Sport-Blog.com

BY RAE A. COSTA

When backpacking, your feet, ankles, and knees are treated much harsher than any other part of your body. More backpacking trips are ruined by sore knees, twisted ankles, and blistered feet. Sturdy, yet comfortable boots, proper socks, and trekking poles can alleviate soreness and make for a much more enjoyable hike.

BOOTS

The main purpose of boots is to protect and support your feet, along with cushioning them against constant pounding on hard or rocky terrain. Like with your backpack, if the fit isn't right you will suffer.

Fit should be your main concern when choosing footwear. Since feet swell during the day, it's best to shoe shop later in the day to ensure a proper fit. Of course shoe size can vary by manufacturer so you might have to try on several different sizes to find the most comfortable one. Try on both shoes and walk around a bit to get the feel of them.

How do you know what type of boot is best for you? For the most part there are only two types: lightweight and heavyweight. Heavyweight is made from leather and heavy rubber soles. Lightweight is made from a lighter type of leather or suede and synthetic fabrics.

What's best really depends on the type of hiking you'll be doing, such as during the summer or winter time and the terrain you'll be traversing, and of course your personal preference. Lightweight boots are the most popular, because they are in fact lighter, more flexible, and allow the feet to breathe better, thus your feet won't get as hot and sweaty as in a heavyweight boot.

To help decide what type might be best for you, remember for every pound on your foot equals 5 lbs. on your back. That can add up to alot of weight on your back, especially if you're already carrying a 40 lb. pack.

SOCKS

Just as you did choosing the right type of boots, you should spend just as much time on selecting socks. Most people overlook socks and grab just any old pair, but socks do make a difference. They cushion feet, prevent blisters, and keep feet cool and dry.

Although fluffy cotton socks may look comfortable they may not always be the best choice for hiking. Wool is a popular choice, as well as a wool blend made with lighter and cooler fabrics that wick away moisture, such as polypropylene. Whichever type you choose make sure they have a flat seam. Bulky seams rub and can cause blisters. Sock liners can be worn to provide extra protection against friction and blisters.

Heat is bad for wool socks because it removes lanolin from the wool and can cause synthetic fabrics to shrink. Be sure to check for special washing and drying instructions.

TREKKING POLES

Trekking poles resemble ski poles and like ski poles, are used primarily for balance. When used properly, trekking poles take pressure off the knees, help to maintain a rhythm while walking, which helps you to conserve energy, and can be used for navigating rough terrain to avoid twisted ankles.

They can also be used for a variety of other things, such as used to hang a tarp for a temporary shelter, as an emergency tent pole, to hold back bushes or move other obstructions from the trail, to find solid ground in marshy areas, to probe snow for rocks, or even be used as a fishing pole.

Their usefulness is limitless. Trekking poles should definitely be included on your required equipment list.

As with all of your equipment, take the time to find what's best for you. Depending on the type of backpacking you'll be doing some equipment may not be necessary. Research the various brands and talk to experts at the stores to learn what's good and what's not. Much of it has to do with your own personal perference and with experience it'll be easier for you to make equipment buying choices on your own.

Be educated about the equipment you'll be using, so you don't end up buying what someone else thinks you should have.