Equipment
Clothing
This page covers the basics of clothing necessary for exploring canyon country.
The best dress for walking is nakedness. But our sad though fascinating world rarely offers the right and necessary combination of weather and privacy, and even when it does the Utopia never seems to last for very long. So you always, demit, have to worry about clothes.
The following list contains some of the clothing items that we usually take along on our backpacking trips. Of course, each trip presents different challenges and weather conditions, so be flexible. Don't take more than you need, but do take what you need. Even though you will be "roughing it" you can still be comfortable. Take enough clothing to stay warm in the chill of the evening and the correct clothing to stay cool in the heat of the day. See also Personal Hygiene.
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In general, do a little research and determine what the worst weather conditions could be for the period of your hike, and dress accordingly.
- It usually pays to wear natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, next to the skin, and to use synthetics for your outer garments.
- Choose clothes that are dark, but bright.
- For shorts or pants, select a tough material in a color that hides the dirt.
- A large, bright cotton bandanna comes in handy for many uses, from a hat to a headband, and from a wash cloth to a sponge to apply cooling water to an overheated forehead or neck.
- Even in warm and sunny weather, wear a hat and long sleeves. High altitude sun can burn quickly. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses that block ultraviolet light.
- In cooler weather, hypothermia can be a life threatening problem. Wool or polypropylene clothing and good rain gear are recommended.
Boots and Socks
Selecting the correct pair of boots and socks may be the most critical decision you make as a hiker. Your boots are the foundation upon which you venture out into the backcountry. If your boots are too loose or too tight or ride up in the back and cause blisters you could be in for a long, treacherous hike. Take the time to try out a variety of boot styles and find a pair that is designed for the type of hiking you will be involved in most often. In general, when it comes to boots, you get what you pay for. This is not the area to be cheap. However, you do not necessarily have to go out and buy the most expensive pair of boots that are currently available. Some boots are designed for mountain hiking conditions, while others are engineered for desert hiking. There are boots specifically for day hikes, while others have extra support built in for long backcountry trips with a heavy pack on your back. At minimum, wear sturdy shoes with enough tread to give you good traction. Do not hike in leather-soled shoes or boots. Some trails cross slick rock and uneven terrain, or follow rock ledges where traction is very important.
Several good pair of socks are also essential. And don't scrimp here, either. It's hard to fork over ten dollars or more for a single pair of socks, but once on the trail, you will be glad you did. Even when we are on day hikes, we usually take along an extra pair of socks. If your feet start getting hot spots, it's a good idea to put on a fresh pair. And as with boots, there are a variety of styles each designed for a different type of hiking. Select your socks by need and not price alone.
Buying Boots
- When shopping for boots, try them on at the end of the day, when your feet are swollen. Wear the socks that you'll use on the trail, and any boot inserts that you might use.
- Speak with the store's boot specialist, and get your feet measured each time you buy new boots. Shoe size can change as you age. Note the measurements when your foot is neutral, when you're standing, with socks on, and lastly, with a heavy pack on.
- Try on and test numerous pairs before making decision. Different brands and models will feel different on your feet. Look for a snug heel and midfoot fit, with plenty of toe room. Take your time to walk around the store, using an incline ramp or steps to mimic uphill climbs. If you feel heel slippage, skip that model.
- When buying, trust the fit. Your feet will know which model and size feels best. It may not be the sexiest shoe or the expected size.
- Consider replacing the factory insoles with aftermarket footbeds. They improve fit, boost stability, and reduce foot fatigue by supporting your arch and snugging the shoe's heel pocket.
- Don't buy a heavier or a lighter boot than you need for your typical hike. Wearing heavy boots on trails creates fatigue and blisters. Using lightweight boots on hills under a big pack leads to twisted ankles and damaged shoes. Research has shown that every pound on your feet (boot weight) feels like 6.4 pounds in your pack.
- Feel for trouble. Don't tolerate pressure points, uncomfortable tongue folds, or hard heel cups.
- Boots change with use. They will gain a little volume and width, and the heel pocket will snug down, but they'll never be any longer.
- If you wear sandals, your feet may grow wider. Make sure your boots keep pace.
Boot Care
Three ways to make your boots and trail footwear last longer:
- Dry them by propping them upside down on your walking stick or trekking poles when in camp, or stuff them with newspaper when at home to prevent mold and rot.
- Clean them by using a soft brush and warm water, but no soap.
- Treat the leather every 100 miles by applying the conditioner recommended by the manufacturer to prevent cracking.
Clothes Line
A ten foot piece of nylon cord will work fine as a clothes line when tied between trees or between braced hiking sticks. You can use your line to dry wash and dish clothes, damp socks and T-shirts, or to support a space blanket to provide a bit of shade during a rest stop. The nylon cord could also be used in emergency situations for a variety of needs.
We have found a commercial clothes line that rolls up inside a plastic container and has several clips attached. It has a small hook at each end which makes it easy to set up and take down without tying a knot.
Books and Resources
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