CHAT Help me select some hiking gear.

[Macgyver]

So going out to Colorado to Rocky mountain nation park.
I need some new stuff. And some input on what to get.

I need a new pair of hiking boots. Something waterproof. I was thinking theses. My go to daily shoe is the low cut version of these so I think they should be a good fit.
All the other boots I already have are hammered or insulated and too heavy.

Moab 2 Mid GORE -TEX® Wide Width

Official Merrell Site - Shop mens Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX wide width hiking boots, made with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, supportive footbed, & Vibr

www.merrell.com

I also need a backpack. Nothing major not camping. Just something to put water in and rain gear and some other random crap.
This I know nothing about.

Whats the hive mind have to say.

 

[shane]

I've found these guys reviews & member
commentaries to be real-world spot on...

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[Jeep]

I have a pair of the Merrell's that you are looking at. I am happy with mine and easy on the feet when out hiking.

 

[joekan]

I use Gregory packs because of their comfort, especially on the 3-4 day hikes. Also they're great for everyday carry packs as well. The straps don't cut into your shoulders and the lumbar belt has helped me with my bad back. Do you have a REI or any other camper store close by? You can try any of them on and they will even put weights in it so you can get a feel of it. They also will measure your torso to see what size pack fits you.

 

[Panner]

You can't go wrong with Merrell's. I have been buying them for years. Hopefully you can get them in stock in your area.I recently ordered a pair from Merrell since they were out of stock around here. Took about 3 weeks to get them. If you have time buy them direct from Merrell, I got them on sale at 20% off and also saved another 10% by signing up for their emails. I hate getting the emails all the time, so just unsubscribed.

 

[dvo]

So going out to Colorado to Rocky mountain nation park.
I need some new stuff. And some input on what to get.

I need a new pair of hiking boots. Something waterproof. I was thinking theses. My go to daily shoe is the low cut version of these so I think they should be a good fit.
All the other boots I already have are hammered or insulated and too heavy.

Moab 2 Mid GORE -TEX® Wide Width

Official Merrell Site - Shop mens Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX wide width hiking boots, made with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, supportive footbed, & Vibr

www.merrell.com

I also need a backpack. Nothing major not camping. Just something to put water in and rain gear and some other random crap.
This I know nothing about.

Whats the hive mind have to say.

I love Merrell boots. Lots of comfortable support for me. Price is right. I have heavier boots, but not nearly as comfortable. What I don’t know are the demands of western mountain hiking. But, it sounds like you are happy with the low cut version. I’d start there. I’ll certainly buy another pair of Merrill’s. Good luck. Have fun!

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

I use Gregory packs because of their comfort, especially on the 3-4 day hikes. Also they're great for everyday carry packs as well. The straps don't cut into your shoulders and the lumbar belt has helped me with my bad back. Do you have a REI or any other camper store close by? You can try any of them on and they will even put weights in it so you can get a feel of it. They also will measure your torso to see what size pack fits you.

Gregory's packs are sturdy, but too heavy for most people.
Look for a pack under 4 pounds, a tent under 1.5, a sleeping bag under 3.
Oh, and down's not worth the weight savings over synthetic; too delicate and too unreliable (wet = completely worthless except for imitating a cinderblock on your back).

For tents, I like Henry Shires tarptents. Big Agnes is a good concept for sleeping bags, with the pad slipping into a cover under, but I got cold a lot on the trail using theirs.

 

[Macgyver]

So I just ordered the boots of of Amazon. 40 bucks less than the manufactures site. So 109 thats not bad.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

REI has tons of gear. They also have close out deals on their website. There stuff is usually pricey.
WalMart has camping gear - some is useful and a good deal - some is not.

borrow stuff from a buddy if it is only a one time type situation.
Always plan for the unexpected. Especially on "afternoon" or "one day" hikes.

 

[Macgyver]

I use Gregory packs because of their comfort, especially on the 3-4 day hikes. Also they're great for everyday carry packs as well. The straps don't cut into your shoulders and the lumbar belt has helped me with my bad back. Do you have a REI or any other camper store close by? You can try any of them on and they will even put weights in it so you can get a feel of it. They also will measure your torso to see what size pack fits you.

Nothing close by.

Closest REI is 20 miles away. Probably less if I stopped on the way home from work.
I need to look at the address better, It may be in a mall. I'm not even sure if malls opened yet.

EMS would be 20 miles to the north in a not usual direction I travel. Have to look to see if there is one on my route to work.
That store to the north is in a strip mall so they "can" be open.

 

[Macgyver]

REI has tons of gear. They also have close out deals on their website. There stuff is usually pricey.
WalMart has camping gear - some is useful and a good deal - some is not.

borrow stuff from a buddy if it is only a one time type situation.
Always plan for the unexpected. Especially on "afternoon" or "one day" hikes.

Wall mart here has nothing like that really.

I might text a friend about the back pack but anything he has might be too big. Hes got at least 80 pounds on me.

 

[KFhunter]

So going out to Colorado to Rocky mountain nation park.
I need some new stuff. And some input on what to get.

I need a new pair of hiking boots. Something waterproof. I was thinking theses. My go to daily shoe is the low cut version of these so I think they should be a good fit.
All the other boots I already have are hammered or insulated and too heavy.

Moab 2 Mid GORE -TEX® Wide Width

Official Merrell Site - Shop mens Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX wide width hiking boots, made with GORE-TEX waterproof technology, supportive footbed, & Vibr

www.merrell.com

I also need a backpack. Nothing major not camping. Just something to put water in and rain gear and some other random crap.
This I know nothing about.

Whats the hive mind have to say.

They aren't waterproof, I had mine wet in minutes on an elk hunt. They're a comfortable hiker though, but only trail duty.

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

Go to www.whiteblaze.net. It's likely the biggest hiking website there is. The place is run by radical libtards, but there is a near-infinite amount of highly specific info if you dig around.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

and do not wear cotton sox (you will get blisters.)
Get thin wicking sox to pull the sweat perseration from you r feet and put them on before anything else

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

Go to www.whiteblaze.net. It's likely the biggest hiking website there is. The place is run by radical libtards, but there is a near-infinite amount of highly specific info if you dig around.

They seem to think they are the sole owners of the woods and forest. OH and some of them are radicals that WILL set traps to kill people on "their" forests.

and beware pot growers and "their" grow areas (often cartel operated and protected).

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

They seem to think they are the sole pwners of the woods and forest. OH and some of them are radicals that WILL set traps to kill people on "their" forests.

Nah, these are hikers and packsniffers (pro-hiking types). You're thinking ELF/PETA nutbags; that's a different site.

 

[Intestinal Fortitude]

Nah, these are hikers and packsniffers (pro-hiking types). You're thinking ELF/PETA nutbags; that's a different site.

all kinds of kooks in the forests -- even ELFs

 

[Tarryn]

My husband and I hike, backpack and camp. He loves Merrell boots, but likes the Chameleon better than the Moab. I prefer Timberland boots, they fit me better. I really recommend trying a few brands on to find the best fit. Both the Moab and Chameleon have waterproof versions.

Backpack, for day trips we use Camelbak packs, and Osprey for overnight. You will want to try to find the Osprey on sale/clearance. They are usually to expensive for my wallet otherwise.
I've heard Deuter is good but cannot speak from experience.

Outdoorgearreview.com is a good place to check reviews
Tarryn

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

Dunham's footwear got me through my 2006 successful Appalachian Trail thruhike and my 2008-2009 Pinhoti + half of the AT redux. As New Balance owns them, means they have SERIOUS wide widths.

 

[Meemur]

My summer hiking boots are Merrells Moab -- big toebox and narrow heels -- fits me really well!

My winter boots are Merrells with the ice cleats -- don't remember the name.

I wear hiking boots at home and on the trails. I switch over to Brooks running (or walking) shoes for shopping or anything else in town. The shoes are left outside on the porch in the sun to disinfect.

 

[Ravekid]

I really like to day hike. I've hiked locally in the Midwest, and in the SW, northern Rockies, and Alaska so far. I can't tell if you are a veteran hiker or if this level of hiking is new to you. Here are my suggestions (some info you might already be aware of):

Hiking foot ware and issues:

I have Timberland White Ledge boots. These are a mid-length boot that is waterproof(*). My feet are borderline wide, but the boots I have aren't wide and my feet feel fine. The boots you posted get good reviews. I wear Merrell's for work and am happy with that boot. Merrell and others use Gore-Tex to allow for slots/slits to be incorporated in their boot. There is nothing wrong with this, it does allow the foot to breath which can reduce heat which lowers the blister issue. However, if the Gore-Tex membrane gets damaged, you might end up with a waterproof issue though. My Timberland boots are basically fully encased, but they also get hot. Getting a mid to full size boot is a good idea, especially for elevated, rocky terrain. It helps protect one from twisting an ankle.

Socks are just as important as the boot. I purchased some Wigwam and Thorlo socks over ten years ago. While they are on the thicker side of things, they have done me well. I do plan on getting some lighter weight hiking socks because these socks are almost too hot to hike in. I'm considering Injinji liners. These are socks that actually have separate socks for each individual toe as well. I've heard good things about these sort of socks. While they are "liners," I've read many reports of people just wearing these to hike in.

Backpacks:

I have a simple, entry level pack from Walmart. It is an Outdoor Products backpack. They change these models from time to time. For a simple day pack, you'll want something that can carry a water bladder. I actually don't use a water bladder, but might try it in the future. What I like in a pack is one that has a lot of smaller compartments on the outside, so you don't have to dig in one big compartment for stuff. I also like deep and tight side pockets which help secure longer water bottles. My backpack also has adjustable ties. I like these because I can tie my hiking sticks to my pack. I use sticks on the way down all the time, but not so much on the way up.

Good luck and have fun. I've never been to Rocky Mountain NP but I hear it is amazing.

 

[KFhunter]

They seem to think they are the sole owners of the woods and forest. OH and some of them are radicals that WILL set traps to kill people on "their" forests.

and beware pot growers and "their" grow areas (often cartel operated and protected).

gotta watch out for them hippies

 

[Red Baron]

This is a good stop for independent outdoor gear reviews.

Trailspace: Outdoor Gear Reviews

Independent outdoor gear reviews by real hikers, backpackers, climbers, paddlers, and backcountry skiers. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons on thousands of outdoor products at Trailspace.

www.trailspace.com

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

Bridgedales for socks. If you blister, wear two pair, one of which is nylon dress socks. Need to bring the thick moleskin and white medical tape, along with tiny scissors to cut the moleskin, also.

 

[Select]

Bridgedales for socks. If you blister, wear two pair, one of which is nylon dress socks. Need to bring the thick moleskin and white medical tape, along with tiny scissors to cut the moleskin, also.

2nd on the bridgedales, smartwool and Fox River from REI also good choices

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

Smartwool works, but is considerably itchier than Bridgedales. SW requires a thin inner sock IMO, but BDs do not.

 

[Red Baron]

I gifted my daughter's boyfriend the DD Bergen rucksack.

Pouches can be removed, allowing you to configure it to a number of sizes. This pack would also be great for day to day use or as a bugout bag.

$99.00 USD with free expedited shipping from Scotland.

Runtime 3:05

DD Bergen Rucksack

View: https://vimeo.com/392439165

 

[Warm Wisconsin]

Smartwool works, but is considerably itchier than Bridgedales. SW requires a thin inner sock IMO, but BDs do not.

However, alpaca sockscan’t be beat in extreme cold weather situations

 

[Mikiekimi]

Merrell MOABs are pretty stout. I've had a few pair that are taking me FOREVER to wear out (2011 production). They've lost their waterproofing, but they are still pretty solid. Good wool socks with a super-thin sock liner is also helpful. I have smartwool, farmtofeet, cabelas, ascend, (among others). I can't really complain about any of them.

I bought some low $$ High Sierra (35L and 45L) backpacks in 2012 for my boys and I to use on our (what was) annual backpacking trip. They have held up surprisingly well for what I paid for them - still going string..

 

[Warm Wisconsin]

I have a pair of the Merrell's that you are looking at. I am happy with mine and easy on the feet when out hiking.

I also own a pair. Have a number of hundred miles on mine. Very happy with them. However, I get sweaty inthe waterproof model at temps above 60f

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

However, alpaca sockscan’t be beat in extreme cold weather situations

For wet conditions (some overlap), I strongly suggest Sealskin socks. PITA to clean, but can be Godsends. Oh, and they make gloves, too. (I wear cheapo brown cotton gloves at nonwet times; along with bandannas are my ONLY cotton while longdistance hiking.)

 

[Jeep]

I also own a pair. Have a number of hundred miles on mine. Very happy with them. However, I get sweaty inthe waterproof model at temps above 60f

I use polypro liner socks to wick away the moisture and wear Merino wool socks when out hiking. Big improvement over any other sock that I wear.

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

Also: pick up some Hydropel and/or Bodyglide.

Likewise, Sea to Shore bags will keep stuff dry when nothing else will.

Lastly, get an Ursack to protect your food. (I got to where I enjoyed hearing mice audibly breaking their teeth trying to get into it.) Gotta protect it from UV, though.

 

[AlaskaSue]

Another Merrell fan here; have my winter and summer and work boots. I also hike a lot but wear the high tops if out for more than a few hours; for multi-day hikes you might consider a couple of pairs of good inserts to trade out daily (unless you are bringing along a spare pair).

Getting out is always a great idea!

 

[Publius]

Here you go and seriously click the link and enjoy shopping for what you want and much of the items are rated by every day people that have a membership there.
LINK: Trailspace: Outdoor Gear Reviews



ok; link works.

 

[MinnesotaSmith]

Oh, and have more than one way to purify water. Filters are convenient (no wait), but lots of arm sweat for volumes. Break if dropped or freeze with water in. I used Aqua Mira after coffee filter prefilter. Have Lifestraws or chlorine dioxide tablets for backup IMO. NO bleach/hypochlorite, halazone, or Iodine!

 

[goosebeans]

Hope you have a really great time. I love hiking. Just one thing that crossed my mind though. I may have watched too many "Missing 411" videos but if I was planning to hike in any national forest/park, I'd take Dave Paulides' advice and carry a personal GPS locator beacon. If this is a one off trip, you can always sell it once your done. Just can't be too careful these days and you would have peace of mind if you should somehow lose the trail or get injured.

 

[Red Baron]

Here you go and seriously click the link and enjoy shopping for what you want and much of the items are rated by every day people that have a membership there.
LINK: Trailspace: Outdoor Gear Reviews

ok; link works.

See Post #23 . . .

I'm and member there and have authored about eight reviews or so.

It's a friendly and well informed group. The mods are very helpful.

FYI - It is not an actual shopping site, just reviews.