First trip to Oregon this coming weekend, hope to hike to Paradise Park from Timberline Lodge.
Do we need heavy duty hiking boots or will Merrell Moabs be okay? We climbed Angels Landing in Zion and Wheeler in New Mexico last summer comfortably in Merrells. We usually hike in the Adirondacks, where hiking boots are mandatory.
Appreciate any advice.
Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
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Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
Merrell Moabs will be fine.
I've done that route plenty of times in my Brooks Cascadia trail running shoes.
I've done that route plenty of times in my Brooks Cascadia trail running shoes.
- adamschneider
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Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
You don't need heavy-duty hiking boots for anything unless you're going to be carrying 50-lb. packs.
Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
Moabs will be absolutely fine there! Only consideration with any "short" shoes on a volcanic landscape might be sand gaiters (eg, Dirty Girl, et al.) to keep the ash out. I go both with and without, and really appreciate not having to empty my shoes as often when I go with.
Karl
Back on the trail, again...
Back on the trail, again...
Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
I am fascinated by that statement. Why are they mandatory?Daniel Eagan wrote:We usually hike in the Adirondacks, where hiking boots are mandatory.
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Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
Mandatory for me because the trails are too difficult otherwise, lots of rock slabs, exposed roots, mossy rocks, few if any switchbacks, deep mud pits, and many trails that simply follow streambeds. If it's wet, muddy, slippery, and steep, I like more ankle protection.Webfoot wrote:I am fascinated by that statement. Why are they mandatory?Daniel Eagan wrote:We usually hike in the Adirondacks, where hiking boots are mandatory.
I probably could hike in the Adirondacks in Merrells, but I wouldn't feel comfortable.
Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
Thank you for taking the time to explain.
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Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
That's so true. I hiked in the Adirondacks without proper hiking shoes a while ago, and it wasn't an easy experience.Daniel Eagan wrote: I probably could hike in the Adirondacks in Merrells, but I wouldn't feel comfortable.
Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
I just did the loop around the Three Sisters in Altras. Very light and great on the trail. I also did it 3 years ago in a pair of heavier hiking boots. I now prefer to go light on my feet and will use my heavy boots for winter.
https://www.altrarunning.com/women/lone-peak-30
https://www.altrarunning.com/women/lone-peak-30
- retired jerry
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Re: Newbie question: hiking boots or Merrells?
A lot of people use shoes all the time. They can weigh a pound less than boots. Weight on your feet is many times as bad as weight on your back.
I've tried them some. Good in hot weather. Good if you have to cross deep streams because they dry out quicker.
I use mid height boots most of the time. For shallow streams, I can cross without getting my feet wet. With shoes it tends to get in over the top of the shoes. Also, mid height boots keeps dirt and rocks out better. Gore-Tex keeps my feet pretty dry even in rain or wet brush. My socks are a little damp at the end of the day - in some cases they would be drier with breathable shoes.
It's good to try shoes and see what is preferred. Many people like them even with a heavy pack or walking on rocky uneven surfaces.
I've tried them some. Good in hot weather. Good if you have to cross deep streams because they dry out quicker.
I use mid height boots most of the time. For shallow streams, I can cross without getting my feet wet. With shoes it tends to get in over the top of the shoes. Also, mid height boots keeps dirt and rocks out better. Gore-Tex keeps my feet pretty dry even in rain or wet brush. My socks are a little damp at the end of the day - in some cases they would be drier with breathable shoes.
It's good to try shoes and see what is preferred. Many people like them even with a heavy pack or walking on rocky uneven surfaces.