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Post by trekkerman on Nov 6, 2015 7:19:53 GMT -8
Over the years I heard so many backpackers express concern over crossing streams and getting their feet wet. Many go to extreme lengths like carrying some sort of rubber boots or another pair of shoes. Here's what I do when faced with a steam crossing: (1) Sit on the bank and remove your shoes/boots. (2) Remove your socks. (3) Remove the insole within each boot. (4) Put your boots back on (5) Cross the stream. (6) Sit on bank. (7) Revers above steps.
It's a no brainer and especially in summer you boots will dry out quickly while walking and your feet will be dry from the start. Trekkerman
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Nov 6, 2015 8:42:49 GMT -8
I haven't seen backpackers going to "extreme" measures and taking things like rubber boots. "Another pair of shoes" is pretty common, as a lot of folks like to have a pair of "camp sandals" or other comfy shoes when they're done with a day's hike anyway. I don't think that really classify's as "extreme" though. The only concerns I've seen folks express about getting their feet wet is when it's cold outside (i.e. winter conditions). But that's just my personal observation.
Whether or not boots dry quickly depends. "Waterproof" GTX-lined boots? Fugheddaboudit, those will stay damp the rest of the trip, which is part of why I don't typically use them. In summer I'm typically in a pair of breathable low-cut hiking shoes, which do dry out quickly, and depending how often I'm crossing streams (sometimes on bushwhacks in the PNW and SE Alaska it's almost constantly), I'll often just walk right in and not bother to think about it.
Just me though. Your method sounds pretty typical to what I see a lot of folks do.
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Post by trekkerman on Nov 6, 2015 9:23:09 GMT -8
Mosquitoes, rain, snow, black flies, no beer, poor trail signage, mediocre food, pumping for potable water, sore limbs, complaining companions, dysfunctional camp stove, squatting to relieve one's self and wet feet are all part of the backpacking experience. That's why we love it.
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speacock
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Post by speacock on Nov 6, 2015 9:38:51 GMT -8
Trekkerman, I use your method. I find my boots/shoes are about as damp before a crossing as after because of normal sweaty feet. I don't suggest anybody do a creek crossing barefoot. That is just asking for an uncomfortable injury to a toe or foot. What most people have been hiking in has proven support and feet protection - why not use them for crossing slippery, slimy creek beds?
If I have fabric hikers on that drain and dry quickly, I just plod across like BlueBear does. But I'm old school and use leather boots.
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Nov 6, 2015 11:50:57 GMT -8
Another vote for the "slog straight thru" approach. On major crossings, (waist deep-ish?) will consider taking off socks/pulling out insoles as above, but usually just continue walking/ not stopping at most minor shallower crossings. BTW, also have given up on wearing GTX in the Sierra as never drying.
At one time, swore by heavy leather boots (Sundowners), then Vasque, then Lowa and always stopped at fords to change footwear as mentioned. Recently, as boot manufacturers have decided ~400 miles is all the expected life of a modern boot, decided to not fight city hall and go with the flow. Instead of spending $225+ on GTX buckets, now using Moab Ventilators (high tops) at $100. Slightly heavier than trailrunners, still a support boot... Still get/ last the same amount of backpacking miles out of a pair, but lighter, fit right out of the box, and dry out fast. You do have to buy a new pair each season. Always carry a second pair of Smartwools.
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BlueBear
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Post by BlueBear on Nov 6, 2015 12:23:28 GMT -8
Always carry a second pair of Smartwools. Yes, this. Or a third, personally.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 6, 2015 21:36:16 GMT -8
It depends...on a trip where a stream is a rarity, I'll take time to change my shoes, because I like dry(ish) feet. But I recall our trip to New Zealand, long long ago. By our second trek, we'd realized that stopping to take out insoles and then re-install them was taking far, far too long. Soon we were doing like all the other trekkers--charging right through the streams/rivers without stopping. Of course, there was the one we misjudged, where I almost got to go for a long swim. But that had nothing to do with boots--except that maybe if we'd stopped to change shoes we'd have also looked a little longer at the river before charging in!
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Post by trinity on Nov 7, 2015 6:45:49 GMT -8
Since I typically combine backpacking with fly fishing, I often have water shoes with me and, as RebeccaD notes, if there aren't too many crossings I find it worth it to change shoes. But I will definitely keep this technique in mind for the future, I hadn't heard of this. +1 on the Moab Ventilators, they're really great shoes, as long as you know when you buy them that they aren't going to last long. BTW, welcome back, Trekkerman, I'm glad you found your way over here.
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markskor
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Post by markskor on Nov 7, 2015 9:43:01 GMT -8
TDale asks -"Moab ventilators may be the perfect boot/shoe, huh?"
First, no boot/shoe is perfect if it doesn't fit you perfectly. Additionally, varying conditions/areas visited, all place different demands on footwear needed...thus, IMHO, there is no one perfect boot for all things backpacking.
However, for a 3 season Sierra, high and deep and often off trail, in and out of water constantly, dries fast, carrying ~35 pounds, good support and traction, fishing/backpacking, reasonably light boot that fits me great/no break-in needed, but designed just to last one season...it comes close. A bit troubled by now having to settle/buy a disposable boot...sort of goes against the grain. ( lol, a lil added boot humor there!) just my 2¢
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Nov 7, 2015 15:21:27 GMT -8
Hiking boots/shoes are like golf clubs. You should have multiple choices to select from for each specific backcountry intended use.
The boot/shoe you are wearing and onsite stream environment and conditions determines your personal stream crossing process.
BTW: Just finished polishing and annual Sno-Seal application on a pair of Asolo TPS 520.
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ogg
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Post by ogg on Nov 7, 2015 18:28:33 GMT -8
I've used the technique Trekkerman describes to good effect with non Goretex lined boots, but when I tried this last July in the damp and muddy Uintas with, for the first time, Goretex lined boots (Lowa Renegades), I was miserable. The boot linings had soaked a lot of water. The goretex lining essentially turned the boots into buckets, what water was in them stayed in them as I hiked and quickly turned the dry insoles and socks soggy. The trail was soggy, conditions were cool, damp and shady so I couldn't dry out the boots or socks a bit in the sun. I absolutely love the Renegades but I know now that I need to pick up another non-goretex pair. Some conditions could warrant choosing the goretex, others warrant choosing the non-goretex.
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Post by Lonewolf on Nov 7, 2015 18:49:55 GMT -8
I always carry a pair of Tevas for camp use so for more than a quick in-and-out of a few steps, I'll swap into those for crossing, dry my feet and put the dry boots back on. Sure it takes a little extra time but I really dislike hiking in wet boots even if they will dry in a relatively short time.
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Post by dayhiker on Nov 7, 2015 19:59:25 GMT -8
I use Trekkerman with Goretex boots in the PNW, dry feet with outside of socks, feels great, drys unless really cool.
If more than 1 or 2 crossings, I would bring some sandals or something. I have hiked with some who use crocs, seem hard to keep on.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Nov 7, 2015 22:33:35 GMT -8
You should have multiple choices to select from for each specific backcountry intended use. Sadly, I'm lucky to find one boot that fits at any given time. I just hope that what I find will be fairly widely useful. That's why I've been wearing my current boots into the ground.
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Westy
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Post by Westy on Nov 8, 2015 6:17:20 GMT -8
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