*** Official Backpacking Thread ***

[afoaf]

OMFG NO BOOTS

holy sh!t you guys...

ankle support isn't a thing...it's bullshit

your feet will actually be(come) stronger with a zero drop, minimalist shoe

I use these

Collections - Trail Glove Collection | Merrell

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people love these

MEN'S ALTRA LONE PEAK 5: The Performance Trail Shoe | Altra® Running

Discover peak performance from trail to mountaintop with Altra's Lone Peak 5. This neutral trail running shoe performs great at any distance in any off-road conditions.

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La Sportiva and Hoka are also well-liked.

I have a Merrell low top hiking shoe...but that doesn't come out anymore

every step you take, you're lugging 5 pounds up and down...every step...the whole way

lighter is better

 

[afoaf]

Foxelli carbon poles with cork handles are cheap

cork handles are better in hand than foam handles....poles get expensive

I'm serious about the ankle/boot thing...I have GARBAGE ankles...genetically
and after doing mechanical damage to them skateboarding as a kid

I'd only wear a boot now if I was using power tools or going somewhere with
a LOT of loose scree/talus that could injure my feet with a less tough outer

 

[casa_mugrienta]

I'm serious about the ankle/boot thing...I have GARBAGE ankles...genetically
and after doing mechanical damage to them skateboarding as a kid

That's me.

I roll them just walking around town.

Link to the "ankle support is bullshit" thing?

 

[afoaf]

look at a boot...you're telling me that thing is actually supporting the lever
arm forces of your body weight/height?

you can find plenty of people opining about it online

anecdotally, I no longer wear boots...and I'm doing bigger miles than ever,
going offtrail and on generally more technical terrain.

and I can roll my ankle on an uneven sidewalk.

you'll like poles...it seems a bit much at first, but even just using them for
descents will make the investment worth it

keep an eye on clearance sales, grab some trail runners and give it a go

when you move to a zero drop, you're just closer to the walking surface
and this affects your foot placement and stride....mechanic efficiencies
and better tack will come to you naturally this way

 

[_____]

I'm breaking in pair of Redwings with those Vibram soles. They probably weigh close to 4lbs. Other than that I wear Keen. Less grippy but much lighter. Ankle support and protection > ankle high trail shoes for me for bushwacking and stomping through tall grass etc.
Seriously, I'm near the point where hiking with a pack without poles is almost inconceivable. They're a super multipurpose tool that go far beyond more efficient and faster hiking.

 

[casa_mugrienta]

The boot is not supporting, it's preventing roll.

My boots are about toast so maybe I'll try some runners.

 

[PRCD]

I have Lowa Renegades and love them.

 

[crustBrother]

I no longer wear boots...and I'm doing bigger miles than ever,
going offtrail and on generally more technical terrain.

Same. Did 30 miles of off-trail talus and scree on the high route with a 35 lb pack in a pair of $80 running shoes. All good.

The only time I miss my full shank mountaineering boots is when I want to hurt someone.

 

[all3]

Ari

If you were hitting the trail today, where would you start? And where would you be headed?

Arizona Trail

 

[Random Guy]

I see mostly old people using poles
Is that because they’re old and making up for it with poles
Or because they’re wise and don’t give a f what they look like

Why do people use poles? Maybe o don’t know what I’m missing

 

[crustBrother]

Why do people use poles?

They take a significant load off my knees when I'm descending. I'm old.

 

[Random Guy]

They take a significant load off my knees when I'm descending. I'm old.

Some people are really into taking huge loads on their knees, but I’m not sure if that’s a different conversation

 

[Iceman]

Poles are great for steep ascents/descents and general support on longer treks. I'm not old and I've been using them for bigger stuff for a while.

 

[afoaf]

on flats they are good for maintaining upper body stability on trail...

you can kind of *float* your torso...this reduces energy needed
to stabilize your body via your legs

they can also provide a modicum of forward propulsion, but people
often have poor form in this mode...

 

[r32]

Floating Torsos is the name of my new punk band.

 

[San Gabriel Valley local]

look at big time over here with the TarpTent

boner!

lol yes it's a TarpTent Protrail. I can't recommend it, set up depends on the exact amount of tension with the supporting poles and the staked guy out lines, and it is unforgiving, if either of the poles moves just a little bit the shelter will likely collapse.

 

[afoaf]

lol yes it's a TarpTent Protrail. I can't recommend it, set up depends on the exact amount of tension with the supporting poles and the staked guy out lines, and it is unforgiving, if either of the poles moves just a little bit the shelter will likely collapse.

I have heard that the pitch is finicky

the Notch and Aeon both look radical...their products seem to be pretty highly regarded

I like that they are a local Sierra outfit that manufactures domestically

I'm 100% sold on the tapered catenary cut tarps over mids....I have my eye on a Yama
silpoly or DCF Cirriform Min

I think I'm over hauling a dedicated inner...I'm experimenting with something like this
for when bug pressure is high:

Nano Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter

FREE SHIPPING & LIFETIME GUARANTEE. Perfect mosquito protection for the buggiest of adventures. The use of 15D mesh makes this portable mosquito net incredibly lightweight and packable. The asymmetric shape means the apex of the pyramid is closer to the head end for more usable headroom.

seatosummitusa.com

I can string it up from interior hooks and weigh down the corners with gear

and I also ordered a custom dimma bivy from Borah to try out for trips with bugs/wind
and cowboy camping options when I don't need to pitch the tent...but that still seems
a bit out of reach for me as I like the feeling of having something "over" me

 

[Autoprax]

That's me.

I roll them just walking around town.

Link to the "ankle support is bullshit" thing?

Why do you think your ankles roll?

Mine did because of nerve damage atrophying peroneal muscles.

I got really good at my ankle rolling, starting to fall and catching myself, by bending my legs.

It looked really weird but the rest of my body was compensation for the dysfunction in ankle.

I have to brace it now.

 

[crustBrother]

I like the feeling of having something "over" me

that's what stars are for

 

[ElOgro]

that's what stars are for

Cohiba de panza.