MULTI-DAY BACKPACKING BOOTS Zamberlan Vioz GT Gore-Tex backpacking boots A classic backpacking boot with
stiff sole and excellent ankle support. These boots combine the beauty and durability of leather with the performance of Gore-Tex. The uppers are leather with a Gore-Tex layer attached to an inner fixed bootie. Foot beds are removable and feature a top layer of wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable. At $285 a pair, these boots are a serious investment, but will pay for themselves in years of serious backpacking trips. Avoid blisters by breaking them in around town before putting these boots to the test on the trail.
HIKING SOCKS SmartWool Nothing beats wool
for breathability, keeping feet warm even when wet, and natural anti- microbial properties – that’s gear talk for “doesn’t stink as much as cotton or synthetic.” As I discovered while cross-country ski- ing, those coarse hand-knit Grand- ma socks cause blisters on the trail, so leave them in the tent or at home. SmartWool is my sock of choice for day hikes and longer trips.
At around $20 a pair, they aren’t cheap, but they’re designed with cushioning, ankle support and mini- mum seams for comfort. I can usually rotate three pairs on a trip – one pair for the tent and the other two alternated on the trail. Let SmartWool socks totally air out between wears, to keep your feet comfortable. Available in many colours and
styles, a pair – or two or three – will catch your eye.
BLISTER PREVENTION 101 Shop for new hiking boots in the
evening when your feet are slightly swollen. This will give you a realistic fit. Blisters are caused by boots that
are too big or too small, too tight or too loose, or by socks with too many seams. If you’ve tightened too much, or not enough and something starts to hurt, duct tape or moleskin will prevent blisters on heels or other sensitive spots. Treat little blisters fast before they become big problems. «oo
www.ottawaoutdoors.ca ottawaoutdoors 15
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51