Backpacking Boots
You may want a new pair of backpacking
boots to go with your new backpacking equipment to take on your
first backpacking trip. You are excited at your new adventure
and want to make sure you have everything you need or want. A
misconception of new and sometimes veteran backpackers is that
you need to have backpacking boots to hike with. After all, you
say, if you are going to go backpacking, it only makes sense
that you have a pair of backpacking boots.
The thing with backpacking boots is that they are often heavy,
hot, and when they get wet, they stay wet. These boots do not
breathe well so they can be quite stinky. A decent pair of
running shoes, however, may be as light as a pound; compared to
their counterpart’s three pound weigh in, that is quite a load
off.
The issue between whether or not backpacking boots are better
than running shoes is rooted in ankle support; backpackers who
advocate backpacking boots do so with the premise that ankle
support is a necessity. However, it is not the support of the
ankles that should be considered; it is the weakness of the
ankles. There are people who carry around body weight more than
you are packing that walk just fine in lesser equipped shoes!
To avoid problems with weak ankles, walk several weeks before
your backpacking trip on uneven terrain. This will help you
become accustomed to the paths that you will be taking in your
trip.
Not only are running shoes lighter in weight than backpacking
boots, but they are cooler too. How does this benefit your
feet? Not only will your feet be able to breathe more, but they
will not be sweating as often as they do in hot backpacking
boots and therefore blister less. Combined with a light pair of
socks, running shoes are the best alternative to backpacking
boots yet. Go to a shoe store and find a lightweight pair; you
may find that you can get a cheaper pair of running shoes than
you can backpacking boots.
Planning a backpacking adventure can be fun and it is
understandable that you want to have all the right gear for the
trip, but you also want to have an enjoyable trip! Do not put
your feet through the distress of heavy, hot boots that will
leave you with blisters as reminders. Settle for a lightweight,
comfortable pair of running shoes. You may find that you can
hike farther because you are not getting as tired faster!
| 
