North face denali

1. Why You Should Ditch Your Hiking Boots All the time, I get asked about backpacking boots, and the problem is almost always the same. Hikers want to know if backpacking in running shoes is still okay and how light their packs need to be so they can make a move. For all of us, from day one, it has been hammered into our minds that backpackers carry boots. That’s what you’re doing. You need power, ankle support, and water protection, don’t you? After lots of years and hundreds of my trail miles (both with and without boots), I feel very secure in saying: Ditch the boots and don’t look back when I get asked this question now. Before you look for “north face Denali“, Here are five examples of why:

2. Weight on the Feet Is Costly The more weight you bear, the more energy you waste having that with you. The aspect is straightforward. But in fact, the weight held on your feet is even more critical. Weight on your feet will make your back zap 4-6 times more energy than weight. So the energy-saving equivalent of cutting 8-12 pounds from your bag is exchanging the three- pound pair of boots for a one-pound pair of running shoes. In earnest, they’re science. Blisters Are the Pits You don’t flex stiff, hard-soled boots with your feet, and they won’t help your tootsies breathe. All-day long, the feet will be soft from sweating in sweaty boots, and that makes them more susceptible to blisters. That’s why even a well-broken pair of boots on the trail will cause blisters during a long day. And if you’ve ever been through nasty blisters, you know, the blisters are the pits. Waterproof Is a Confusing Term Many boots appear to be waterproof, and that’s a positive thing most hikers believe. Yet waterproof boots won’t keep your feet dry. It is as easy as that. Sweat will wet your feet, and they can’t breathe. Waterproof boots only offer cover from the rain in the short term. Water can flow down your legs and into your boots while it is raining. Over time, even the best quality waterproof boots can produce small holes that eventually let water in during continuous rain. Waterproof treatments are not permanent, and for a time, they will need to be renewed.

3. Boots Are Challenging Boots are costly, they take a long time to break-in, and to retain their shape, they need to be kept. That’s a lot of trouble for a gadget that will rip your feet up and drain your resources. Wouldn’t it be better to have a light, cost-effective alternative that you can wear straight from the box? I certainly think so. Do not mistake me. I own a great pair of boots that have lasted for several years (check out our list of the best men’s andwomen’s waterproof hiking boots to see our top picks). I use them to go on snowy winter hikes, and they are a wonderful weapon. I don’t wear boots anymore on my three-season backpacking adventures, and I don’t feel I’ll ever be back again.