My Thoughts on Footwear

As a backpacker, I'm always on the lookout for gear that is lighter, more durable and makes travel more efficient. Footwear can make your feet feel like hamburger after 3 miles or refreshed after a weeklong expedition. Like many other backpackers, I've made the switch from hiking boots to UL trail runners, and I'll never look back. Most of this information is first hand knowledge, but a lot of the background was found on the forum HighSierraTopix on this thread.

Why is the boot in decline?

 

Don't all backpackers have to wear boots to protect their feet from the elements and cushion the weight of a heavy pack? Every book I've found on backpacking agrees and recommends heavy-duty leather hiking boots with heavy soles that can be replaced when they wear out. I believe these books are out of date as new technologies have helped contribute to the demise of the hiking boot.

First, as lighter and stronger fabrics are introduced into backpacking equipment the packweight has progressively gotten lighter. This coupled with the ultralight (UL) movement and thru-hikers has led to incredible light packweights. I don't consider myself an ULer by any stretch, but I was able to lower my base weight to <20 lbs for my week on the High Sierra Trail, something not easily done 25 years ago. Because of the decline in weight, not as much foot support is needed.

Secondly, the success of these shoes can also be attributed to the PCT thru-hikers. These people hike 2,659 miles straight from Mexico to Canada. They are the people who use and abuse their gear, and can tell you what works and what doesn't. When the overwhelming majority of them use trail runners, it presents a strong argument for shoes.

Finally, my personal reason for the switch to shoes, moisture control. My old boots were waterproof and great at it. But they were also great at keeping moisture in, whether it be sweat or water. This moisture led to blisters and general discomfort. You can get breathable non-waterproof boots, but I just see this as a step before going all the way to shoes. My current shoes aren't waterproof, but instead have a lightweight mesh upper that allows excellent ventilation. I have repeatedly completely soaked my shoes only to have them dry ten minutes later. I don't have to carefully step from rock to rock on creek crossings, but can wade on through  not worrying about water coming over the sides of my boot.

 

But aren't shoes...?

 

As much as I love my shoes, they do have their problems. In general they don't last as long as boots even though they cost about as much, so plan on buying them more often. They also don't offer the sole support that boots do- although this is less true as trail runners gain in popularity. Consider adding an insole if your pack is over 25 lbs or you have weak arches. I find that while I don't get blisters like I used to, my feet do hurt more after a long hike, especially if it's off trail or on especially uneven terrain. Some argue that shoes offer little in the way of ankle support, and I agree. They don't. But often times support just treats the symptoms and not the cause. If you have weak ankles it would be better to strengthen them instead of relying on boots to catch you if you trip.

 

HYOH

You may love your boots and say you've never gotten wet or had a blister, and that's great! All I can say is that boots didn't work for me. And that's the great thing about backpacking, there's many different ways to do it. I'm not a fan of pumping water, while others can't stand the squeezing and multiple bottles on a Sawyer filter. If it works for you and you like it, then don't worry about changing your style. I'm just saying this worked for me and I want to share it with anyone else having the same issues and offer a solution. In the end it comes down to whatever you're comfortable with, so go out and "Hike Your Own Hike".

Silliman Crest Overnighter

Day One: Lodgepole-Twin Lakes  6.2 miles

This trip all began with me getting a summer job at Ash Mountain in Sequoia National Park. My maintenance position meant that I would be working the busy weekends and get Wednesday/Thursday off. I visited the wilderness permit office Monday afternoon and they agreed to hold a permit for me at Lodgepole for the next day. Tuesday after work I drove straight there, picked up my permit for Twin Lakes, and parked my truck at the backpackers' overnight parking. Getting a late start at 5:30 worried me a bit, but I was confident that between the late sunset and my headlight I would make it to Twin Lakes that night. The 3000+ feet of elevation gain proved to be more than I anticipated, as I sluggishly made it to the lake by headlight around 9:30. A quick dinner and off to bed I went, anticipating a cold night by the amount of snow on the ground.

Day 2: Twin Lakes-Marvin Pass  13.81 miles 

Waking up Wednesday morning I saw the temperature only 40 degrees, not near as cold as I had anticipated for a trip so high and early. Today's plan was to hike over Silliman Pass, something I had been looking forward to for a long time, but had never done, and descend to Ranger Lake to spend the night. Heading out of camp around 8 I caught the trail to the pass, which required minor route finding through the snow, and made it to the pass in only an hour. I spent a bit of time up there, taking pictures, chasing marmots, and admiring my personal favorite mountain, Silliman.

On the east side of the pass I found the trail required careful hiking because of several factors: the amount of small snow patches, streams running across the trail, and switchbacks. The combination of snow patches and switchbacks made the going frustrating in more than a few places, but nevertheless I made better time than anticipated. As I went down I got great views of Ranger Lake and the pointed prow of Silliman behind me.

By the time I made it to Ranger Lake it was time for a snack break, not to make camp. At this point I decided that instead of camping here and heading back out the next day I would press on. My eventual plan was to hike to Marvin Pass TH and hitchhike back to my truck the next day. Leaving Ranger, I hiked past Lost Lake and into Seville. I had been to Seville several years ago on a dayhike, and knew that the hike out was no cake walk. Pushing up and out of Seville I found myself at the Marvin Pass TH to end the hike. I eventually got a ride back to Big Meadows where I hiked down to Stony Creek Campground and spent my second night. I was able to beg a ride back to my car the next morning and even had time to visit Moro Rock and the big trees. Not exactly what I had in mind, but a great weekend nonetheless.

High Sierra Trail Aug. 14-19, 2016

This was only my second summer backpacking and this was the big trip of the summer. Last year I did the Rae Lakes Loop with a couple sidetrips and it helped me to get into the swing of backpacking. This year I was able to do several weekend trips solo to get me even more comfortable with my abilities. I wasn't able to convince any of my friends or family to go with me for a week, so I had to go solo. In order to ease the mind of my mother I decided to do a popular and well-traveled trail: the High Sierra Trail. Around 70 miles long, this trail winds from the Giant Forest to the peak of Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48. I only had 6 days to do it between my last day of work and the start of school. It was also the longest I could go if I wanted a ride back home, since Friday the 19th was the only day it worked for my grandfather to pick me up in Lone Pine. Due to all these time constraints I had to go a little faster than I would have liked, but I had fun nonetheless.

Day 1: Giant Forest-Mehrten Creek 5.33 miles

I had laid out all my gear Saturday night in preparation for my Sunday departure. After Sunday church I quickly changed, ate a quick lunch and got a ride from my friend, Noah, up to the Giant Forest. About 1 1/2 hours into the ride I realized I forgot my trekking poles. I hoped Lodgepole market would have some I could buy as there was no way I was hiking 70 miles without them. Unfortunately Lodgepole didn't have any, so we waited at the Lodgepole trailhead for about 20 minutes before I was able to buy some from a kindly hiker. After this slight detour we were back on our way. We parked at the Giant Forest Museum, I grabbed my pack, said goodbye to my ride and hopped aboard the shuttle to Crescent Meadow and the trail ahead. It was 3:00 by the time I finally got on the trail and I started on my way. I saw a bear almost immediately as is typical in the Giant Forest area. After hiking a couple hours I realized I wasn't going to make it to Bearpaw as I planned, so I camped at Mehrten Meadow the first night.

Day 2: Mehrten Creek-Hamilton Lake 8.74 miles

The sun came over the Great Western Divide early on day 2 and coaxed me out of my sleeping bag. I made great time and got to Bearpaw before 11 and stopped to have lunch with some guys doing the same trip in 10 days. We talked for a bit and then decided we'd meet again at Hamilton Lake. I started out and admired the views leading up to Hamilton and Kaweah Gap. Crossing the bridge at Lone Pine Creek I admired the older washed out bridge that had fallen below and was never retrieved. One more push up to Hamilton and camp for the night. A couple hours later my trail buddies showed up and we had dinner together. After dinner everyone turned on their photographer side and tried to capture the beauty; I was content in capturing their attempts.

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Day 3: Hamilton-Moraine Lake 12.62 miles

I got up especially early (for me) today in order to get up to Kaweah Gap before it got too hot. I was hiking just after 6:30 and made it to precipice a little before 9. While enjoying the views my campmates from last night showed up and we had a good break. It was only half an hour to the top of the Gap where I marveled at the glacier carved Big Arroyo. I slowly dropped down the canyon admiring the way the creek meandered to and fro. After lunch at the patrol station I had a lot more climbing to do. This was hot and dry and the only benefit were the views to the west of the Mineral King region. Making it to the top offered amazing views of Mt. Kaweah, a peak that's been on my list for a while. I wouldn't be able to bag it this time, but maybe next year... Dropping down into Moraine Lake was a welcome relief, as was taking a dip in it after a long hot day. The water was perfect, and the breeze outside made me stay in for a good while. This lake even had a sandy beach! For a second I forgot I was in the Sierra.

Day 4: Moraine Lake-Junction Meadow 13.81 miles

This morning was lots of downhill. I dropped 2,600 ft that morning and it pained me every step because I knew I would have to gain it all back in the next couple days. As I got further and further down it got hotter and hotter. It also got sandier until I felt like Lawrence of Arabia hiking through the desert. I thought this was the High Sierra Trail, not the Kern desert death march. A quick lunch at the Kern Hot Springs and I was back on the trail. It was at this point that I noticed I hadn't seen anyone the whole day. It wasn't until I made camp that I would see another hiker this day. I finally made it to Junction Meadow and tried to get the high ground as the mosquitoes came in. I made some more friends and ended the day with a community fire.

Day 5: Junction Meadow-Guitar Lake 10.78 miles

This morning started out with a climb to make up all the elevation I lost earlier. Nearly 3k ft as I made my way closer to Mt. Whitney. As bad as 3,000 feet sounds I didn't find it that difficult. I guess either my pack was getting lighter or I just got a good night's sleep. I didn't need a sign to tell me I hit the JMT, it was self explanatory. I saw 20+ people in 5 minutes at the junction whereas I didn't see anyone the day before; this was going to take some getting used to. The descent into Crabtree Meadow was dry and dusty, so a break by the creek was well appreciated. I ate a late lunch there and decided to take my time going up to Guitar Lake. There was plenty of daylight and no use tiring myself out before tomorrow's climb. Upon arriving at Guitar I finally figured out why this trail was so popular as the granite and meadows combined into a picturesque setting. After talking to the couple camping next to me we decided to get up the next "morning" at 2am and start the climb. I camped behind a boulder anticipating the wind and put all my clothes on for a cold night. Between the full moon shining in my eyes and the freezing conditions I didn't get much sleep.

Day 6: Guitar Lake-Whitney Portal 14.54 miles

I had set my alarm for 2, but we were all up by 1:30 because of the wind and cold. We geared up for the last 5 miles and 3k ft to Whitney. We dropped our packs at Trail Crest and continued up, making it to the top for sunrise. There wasn't much room up there, and I spent my time in a crack boiling water and drinking cider to stay warm. The sunrise was beautiful and the views from Whitney were better than I had imagined. If I hadn't been so cold I might have stayed a while. I had 10 miles to go and it wasn't getting any shorter sitting there. You might think that all downhill is easy, that I should have been flying down the mountain. It was painful as every step pounded my knees and feet. I didn't have any blisters so far, but I was making up for it in those last few miles. This trail seemed eternal, especially as I turned the corner and saw the portal. Just seeing the end doesn't mean you're close. It was another hour before I finally saw the end of the trail. I waited half an hour before my ride showed up. A quick shower and change of clothes was welcome relief from the grime of the trail. We ate dinner in Tehachapi and I was home before 10. A week full of highs and lows-literally and figuratively-but it was ultimately a great time.