Ultimate Hiking Thread

[look 171]

Originally Posted by David

I would LOVE to do it on a bike but that’s a complete no go for the wife. Read back to post about titanium plates in wife’s ankle. Hiking is a good joint activity for us and we hike every time we travel just not at this level.

I read that. I am only joking about the bike even though I know you would love to do it. If not Mt Blanc then it must be another like Ventox or similar similar Tour climbs. Hey, enjoy the time in France and the hike. Let us know how the hike goes

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by David

This would be an organized tour so hotel/adult hostel, breakfast and dinner covered. Will just be carrying food for lunch, water, warm clothes and first aid. Plus any good items from this thread.

I prefer a Gortex, low top, lightweight hiking shoe but the mention of high tops to keep little rocks out of shoes is noted.

I road ride at a pretty high level so I'm not concerned about my fitness and wife walks a couple miles a day but my big concern is the titanium plates in my wife's ankle from a bicycle wreck 10 years ago. So we will do some training with elevation to make sure my wife has the right shoe and can handle it.

High or low boots I recommend gaiters to keep out mud etc.

[Evans, Marv]

Some of the suggstions here are good. My former wife & I did the tour of Mont Blanc about fifty years ago. It was fun & easy during the summer. I don't remember many specifics, but we didn't take any specific gear, except for the basics like decent hiking boots, jacket, light rain coat or pancho, etc. I used my carry on pack that had shoulder straps built into it. If ou're doing a tour and staying in Prearranged shelters & hotels, you actuallly won't need a lot in terms of gear. The day's hikes aren't that strenuous, especially if you are in any kiind of shape.

[David]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

Some of the suggstions here are good. My former wife & I did the tour of Mont Blanc about fifty years ago. It was fun & easy during the summer. I don't remember many specifics, but we didn't take any specific gear, except for the basics like decent hiking boots, jacket, light rain coat or pancho, etc. I used my carry on pack that had shoulder straps built into it. If ou're doing a tour and staying in Prearranged shelters & hotels, you actuallly won't need a lot in terms of gear. The day's hikes aren't that strenuous, especially if you are in any kiind of shape.

That's good to hear!

This trip won't be til next summer but my wife plans way ahead of time! She also books everything way ahead of time which means she finds some awesome places to stay but also means we're fully committed to a trip.

A few pics for fun:


Hiking around Santorini


Cinque Terra, Italy


Leavenworth, WA


Some high elevation stuff around Southfork, CO (but cheating with a JEEP)

[David]

I tried a medium height hiking shoe and didn’t like it. I don’t like anything touching my ankles. So back to low top.

I also tried wool socks and wasn’t too happy with them. I don’t have trouble staying warm and even lightweight had my feet sweating. I like them in snow but I’m not expecting snow.

Next up… trekking poles. I’ve always been amused at hikers using them but everything I see and read say they’re really good for keeping stress off your knees. Thoughts?

[Evans, Marv]

I always liked the idea of hiking poles but never could remember to use them, except for a few times. In addition to taking stress off your knees, I like the idea they distribute the effort throughout your body. People mostly (myself included) just dangle their arms when hiking, whereas using poles make you use your arms, chest, and core in addition to added stabilization.

[ckissick]

Originally Posted by Evans, Marv

I always liked the idea of hiking poles but never could remember to use them, except for a few times. In addition to taking stress off your knees, I like the idea they distribute the effort throughout your body. People mostly (myself included) just dangle their arms when hiking, whereas using poles make you use your arms, chest, and core in addition to added stabilization.

I only use poles in very steep, rocky terrain.

[David]

I've settled on Saloman X Ultra 4 low height shoe in non-gore-tex. My feet get hot easy so I want the breathability of non-gore-tex. I'm planning to take waterproof socks in case I'm caught in a heavy rain storm.

I'll carry an Osprey Kestrel 38 backpack. It seems pretty comfortable and rides well on my hips and not on my shoulders.

I did buy poles but I'm not finding them useful yet. My wife uses hers but I think it just slows her down.

One concern I have is my hips and knees. I've ridden pretty aggressively my whole life and never had hip or knee pain but I'm starting to get some on my training hikes. Any suggestions? I was planning to find a good fitting knee sleeve to carry just in case but I've also heard of support bands for under the knees. Suggestions?