What’s one of those items you keep forgetting to pack for a hike? Or, perhaps, you haven’t realized their versatility and don’t take them. I bet it might be sandals.
Hiking Tip: Pack Sandals
You come to a stream. It’s not very deep and it is fordable, but the water will fill up your shoes or boots and drench your socks. So, you think about going barefoot. But wait; isn’t that how you aggravated a blister or bloodied your foot on a rock the last time? Now, don’t you wish you had packed sandals?
Crocs are my sandals. The ones you see in the pictures are the same ones I bought in Georgia in 2003 (back before they became a fashion statement) in a hiking store on the A.T. And I still wear them—around the house and on hikes. They are indestructible. I submit, and I’ll probably be corrected, that crocs were first sold in outdoor stores. That’s where I and many other hikers first saw them.
Sandals have other advantages. They provide the perfect way to air out your feet at the end of the day. And you won’t stub your toe walking about camp. In the black of night, if you have to void, sandals are quick and convenient as you exit your tent or shelter, and you don’t have to worry about stepping on sharp stones and twigs. Most of all, sandals are relaxing. Put them on your pack list, and end the day in comfort.
On a previous post, Paulo commented on trail shoes and inserted an excellent video that shows a unique way to lace low-cut shoes to give better ankle support. Thanks, Paulo.
Related articles
- What are your favorite water-friendly hiking sandals? (ask.metafilter.com)
- Everything Summer Camp Adds New Kids’ Teva Sandals to Camping Gear Store (prweb.com)
- Are Flip Flops Bad for Your Health? (news.health.com)
- My New Summer Sandals Are Getting A Make Over (avalonandkelly.blogspot.com)
I always take my Crocs with me on outdoor adventures. They are great shoes for canoeing. They are lightweight and easy to pack. And few things feel better than taking off your boots or shoes at the end of the day and putting on a soft and light pair of Crocs!
Agree 100 %. And crocs are indestructible. I still have my first pair for 12 years ago.
Yep. Mine have many years and many miles behind them and are still going strong. I do wish I still had the back straps for them though. I worry about them slipping off when I’m wading.