Boots or trail shoes?
| Type | Good for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Trail running shoes | Dry, well-made paths; fast walking; warm weather | Less protection and support; wear out sooner; wet feet in bog and snow |
| Lightweight hiking shoes | Most day hikes on paths | Low cut, so scree and water get in more easily |
| Mid-height hiking boots | Rough or wet ground, heavier packs, mixed conditions | Heavier and warmer; need breaking in |
| Stiff mountain boots | Winter, crampons, rocky and steep terrain | Heavy and uncomfortable for easy walking |
Waterproof membranes keep out puddles but are slower to dry once wet inside, and can be hot in summer. On wet ground in cool climates they help; in hot, dry places breathable shoes are often better.
Getting the fit right
- Try boots on late in the day, when feet are larger, wearing the socks you hike in.
- You should be able to wiggle your toes, and they shouldn't touch the front on a downhill slope.
- The heel should stay put when you walk; a little lift is normal in a stiff new boot.
- Walk in them at home and on short walks before any long day. New boots on a big day are a common cause of blisters.
Treat hot spots early. Stop and tape the area at the first rub; a blister that has formed is much harder to manage.
The layering system
Instead of one heavy jacket, use several thinner layers you can combine:
- Base layer. Next to the skin, moves sweat away. Merino wool or synthetic. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold.
- Mid layer. Insulation: a fleece, a light synthetic or down jacket. Carry a spare warm layer for stops even in summer.
- Shell. A waterproof, windproof jacket with a hood, and waterproof trousers when rain is likely. It works as a windbreak even when it isn't raining.
Start walking slightly cool. Within ten minutes of climbing you'll warm up; stopping to remove a layer early beats getting soaked in sweat, which chills you later.
Small items that matter
- Hat and gloves, even in summer on high ground.
- Sun hat and sunglasses: UV is stronger at altitude and off snow.
- Gaiters for mud, snow and long grass.
- Spare socks in a dry bag.
Pack fit
A pack should carry most of its weight on your hips, not your shoulders. Measure your back length, try packs with weight in them, and adjust the hip belt first, then shoulder straps, then load lifters. See the packing checklist for what goes inside.