r/hiking • u/DestructablePinata • May 13 '26
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/hiking • u/mlemcat11 • 10h ago
Went for a solo hike today in Saxon Switzerland (Germany) to the Bastei Bridge: Started in Wehlen, there’s a small ferry to the other side of the Elbe, and then it’s about 290m ascension over the Mahlerweg until you reach Bastei Bridge. Beautiful scenery, perfect weather for it today 👌🏻
r/hiking • u/Nervous-War-6548 • 2h ago
Deep in the heart of southeastern Tibet, the Gangrig Garbo mountain range stands in silent majesty. A forest of snow-capped peaks rises above a complex network of deep ravines—a hidden realm that feels as though it has remained untouched since the dawn of creation. It is a place rarely trodden by human feet, where only the whispers of the wind and the shifting shadows of snow reside. It is within this pristine, forgotten wilderness that "Qiancuo Qianxun" (A Thousand Lakes, A Thousand Quests) finds its origin. The name itself is poetry; the atmosphere, a dream—a vast expanse where countless lakes lie scattered like stars, and myriad waters beckon one to follow. It is a geographical labyrinth, and, more profoundly, a pilgrimage for the soul.
r/hiking • u/alonzogonzo • 5h ago
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It was an icy hike up. I didn’t bring crampons cause I didn’t think I’d need them but it would have been a million times more enjoyable with some. I would have turned around if I didn’t bring my trekking poles though. The wind at the summit was intense so I only stayed about 15 minutes but it was incredibly beautiful 💜
r/hiking • u/UnskilledLaborer_ • 3h ago
I went on a trip a few weeks ago and my filter wasn’t sealing well on a smart water bottle. It dripped stream water into my clean bottle a few times which I assumed
(Hoped) wouldn’t be a problem. Few days after I got home my stomach started hurting and I got the squirts for 3 days. I went 32 hours without food as a result.
Be careful about even a small amount of unfiltered water getting in your drinking supply. You may get the squirts like me. Happy trails.
r/hiking • u/FailedTypewriter • 10h ago
These are some of highlights on the high route of the "Alay Traverse" across southern Kyrgyzstan (not to be confused with the "Heights of Alay" 100km trek). The area has very diverse geography and the usual unpredictable mountain weather. The highest pass was about 4300 meters (14,000 feet). But overall it was not a hard route thanks to shepherd resupply caravan trails through all of the high passes.
r/hiking • u/Far-Yam1007 • 5h ago
This landscape is on the way to the Acsibi Caves—a wonderful place that looks like it’s from another planet. It is not a demanding hike, nor does it present many difficulties; it is ideal for older adults.
r/hiking • u/sundramraut • 4h ago
I did EBC + Gokyo in the last week of September 2026 with a group of 3 people.
We did EBC first and had Cho La Pass in our original plan. But after finishing EBC, we were already exhausted, so we ended up taking a helicopter to Gokyo instead of crossing the pass.
There was snow around Gokyo, and hiking up to Gokyo Ri was really hard. But the views from the top were incredible, and seeing Everest from that side was one of the best parts of the trip. We eventually took a helicopter back to Kathmandu from Gokyo.
Personally, I'd recommend doing EBC first and seeing how you feel. Cho La Pass is challenging, especially when there's snow, so don't underestimate it. If you skip the pass, you'll need to retrace your route to reach Gokyo, which takes extra time.
Overall, Gokyo was absolutely worth it, even though things didn't go exactly as planned! 🏔️
r/hiking • u/Background_Shame3834 • 12h ago
South West Coast Path from Heddon's Mouth to Lynton (12 miles/19km)
r/hiking • u/viennaCo • 1d ago
The pictures are one night apart. Yesterday’s hike was in the Hochkönig region. Today‘s in Großarl.
I love Austria, its beautiful nature, our tap water, the cleanliness and safety.
r/hiking • u/Specific-Reindeer-56 • 10h ago
this is a short hike to Morteratsch glacier. to get close to the glacier it‘s better to bring micro spikes during this time of the year.
r/hiking • u/carlthebiker • 13h ago
Heads up, hikers: today, Tuesday, October 27, 2026, is a fee-free day at every U.S. national park that charges entrance — it's Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday. A few things worth knowing before you head out:
If you're in the Mid-Atlantic and want to get on trail at peak fall color today, three solid options:
Great Falls Park ($20 saved) — Walk the short, flat boardwalk trail to Olmsted Island for the best views of the falls, about a quarter mile. Arrive before 9 a.m. if you can; lots fill fast on free days.
Harpers Ferry ($20 saved) — Climb to Jefferson Rock for the classic view over the river confluence, or do Maryland Heights (about 4.5 miles round trip) for the postcard view of Lower Town. Park at the visitor center and ride the free NPS shuttle into Lower Town.
Shenandoah — Skyline Drive ($30 saved, the biggest discount) — Enter at Front Royal and drive south. Stretch your legs on Stony Man, a short, gentle walk to a rocky summit at 4,011 feet, or Bearfence, a 1.2-mile circuit with a fun scramble and a true 360-degree summit view. The speed limit is 35 mph, so plan a full day for the Drive.
General free-day tips: arrive early, pack food and water (in-park dining is limited in late October), and check each park's alerts on nps.gov for trail or hunting-season closures before you go.
Enjoy the free day out there!
r/hiking • u/extremepedestrian • 7h ago
I just got this email. What a bummer! My mom loves the map link :(
r/hiking • u/carlthebiker • 3h ago
The Maryland Heights trail climbs through Civil War earthworks to the classic overlook above Lower Town and the Potomac-Shenandoah confluence. It's about 4.5 miles round trip to the overlook and back, moderate to strenuous with a rocky upper stretch. Park at the Visitor Center and take the free shuttle or walk in from town; start early on weekends and bring layers, since the overlook runs colder and windier than town.
These photos are all from the same hike across three seasons: winter (Jan 2023), summer (Jun 2026), and fall (Oct 2026).
r/hiking • u/Bruc3T0ng • 2h ago
Went backpacking on Mount Wutai in China with a full pack, and somehow still found myself logging what I ate throughout the day.
Apparently I can take a break from my usual routine without taking a break from this particular habit: Eat something, open the log, carry on walking. Even out on the trail, there’s something satisfying about having it all written down.
This is what a day of food ended up looking like. Looking back at it afterward, it feels like a different kind of hiking diary. The photos show where I went; the food log shows what kept me going.
Anyone else still log their food on hiking trips, or do you completely switch off?
r/hiking • u/BrownAfterDark_ • 1h ago
Jeep track of 2.5 hours and 30 minutes hike to the andrab lake...first snowfall of the season... witnessed the most beautiful snowfall ever
r/hiking • u/Bucky571 • 1d ago
Went on an overnight trip to Middle Fork Lake, NM with a sort of “vintage” gear theme. I rocked my $2.50 late 70s Jansport D3 and my wife used her $7 early 80s Kelty Sonora III, both for the first time. I’ve been doing some minor repairs and getting the packs ready to go, trying to keep to materials and techniques used when they were newer. We had an absolute blast, despite the intense hail and snow, haha.
Loved using the old gear, it was awesome talking to my dad about how he would’ve setup his gear like this and his own backpacking trips, and just gave me more respect for the older gear. I’ll absolutely be using this on some future trips.
r/hiking • u/Riley31415 • 1d ago
Went on a little weekend backpacker with my dog. Had to deal with some pretty crazy wind chill, but managed to stay warm. The sunsets and sunrises were incredible, and looking over the morning fog was genuinely transcendent.
r/hiking • u/goldy-000 • 1d ago
I have visited a few Middle Eastern countries now - and I have to say Oman for hiking is one of the best out there!
These treks were very empty though - literally no one there when I visited. Loved it!
r/hiking • u/OriginalJudgment9796 • 10h ago
Hi! I’m fairly new to hiking/backpacking, one concern I have is how I will store/filter water. Sorry if this is dumb but any recommendations you guys have? In a week I’m going to loyalsock trail in pa, which is pretty rich in water sources. Not sure how I wanna pack water for an overnight backpacking trip, also have never filtered natural water before but very open to doing so, any tip? Thank you!
r/hiking • u/Beneficial_Pin_7770 • 6h ago
I have a 17-year-old son who has recently decided he likes to hike and he didn’t start off really slow with hills, his first hike was starting at 4600 feet elevation and hiking up to about 6500 feet. His second hike was to 9700 feet and his third hike was to 11,033 feet. That is his only experience and I am terrified of him getting hurt so I want to build him some sort of a safety pack to carry with him, but I don’t know what to put in it. I don’t know what type of shoes he needs. I don’t know if he needs trekking poles. I don’t know what to do to give him the best leg up, but I do know that hiking in tennis shoes and basketball shorts with a couple peanut butter and jelly sandwiches probably isn’t the safest route. I don’t want to discourage him. I think it’s a really healthy habit and I love that he’s adventurous and being in Utah, we have amazing places to hike, but I definitely want him to be safe and I want him to come home from every single trip.
I’d appreciate some insight on basics so that can send him shopping with someone who will sell him proper gear and not oversell for a fat commission.
r/hiking • u/Fun-Tumbleweed7853 • 4h ago
Is the out and back possible in one day? I know it isn't easy and is a long hike. I'm not asking that. In good weather, how hard is it for someone in very good cardio shape?
r/hiking • u/RoundRide697 • 21h ago
Started at 3 AM from Osaek in fog and rain. The summit (Daecheongbong, 1,708 m) was completely whited out, but around 7 AM the clouds started clearing and these ridges appeared out of the mist.
Route: Osaek → Daecheongbong → Socheong → Bongjeongam Hermitage → Gugokdam Valley → Baekdamsa Temple
19 km, 1,716 m of elevation gain, 10.5 hours total, with peak fall colors on the way down.
Happy to answer any questions about hiking in Korea!
r/hiking • u/Subject-Salary5087 • 1d ago
I just got back from Nepal, and honestly, I don't even know where to start. It was my first time in the country and my first proper multi-day trek. As a solo traveler, I was a bit nervous about taking on something like the Annapurna Circuit, but I'm so glad I did.
The drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani was an adventure on its own 😂. The roads were something else, but seeing the scenery slowly change made it worth it.
Manang was one of my favorite stops. I never expected to find a bakery up there, and sitting with a coffee and cake surrounded by those mountains was such a nice break from walking. Crossing Thorong La Pass was probably the biggest highlight, though. It was tough, and I definitely felt the altitude, but the feeling of making it across was incredible.
Muktinath was another special place. After all those days in the mountains, visiting the temple was a completely different experience. And finding the Bob Marley restaurant there was something I didn't expect! Marpha was also beautiful, with its traditional whitewashed houses and peaceful little streets. I could have spent much longer wandering around.
I finished the trip in Pokhara, which was the perfect place to relax after all those days of walking. Sitting by the lake and looking back at the mountains felt surreal.
Since it was my first time in Nepal, I also had to figure out Kathmandu, airport transfers, hotels, and transportation. I booked a package that included a guide, porter, meals during the trek, accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the main transportation arrangements. Honestly, having those things sorted beforehand made traveling alone much easier. I could focus on the experience instead of worrying about every little detail.
Nepal completely exceeded my expectations. The mountains were amazing, but it was also the people, the food, the little villages, and all the unexpected moments that made the trip special.
Already missing it. Not sure which trek I'll do next, but I know I'll be back! ❤️
r/hiking • u/advanture_Big_33060 • 22h ago
India himachal pradesh kareri lake also called frozen lake at winter season
