A decent set of boots/socks, and other worthwhile gear?

Howdy folks,

Walked up a couple of mountains (slieve foye, croagh patrick etc.) and looking to do a fair bit more as next year comes in.

Yesterday I spent 5-6 hours rambling around slieve foye, and came home with feet that feel like they went barefoot. Blisters on the back of my heels, underneath of my feet rubbing on the insole of the boot, etc.

(now that said, the boots may have been fine, and it could possibly just be the socks that were the problem).

So was wondering if anyone with a little more experience could perhaps point out a decent set of boots with good grip and that are very comfortable, and a pair/s of socks to match? (or would I be better off just buying anti-rub running socks and wearing more than one pair of them?).


Also, could anyone point out any other worthwhile gear? My 'to get' list currently consists of a pair of gloves and a decent walking stick. Is there anything I'm overlooking that could make a decent difference to the practicalities of a joe soap like myself wandering around? As I say, haven't done much just yet, but want to explore a bit more in future with other mountains/hills/treks etc. (more for fitness than anything else) and don't want it to feel like a chore cos of crappy gear.


Cheers to anyone able to help out.

Nomis21

Good quality windproof and waterproof cagoule with a hood that is light to carry when it's not needed to wear.

I have a pair of Meindl boots. Cost 200 Euro, but so comfortable, I wear them in the house sometimes!

Losty Dublin

What gear had you first off as a matter of interest?

CardinalJ

In terms of what boots, it all depends on the shape of your feet. I've real wide feet so have a pair of Meindls that Great outdoors in Dublin recommended. Prior to that I had Salomons that were nice, but in hindsight were a bit too narrow and they wore out too fast. I've friends who go on one hour hikes around the place and wear boots from Lidl/Aldi that costs €40, but when you go above a few hours they'll eat your feet. You'll get good advice here about boots, but really you need to go into a shop and let them look at your feet.

As you pointed out, socks could be the problem. One pair of wool socks is what I wear. You could pay 20 for a decent pair but it's money well spent.

What would you wearing on a hike generally?

Given it's coming into Autumn/Winter, if I'm going out I always have.
Waterproof Boots
Wool Socks
Gaiters
Trousers that dry quick (Waterproof trousers in Bag)
Wool Tshirt (They dry quicker and deal with sweat better)
Light fleece (Would have thermals or extra Fleece if going out in Snow/Ice)
Windproof Jacket (Waterproof Jacket in Bag)
Gloves/Hat
Poles (I tend not to actually use them that much)

You'll build up gear over time. Footwear best place to start though.

Losty Dublin

Losty Dublin wrote: »

What gear had you first off as a matter of interest?

A pair of boots, (with two pairs of your everyday dunnes stores cotton socks), a stick that I got a lend of (think it was this one), and my clothing was just a pair of running shorts (you know the lycra style ones) under a pair of combats, and upper body was a short sleeve runners shirt and a Regatta fleece.

Clothing itself was comfortable (pants were probably a tad baggy, but not really an issue). It was really just my feet that took the pounding.

I also had no gloves, so I might pick up a pair of cycling gloves in argos (i bought a pair of their cycling gloves about 6-7 years ago, and it seems they're still selling the exact same ones. They're the best all-rounder gloves I've ever had and lasted years).


Throw a hoodie, a few bottles of water and a couple of bananas into a backpack and that's been me ready to go thus far (but the longest I've spend out and about has been about 6 hours)...

So far I've wandered up and down Croagh Patrick, Mount Errigal and twice up and down Slieve Foye, so still a complete beginner by all counts. Tend to go with 3-4 friends, one of whom is into map reading and such and tends to work out the routes.

CardinalJ wrote: »

you need to go into a shop and let them look at your feet.

Is this entirely true though? I'd feel a tad awkward? Wouldn't mind going to the likes of the great outdoors but I wouldn't be mad about sticking my foot in someone's face

As you pointed out, socks could be the problem. One pair of wool socks is what I wear. You could pay 20 for a decent pair but it's money well spent.

I really don't mind if a decent pair of socks costs €20, so long as I don't have to replace them every time. Considering I'm likely/hoping to do about 10-12 'hikes' (is that the term?!) next year, if I can get a year out of them, then that seems like pretty good value for money, to me!

It's really just the walking uphill that's killing me. Feet rubbing at the back of the boot. Not just causing a blister, but taking the skin away, too.

What would you wearing on a hike generally?

As above, is a fairly accurate description.

As for your own list...

Wool Socks - These have me curious. Are they comfy? I'm presuming a very thick sock? Do your feet itch/sweat a lot?
Gaiters - No idea what these are. Googled them - are they padded? (ie; to protect in the event of a fall?) or is it more for extra waterproofing, should you find yourself in a hole?
Trousers that dry quick - Mine are cargo pants and generally would dry at a decent pace.
Gloves/Hat - I think I'd sweat too much for a hat, but gloves are definitely on my list.
Poles - as in walking poles? I find them useful but my own one is literally a wooden stick that I got at the bottom of croagh patrick. I'm gonna buy a better one, though. That Craghopper one i got a lend of for Slieve Foye yesterday seemed pretty decent. Think I'll just buy that exact one.

Nomis21

Nomis21 wrote: »

Good quality windproof and waterproof cagoule with a hood that is light to carry when it's not needed to wear.

I have a pair of Meindl boots. Cost 200 Euro, but so comfortable, I wear them in the house sometimes!

Not sure I'd wear a cagoule. I reckon I'd sweat far too much for such a bit of kit.

€200 sounds a tad higher than I expected but if that's the going rate then that's the going rate.

CardinalJ

Deleted User wrote: »

Is this entirely true though? I'd feel a tad awkward? Wouldn't mind going to the likes of the great outdoors but I wouldn't be mad about sticking my foot in someone's face



I really don't mind if a decent pair of socks costs €20, so long as I don't have to replace them every time. Considering I'm likely/hoping to do about 10-12 'hikes' (is that the term?!) next year, if I can get a year out of them, then that seems like pretty good value for money, to me!

Last time I was in Great Outdoors I ended up with three of them staring at my feet and commenting on how wide they get when I put weight on the ball. Was a bit wacky all right but worth it.

When you're hiking longer hikes, wool is your friend. Cotton is probably the worst think you can have on for blisters.

Losty Dublin

Two pairs of socks are going to cause you a lot of grief on most walks as the socks won't be working together and they will slip a lot. Also, it's two extra layers to carry moisture which, if you are unlucky and happen to get damp or wet, is asking for trouble. Decent socks will make such a difference, even if and when your foot wear inevitably gets a bit wet, natural fibres tend to be your friend here.

As regards the blisters etc and this is nothing to do with the brand of your footwear but had you tried them on and even done some light walking beforehand? This makes the suggestion of having a look at your feet in a specialist shop a good one. What makes for a retail assistant knowing a good runner or sports shoe doesn't make for them knowing what you need for a good walking boot so if you are spending good € then get it right. A good pair of socks and footwear may look dear but if it's regular hikes you want then (And especially during the winter.) they will last you for years. A recurring podiatrist bill for €50+ a session and the pain and discomfort therein if something lets you down.

In general Lycra is not the best for a long walk: I dare say you will have found out the hard way why not Cotton is a definite no no. Gloves are going to be something which are a back up item as you won't need to wear them all the time. A couple of hats as well are a given and of course some waterproofs and wind proofs, which you will find are two different beasts altogether.

I'll say one more thing; they won't get you up Everest but Regatta and Gelert aren't at all bad for the casual walker and for it's price range you'd do a lot worse.

budgemook

I found these socks excellent so far. Bought the pack quite recently so can't say if they wear out quickly or not.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00KRH8B70/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_CQBewb310Q5GK

I have a pair of Columbia boots recommended to me by the sales assistant in great outdoors. €110. I'm happy with them for what I do. I have covered a fair few miles in them so far They are very helpful and knowledgeable in great outdoors. Don't worry about them looking at your feet, that's what used to happen as standard when buying any new footwear!

johnayo

Some advice here on socks.
http://thesavvybackpacker.com/best-hiking-socks/

I have these ones and find them quite good.
http://www.jackson-sports.com/en/Bridgedale-Endurance-Trekker---Wool-Fusion-Trekker/m-179.aspx

hmmm

I doubt your socks are the issue, most blisters are boot related. The nice thing about buying boots in a good shop is there are things they can do to make them fit better (e.g. change insoles, tongue depressors).

The two things I'd invest in for the Irish weather is good boots and a good raincoat. All the mid layers you can pick up cheap if you wish.

After years of faffing around with multiple pairs of cheap gloves I realise I should have put more thought into them - if I was starting out again I'd buy a pair of gloves that stay warm when wet (e.g. North Face, whatever that material is). Big difference.

Ireland is rarely "cold", it's the wind & rain that usually cause cold in this country. Because of this, a lot of the insulating gear you see on sale is not particularly good in Irish conditions e.g. Down jackets are a waste because they are useless when wet (synthetic down is an exception).

You'll get away with a cheap rucksack for shorter hikes, but for longer ones you will probably want to upgrade.

Sticks are much the muchness. I prefer the ones with the clip adjustment rather than the twist adjustment as they are more convenient and appear less likely to get stuck.

Cheers for the replies, folks.


With regards to my usage of the boots, I've been up and down Erigall, etc. as per my opening post. I've done four 'hikes' (again, not sure if that's the correct term, but you know what I mean), and all were done in those boots. I remember blisters galore the first time I wore them, and I know the last time I wore them (3 days ago) it was blisters galore again, but I genuinely can't recall complaining too much otherwise (ie; I can't recall if they were a big issue the two other times).

What I might do is grab a good pair of socks as recommended above, and try them on a shorter hike (I'll know in the first 5 minutes of uphill walking whether or not I'm gonna be in blister territory again). And if a decent pair of socks don't do the trick, then I'll swap out the boots for a better pair from The Great Outdoors.


In relation to the other bits and bobs, I'll pick up a stick, the gloves in Argos and although it may sound silly, i actually don't have any waterproof clothes at all (something to look into - anyone able to recommend anything decent online? eBay/Amazon, etc.? as I'll most likely be using those sites to get my socks/stick).


In relation to boots, are all boots pretty much the same in terms of grip? or is there a rating system in place at all? Reason I ask is a chap I know that's into hill walking was up on Slieve Foye with me on Saturday and on the downhills, he was darting ahead, whereas i was slipping and sliding a bit more than I'd like (that said, I'm about twice his weight, so.. maybe it's just that that's the issue). But I had no confidence in the grip on my boots at all. Is this likely to change with a different pair of boots or is it really more a case of 'lose the weight ya fat prick' to make the downhills a little bit easier?

Boots really are the critical issue.

You can get decent hiking socks in TK Maxx.

Any clothes should ideally be the thin wicking material that runners use, I'd avoid something like a heavy cotton hoody. When cold, simply add another layer.

Waterproofs necessary, I got a good Columbia jacket on a sale for about 80 euros 5 years back and it's bone dry. As was said above, don't get a heavy jacket, for the same reason you don't get heavy cotton clothes.

A good tekking pants is useful, got one on sale in North Face in Kildare Outlet a couple of years back and it's such a difference. Know fellows who will just go out in shorts, even in winter around the Reeks.

budgemook

I definitely wouldn't wear two pairs of socks again for reasons described by another poster above. My wife tried that one time and got awful blisters after a while.

Alun

I agree on the socks .. just get a good pair of wooll socks .. Smartwool, Bridgedale and WigWam are good brands. I do know of people who are very prone to blisters wearing a special liner sock inside these, but to be honest if your boots fit properly they're not needed.

One thing socks won't do is compensate for ill-fitting boots, so don't be tempted to get some ultra thick heavyweight trekking sock to try and fill the boot up.

Blisters on the back of the heels are caused by your heel lifting, especially when negotiating slopes. The only way you'll stop that is by either having correctly fitting boots in the first place, or by fitting correcting insoles of some sort. Note these don't necessarily have to be the fancy expensive ones pushed by some of the outdoor stores, sometimes a simple 'heel lift', a thin wedge shape under the heel can make a world of difference.

unkel

Thanks for the info on the two pairs of socks, I was wondering about that and now and don't have to try it

As for blisters on the back of the heels / heel lifting / boot fitting, I have found using a different lacing technique made a big difference for me:

Surgeon's knot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeKZ2LeESJQ

Carawaystick

Ducktape helps prevent blisters, stops the rubbing of the skin.
Put it on as soon as you feel a rub, too late if the blister has formed.

budgemook

While we're at it, what are peoples thoughts on walking poles? I recently went on a 3 day hike in California (Yosemite high country) and everybody had walking poles except us. I rarely see anyone using them in Ireland. Some people have 1 stick but everyone over there had two that looked like ski poles.

Does anyone on here use them?

Alun

I use them all the time .. I find they help reduce the effort when going uphill, and are a great help too when descending steep ground. Also handy for prodding dubious looking muddy patches and vaulting over them if needed. I don't use them much on the level though.

The Black Oil

Deleted User wrote: »

You can get decent hiking socks in TK Maxx.

Do they have these in stock regularly? I rarely go in there, tbh.

I usually have:
An Icebreaker merino shirt as a base layer.
Rab fleece
Craghoppers trousers
Softshell jacket
Columbia waterproof jacket
Merino neck warmer and gloves (bit thin)
Waterproof gloves - think the brand is Sealskinz, haven't tried them out in bad conditions

Must look into more specific socks, though.

CardinalJ

The Black Oil wrote: »

Do they have these in stock regularly? I rarely go in there, tbh.

Must look into more specific socks, though.

TK Maxx almost always have decent wool socks.

unkel

budgemook wrote: »

Does anyone on here use them?

Only started using them recently (have the healed blisters on my hands from the straps to prove it )

Bought a very cheap pair, about £12 on Amazon

They make a huge difference. In everything really. Speed (up and down - even on the flat and on any surface), stability, climbing over fences, rivers. Prodding.

I've already lost several of the rubber tips though. Bought some cheap replacement ones and I now superglue them to the poles

Alun

unkel wrote: »

I've already lost several of the rubber tips though. Bought some cheap replacement ones and I now superglue them to the poles

The rubber tips are only of any use on hard surfaces like tarmac IMO. I never take them out in open country as the pointed tip is much more useful in those circumstances.

One general warning with poles.. make sure the 'basket', the plastic bit that screws on the end is screwed on firmly. I've lost track of how many I've found embedded in the mud over the years!

Gasherbraun

Deleted User wrote: »

In relation to boots, are all boots pretty much the same in terms of grip? or is there a rating system in place at all? Reason I ask is a chap I know that's into hill walking was up on Slieve Foye with me on Saturday and on the downhills, he was darting ahead, whereas i was slipping and sliding a bit more than I'd like (that said, I'm about twice his weight, so.. maybe it's just that that's the issue). But I had no confidence in the grip on my boots at all. Is this likely to change with a different pair of boots or is it really more a case of 'lose the weight ya fat prick' to make the downhills a little bit easier?

A lot of footwear manufacturers use Vibram on their soles and it is pretty good in most conditions but it tends to only be used on more pricey options. I also have shoes with 'stealth rubber' on them which is made by 5:10 and have to say that I trust the grip on these more than vibram particularly on steep rock. That said they are an approach shoe so not suitable for all conditions but if 5:10 had a good mountain boot available with these soles I would consider them.

I think on steep ground staying upright is as much to do with balance, foot placement and the use of a pole no matter what is on the feet.

duckysauce

use Icebreaker hiking socks they are excellent .

hiddenmongoose

bridgedale socks,with merino wool.fantastic hiking socks look them up.most decent outdoor shops stock some.I must own 10/12 pairs as I hunt, fish ,hike and am in the defence forces.Best socks I have ever owned.

EmptyTree

Just wondering if someone could recommend a good brand of trousers for hiking. What should I look for (material wise) and how much should I expect to spend on a "good pair"? - doesn't have to be the most cutting edge, newest fashion, bells and whistles pair. Decent is all I'm looking for.

CardinalJ

EmptyTree wrote: »

Just wondering if someone could recommend a good brand of trousers for hiking. What should I look for (material wise) and how much should I expect to spend on a "good pair"? - doesn't have to be the most cutting edge, newest fashion, bells and whistles pair. Decent is all I'm looking for.

Anything fast drying. Most synthetic trousers are what you're looking for.

TK Maxx have a lot of the Craghoppers stuff at the moment. Something like the link below would do you fine but if you dont know your size you're better off trying on in a shop. You do much more bending, stepping up and down etc hiking/climbing so you want to make sure they fit properly.

I got a pair of Bear Grylls Craghopper pants from sports direct 3 years ago. The bum and knees are v stretchy and I find them brilliant. Some people say his endorsed stuff isn't good but I like them, that said I paid €27 for them and they seem to be a lot more expensive now.

http://ie.sportsdirect.com/craghoppers-kiwi-pant-mens-441599?colcode=44159990

sheesh

Deleted User wrote: »

In relation to boots, are all boots pretty much the same in terms of grip? or is there a rating system in place at all? Reason I ask is a chap I know that's into hill walking was up on Slieve Foye with me on Saturday and on the downhills, he was darting ahead, whereas i was slipping and sliding a bit more than I'd like (that said, I'm about twice his weight, so.. maybe it's just that that's the issue). But I had no confidence in the grip on my boots at all. Is this likely to change with a different pair of boots or is it really more a case of 'lose the weight ya fat prick' to make the downhills a little bit easier?

Add your reply here.
probably more to do with stamina the muscles in your legs are tired, the weight does not help either (as a fat lad myself I feel your pain) but also when going down hill just go at your own pace slow and steady is the way to go. keep it going and you will be gracefully bounding from tussock to tussock in no time!

icesnowfrost

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Howdy folks,

Walked up a couple of mountains (slieve foye, croagh patrick etc.) and looking to do a fair bit more as next year comes in.

Yesterday I spent 5-6 hours rambling around slieve foye, and came home with feet that feel like they went barefoot. Blisters on the back of my heels, underneath of my feet rubbing on the insole of the boot, etc.

(now that said, the boots may have been fine, and it could possibly just be the socks that were the problem).

So was wondering if anyone with a little more experience could perhaps point out a decent set of boots with good grip and that are very comfortable, and a pair/s of socks to match? (or would I be better off just buying anti-rub running socks and wearing more than one pair of them?).


Also, could anyone point out any other worthwhile gear? My 'to get' list currently consists of a pair of gloves and a decent walking stick. Is there anything I'm overlooking that could make a decent difference to the practicalities of a joe soap like myself wandering around? As I say, haven't done much just yet, but want to explore a bit more in future with other mountains/hills/treks etc. (more for fitness than anything else) and don't want it to feel like a chore cos of crappy gear.


Cheers to anyone able to help out.

U need to get a fully waterproof jacket and trousers for wen u get cought out in bad weather if your buying boots the only boots I can recommend are the brand Han-wag, iv the army boot by han-wag available in most outdoor shops. Iv had Han wags since 2008 and iv used them in all conditions with the army and in civi life. Mine are gore tex which means they are fully waterproof.
A decent rucksack about 45L will do you for all your hiking needs. Small first aid kit.a whistle. Maybe a cooking stove. I could go on and on it depends on your budget. I have professional gear but it took me nearly 2 years to get to were I am coz it's expensive.
Aldi hiking gear and winter ski gear is fine don't let anyone tell u it's not I used it for a long time and still have it.

EndaHonesty

Deleted User wrote: »

Howdy folks,

Walked up a couple of mountains (slieve foye, croagh patrick etc.) and looking to do a fair bit more as next year comes in.

Yesterday I spent 5-6 hours rambling around slieve foye, and came home with feet that feel like they went barefoot. Blisters on the back of my heels, underneath of my feet rubbing on the insole of the boot, etc.

(now that said, the boots may have been fine, and it could possibly just be the socks that were the problem).

So was wondering if anyone with a little more experience could perhaps point out a decent set of boots with good grip and that are very comfortable, and a pair/s of socks to match? (or would I be better off just buying anti-rub running socks and wearing more than one pair of them?).


Also, could anyone point out any other worthwhile gear? My 'to get' list currently consists of a pair of gloves and a decent walking stick. Is there anything I'm overlooking that could make a decent difference to the practicalities of a joe soap like myself wandering around? As I say, haven't done much just yet, but want to explore a bit more in future with other mountains/hills/treks etc. (more for fitness than anything else) and don't want it to feel like a chore cos of crappy gear.


Cheers to anyone able to help out.

The first thing I would do is start wearing 2 pairs of socks. I wear 2 pairs of bridgedale socks whenever I go for a hike and the comfort is brilliant.

I've tried many types of footwear, Zamberlan, Meindl, Merrell, Salomon, Innov8, Hitec, Ecco and the only thing that prevents blisters is 2 pairs of good quality woolen socks. The best socks I've found are Bridgedale.