Unlike most space blankets, which are clammy and sweaty to sleep in, The Escape Bivvy is waterproof and breathable. That means experienced backpackers who like to travel fast and light can use this as a minimalist bivvy sack
For my next trip, I will be bivy camping and there is no way to have your gear with you. I was wondering if I put my backpack in it while it is raining if it will protect it for the night, especially if I double bag it? It will be on the floor so I thought it would also protect it from the wet ground
I have waterproof bags they work perfectly for keeping stuff dry and they work as a pillow case to.
Q. Are waterproof bags necessary or will garbage bags work just as well?
why not get a pine log split it and put it on 550 cord
Hey T-man, I read and commented on your backpack comment and how did the youth wight mountain pack do??
Getting a campfire going on the trail can be a real challenge, especially when dry kindling is nowhere to be found. That’s why we love the Light My Fire Tinder-on-a-Rope.
I used duct tape to, but on the wrong side. So it is an eyesore to other troops.
Thanks for the tent hole repair. I’m an 79 year old female and never had to patch a tent before this year when the flame came too close. Sounds a good bit easier than once I am home sewing the patch with my sewing machine.
My vote goes to Duct tape. Here in the Idaho Mountains we live by 5 things. In order they are: Our Bibles, our guns, our knifes, our coffee, and our Duct tape!
I used the same technique. Just remember, when your shopping at your local “big box store”, check the fabric department. You can get a lot more patch material for a lot less money than the tent patch in the sporting goods department. Buy extra and keep it in your tent duffel so you always have it on hand!
Q. Yo Gear Guy, I just got back from summer camp and I had a blast, except for one thing: My tent got a hole in it. I was wondering if you know any good inexpensive ways to fix the holes?
My experience has been some cots squeak as you move in the cot…very noisy. The combination of the fabric on the wood or aluminum just makes for a bad experience. Any idea on which cots are quiet and which are noisy.
I LOVE my Byer TriLite cot. It’s small, cost effective, and provides a great night of sleep!
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I’m going on a camp-out soon and need to buy a cot. What kind of inexpensive cot do you think is best? Thanks!
The best survival kit is the one never used; that means you were prepared to avoid the situation to use one.
Then you’ve never really “survived” anything extreme. No one is addicted to getting lost and/or fight for their life. Trust me I know.
in a survival kit you need 2 things 1 decent sized FIXED blade knife and one multi use metal canister if you feel like if you want you can also pack some cordage if you have those tree things you have every thing you need to survive indefinitly in the wilderness.
Don’t buy a prefabricated kit. If you make one yourself, you can ensure that all the gear is of good quality and become aquainted with its use. You don’t want to buy a fancy survival kit just to find that the cheaply made whistle breaks once you drop it. Besides, making your own is often much cheaper and infinitely more adaptable.
Not really true. Official EMT or SOL Medical bags have only the highest quality gear!
what i have as an addition to my survival kit is an Altoids can with a magnesium firestarter, small candle, and cotton balls or dryer lint. seal it with electrical tape. the electrical tape can be used as kindling.
I suggest making one in a large hole nalogean bottle and adding a solar light cap. From there you can experiment what to add; solar blanket, magnesium starter, water tablets, etc. Taking the wilderness survival merit badge is a great way to test your kit. Then you will have a real survival kit rather than a toy kit that wouldn’t really do much if truely needed.
i went camping with my dad and other scouts once,and i used a empty tent bag and that did’nt take up too much room in my backpack.
Just make your own! Its fun and You have endless space to put other things that you find in it. I did that and now iI have a kit where I can survive anything from frigid winters to the urban jungle.
But how heavy is it? 5 pounds? 3 pounds?
I bought one for my son and one for us to tear apart and practice using all the parts and pieces. Excellent starter kit.
i took the wilderness survival merit badge and we made our own in an altoids can.
Im going to get 3 SOL survival kits,first aid kit, orgin kit , & survival pak if it dos not have everything or if something breaks just buy more and get a emtey box plus you can sell the things that you already have and then have som CA$H on you to.
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I am getting ready to go on a camping trip and just would like to know what is the best kind of survival kit that fits nicely in my backpack and doesn’t take up too much room.
Try a footprint sandwich. That’s a plastic floor save under the tent and a second inside. This way the floor saver takes the beating rather than the floor and the campers can slide the plastic out, shake clean and put back in place if cleaning is needed. Easy.
Might help you to buy a outdoor rug to put in front of your tent to wipe your feet on. And yes keep a small sized broom & dust pan in your camping supplies!
Always leave your footwear outside of your tent! The best way to keep dirt, leaves, etc out, is to leave them behind. Your tent will probably also smell better and your boots will be better for the fresh air. Be sure to cover or bag them before you go to bed so they don’t get all dewy in the morning.
To enter your tent, open the zipper door, sit inside the tent while leaving feet outside. Take off footwear. Reverse the process to put shoes on.
Part of what is necessary to know is the type of tent. If it is free standing, pull the pegs, turn it upside down, open the doors and shake it out. If not free standing, turn the tent inside out and shake it out. The broom idea is good but it adds weight. This should do the trick. If not, wash the inside out and scrub LIGHTY with a soft brush to lift off the heavy soiling, then let dry.
It will help if you take off your shoes and set them out side your tent.if you are thinking about rain bring along a plastic bag to put them in.That is what we do in out troop and pack.Just make sure that your tent stays closed.I hope that helps good luck
Next time you go camping bring a broom to sweep up the dirt,sand and leaves ind if there is junk under ypor tent bring a sleeping pad to make it more comforitable.
Q. Hey Gear Guy: On camp-outs, my tent is always so dirty for some reason. Whenever I lay down to go to sleep there’s always dirt and sand and leaves all over my sleeping bag and the bottom of the tent. Please help?
That was so awesome!!! It will help a lot on camp outs!!!
We have included this product in our family first aid kits for several years now; I have seen it at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority and Cabella’s.
This special video edition of Stuff We Like shows you a real trail lifesaver.
Q. Help, Gear Guy! What do you do if your waterproof hiking boots have become un-water resistant? My boots shoe bottoms are coming off too!
If you have a wider head (like i do) and don’t like the way most sunglasses fit go for Peppers brand model Blackjacks (R.E.I, $40) they are polarized and cut glare really well. I just used mine on a trip to the island Catalina off the coast of California and they worked great!
I like to go to Home Depot or Lowes and get the ones that are also safety glasses. They look cool, work good as sun glasses, and I can use them as safety glasses too. They usually have several options at pretty good prices. Because they are safety glasses they also tend to hold up a bit better than just cheap sunglasses.
sounds cool but a still like my $5.00 wal-mart pair.
just make sure the sunglasses are UV A & B 100% blocking. Ploarized glasses are great if you have really bright sunshine (like Florida or Texas) or if you spend a lot of time on the water.
You can get good sunglasses at walmart for ten dollars
oops! I meant THEY work great.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, When I’m out camping I need to keep my eyes safe. I want to buy some sunglasses. But where can I find a pair for under $50?
I agree with the comments above, but I am also a big fan of Solomon trail shoes 4D Pros. Another assist would be to put talc on your feet before you sock up and in the shoes. Another idea would be to double sock or use mole skin on your feet.
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I run a lot, and I like to run while at summer camp. Problem is, when I wear my normal running shoes, I get blisters; and when I wear a hiking shoe, it chafes my ankles. Any suggestions for a running shoe that is good for a rough camp trail?
The Hennessy Explorer Deluxe is awesome! The only problem I had was that it gets cold in the thing, but a space blanket or a foam pad fixes it.
do you guys see the scout in the picture?! looks like bad placement to me! if one of those ropes snap its going to be SNAP!! and then SPLASH!!!
do you guys see the scout in the picture?! looks like bad placement to me! if one of those ropes snap its going to be SNAP!! and then SPLASH!!! LOL
hammock camping is truely incredible , being gently rocked to sleep with the stars above your head is a amazing experience. another plus is that the curve of the hammock helps the swelling and pain in your legs from backpacking to lessen.
This modern design looks vulnerable to Squalls and Thunder Storms. See the WW-II “Jungle Hammock” used in the South Pacific by our military, for a more functional design. I had a surplus WW-II “jungle Hammock” while a Boy Scout in Florida c1946.
Hennessy HANDS DOWN, only problem in a hammock was the mosquitoes biting through the bottom, fixed with a window reflector from the car, super light weight & pack easy on a backpack.
No with the ENO who don’t have to learn all those knots which are quite easily forgettable
Q. Hey Gear Guy, What kinds of things do you need to look for when shopping for a hammock tent?
find some thing to block the wind and rain and build a fire!!!!!
A brushpile shelter, built properly, will protect you from the elements and keep you warm (without need of a fire) to -20 degrees. To know how to build one properly, study a squirrel nest (yes, I’m serious).
Or you can build a teepee or in the snow you can also build an igloo. 
cut a hole in a garbage bag for your head and its a shelter in itself
Q. What is your best idea of a survival shelter? How would you build it?
bring a poncho. when i was there it was pouring cats and dogs. also bring a backpack cover.
Q. Hey Gear Guy, my patrol is going to Philmont for two weeks this summer, and I need some help. I hear that the weather is unpredictable there and I was wondering if you could help me decide on what kind of gear we should bring?
Cot= warm weather/ base camp.
Bedroll= warm and cold weather/ base camp and backpacking.
WINNER= Bedroll, more versatile and almost certainly more easy on your wallet!
I would use cott because it wil keep you off the ground in the winter
If you are cold weather camping, a closed-cell foam bed roll is the ONLY way to go. A cot will allow cold air to circulate under you all night. The ground temperature will be warmer than the air for most nights.
Being a backpacker, I always use a pad on the ground with my bag on top. Realizing that air cannot get under the pad to chill you if the weather turns colder. This way you stay warm and the ground and pad are much more stable than the cot.
Getting to be an old guy, I will use a cot if we are tailgate camping or at a council summer camp. If we are hiking in to some location, definitely a bedroll. The boys, being lighter weight, should use a cot only at summer camp. Noisy cot? Get a different one, my Roll-a-cot is quiet, comfy, and light weight.
Bedroll I would go with bed roll they are cheaper and simple. The simpler the better.
I use an air mattress with a sleeping bag, so that is what I would suggest.
depends on the length of camping trip. when i went long term camping (week long) i took a cot. It is definitely worth it. a weekend or backpacking trip, i would suggest a bedroll. it also depends on how you are getting to your campsite. it’s just a balance of how much comfort you want, and what you can and/or want to carry.
i would go with cot it is softer and feels like a bed
Bed rolls because cots break. Cots are very bulky while you can take bedrolls almost
Anywhere.
I would like to know the answer too. My dad says the cot is noisy. Anyone else have an opinion?
Q. On camp-outs I see some boys with cots and others with bedrolls. Which should I use?
I tried a bivvy tent and it wasnt fun. Too tight, no room. It was the one pictured above which has a vestibule, but not easy to access from inside because of it’s confined space. And like the other poster stated: condensation gets on you. Light weight tent is better. However I might one day try an actual bivvy bag/sack (just not a bivvy tent).
I found this answer very helpful because I was wandering the same thing.
Yeah I had to use a bivvy on a hike and in the morning my sleeping bag was wet. Why? Was the bivvy not water proof? Was I already wet when I put it on? No and no. The bivvy kept the water from coming INSIDE but also kept my moisture(sweat)from going OUTSIDE. In the end bivvy or tent? TENT wins every time! Chad 101 sighing off!
Q. What is better to buy: A bivvy or just a lightweight tent?
take A your knife run it under you kitchen faucet with the hot water all the way up take Q-tip run it through all the cracks and crevices on your knife then take a dry Q-tip and do the same thing dry your knife and oil it. (and buy your self a small lock blade so as to avoid the problem in the future)
If I had to pick a pocket knife I would pick a leatherman they are really nice its got a screwdriver a saw a file and lots of other things too.
I have a Gerber LMF II fixed blade for my primary camping,scouting,hiking,hunting and survival knife. for a everyday carry knife I use a Gerber Bear Grylls scout or a Bear Grylls Ultimate multi-tool(Gerber Suspension).
Really? Well I still carry my GERBER LMF II every where I go INCLUDING to scout meetings and scout outings. I admit it would be better to carry a folding knife for meetings(which most of the time I do) But here in the Idaho mountains You don’t rely on a folding knife when you go on an outing. NOTHING can beat a fixed blade for heavy duty work. And my scout master doesn’t seem to care.(one time one of the scouts brought a 15″ machete to a meeting to show the other scouts and do you know what he said? “There you go!” in a good job kind of a tone of voice) By the way I am a Buck knifes fan also! how does the 110 hunter do? being a buck I am sure it is a one of a kind!
i agree that fixed blade nives are beter i carry a smith and weson boot or belt doubel blade knife
@Chad101 BSA’s official policy is that you are no longer allowed to carry fixed blade knives. I do like to have a fixed blade for hunting and fishing, but I carry the Buck110 for Scout and Daily use. Thanks for the cleaning ideas.
It says in my boy scout book the BSA does not ENCOURAGE the use of sheath knifes. It does not say you cant have them it just says they PREFER it if you dont carry one.
Get a fixed blade and you wont have that problem. But whatever makes your weals spin I guess it’s your choice.
While your remedy is practical, how about good old fresh water from the tap, followed by an application of 3 in one?
I’ve been having this problem too. Thanks Sandy And Gear Guy
Q. How do you get sand out of your knife’s insides?
When your zipper breaks apart, if the teeth are not broken off, it can be repaired easily. We bring our tents like this into a shoe repair shop and they replace the slide with a high quality one for about $8.00. It’s a lot better than scrapping or parting out a tent. We have also had to replace entire tent zippers, cost was about $35.00 per tent; but we did put in much heavier zippers the 2nd time.
When my zipper got stuck, I pulled it to hard and now when I zip it, I can pull it apart. How do I fix it?
Carry the oversize diaper safety pins to keep using your bag on the trip.
Q. My sleeping bag zippers always break off. This is my second sleeping bag that broke and I don’t have any extra money to keep buying a new one over and over again. PLEASE HELP!!
I saw them at the scout store. So you can go to the one in your area.
hey sockless, you can get them at scout camp at the camps trading post.
Q. Yo, Gear Guy, Where can you find some Boy Scout socks? I need a couple pairs for campouts and for board of reviews.
I personally always use my vibram five fingers, they may be expensive but if you want you can do some research on them, but before them, i would use the water shoes
I’ve done Subway and Narrows in Zion’s Mational Park several times. Definately neoprene socks – recommend 2 mm. I bought mine from Cabellas for about $13 and they work fine.
Good advice…affordable and practical. You’re great GG.
I totally agree with gear guy. I would add.. take some foot powder like gold bond because your feet will sweat and on any extended break I would turn them inside out.
Q. Gear Guy, I’m going on a Boy Scout backpacking trip in a couple of weeks with my son to Utah. We will be walking through water and sand for three days at the bottom of the canyon. Any recommendation for an inexpensive pair of water shoes for my son (age 16)? Thanks for your help.
I read the review and was wondering: Where can I find the 3 in. multi-tool?
Personally,I’m not interested in the Leatherman. Too heavy for my purposes.
Hey gear guy, I was also reading your review on the knives and I also want to know where I can get the “Gerber Fit”?
The Fit might be too new to show up in retail stores just yet, but we did Google it and find it online at several shops. Great prices, too. There are several to choose from.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, My son and I saw your knife reviews...his question is (him typing now)...where can I buy the Leatherman Fuse?
Water proof both sides of your fly, it really makes a difference. If it’s still persistant, place a tarp (Like at Home depot: about $3.00) between the tent and rain fly. It’ll stop any rain then and by placing the tarp this way the fly will keep it in place if windy.
I think ATSKO WATER GUARD works the best for re-waterproofing a tent. You can also use WG on boots,backpacks,hats,gloves,coats and jackets.And it’s only 4.65$ a can!
If it’s been really windy and rainy, the tent fly might blow off to the side and some water might get into the tent.
Maybe your fly is to thin. Also check for tiny rips in your tent fly. Try reading the manual for the tent if there is one.
Some tents have an airflow top, not good for wet camping. Need to have a full length waterproof fly. Still getting leaks, carry a small light weight tarp to deflect the water away from the tent.
When you pick a tent sight be sure that rain runoff is away from your site. Carry a groundcloth (drycleaner plastic)just enough to cover the bottom of the tent.
Also one reason you could be getting wet is thate your breath condensates on the inside of your tent sides as you sleep so when you wake up your tent appears to be leaking.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I have a tent with a waterproof fly, but I still get wet. Why is that?
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I was just wondering what kinds of special gear my troop should get when going on a canoe trip? We are going down the Delaware River and as ASPL I was assigned to learn what sorts of stuff we needed. We are only going for a couple days and I would be really grateful if you could help. Thanks so much.
try timberland pro they are very light weight and have a style in composite toe
I would suggest hiking boots without the steel toes because the toe part of my boots are already protective as it is. But they’re lightweight.
i like steel toed boot they may be heavier but they are tough and won’t fall apart over years of use
NO. steel-toed boots are way too hevy,you really have no use for them,annd they are too stiff
I would not use steel towed boots, because there’s no flex.
I actually just bought a pair of Keens with a light weight steel toe and they are not that heavy but provide a good stiff boot which I need due to foot problems. It’s not like the big heavy boots with the steel shank in them.
No steel toes for hiking. They will get colder quicker in cold weather and once cold, they will retain the cold. Stick with flexible boots and those with good insulate.
A reinforced Toe Box in your boots can be very helpful when hiking in ruggard country. The toes on hiking boots take a lot of wear as you may scrape you toes along the hike up a trail or move rocks out of the way. Just something to think of.
The only thing steel toe protects is your toes they will not help to protest from scraping on rocks and such. There is an piece you can buy to help protect the outside however.
Steel-toed shoes are not good for hiking. They don’t flex and the rigid toebox can cause blisters and bruises. Additionally, the non-porous material does not breath very well. Finally, the extra weight makes the shoe harder to walk with, causing fatigue. The purpose of steel-toed shoes is to protect your feet from injury if a heavy object were to fall on your foot. This is a very unlikely situation when hiking.
I’m with the GearGuy on this one. I sometimes bring out the old “Waffle Stomper” hiking boots I wore when I was a scout back in the early 80′s – but not for hiking! Just when we are doing training to show today’s scouts and leaders how much better the gear is today and how much less impact we make on the trails today.
Get some good steel toed boots if you’re going to be working in a warehouse or on a construction site – but leave them home when hiking.
Haven’t hiked in years, but I cant tell you steel-toes are definately not good for it. Not only are they too heavy, but the plate doesn’t allow the proper toe movement or flexibility that you would generally need to climb, crouch or walk large distances. Plus, they can be hard to squeeze into tight foot holds and impossible to feel things around your toes when you may need to find out if your foot is in the right place.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, Is it a good idea to wear steel-toed boots for hiking?
Q. Hey Gear Guy! What kind of jacket do you recommend for Philmont Scout Ranch? I need the jacket to be preferably something light and under $100.
I use a Swiss Gear Backpack, they’re good for short trips. But they can hold many things.
Most of of the time on our weekend campouts, no one changes clothes. I do change my socks, but that’s it. Remeber to pack a new set of clothes in a big baggie and it’s easy to carry and then you can put your dirty clothes in that same bag after changing. Thanks to my Scoutmaster for this idea!
try planning out to change your clothes( all garments) at lest once, pack extra for rain, or if you fall in water bring a plastic bag to put wet stuff in, if you stay wet a rash or athletes foot may develop, good luck!
Q. Sometimes on hikes or camping trips I pack a little bit too much or a little bit too little clothing. How can I restrict myself from packing an amount of clothing that is wrong?
I carry two knives. A Gerber multiplier and a Boy Scout Swiss folding knife. I have a Nite Eyes pouch that holds both knives, my flashlight, my knife sharpener, my pen and my flint, drier lint and matches for fire building. You could probably get by with just the Gerber as it has everything but the saw, or you could forget about the pliers, which I use with my dutch oven, and get by with just the Scout knife. Why do you need a sheath knife when the folding knife is just as good, contains more tools and in lighter.
Hey anyone have the GERBER LMF II? everyone else says it’s really good! If you have it or have used it please give me your opinion! thank all!
Never mind guys, I went ahead and ordered it[the LMF] I would still like to hear your comments about it though!
I use a USMC-Issue Ka-Bar Short, with a blade approximately 6 inches long. It comes in 2 models: full blade or part-serrated. The one I have is a full blade. They are expensive (mine was $80), but it is near-impossible to destroy, low maintenance (the cleaning after every 10th use), can be used as a hammer (the blade is forged into the handle, not attached), doesn’t rust as easily as normal knives, and can be used for multiple tasks (small machete, killing small animals, etc…
Ummm… these are Boy Scouts not Marines!! A ka-bar is overkill in my opinion!
The compact scout is just a little small for me. No offense to the knife it self but it is just a little small. But it is a great back up knife if you ever lose your main knife. I have the Bear Grylls Gerber Scout and it works pretty good. Another great knife is the Buck Red Point folding knife.
i perfer a smith in weson boot knife i got one at gun show for like $15 it is well balenced and good foor camping with a double blad it is also good for throwing
A great knife for exploration would be something either really light and sharp like a:
Spyderco Delica4 FRN Sabre Ground: Stronger tip than the FFG and can be fround around $50 dollars. or its Byrd Counterpart the Byrd MedowLark2 for around 20-25 dollars.
or A STRONG fixed blade like a Becker Campanion or Buck Special.
Or the Gerber LMF II. Which is a military survival knife made in the USA and used by U.S. helicopter pilots all over the world!
i would recomend any kind of multitool knife because they have a use for almost any situation.for a safer one get one with a locking blade.
Yes it is good to have a multi-tool. But in the wild I would go with a fixed blade any day.(since there are not a whole lot of screws to tighten in the wilderness if you know what I mean, lol.) I personally love the USA made GERBER LMF II military fixed blade knife.
buck 110 folding hunting knife its nice to but it has to wore on a belt
I like leathermans because they have a super long warranty and they really work.
Overall I think that the Leatherman WAVE is the best, it has all the right tools you’d ever need and the quality that never fails. I think their around $50
I’ve had a Swiss Army knife for 2 years now and i love it.Its perfect for any kind of use. The blade is stainless steel and is 2 and 3/inches long.I love it get a Swiss Army knife for sure.
M16 13dsfg all the way! For $60 on the manufactuars web site, they may seem a little intimidating. Fear not! On amazon theyre like $40. As my second columbia river knife and tool knife, i feel it will last me a life time. Also an epic flip knife. Check it out.
You should get a Columbia River M16-10KZ – Tanto – Designed by Kit Carson knife. It is a great folding knife that is very safe with its double locking feature. I have owned one for over 4 years now.
I would say, if your parents are okay with it, go for a survival knife, such as the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate survival knife. It’s not the cheapest thing around, but it will get you out of a bind if you get stuck in a pinch.
that survival knife is pretty expensive, but there is 1 called the scout that is cheaper and good for scouting
Bear Gryll’s knife has been having quality issues and has been having the Butt end break off alot.
For a desent sized fixed blade I would go with the Becker BK2 Campanion its 5 inches long and 1/4 inch thick!!! its around the same price as the “ultimate” survival knife but its impossible to break.
Another good Fixed Blade is a Buck Special its around $40 at walmart or amazon.
you should use swiss army knives, they are really good and small
Webelo 247 I’ve had a Swiss army knife for 2 years and I think it’s very reliable not just for scouting, but also for hunting too.
just go to some tackle shops and look for cabella brand knifes
I don’t suggest a frost cutlery knife they dull constantly and the handle needs to be tightend at first as well i suggest the knife in the picture or another knife from the same brand.
Remember the best knife is a sharp knife.
A sharp knife does a better job and is less likely to injure the user. Keep a “small” pocket knife with you when exploring it will come in handy.
Matt, I think you should use a 3 inch blade flip knife. You could probably get one from your local super market or flea market for $5 to $8, but they don’t last long. I know one place to go to get this item, your local Bass Pro Shop. The name brand I recommend is Cabela’s, It never let me or my brother down.
That’s a little over kill unless your going through thick brush.
I have one Bear Grylls parang and it works better than any other machete. You can also use it as a hatchet.
Another great knife is the Gerber Kiowa. It’s kinda pricy ($45) but it is a great knife. It too locks.
I have a “parfive” winchester folding knife. I have had it for 3 years of rough use and it is holding on strong. It keeps its edge for a long time, because it is titanium steel. the other plus is that it only cost $15. The blade is about 2 3/4 inches long, this is a great knife!
Q. I need a good knife for exploring a forest. I want a knife that either unfolds or stays open. Any suggestions?
I do a variety of outdoor activities including hiking and backpacking in 6″ soft toe red wing work boots, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you take them out and you’re happy with how they perform, don’t second guess it.
i wear them all the time even at the gym i asked the question
I use Asolo brand hiking boots and they work great for any outdoor activity.
The type of boot needed varies with the load on your back; a heavier load will require taller and stiffer the ankle support. You need to prevent ankle over-extension and twists. Blisters are a nuisance, but strained or torn tendons are for life. I would say no to steel toed boots for any hiking. Wear “Tennis shoes” only when nothing is on your back and the terrain is flat and mild.
I used a pair of work boots my dad bought me when he worked at the post office. They were very comfortable and made of leather. If they fit you good and you can walk in them and they are comfortable by all means. I would upgrade to better insoles though.
I got a pair of timberland pro steel toe work boots couple months back. Went on a three mile hike four days after getting them. Some of the other leaders thought I was a little crazy to wear them without breaking them in a little more, but they were great!
Just get whatever shoes you’re comfortable hiking in. Whenever I go on hikes, I only have one pair of comfortable tennis shoes so I wear those and I do just fine. Its mainly about preference.
Q. I don’t have a pair of hiking boots, but I do have a pair of Georgia Giant work boots that come eight inches over the ankle. Would they work? Or should I get a pair of hikers instead?
Yes, CASIO G-SHOCK are the best!!!!=) TIMEX stink!=(
i would get a Timex that is water proof that is what i have and it also has a light on it it is only $15-$20
Casio from wal-mart or any dept store but they are the best. Used them all through scouts in the 80′s and into the military. I use a casio wave trekker atomic solar now. Bought it through Kohl’s online.I bought mine for $80 but is rugged and will give years of great service
I recommend G-Shock Watch, Men’s White Resin Strap. Most are waterproof up to 200 meters. But they are expensive about $90.00.
best watches are Casio Pathfinders, Suuntos, and I would not recommend timex expedition watches, they are not accurate and they are big
Q. My troop is sending boys to Sea Base and I was wondering about good inexpensive waterproof watch. Any ideas about where I could get one?
People and “cool” cars I’d rather have a truck.Utility uses.
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I want a corvet when I am 16. It`s just as cool and fast,and cheaper too.
Q. This is not so much a gear question but a technique question: My buddy and I plan to backpack a 24-mile point-to-point trail one weekend, camping halfway. Problem, we only have one car. How do we get back to our car at the end of the trail?
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cool
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lol im getting one for christmas.