Foo - Need backpacking help

What are some really good backpacking/hiking/camping forums around the net? I have some specific gear questions.

Thanks

VI*

backpacking.com I believe, part of rodale's bicycling.com

what kind of gear questions, I backpack too

I will be hiking the canyon in september but I need some insight to hot weather gear. First would be socks and shoes. I want to get a new pair and break them in while i still have time.

VI*

depends on how much your feet sweat, mine dont sweat much, rocky terrain eats shoes though, the appalachian trail in Pennsylvania literally ate a pair of mine, West Virginia has those little pointy rocks to walk on too, they kill boots, dunno what the canyon will be like other than desert like and rocky, mostly sandstone I think though

last pair I bought for that type of hiking was nike air ascent lightweight hiking boots, bought them on a whim, turned out to be much better than I thought they'd be, weird looking but comfortable and tough

hard to beat merrill's for longevity and comfort, but they take tons of miles to get broken in

as far as socks, doesnt matter what weather, I wear cheap thick hiking socks from where ever I can find them, im gonna wear holes in them anyway !!

Redwing boots are extremely comfortable with no break in period required. Aside from needing new soles every now and then, they also last a good 3-5 times longer than other boots. They are pricey at 150 bucks or more per pair, but I get the feeling you're looking for the best.

Hiking in steel toes. You have to be a Uper, Michingander. :lol:
--A

I can only wish Al. Truth is, Redwings aren't always steel toed heavy beasts made for construction workers. They offer a wide variety of excellent boots made for just about anything, including hiking.

Be sure you have a great pair of comfortable, broken-in boots if you are backpacking the Grand Canyon. It's downhill with a heavy pack. You will have to carry lots of water, and it gets hotter as you descend into the canyon. You will tend to jam your toes into the ends of your boots, so be sure the toe box is big enough for your foot shape.

I would also recommend wearing two pairs of socks. I use polypropylene inner socks and thick wool outer socks. Wear both when you go to get your boots! The polypro will wick moisture from your feet. Keeping your feet dry will tend to reduce the possibility of blisters. The thick wool socks will provide cushioning (they also make great hot pads and mittens, so you can save weight!).

When you go to get boots, look for a shop that has a ramp to walk on. You want to get a feel for how your boots feel on uphills and downhills.

Will you be using the Bright Angel Trail from the south rim? In my opinion, this would be the best place to start if you haven't hiked the canyon before.


Be sure you get the proper permits. It's getting tough to hike the canyon these days. :(

Hot weather gear? What kind of weather are you used to? September at the bottom of the canyon could easily be in the 100's.

eubi: Weather that isn't measured by 3 digits. I'm barely tolerating the heat as it is.

VASQUE sundowners + 1 lite and one hvy pr sox, recommended by a climbing/hiking bud

bought mine on a Friday flew to Tanzania Sunday climbed KILI the next week, never a blister, felt like I had owned them for years was lucky pd 90$ for mine store was putting out the new models as I walked in

What are some really good backpacking/hiking/camping forums around the net? I have some specific gear questions.

Thanks

VI*

Ask here...I have a feeling eithor me or another member could help you...


(this coming from a gear junkie)