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From Stuart and Liz Hill <lukethegreat@iamerica.net> Organization Hill Dental Comp. Date Sun, 11 Jan 1998 16:15:36 -0600 Newsgroups rec.outdoors.camping
I am going on a Philmont Trek this summer with my Boy Scout Troop. This happs in nort-western New Mexico in the mountains. It covers around 50 miles in 10 days. Do you have any suggestions on boots or other appereal for mountain camping. I'm from Louisiana and have never backpacked out west. Thanks a bunch. lukethegreat@hotmail.com
From John Jackson <jjjack@pacbell.net> Organization Pacific Bell Internet Services Date Sun, 11 Jan 1998 20:23:10 -0800 Newsgroups rec.outdoors.camping
My best advice is to make sure what ever shoes you ware should have plenty of anckle support and should be WELL BROKEN IN. Don't wait tell the last minute to pick up a pair of boots and then simply go off hiking or you'll pay for it with blisters and sore feet. Also since you're a young boy don't go off and spend alot on expensive hiking boots because you'll just out grow them in a year or two.
From cchubb@codegurus.com (Chris Chubb) Organization Code Gurus (Northern Virginia) Date Tue, 13 Jan 1998 14:00:10 GMT Newsgroups rec.outdoors.camping
Well, LukeTheGreat, When hiking in Philmont, you will encounter everything from deep sand to deep water. But, mostly, you will be hiking on loose rock and hard packed sandstone. Depending on the trails that you take, you will also encounter some good elevation changes and serious downward slopes. Some things are mandatory in a good set of boots for the Western states: - A scree colar, the padded thing around the ankle. - Some form of plastic protection around the lower edge, to protect against rocks. - Breathability. It would be nice to be able to wear a full grain leather boot, but your feet will sweat right off. Get something with at least some cordura nylon. Gore-Tex is nice for waterproofing, but it is expensive, and will only last you 2-3 years, at best. - Break them in before you go! You should have at least 20 miles on them before you go. - Take foot power. Its like a tune-up for your feet. Use it every morning. Most of all, have fun and bring back a bagfull of memories! - Chris Chubb (cchubb@codegurus.com)- Northern Virginia, USA - Code Gurus: Custom solutions programmed for your business. - Fair rates, fast response, rock-solid code. Initial consultation free. - Visual Basic, Tiered databases, Java, Perl, Internet programming.
From mwisdom@athens.net (Matthew Wisdom) Organization All USENET -- http://www.Supernews.com Date Tue, 20 Jan 1998 04:44:01 GMT Newsgroups rec.outdoors.camping
I was at Philmont 3 years ago and bought (the notorious) Vasque Sundowners for the occasion. While it is recommended that you break these boots in for 50 miles or so, they worked great for me after only a couple of shorter excursions and casual wearing. If properly maintained, these boots can last for years, and Vasque has established an excellent reputation for repairing/replacing boots (or so I've heard). These boots provide ample support for ordinary backpacking (i.e. moderate loads, ~50lbs. or less) as well as dayhiking, and I use mine for backpacking regularly. In addition, a friend of mine used the same boots for Philmont Trail Crew (hiking around the ranch for the entire summer) and was very pleased with them. For long, extended treks (such as the entire 2000 mile Appalachian Trail) or enormously heavy loads, you might want to consider a more 'heavy-duty' boot, such as certain reinforced Reichle boots. However, this is overkill for short backpacking and hiking needs, and may run in excess of several hundred dollars. I'd recommend the Sundowners in a second, and you can probably get them from REI or somewhere for around 150-175$. As to the Philmont terrain, it of course depends on which trek number you have (when I went, there were 26 'routes' across the ranch, ranging in difficulty from 1, the least, to 26, the most; we took 21). When we went it was unusually dry and dusty, but the support provided by my Vasque boots was ample. While Philmont does have some ups and downs, they are no more demanding in my opinion (with a few pronounced exceptions and the altitude factor, e.g. base camp is above 8,000 ft. above sea level, and the peak of Baldy Mountain is around 12,500) than the roller-coaster Southern Appalachian Trail . E-mail if I can be of further assistance, and enjoy the trip! Matt