The hiking gear and adventures thread...
Discussion
Forester1965 said:
You don't want wet feet on the fells at all if you can help it. If you're on a run it's different to a long day on the fells. I wouldn't go up the hills without waterproof footwear if I'm going walking unless I know the route is going to be dry top to bottom.
Agreed - I am very happy with damp feet when fell running as your circulation is going that much quicker but if I am hiking I want to keep my feet as dry as possible, not to mention you're likely to be out that much longer. As an aside, when you're hiking not having ankle support can be dangerous, counterintuitively when running you are less likely to roll an ankle due to being much more fluid and light on your feet, 'trail running / approach shoes' is in the name. Forester1965 said:
You don't want wet feet on the fells at all if you can help it. If you're on a run it's different to a long day on the fells. I wouldn't go up the hills without waterproof footwear if I'm going walking unless I know the route is going to be dry top to bottom.
Well that totally depends on terrain, weather at the time and what you're doing. The reality is most people are doing day hikes that aren't excessively long and it's relatively easy to avoid getting totally wet feet that don't at least partially dry quickly in the warmer months. I hike a huge amount mostly in Wales and Wales is full of bogs. I almost always use non-waterproof trail runners unless I expect the weather to be truly awful and the entire hike to be nothing but bog. If you get water into your waterproof footwear then you're in for a bad time. It's far easier to deal with non-waterproof footwear during the drier months, and arguably the wetter months if it's not cold. Understanding foot care is a whole topic and an important part of hiking.I absolutely do not agree that you can only hike in the fells with waterproof footwear.
Edited by Matt.. on Tuesday 14th May 17:03
Bully for you and your wet feet.
In 20 years or so using waterproof trail shoes on the fells I've never suffered wet feet due to ingress over the top/unable to dry. I have seen plenty of people in all sorts of trouble because it was nice and sunny when they set off and now their non-waterproof trainers are soaked through and they're freezing cold, 2000ft up.
In 20 years or so using waterproof trail shoes on the fells I've never suffered wet feet due to ingress over the top/unable to dry. I have seen plenty of people in all sorts of trouble because it was nice and sunny when they set off and now their non-waterproof trainers are soaked through and they're freezing cold, 2000ft up.
Forester1965 said:
Bully for you and your wet feet.
In 20 years or so using waterproof trail shoes on the fells I've never suffered wet feet due to ingress over the top/unable to dry. I have seen plenty of people in all sorts of trouble because it was nice and sunny when they set off and now their non-waterproof trainers are soaked through and they're freezing cold, 2000ft up.
We're all different and we can all hike our own hike. Your experience is your experience, and mine is mine.In 20 years or so using waterproof trail shoes on the fells I've never suffered wet feet due to ingress over the top/unable to dry. I have seen plenty of people in all sorts of trouble because it was nice and sunny when they set off and now their non-waterproof trainers are soaked through and they're freezing cold, 2000ft up.
I accept that some people will only hike in waterproof boots but my experience and hiking style is to use non-waterproof trail runners almost everywhere. We can all make decisions on what works for us.
My setup is Topo Ultraventure Pro trail runners (I have been through 8 pairs of these and many thousands of km), and Darn Tough socks. This time of year I'm in low cushion or running socks as they're less warm and dry very fast. I pre-tape with Leukotape if I think there's a risk of blisters.
Edited by Matt.. on Tuesday 14th May 17:12
I might add a poll to this thread...
What's the most divisive/contentious issue with hiking?
Walking Poles?
Footwear?
Can't wade in (pun intended) on the trail runner issue as I've got big feet so I've never found any to fit me. I'll keeping tramping along in my Lowa combat boots (with gaiters when it's really muddy) and enjoy my dry, if slightly hot in the summer, feet.
What's the most divisive/contentious issue with hiking?
Walking Poles?
Footwear?
Can't wade in (pun intended) on the trail runner issue as I've got big feet so I've never found any to fit me. I'll keeping tramping along in my Lowa combat boots (with gaiters when it's really muddy) and enjoy my dry, if slightly hot in the summer, feet.
Faust66 said:
Can't wade in (pun intended) on the trail runner issue as I've got big feet so I've never found any to fit me. I'll keeping tramping along in my Lowa combat boots (with gaiters when it's really muddy) and enjoy my dry, if slightly hot in the summer, feet.
I have weird feet and these Topo trail runners are the only ones that fit me which is why I bought so many pairs! I’m very pro hiking poles. I think it’s a weird British thing to not like hiking poles. They’re so normal in other countries.
Matt.. said:
I have weird feet and these Topo trail runners are the only ones that fit me which is why I bought so many pairs!
I’m very pro hiking poles. I think it’s a weird British thing to not like hiking poles. They’re so normal in other countries.
Don't think my feet are weird as such, just big (size 15 as I've mentioned before on here).I’m very pro hiking poles. I think it’s a weird British thing to not like hiking poles. They’re so normal in other countries.
Totally agree on the hiking pole thing: I use mine a lot and never go for a walk without them (proper walks that is... not a stroll to the shops). They are a lifesaver for the old knees when descending dodgy slopes. Probably gone and re-ignited the debate now.
mickythefish said:
well i'm not getting walking poles lol
You should definitely consider them in the future! They can make it much easier to hike in the hills and they can be very cheap. I think it’s only in the UK where there’s the thought that only old people use them. They’re also very useful for checking for bogs and helping leap over things!Matt.. said:
You should definitely consider them in the future! They can make it much easier to hike in the hills and they can be very cheap. I think it’s only in the UK where there’s the thought that only old people use them. They’re also very useful for checking for bogs and helping leap over things!
Best thing I ever did. I always thought they were for the 'ahem older walkers.When my knees started hurting going downhill, I got a pair and wouldn't leave without them. Make it so much easier going down & up!
I can also get a big of a stride on when I have to cover terrain quickly.
The bog comment is very true!
mickythefish said:
My feet are wide. Looks like berghaus are best shoes.
I've seen some Adidas trail running shoes heavily reduced might give them a go . Only 40 quid.
Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail Running Shoes
I had a pair of terrex I’d say medium to narrow width. As mentioned further up it really is best to try shoes on as they’re all different and were all different. I've seen some Adidas trail running shoes heavily reduced might give them a go . Only 40 quid.
Terrex Agravic Flow 2 Trail Running Shoes
I use walking poles - Leki sharks for maximum geekiness but also maximum convenience - I am also seriously considering a quiver for them as well 
I only wear free draining runners to run and hike in. If it's wet/cold/winter out I simply put a pair of sealskin waterproof socks on over my merino socks. My Meindl and scarpa leather boots haven't been worn for years as they now seem like they're from the dark ages. But as above, each to their own.
I only wear free draining runners to run and hike in. If it's wet/cold/winter out I simply put a pair of sealskin waterproof socks on over my merino socks. My Meindl and scarpa leather boots haven't been worn for years as they now seem like they're from the dark ages. But as above, each to their own.
MonkeyBusiness said:
yellowbentines said:
Heading to do Scafell Pike myself this Saturday and looking forward to it - then maybe Haystacks and Coniston in the week after.
You might be interested in my 2024 long distance walk. Setting off the end of May.43 miles. Wild camping along the route.
I stick to day walks now and alternate day-about between big hills/mountains one day with long flatter walks (with stops for pubs!) the next for our trips away.
And chipping into the pole discussion - big fan and use Black Diamond with cork grips, really comfortable for all day use. I only bother with them if going up a big hill/mountain - find them really beneficial when you are descending at the end of a long day when you are tired and more likely to trip or do yourself some damage. They allow me to keep the pace up with confidence, and also keep my ageing 40-something hips and knees in better order!
Bill said:
The main one is navigation (imo). Bearings, pacing for distance, seeing how contours match the lie of the land. Then go out and do it all again at night for those days you've over estimated your speed.
Yeah I'm randomly doing a day's orienteering course on Saturday. Need to polish up on my thumbing!The two day outdoor first aid course is also worth considering. If you're going to be out and about in remote parts of the country it takes a long time for MRT to get to you. You may feel that you can bring something/give back to the community by being able to offer a modest amount of assistance in the event of something going wrong or even better realising when something is about to go wrong before it does.
Just on Scafell Pike/Helvellyn - these are very popular because they're big and well known. I understand why people want to do them but they're also a victim of their own popularity - you will be surrounded by lots of people as a result.
It's actually far more rewarding and challenging to navigate your way along a route where you are far less likely to see people, get a far greater sense of isolation and most importantly immerse yourself in the landscape. You'll also do more elevation than simply bashing up and down a mountain.
Everyone will have their favourites but as a starter, the Coledale Horseshoe (Grisedale Pike/Sail etc) is hard to beat as an accessible walk from Keswick. Or the Langdale Pikes from Grassmere via Pavey Ark if you want something more pointy with a bit of easy scramble. Neither of those are secrets btw, just not quite as popular as the big ones.
Depends what time of day you go. Set off at 5 or 6 AM and you'll have the fells more or less to yourself.
Then you can smile on your way down at people in jeans and trainers 1.5hrs from the summit asking if they're nearly at the top.
Joking aside, there are loads of places you can go in the Lakes but it makes sense if you're acclimatising to walking the fells (especially solo) to do it where there are normally people around.
Either Scafell Pike or Helvellyn I'd take the straightforward routes up and down first time out and be wary of cloud cover on either until you know what it looks like in clear conditions.
Then you can smile on your way down at people in jeans and trainers 1.5hrs from the summit asking if they're nearly at the top.
Joking aside, there are loads of places you can go in the Lakes but it makes sense if you're acclimatising to walking the fells (especially solo) to do it where there are normally people around.
Either Scafell Pike or Helvellyn I'd take the straightforward routes up and down first time out and be wary of cloud cover on either until you know what it looks like in clear conditions.
mickythefish said:
How do you improve your mountain hiking skills without doing mountains. I was looking at helvellyn but understand it is very difficult.
Just wondered how you can improve skills any other way, besides fitness?
Like most hills in the UK, there's a handful of routes. Just wondered how you can improve skills any other way, besides fitness?
Helvellyn is no different, it's as easy/difficult as you want to make it. Depending on your fitness, time of year weather etc.
I know my fitness, at which distance things get harder for me, add in the temperature, wind direction, rain/snow and I'll firm up on which route(s) I'm going to use when I arrive or I'll change my mind whilst walking as things change.
Off the top of my head there's five ( seven? ) different starting points. I've walked up Helvellyn using about 11/12 different routes from three different starting points in all conditions. I've never walked across Striding Edge and I never will.
Same as ScaFell Pike, easy route is from Wast Water. Start from other places and it becomes a different walk entirely. I've stood at Broad Crag before, looking across at the summit saying: 'I've had enough of this rock-hopping, that final walk up is going to be hard work and I've got to save enough energy to get back up Aaron's Slack to Windy Gap'.
Skills? - IMHO, knowing the area you're walking in is more important. Treat the first or two walks as recces. Pick the easiest route for you and from there you'll get an idea of where the other paths are and how they look(ish).
Where the paths are.
What role the wind plays depending on it's direction.
What the paths are like when wet/icy.
Where the scree makes descending dangerous/hard work.
Where you're going in low visibility ( cloud/rain/snow ).
Where the boggy sections are. - I see this a lot in the summer as the 'starting paths' are all dry and dusty. I'll come across people dancing / standing around the bog/water wondering how to pass. I just bounce on through; gaiters and boots ( though in open boggy areas you cannot just plough on ).
How to cross the bog or avoid it, going backwards/zig-zagging to go forwards.
Where the main path is not the best route.
BTW: are you ever intending to walk outside of dry, low wind, clear days?
I see you went up Kinder, I've been up there in 70 mph gusts with some rain. This when Downfall becomes Upfall. It's a very different day out then!
Edited by boxedin on Thursday 16th May 10:02
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