Archive for "Gear"
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Whether you go to bed dreaming of the adrenaline rush that will come from conquering the state’s highest mountain, or wishing for the tranquility of walking next to a crystal-clear stream flowing through an old-growth forest, finding a solid pair of hiking shoes is the first essential step to entering an exciting world of adventure. There are a few important things to know before you pull out a credit card.
1) Determine the best type of hiking shoes to buy. Hiking footwear is classified into several categories. From lightest (and least durable) to heaviest (and most durable) there are trail running shoes, trail shoes, light hiking boots (sometimes called light hikers), backpacking boots, and mountaineering boots. Which category you should buy depends on the kind of hiking you are interested in, and your experience level. Most beginning hikers should aim for a light to moderate hiking boot. Lighter hiking boots are more comfortable, more flexible, and less expensive than a heavier hiking boot, but will provide you with more support than a lighter trail shoe. If you are thinking of doing multiday backpacking trips in the future, you may want to consider a full backpacking boot.
2) Find a trusted outdoors store near you. The hiking boot market has exploded in recent years, with both traditional discount stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and online retailers like Zappo’s and Amazon.com fighting to win your footwear dollars. While discounters are great for many things, a first pair of hiking boots is not one of them. With huge variances in both quality and sizing across brands and models, it is important that you visit an establishment with knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of boots. REI, the North Face, and Eastern Mountain Sports, are good national/regional chains that fit the bill.
3) Try on at least 4-6 different hiking boots – buy based on comfort and fit. Make sure that you ask a knowledgeable sales associate to check your fit – hiking boot sizes vary greatly across manufacturer and may not match your regular size. Ask about the return policy before you buy. Some reputable brands you may want to focus on: Asolo, Garmant, Kayland, Merrell, SCARPA, Vasque, Zephyr. Plan to pay at least $150 for a high quality hiking boot – it should be a good investment as the best hiking boots will last a decade or more.
Further Reading:
Backpacker magazine gear guide
Patagonia is know for it’s crazy weather which can include everything from sunshine, to snow, to heavy rain, to high winds, to just about anything else you can think of all in the same day. The only thing you can count on while trekking in Patagonia is it’s unpredictable weather.
Like any outdoors activity you should be prepared by bringing the right equipment and layering your clothes to ensure you’re protected from the elements. If you are considering doing the Torres del Paine “W” Trek or another similar trek in Patagonia we recommend bringing the following gear:
Underwear
- Regular underwear. Synthetics are easier to wash and dry.
- Synthetic thermal underwear. You need a lightweight long underwear top and bottom of a polyester-type fabric. Wool and wool/synthetic blends are also suitable.
Shirts
- Long-sleeved, synthetic or wool shirt.
- Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts.
Sweater/Jacket
- Medium-weight sweater or jacket of synthetic fabric, such as fleece.
- Medium-weight down or synthetic-fill jacket (10-12 oz. of down or 15-20 oz. of fiberfill).
Trousers
- Full-length pants, preferably of quick-drying synthetic fabric.
- Hiking shorts, preferably of quick-drying synthetic fabric.
- Pile/fleece pants, ideal for around camp.
Headwear
- Sun hat with wide brim, preferably with a chinstrap to keep it from blowing off.
- Bandanna. It will keep your neck from getting sunburned and can double as a hand towel.
- Wool or pile hat or ski cap.
Bad Weather Gear
- Gore-Tex rain/wind parka (must fit over bulky clothing).
- Gore-Tex rain/wind pants, preferably with full-length side zipper (must fit over your other pants).
- (optional) Sturdy poncho to protect daypack and camera gear from rain.
Hands
- Gloves or mitts (wool or pile).
- Waterproofed shell gloves or mitts.
Socks
- Medium weight synthetic socks.
- Athletic socks (synthetic for easy washing and drying) that are suitable for the shoes you’ll be wearing while in towns.
- Inner socks (synthetic) that can be washed and dried quickly.
Footwear
- Medium-weight, all leather, sturdy hiking boots with padded ankle, good arch support, and a lug sole traction. Your hiking boots should be waterproofed, well broken in, and suitable for prolonged walking on rocky terrain and possibly snow.
- Running shoes or Nike hiking shoes are NOT appropriate for trekking in Patagonia.
Underwear
- Regular underwear. Synthetics are easier to wash and dry.
- Synthetic thermal underwear. You need a lightweight long underwear top and bottom of a polyester-type fabric. Wool and wool/synthetic blends are also suitable.
Shirts
- Long-sleeved, synthetic or wool shirt.
- Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts.
Sweater/Jacket
- Medium-weight sweater or jacket of synthetic fabric, such as fleece.
- Medium-weight down or synthetic-fill jacket (10-12 oz. of down or 15-20 oz. of fiberfill).
Trousers
- Full-length pants, preferably of quick-drying synthetic fabric.
- Hiking shorts, preferably of quick-drying synthetic fabric.
- Pile/fleece pants, ideal for around camp.
Headwear
- Sun hat with wide brim, preferably with a chinstrap to keep it from blowing off.
- Bandanna. It will keep your neck from getting sunburned and can double as a hand towel.
- Wool or pile hat or ski cap.
Bad Weather Gear
- Gore-Tex rain/wind parka (must fit over bulky clothing).
- Gore-Tex rain/wind pants, preferably with full-length side zipper (must fit over your other pants).
- (optional) Sturdy poncho to protect daypack and camera gear from rain.
Hands
- Gloves or mitts (wool or pile).
- Waterproofed shell gloves or mitts.
Socks
- Medium weight synthetic socks.
- Athletic socks (synthetic for easy washing and drying) that are suitable for the shoes you’ll be wearing while in towns.
- Inner socks (synthetic) that can be washed and dried quickly.
Footwear
- Medium-weight, all leather, sturdy hiking boots with padded ankle, good arch support, and a lug sole traction. Your hiking boots should be waterproofed, well broken in, and suitable for prolonged walking on rocky terrain and possibly snow. Running shoes or Nike hiking shoes are NOT appropriate for this trip.
Read more about our trek in Patagonia:
- Patagonia Trek – Intro
- Patagonia Trek – Recommended Gear
- Patagonia Trek – Milodon Cave (Day 1)
- Patagonia Trek – Paso Los Cuernos (Day 2)
- Patagonia Trek – Valle del Frances (Day 3)
- Patagonia Trek – The Grey Glacier (Day 4)
- Patagonia Trek – The Towers (Day 5)
- Patagonia Trek – The Eastern Lakes (Day 6)
