Idaho
blah blah blah
The letter at the end is the width fitting. Normally from A to F for Clarkes shoes. Q is somewhat further up the alphabet!I don't know what that size even is
The Outdoorsy "Sofa".
- Thread starter chilango
- Start date
On the Goretex site, it recommends using convection-style air driers to dry wet boots. Anyone got them? What are they like? There are leccy ones, and those Drysure ones that use some kind of absorbent material. Think I'm gonna get some for my next pair of boots.
I usually just stuff with newspaper, but I'm suspecting that the length of time it takes to dry the boots contributed to the premature splitting of my Salomons.
I usually just stuff with newspaper, but I'm suspecting that the length of time it takes to dry the boots contributed to the premature splitting of my Salomons.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Be curious to here how you get on! I normally leave mine under the radiator which I'm aware isn't great. Do use a decent wax?
I sometimes put them in a room with the dehumidifier on to speed up the process but it still takes ages. Putting them under rads is meant to shrink them isn't it? It's been too hot for heating anyway most of this year.
I don't use wax on Goretex. I have 2 different types of sprays but tbh, on a long rainy hike, they're just gonna get fucking soaked anyway aren't they?
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Yeah, not great. Never had them shrink, more worried about damaging the leather, hence wax, but I wouldn't put them on top. I don't really trust membranes anymore, they always fail. I'd rather the leather itself was what kept the water out.
I don't really use boots much in Summer anymore though. I prefer trainers that will drain quickly when they get wet, although I know that's not for everyone.
Urghh, after ordering and returning many MANY so-called 'wide' boots, I have now managed to track down a boot fitters/sellers in Liverpool. The only other one I could find was Otley, which, nice as it is, is a long drive from here.
Going next Saturday. Fingers crossed I get something that actually fits! I'm gonna lash out a lot if it means I don't have to go through all this again in a year.
Going next Saturday. Fingers crossed I get something that actually fits! I'm gonna lash out a lot if it means I don't have to go through all this again in a year.
I've never done a multi-day hike, but I do really fancy it sometime. Best of luck for it, be good to see some pics of your journey. Are you going on your own?
Idaho
blah blah blah
Yes going on my tod. My usual hiking buddies are all busy alas. I don't mind though as I enjoy solo journeys.
Idaho
blah blah blah
First day on the Cumbria way, Ulverston to Conniston. With all the digressions and misdirections I ended up walking well over 30km. My legs are refusing to stop aching, despite the constant stretching and prodding. Maybe this last beer before shower and bed will help.
The first 10km rises up the valley from Ulverston across sheep and cattle fields. It was pretty cold starting off, but warmed up with the climb and heavy, muddy going. Signage and map data weren't entirely aligned and navigation wasn't easy. After resolving a mistake I turned round and saw morcombe bay behind me:
After 10km the pastures gave way to rougher upland. I pushed on past halfway and stopped for lunch and a brew. Again I got a bit lost and ended up bracken wading and back tracking to regain the path.
Was pretty tired when I got to the waterside, so had a dip to give me the momentum for the last 10km:
Walked the lakeside path and got within sight of Conniston by sunset. Stopped in a pub and inhaled 2 pints and an over priced, mediocre, but desperately welcome plate of fish and chips.
Looking rainy tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully I'll smash out most of the way to Langdale before it sets in. Sunday forecast looking ok so far for the high pass.
The first 10km rises up the valley from Ulverston across sheep and cattle fields. It was pretty cold starting off, but warmed up with the climb and heavy, muddy going. Signage and map data weren't entirely aligned and navigation wasn't easy. After resolving a mistake I turned round and saw morcombe bay behind me:
After 10km the pastures gave way to rougher upland. I pushed on past halfway and stopped for lunch and a brew. Again I got a bit lost and ended up bracken wading and back tracking to regain the path.
Was pretty tired when I got to the waterside, so had a dip to give me the momentum for the last 10km:
Walked the lakeside path and got within sight of Conniston by sunset. Stopped in a pub and inhaled 2 pints and an over priced, mediocre, but desperately welcome plate of fish and chips.
Looking rainy tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully I'll smash out most of the way to Langdale before it sets in. Sunday forecast looking ok so far for the high pass.
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weepiper
I fix the machines that fight climate change
Only just seen your wide boot woes now, I've got a pair of Danner leather boots which I bought specifically because I have a really dramatic bunion on one foot and the other is going the same way, and I spend my days off walking ten miles round salt marshes. They were really not cheap but they're resolable, Goretex lined and I haven't regretted it in any way. So much more comfortable than my previous ones. It was these that I got, they're not a full on hiking boot so may not suit but worth having a look at
Mountain 600 Leaf 4.5" Loam Brown/Glazed Ginger GTX W
One Boot. Many Soles. The Mountain 600 Leaf GTX is a fresh take on our best-selling hiking boot that’s designed with the future in mind. It’s the first recraftable Mountain 600, meaning our dedicated team can resole and recondition your boots to keep them on the trail for years to come. With...
Saffy
Under the duvet..
I'm now a walking pole convert. My bloke made me use his while out hiking and what a game changer. I feel like I can walk forever! OK, maybe not forever but as a chubster carrying a few too many stone my knees are really thanking me.
His are too long for me and pretty expensive, so I don't need anything as full on as those. Anyone got any good recommendations?
His are too long for me and pretty expensive, so I don't need anything as full on as those. Anyone got any good recommendations?
neonwilderness
What would Badgers do?
Alpkit?
alpkit.com
Walking Poles, Hiking Poles & Trekking Poles Range
Alpkit's walking, hiking, and trekking poles are lightweight, comfortable, and durable for your next outdoor adventure. Explore our high-quality range now.
alpkit.com
Are they not adjustable?
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
I've got a pair of Fizans. They were the lightest going, but not the most expensive, funnily enough. One of my old ones broke in Scotland so I tested everybody elses and decided they were best price vs weight vs other stuff. Only 158g per pole. Used them recently when I did Mt Olympus in Greece, was so glad I had them, despite questing myself when packing my bag in the UK.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Speaking of Olympus I don't think I ever showed of any pics! I chose to add an extra 17km to walk up the valley. That path was officially closed as floodwaters broke all the bridges, but the water was low enough it wasn't to much drama to cross. It made the first day brutal, but I'm so glad I did, but was very glad to cadge a lift back so I didn't have to repeat in on the second. Stayed in the refuge which wasn't the best nights sleep, but got cold beer and decent food. The main summit was a bit more technical then I was expecting, there were groups on ropes and bolts, but was fun when I got my head in the game. Met a nice german lady who was pretty nervous, so I gave her moral support and she gave me the lift. Because I wasn't stressing about time anymore I got to some of the much quiter nearby summits, which was amazing.
Saffy
Under the duvet..
They are but even at the lowest length they're a bit long. They're Z poles so don't have as much movement for shortening.
Idaho
blah blah blah
It was easy getting an early start for day two as the hostel fire alarm went off at 7am. Oddly, in Ulverston the morning before, the fire alarm went off. Maybe it's a Cumbria thing. Got underway at 8 with the sun only just poking it's head up above the hills.
Decided to swerve the official Cumbria Way route which snakes through the valleys and do an up-and-over, which was more direct, but harder going on steep wooded tracks. Worked out well as it maximised the morning sun and gave some lovely dramatic vistas.
Headed down through an old quarry and along a river to the village shop in Chapel Stile, before heading up to the hostel. The rain started just as I walked the last kilometre.
Decided to swerve the official Cumbria Way route which snakes through the valleys and do an up-and-over, which was more direct, but harder going on steep wooded tracks. Worked out well as it maximised the morning sun and gave some lovely dramatic vistas.
Headed down through an old quarry and along a river to the village shop in Chapel Stile, before heading up to the hostel. The rain started just as I walked the last kilometre.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
That looks amazing. My mate was telling me about it before he did it and was really jealous. I think it rained on him solid for two days before he gave up.
klang
klang
Wow
And no chance of testing them today cos I fell over roadworks coming out of train station yesterday. Fucked my hand, wrist and knee, bruised ribs, but don't think owt is broken. Gutted cos can't drive and had a new hike planned for todayThanks weepiper . Have just lashed out an eye-watering amount on some Meindl hiking boots. Like putting your feet in a feather bed though
Elpenor
a clown’s heart and a mandolin
I was thinking about some too. I did a lot of walking of the England coast path last week on holiday. Perhaps I need to pop into an outdoor shop for a look. Am not convinced I’ll find them easy to use but my knees would find them helpful
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Game changer mate, especially when there's some up hill. I can't advise enough about getting the lightest you can. I've picked up some and think they'd make life harder, they're so dam heavy.
Also, you probably know, but you use them more with the leashes on the wrists then holding onto the handles.
Elpenor
a clown’s heart and a mandolin
Cheers. I will bear in mind when purchasing.
When I was doing trail ultras back in the noughties they were largely banned in this country (unlike in the big European races) so I think I’m a bit resistant to the concept. We used to call them
cheating sticks but this was within a race context I must stress.
UnderOpenSky
baseline neural therapy
Yeah, I first tried them for ultras, but probably get more use hill walking.
Anyway, they're not cheating sticks, but win sticks.
Saffy
Under the duvet..
Honestly, even on the flat they were amazing. I could walk so much faster and 'with purpose'. Watch a YouTube video on how to use them, once you get going it's pretty second nature.
