what kind of shoes to GC hike
Apr 5th, 2007, 08:36 PM
#41
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A couple of other things to get:
1) The suggestion to wash the socks is a good one. You can get some biodegradable liquid detergent in a very small container at any sporting goods store. (I prefer REI. You really don't need very much. A 3 oz bottle lasted me a month in Europe.)
2) After Bite - if he's susceptible to mosquito bites, this would be invaluable. It's been a lifesaver for me in some dark cave in Thailand which was Mosquito Central. Stops the itching and the swelling. Also obtainable in sporting goods stores.
3) I'm the kind of person that attracts every single bug on the trail. I use a Deet lotion as well as something that I spray onto my clothes (didn't find it last time at the sporting goods store and have tossed away the old can, otherwies I'd give you a name).
4) Young kids are very durable, but I also have a pair of sunglasses.
5) The Pyzel (sp?) is a great suggestion. I love mine and call it a "miner's light". Take it every trip and not just for hiking. Makes for a great reading light which doesn't disturb my roommate!
For this kind of hiking, it's the perpetual going uphill and downhill that gets to you. When going up, you wish you were going down. When going down, you wish you were going up. It places a tremendous strain on the leg muscles and the toes tend to get the entire impact of the downhill strides. I have lost a number of toenails, so the ballerina "toes" seem like a wonderful idea. Definitely, thick wool socks!
I go hiking a lot along the California coast and would you believe some of these people who come in high heels and slipper-like "shoes"!?
1) The suggestion to wash the socks is a good one. You can get some biodegradable liquid detergent in a very small container at any sporting goods store. (I prefer REI. You really don't need very much. A 3 oz bottle lasted me a month in Europe.)
2) After Bite - if he's susceptible to mosquito bites, this would be invaluable. It's been a lifesaver for me in some dark cave in Thailand which was Mosquito Central. Stops the itching and the swelling. Also obtainable in sporting goods stores.
3) I'm the kind of person that attracts every single bug on the trail. I use a Deet lotion as well as something that I spray onto my clothes (didn't find it last time at the sporting goods store and have tossed away the old can, otherwies I'd give you a name).
4) Young kids are very durable, but I also have a pair of sunglasses.
5) The Pyzel (sp?) is a great suggestion. I love mine and call it a "miner's light". Take it every trip and not just for hiking. Makes for a great reading light which doesn't disturb my roommate!
For this kind of hiking, it's the perpetual going uphill and downhill that gets to you. When going up, you wish you were going down. When going down, you wish you were going up. It places a tremendous strain on the leg muscles and the toes tend to get the entire impact of the downhill strides. I have lost a number of toenails, so the ballerina "toes" seem like a wonderful idea. Definitely, thick wool socks!
I go hiking a lot along the California coast and would you believe some of these people who come in high heels and slipper-like "shoes"!?
Apr 5th, 2007, 09:12 PM
#42
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dreamer---no, the teens aren't going to use walking sticks. Ditto the toe pads. Fortunately, they don't really need them like some of us older people do.
If he has knee trouble (as I did at his age), send some ibuprofen along, and a small knee wrap just in case. (The little 2" wide self-adhesive rolls that you can buy at the drugstore.
Can't help with the cleaning wipes, but ziploc bags can take care of a lot of problems.
If you're saving on weight and space, long johns under shorts can take care of just about anything. I know people who go out skiing in the backcountry that way. Zip-off pants are a good alternative, and probably more appropriate for the canyon country, because they are cooler.
If he has knee trouble (as I did at his age), send some ibuprofen along, and a small knee wrap just in case. (The little 2" wide self-adhesive rolls that you can buy at the drugstore.
Can't help with the cleaning wipes, but ziploc bags can take care of a lot of problems.
If you're saving on weight and space, long johns under shorts can take care of just about anything. I know people who go out skiing in the backcountry that way. Zip-off pants are a good alternative, and probably more appropriate for the canyon country, because they are cooler.
Apr 7th, 2007, 01:24 PM
#43
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MOLESKIN is an essential. It weighs next to nothing and can be a lifesaver if blisters develop.
Cleaning wipes can be purchased in a variety of forms. Some come in individual packets; others are available in a soft, flat pack. Use ziplocs to carry out the dirty ones. Check for the wipes at a large drugstore.
Cleaning wipes can be purchased in a variety of forms. Some come in individual packets; others are available in a soft, flat pack. Use ziplocs to carry out the dirty ones. Check for the wipes at a large drugstore.
Apr 7th, 2007, 01:55 PM
#44
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Jilkovina -
If you're going with a group, see if they have a suggested "packing list."
If you're just going for a day hike, I doubt you need tons of equipment.
Go to a good outdoors store and ask for their recommendations on boots. I would avoid sandals.
Also buy some socks and a small backpack to hold water bottles (bring extra), bug repellent, sunscreen and a cell phone.
For what it's worth, I wore a pair of Merrils when climbing Ayers Rock in Australia and was quite pleased.
If you're going with a group, see if they have a suggested "packing list."
If you're just going for a day hike, I doubt you need tons of equipment.
Go to a good outdoors store and ask for their recommendations on boots. I would avoid sandals.
Also buy some socks and a small backpack to hold water bottles (bring extra), bug repellent, sunscreen and a cell phone.
For what it's worth, I wore a pair of Merrils when climbing Ayers Rock in Australia and was quite pleased.
Apr 8th, 2007, 06:44 AM
#46
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They now sell a sort of tennis shoe with a GPS tracking device in them. I suggest you seek them out and purchase a pair. That way when you're hiding from the rangers, and hiking where and when you shouldn't be, they'll be able to find your body when it's all over.
Apr 10th, 2007, 12:53 PM
#52
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Back to the original question -- these shoes are perfect for hiking the Grand Canyon:
http://tinyurl.com/2k7bmm
http://tinyurl.com/2k7bmm
Apr 10th, 2007, 03:37 PM
#56
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Something like Gatorade might be better as it can replace more of the other electrolytes but the major loss will be salt. When I'm working hard, I have to be careful to get enough calcium or I get leg cramps. Potassium is another that can cause cramping if you are low on it.
Apr 13th, 2007, 01:52 PM
#57
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Salty snacks are essential. Google hyponatremia.
www.hitthetrail.com is a great site for gcnp hiking info. Learn their method of tieing your boot laces to keep your feet from sliding around, prevents canyon toe.
Bodyglide - applied to your feet (good for other spots too) this can prevent hot spots from even starting and can help you avoid blisters. Not always easy to find but I wouldn't be without it!
Cell phones barely work at the top of the canyon (alltel is most reliable at the top). Chances of having one work in the inner canyon are slim (river trips carry satellite phones in case of emergency, not cell phones).
www.hitthetrail.com is a great site for gcnp hiking info. Learn their method of tieing your boot laces to keep your feet from sliding around, prevents canyon toe.
Bodyglide - applied to your feet (good for other spots too) this can prevent hot spots from even starting and can help you avoid blisters. Not always easy to find but I wouldn't be without it!
Cell phones barely work at the top of the canyon (alltel is most reliable at the top). Chances of having one work in the inner canyon are slim (river trips carry satellite phones in case of emergency, not cell phones).
Apr 29th, 2007, 07:00 AM
#58
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Son is back safe and sound and had an incredible time! The pictures are amazing, and as Enzian said, it is one of the highlights of his teenage years.
However, he said it was very challenging, and they were, at many times, in difficult climbing situations on very steep ridges. I'm so glad I didn't realize the extent of it before he left!
No sunburn, dehydration, blisters, or injuries - Yahoo! His knee did act up a bit, but he had packed the brace. He said a couple kids did have walking sticks that he tried out, and would get for "next time." Ooooh noooo!
Thanks again to all for your advice and encouragement.
However, he said it was very challenging, and they were, at many times, in difficult climbing situations on very steep ridges. I'm so glad I didn't realize the extent of it before he left!
No sunburn, dehydration, blisters, or injuries - Yahoo! His knee did act up a bit, but he had packed the brace. He said a couple kids did have walking sticks that he tried out, and would get for "next time." Ooooh noooo!
Thanks again to all for your advice and encouragement.
Apr 29th, 2007, 06:49 PM
#59
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Dreaner2---good for your son! And it sounds like he has discovered a love for the beautiful places that will nourish him for life.
And there will be a next time for him, and for our own DD (age 14) who made the trip down and back up with us. On the way up, DH muntioned a "rim-to-rim" (overnighting in the canyon, not in one day) next time. The first thing she said was---"when will we go?"
And there will be a next time for him, and for our own DD (age 14) who made the trip down and back up with us. On the way up, DH muntioned a "rim-to-rim" (overnighting in the canyon, not in one day) next time. The first thing she said was---"when will we go?"
