What's the general rule of thumb about pack weight and boot selection? I
have two pairs of boots at fairly extreme ends of the spectrum--on the
light end I have a wonderfully comfortable pair of Lowa Altair
all-terrain trail shoes. On the other end I have a pair of Vasque
Sundowner GTX heavy stiff leather traditional hiking boots.

Where's the generally accepted cutoff pack weight where I really need
the stiffer leather boot? Given a choice, I would prefer the Lowas, but
not at the expense of my ankles.

I'm hoping a reply from someone will save me from having to learn by
trial and error.

Thanks in advance,


Sean

Where's the generally accepted cutoff pack weight where I really need
the stiffer leather boot? Given a choice, I would prefer the Lowas, but
not at the expense of my ankles.

Instead of thinking strictly of pack weight, think in terms of percent
of body weight.
A 30 pound pack on a 200 pound body (15%) is significantly different
from a 30 pound pack on a 100 pound body (30%).
15% body weight can handle lighter shoes while the 30% body weight would
probably want the support of heavier boots with a shank in the mid-sole.

"john smith" <jsmith@net.net> wrote in message
news:jsmith-D296AC.12335601042006@network-065-024-007-027.columbus.rr.com...
Instead of thinking strictly of pack weight, think in terms of percent
of body weight.
A 30 pound pack on a 200 pound body (15%) is significantly different
from a 30 pound pack on a 100 pound body (30%).
15% body weight can handle lighter shoes while the 30% body weight would
probably want the support of heavier boots with a shank in the mid-sole.

I prefer to think that if I am five miles from the nearest road I want to do
everything I can to minimize the risk of ankle injury.

I don't know what appeal sneakers have over boots. They aren't any more
comfortable to me. Less comfortable over uneven ground for long periods of
time. They are lighter, but if walking in boots is too physically taxing,
perhaps overall conditioning is the problem.

I don't know what appeal sneakers have over boots. They aren't any more
comfortable to me. Less comfortable over uneven ground for long periods of
time. They are lighter, but if walking in boots is too physically taxing,
perhaps overall conditioning is the problem.

[ the Moderator ]
I don't know what appeal sneakers have over boots. They aren't any more
comfortable to me. Less comfortable over uneven ground for long periods of
time. They are lighter, but if walking in boots is too physically taxing,
perhaps overall conditioning is the problem.

My boots are somewhat stiff (La Sportiva Makalu) because I use them
for ice climbing, glacier and scrambling (that's the kind of mountain
trips I like). On easy ground and if the temperature allows I much
prefer sandals. Different terrain and pack weight makes for different
demands on the footwear -- in the mountains I'll use the big boots,
but on easy trips in the forest I might opt for good hiking shoes or
sandals.

In article <xunlkudvo1d.fsf@riget284.uio.no>,
Martin Thornquist <martint+rec@ifi.uio.no> wrote:
[ the Moderator ]
I don't know what appeal sneakers have over boots. They aren't any more
comfortable to me. Less comfortable over uneven ground for long periods of
time. They are lighter, but if walking in boots is too physically taxing,
perhaps overall conditioning is the problem.

Lighter.

I once did an 8 mile day hike in my Birkenstocks. I was amazed that
grains of soil didn't get under my feet.

I don't know what appeal sneakers have over boots.

I hike in the desert a lot. The thorns worry me more than dirt, so
sandals are right out; leather boots are mandatory.

I don't know what appeal sneakers have over boots.

In article <3ZednY1z351IiKbZnZ2dnUVZ_u2dnZ2d@comcast.com>,
Pat O'Connell <gypkap.figureitout@gmail.com> wrote:
I hike in the desert a lot. The thorns worry me more than dirt, so
sandals are right out; leather boots are mandatory.

I do there some. Light weight is fine.
You also have a whole lot of sharp toe stubbing things in a desert.

That one trip was on a dirt road, a nice pleasant one above the Napa
Valley, but still a road. Closed to the driving public.

appeal sneakers have over boots.
the desert
You also have a whole lot of sharp toe stubbing things in a desert.

All too true.
My lightweight hikers do OK on forest trails (Jemez mountain forest
trails for instance), but not too hot if the trails are very rocky.

That one trip was on a dirt road, a nice pleasant one above the Napa
Valley, but still a road. Closed to the driving public.

I'll guess that would be OK with sandals, unless goatheads (the bane of
the southwestern home owner or mountain biker) grow there.