Kilted Hiking

[rodandy]

Hi DavidH,

Let me add my endorsement for REI and a good pair of hiking boots. I also have had very good service from my Vasque boots, although I don't remember which model they are.

Generally at a good store they will have a little inclined ramp that you can walk down. If your toes hit the end of the boots when you walk down the ramp the boots are not long enough. You will probably end up with boots a half size larger than you usually buy for street shoes. It doesn't make much difference if you have to walk down a steep sidewalk 50 feet to get to your car, but if you are going to have a 5 or 6 thousand foot change of elevation over an 8 mile hike it makes a world of difference.

As McNulty has said socks are probably every bit as important as the boots, if not more so. I like wool because it breathes and will keep your feet warm even if it gets wet. Even in very warm weather I don't find it any warmer than cotton socks, and much more comfortable. Make sure you try on the boots with the kind of socks you will use when hiking, because the socks/boots really are a system.

Once you find your local REI ask them about their used gear sale. Our store holds one about once per quarter. You can find all kinds of gear only very slightly used for 30 or 40 cents on the dollar.

I can't speak much about the kilt, since the only ones I've ever used for hiking are my Sportkilts in poly viscose.

Good hiking!

[siva011]

Looks like we need to organize one of these out East here. Weather is finally starting to look up, torn ankle ligament healing nicely.... I'm up for one of these.

[Smayniac]

Thread hijack approved by originator.
I wore my new Stillwater Thrifty kilt on this hike and was quite comfortable, but it was hot for Marin.
My shoe choice would make some folks cringe I imagine; I wore Timberland moccasin type boat shoes.
I definitely concur with the statement that the socks are MORE important than the shoe, I wore a thin polypropylene liner with a wool sock originally sold for cross country skiing. The wrong sock is a much worse thing than the wrong shoe in my experience. This was also the first time I've worn garters and flashes and it was indeed nice not having to adjust my hose all the time.
By the way, I got asked both questions, but this is the first time I've been asked if I play the bagpipes; they asked my at the coffee house where I stopped on the way back south.
Bob

[David H]

Thanks for all of your inputs. I'll start looking for the closest REI to where I live.

[Tartan Hiker]

Good boots...good socks. Don't scrimp on either.

Your environment will be about the same as we have here in the Blue Ridge. I have several pairs of boots, but if I'm not carrying a full pack I prefer my Vasques. I've gotten good service from their full leather Sundowner series and now I'm using a pair that has synthetic panels (don't remember then model name). Very cool and very good support. Be sure whatever you get has a GoreTex liner....it's well worth the extra price. Opt for a mid-height rather than a tall combat-style boot as it will be much more comfortable if the trails have any pitch at all.