Fat guy hiking???

chuckles wrote: You should look into the trail racing gear...shoes, socks, clothing. A trail running shoe with a rock plate and aggressive tread may suit you a lot better than a boot; lighter, cheaper, cooler, more comfortable. Dozens of companies make good ones, including Vasque. There are lots of good inserts for arch support. Google Dirty Girl Gaiters for keeping the crud out. Risk $12 at ZombieRunner.com on DryMax socks and you will have the absolute best the world has ever seen. I'm an old, fat guy who recently completed a 100 mile trail race, just to prove I could. I ran, maybe, two miles of it. PM me for tons of pep talk and other highly opinionated advice.

+1 on this. Trail runners have been my hiking shoes for awhile now. No complaints.

Salanis wrote: +1 on REI. Try to get there during a sale. I figure you pay a small but reasonable premium shopping there, but get top notch service by genuinely knowledgeable sales people, and you won't find a bad product in the store. I wouldn't go in hunting for a particular brand. Get what fits best and meets your needs well. There's a wide variation in terms of breathability, weight, water resistance, and sole stiffness. Every boot makes compromises. Figure out your goals and get a boot that fits them. This is where the reps at REI will really help you figure out what you need. Tell them how strenuous of hiking you intend to do (if you plan to do any backpacking or such) and they'll show you what fits your needs. I lucked out several years ago and got a pair of REI brand boots. I'm more impressed with them than I am with most fancier options. Haven't seen them since though. Aside from boots, pay good attention to socks. Cotton kills. Invest in one or more pairs of nice wool or wool/synthetic boot socks. Two pairs of socks (a thin synthetic liner and heavy wool outer) isn't a bad idea.

Years ago, I worked for Eastern Mountain Sports. I put countless customers into hiking boots. What Salanis writes about ignoring brand is important: you want the boot that fits your foot best, is tough enough to handle your body size, and is appropriate for the hiking you plan to do. I would never buy a pair of boots online unless I already knew for certain that they fit.

In fact, I second all of Salanis' post, except for the part about REI's salespeople: REI can have good salespeople and they do sell good products, but I wouldn't assume that everyone knows what they're doing. Here in Seattle, there are plenty of sales guys at their "flagship" store who can barely tell their left from right. Unfortunately, REI, in an attempt to maximize profits, pays their employees dirt, so you get a lot of turnover and salespeople with prior retail experience but not necessarily outdoors experience. If you are not close to an REI, find a small specialty shop staffed by passionate outdoors geeks and you won't go wrong.

i have a pair of vasques that i've used for work the last almost 3 years, and they've been great. a lot of the people i come across have the same model as well. they're actually not as pricey as a merrell or asolo boot, and nearly as good.

i carry an etrex Vista Cx, the C means color screen, the x means its the secong generation etrex, which is a bit more squat, and has a micro SD card slot in the back. this lets the tracks roll over onto the card when the onboard memory gets full. the software also lets you create files of your track, that can then be brought into google earth

I own two different pairs of Merrell Continuum (sp?) with Vibram soles, one with 400g insulation and one with 800g insulation.

The 400's I have owned for 3 years now and they are still the up there with the most comfortable footwear I have ever owned. the soles are incredibly durable (still look new). I'm on my feet quite a bit for work (photographer/writer) and have a 40lb backpack with all the requisite gear. Not once have I come home and said I my feet hurt. These are a half length boot, so the tops are just under the bottom of your pants.

The 800's were bought solely for winter use. They're a high top version of the 400's. Same comfort, same durability.

It should be noted that neither boot is great on smooth surfaces (basketball court) when wet...

I'll add a vote for REI. They usually have a little 'rock' in the store near the shoe department. Try on boots (or trail runners, my preference too), and then stomp around on the 'rock' a bit. See if you can make your toes bump the front going down, or if your heel slides much.

As important as good shoes are, socks will save your day. If you're going to put a few miles on, a pair of liner socks under good wool socks is warm, but you'll be a lot more comfortable at the end of the day. Do Not Wear Your White Cotton Socks Hiking You should also wear whatever socks you'll have hiking while you fit your shoes.

Hiking poles can also be a big help as your knees/ankles adjust to trails and the weight of a pack. Adjust the length if your ascent/descent changes, and the anti-shock ones do help a bit. I use a pair of pretty basic ($100) poles on my tougher hikes. If needed they can also help remove rattle snakes from the path, and you can wave them around at cougars..

I agree with the poster above -- Drymax socks are the bomb! Made in the USA and worth every penny.

I get mine online at www.coolfitwear.com

The folks at Coolfitwear are into racing to boot and a lot of thier gear is perfect for the track.

I have worn out many boots. Danner and Vasque are good boots. The best boots that I have ever had are made by White's in Spokane WashingtonThey are made to your measurements and are rebuildable. I include a link for your viewing pleasure.

http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php

procainestart wrote: In fact, I second all of Salanis' post, except for the part about REI's salespeople: REI *can* have good salespeople and they do sell good products, but I wouldn't assume that everyone knows what they're doing. Here in Seattle, there are plenty of sales guys at their "flagship" store who can barely tell their left from right. Unfortunately, REI, in an attempt to maximize profits, pays their employees dirt, so you get a lot of turnover and salespeople with prior retail experience but not necessarily outdoors experience. If you are not close to an REI, find a small specialty shop staffed by passionate outdoors geeks and you won't go wrong.

Maybe I'm basing that on too small of a sample size. The one local to me is very good. When I go in looking for rock climbing gear, I find a rep who rock climbs. When I went in looking for backpacks, I talked to a rep who does backpacking. Same experience buying sleeping bags and pads.

As a fellow large dude I can highly reccomend Keen as a starting point for boots to try. I also wear them to work (Im on my feet 12 hours a day). My current pair of Keens have about 50 miles on them now...just getting broken in...But my last pair had close to 250, a rocky section of the AT chewed the sole up, bringing there life to an end. Also, if you decide to do some serious backpacking and spend the night I would highly recommend a pair of crocs or something like them for "camp" shoes. They work great for that and let you relieve some pressure if your feet swell...

As far as hiking sticks...do your self a favor and buy a pair, for the first couple of years when I started hiking I only bought one swiss gear pole. It helped but two really does the job.

I also think the e-trex will do everything you need it to do!

What kind of pack do you have...I had a hard time finding one that really fit right...I used to be a line backer...so with a 52 inch chest and a 36 inch waist I went through several before I found one I liked...it is a Coleman (bozeman) exponent, external frame. I can actually go for several miles now in comfort...and no blisters on my shoulders

One thing no one else has mentioned is arch support. My wife has very high arches, and they were very painful on long hikes - and she is a lightweight. Custom orthotics made all the difference inthe world. I strongly recommend a set of good, professionally made orthotic inserts. You get these from a podiatrist, and they are custom fit. For high arches, this is probably the way you will have to go. I have the opposite problem, virtually noarch at all. I have a set of custom orthotics, but I have also had goo luck with the over-the-counter orthotics from Superfeet - you can get these at REI, etc. I don't think Dr. School are much good.

Seriously, look into some quality orthotics. They are expensive, but worht every penny.

I'm fortunate to have a running/hiking shoe store down the street. The owner knows his stuff. Looks at your old boots and watches you walk around outside. If he were to put me in Keds I would do it. A very knowledgeable salesman is the single most important factor.

Just now getting a chance to catch back up with this. It's been one of those days.

REI doesn't have a store closer than 160 miles from me, but a couple of local stores have come up that I will have to check out next week. I have a sister in Charlotte, NC. The next time I'm up there visiting I will have to check out the REI there. I guess socks are the place to start, and then boots or shoes.

How about shirts and other clothes. I usually wear cotton, but have read that synthetics are the way to go now. Do any of you have an opinion on that. The heat down here can be extreme. I know the older synthetics made me feel hot, almost like wearing plastic. I assume there are some new ones out that work better. Recommendations?.

I bought a hiking pole when I was in the mountains. A Walmart special. It helped so much I bent it almost in half when I tripped over something in the trail. It saved me a nasty spill though so it was worth it. I will be getting a better set. Just the added balance seemed to help a lot, especially going down hill. The extra push going up hill was nice too.

I get the feeling that this can be almost as expensive a hobby as cars.

I really appreciate all the input. You have even answered some questions I didn't know enough to ask. Keep the thoughts coming. I've got a busy weekend so I might not be able to reply before Sunday. I've got to get the daughter checked in and moved in for her freshman year at college.

Toyman01 wrote: How about shirts and other clothes. I usually wear cotton, but have read that synthetics are the way to go now. Do any of you have an opinion on that. The heat down here can be extreme. I know the older synthetics made me feel hot, almost like wearing plastic. I assume there are some new ones out that work better. Recommendations?. I get the feeling that this can be almost as expensive a hobby as cars.

The initial buy in can be a bit much, but after that, it's essentially free.

Modern synthetics can be nice. They tend to wick really well. Fancy athletic clothes are nice, but far from a necessity.

I personally like synthetic shirts and underwear. It's easy to find that stuff cheap. I've found nice stuff at Ross or at the Jockey outlet. At that point, you're spending $5-$10 for a brand new athletic t-shirt that would normally be a $30+.

+111,000,000,000 on good sales people that know what they are doing. Our local shop will properly fit EVERY pair of shoes they sell. I have 2 pairs of Merrells and a pair of Birks from them. If it wasn't for them I would still be wearing shoes 2 sizes too big.

Toyman01 wrote: I bought a hiking pole when I was in the mountains. A Walmart special. It helped so much I bent it almost in half when I tripped over something in the trail. It saved me a nasty spill though so it was worth it. I will be getting a better set. Just the added balance seemed to help a lot, especially going down hill. The extra push going up hill was nice too.

I bought a pair of collapsible poles (probably at EMS, but possibly at Cabela's, I can't remember) and I love them. They make things easier on your back and, of course, your ankles. They're great for trail running, too.

Walmart sells moisture wicking shirts that are super cheap and work well. Do they work as well as the $60 a shirt stuff? I think that is inconclusive.

I have a few of their shirts and it works reasonably well.

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&search_query=dri-star&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find

btw.. moisture wicking undies, can help big time with crotch rot.

ohh and another hint.

Here's a list of some good webpages to buy stuff online.

www.steepandcheap.com (one deal at a time, super discounted, the way backcountry.com gets rid of unsold stock)

www.backcountry.com (awesome outlet)

www.geartrade.com (how backcountry.com sells returned merchandise. look for the seller as "backcountry" usually items can be bought insanely cheap but could be slightly used).

www.moosejaw.com

www.rei.com/outlet (the awesome benefit about REI is that you can return ANYTHING, so buy a pair of boots and use them, if they hurt your feet take them back, They also have these garage sales for memebers only. Super good deals).

www.slickdeals.net (sometimes has links to good stuff)

www.sierratradingpost.com(super good deals if you get their email coupons)

www.gearscan.com(a list of all the current deals)

Another couple other dumb hints.. 1. LED flashlights are the best

1. know the 10 essentials http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials and carry them

2. buy surplus army wool pants from online vendors for winter hiking and yard work. $7 a pair and super cheap. I think mine are italian or french or something eurotrash.

3. get a backpack that can hold lots of water and bring it everywhere.

4. get a big dumb hat

5. treking poles are nice and expensive, make an old fashioned wood one for way less http://stealthsurvival.blogspot.com/2009/05/riverwalkers-gear-diy-hiking-staff.html

6. Maybe a can of bear spray.. Though not many bears where you are or even in the SC mountains.. and to be honest.. Not many dope growers until you get up into the REAL backcountry in pisgah.

And one more webpage http://www.outyourbackdoor.com/ that guy is the GRM of outdoor stuff. You don't need fancy gear to get outside, just stuff that works.

See if there is a chapter of the AMC near you. They are a great group to hike with and have family events. http://www.outdoors.org/

and I'm spent.

I did a fair amount of trail work on the Palmetto Trail in the Lake Moultrie area way back when. I can just see Toyman calling me wanting my big azz to tag along. Too bad the PT doesn't allow dirt bikes.

didn't read evberyone else's posts, but: -SMARTWOOL socks 15-20 bucks a pair, and worth EVERY penny. -Sock liners available at REI cheap, and will help lots. -A CAMELBACK-hydrate or die. -maybe consider walking sticks-you'll look like a tool, but they help. -boots/shoe-I dunno, I hike in Hi-tec Magnums (think SWAT boots), and don't have any problems. My only advice is don't skimp-boots are like tires.

But none of these retailers contribute a nickel ($) to motorsports or racing, with the exception of www.CoolFitWear.com.

Wool is great in sheepskin slippers and on the back of a lamb, but the synthetics have been proven to be much more effective on blister prevention. Profelin (used in Drymax socks) has been scientifically shown to have 8X less of a coefficient of friction rating (fiber friction that causes blisters) than wool. The patented Blister Guard system incorporates Friction Free Profilen fibers throughout the entire foot area of the Drymax socks. Chemically known as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Profilen has the lowest coefficient-of-friction.

The course record holder of the Badwater 135-mile ultramarathon swears by Drymax socks. In 2007 she wore a competitor's socks, and finished Badwater in 41 hours. In 2008 she switched to Drymax socks and shattered the record by over 1 hour, finishing in the grueling heat, 100+ degrees F, in just under 27 hours. Query YouTube for some videos: Jamie Donaldson, Badwater, Drymax Socks.

I apologize in advance for gushing on about these socks and sounding like an advertisement, but I am very passionate about them as you can tell!

www.CoolFitWear.com carries Drymax Hiking HD (High Density) Crew Socks which are perfect for hiking in all temperatures and shorter distances:
Drymax Hiking Crew Socks at CoolFitWear

Plus know that every $ profit on socks goes towards a little bit of methanol in the USAC Silver Crown car or one of our other road-racing endeavors! We will be in Springfield, IL at the Illinois State Fair racing on the dirt mile on Saturday, August 21st, and at DuQuoin, IL racing on the dirt mile under the lights on September 5th. There will also be some cash spent on a car at Nelson Ledges that same weekend! Oh, the car is Silver Crown #90 which will be driven by "Hot Rod" Johnny Heydenreich at the dirt miles.

Happy hiking!

Silvercrown makes a good point: some of these companies actually contribute to organizations which try to stop motorized off road access. Gore Tex was one, several of the dirt bike gear manufacturers quit using their material because of that. CamelBak was another but they began contributing to organizations like the Blue Ribbon Coalition. http://www.sharetrails.org/

I am with you on the fat guy hiking thing, and to add one more to the pile I have a back issue. My physical therapist suggested hiking poles, and he said a good one to start out with are some of the collapsible one that they sell at Wal-Mart, they are about 30-40 bucks. Sure, no cork handles but they do have metal tips for bite, and caps to put on when you don't need them. I will be starting with those myself. I had borrowed a pair on a recent trip and was able to make it 10 miles without my back hurting, a first. Also if you need arch support, look at the smartfeet insoles, they sell them at REI for $$, but they do work, and they have specific ones for sizing and activity. Might be something to put on the list as well.

Silvercrown90, Have you ever seen a fat person in spandex. It ain't happening in my life time. I might try a pair of the socks though.

Iggy, great links! Thanks.

Thanks to the everyone else too. I'll keep you posted on how the first hike goes.

Toyman01 wrote: Silvercrown90, Have you ever seen a fat person in spandex. It ain't happening in my life time. I might try a pair of the socks though.

No, you wear briefs made from wicking synthetic fabric underneath your regular pants.

Even the cheap synthetic shirts from walmart are good. I use them for kayaking. Only thing is getting use to the feel of the fabric, compared to cotton.

when I was doing a lot of 10 and 20K races I found that when it rained (or on hot days) it really made a difference to wear nylon (that's all we had back then) to prevent the dreaded raw nipple effect from the combination of sweat and cotton t-shirts (otherwise you had to use band aids)

so + 1 to the synthetics....