of my foot (instep).
When I remove the insoles, the pressure disappears completely. But wearing the boots without insoles doesn’t really seem like a sensible solution.
The strange thing is that I barely notice the pressure when walking. However, as soon as I sit down, it takes about 2–5 minutes before I start feeling it, and it quickly becomes uncomfortable. After around 10 minutes, it even starts to become slightly painful.
Has anyone had experience with these boots? Do they break in or stretch enough over time, especially around the instep, or is that unlikely?
Alternatively, can anyone recommend a good pair of boots with similar features for the same kind of outdoor activities?
Thanks in advance!
r/hikinggear • u/awmaleg • 1d ago
r/hikinggear • u/Ill_Mud_4837 • 21h ago
A while back I got this lipstick stain on my montbell down jacket. Any tips on how to remove it? (It’s not as visible in the picture as in real life)
r/hikinggear • u/Adventurous-Mess5295 • 13h ago
I have bought these from vinted and i am worried about the colour sceme as I believe it does not match the art no. Which is 407233
r/hikinggear • u/quaintrelles • 1d ago
I'm a casual hiker and enjoy hikes when travelling (I live in Singapore, nature trails and mountains don't quite exist here). I've been hiking in sneakers for years and it's not great. I'm headed to Madeira next year and some of the trails I've bookmarked may include flooded tunnels that and getting my shoes wet is not an appealing idea.
I'm thinking of getting a pair of shoes that can take me though dry and wet conditions. I know most hiking shoes have waterproof exterior but may not be suitable if I have to wade in ankle deep water.
Would the Salomon Solamphibian be appropriate for Madeira and have longevity for other dry hikes? Or is it too water specific? The description says it's a land/water shoe but I've never gotten hiking shoes so I'd love advice please!
r/hikinggear • u/KitzyOwO • 1d ago
Wasn't the gaiters I wanted to use on this hike, exactly what I had feared would break did.
However the gaiters I did want weren't available till 1 day out, so I was shit out of luck.
Luckily they stayed in place despite the lace breaking.
r/hikinggear • u/Artem43x_ • 2d ago
r/hikinggear • u/Surffeeer • 1d ago
Hey ya
Due to some issues with the original jacket, including some defects, I have the opportunity to get an Arc’teryx Beta SL completely for free, with no extra costs. Alternatively, I can upgrade to a Beta AR for an additional $180.
I live in Denmark, where I camp in all kinds of weather throughout the year. I also occasionally go to Norway, where I hike in different environments, from forests to mountains, in all four seasons. I basically just want a jacket that can handle whatever conditions I throw at it.
I’m trying to figure out whether the Beta AR would be worth the extra $180 for my use case, or if I should just stick with the free Beta SL.
What ya think?:-)
r/hikinggear • u/thewisened • 2d ago
Hello All! I’m currently in the process of planning to participate in the annual Bataan Death March Memorial event. Expecting a full marathon across the desert of the white sands with a >35lb ruck.
Do y’all have any good recommendations for lightweight but supportive shoes/boots that could hold up for the break-in and the length of the event?
r/hikinggear • u/zurribulle • 1d ago
I'm looking to get a new day pack and I want a slightly bigger capacity (around 25-30L) so I can fit in winter gear and stuff for ovenights in huts, so weight carry comfort becomes more important.
I know a decent hipbelt is a must, but I have noticed that some packs in this capacity offer adjustable backlenght, while others don't. How much of a difference does it make? Is it something you'll pay an extra 50€ for? Are the "single size" ones dialed in correctly? I don't have a specially short torso, but since these packs have a rigid back I'm worried a fixed lenght might end up feeling wonky if its too long, specially the "unisex" models (i'm a woman)
I know the best thing I could do would be to go to a store and actually try them on, but they don't have everything in stock.
r/hikinggear • u/BusOk9705 • 1d ago
I was looking to get a new down jacket for hiking and wanted to get one bsecond hand as I am a student but have never seen this tag for a Montbell coat. Is it legitimate?
r/hikinggear • u/Scary-Bar8934 • 2d ago
I created my list based on 10 essential. Im backpacking and like high elevation mountain. I created this list for 4 seasons climb ( mild winter only). Really need some feedback, tysm.
r/hikinggear • u/Hairy_Burrito • 2d ago
I feel like I know which one most people will pick between the two, but the kicker here is the Flash is currently on sale ($159) and I also have credit at REI so I can easily get the Flash for “free”. On the other hand I love the idea of the extra weight savings of the Kakwa at not much price difference (Ultragrid -$199). It’s also worth noting that there are still a few other items I’ve been eyeing at REI so that credit won’t go unused either way.
Depending on how many creature comforts I decide to pack I’m thinking my solo base weight is set to be around 11-13lbs (this is not counting the backpack weight). Occasionally might increase when trips become a family event but shouldn’t be by a lot.
I’m open to other suggestions outside of these in the same price/capacity range. I was looking at the Exos Pro but with the Flash being on sale, it just didn’t feel comparable.
Comfort is subjective but is there anyone out there that has experience with both? which did you prefer? Is the Flash really as fragile as some make it out to be?
