boots & mats

[sarge]

I am looking to shell out a few hard earned pennies on some new hiking gear and wanted to sound out for some advice. If anyone has had any experience with the brands below or can suggest cheaper or better alternatives I would love some advice.

Item 1 - boots. I have tried several brands in the past couple of years and am yet to find one that is comfortable and easy to wear in. I have issues with pronation (my ankles roll in) and fussy feet (my feet hurt in soft soled boots). I have had a couple of people suggest Scarpa, but they retail at around $300 and I am hesitant to pay so much unless I know they are really that good.

item 2 - sleeping mat. I have been using a 3/4 length mat but really don't sleep well with my feet on the ground. Can anyone suggest a good brand? the latest wild magazine had a survey that suggested a brand 'Insulmat' which rated as good a thermarest but at a fraction of the price. Would appreciate if anyone has had any experience with this brand.

Thanks

[tasadam]

1. Boots.
I wear Scarpa's. My feet are also stuffed - high arches. I wear orthotics but don't yet have any made esp. for the boots. Come Jan 1 when my health insurance will allow me another pair, I will have a set made for my boots.
If you have any problems with your feet like that, go to a good podiatrist & get orthotics - a big difference!!

I have had 3 pairs of Scarpa. The 1st pair got stolen, the 2nd pair I still use for walking round the block or work boots around the house as they are now quite old. The 3rd pair are fairly new, only 2 and a half years old.

I cannot speak of other boots, haven't worn anything other than Scarpa. But they do have a reputation for being the best. In my view, they really are worth the money - they will last a long time and are comfortable, great support, etc... If you know anyone with Paddy Pallin membership, you can get 10% off. Or shop around, I don't know who else stocks them.
Get them sized properly, decide whether you will be wearing one or two pairs of socks and try them on with that... I use 2 pair of Explorer socks when walking.
A lot to shell out, but these boots will take me anywhere I want to go! Take your time getting the right size and listen to the seller to see if they know what they are talking about - if they do, they will have good advice to offer to make sure you get the right fit, how to look after them etc.

2. Mats.
I have a thermarest 3/4 as I found them on sale in Hobart. There are a number of cheaper alternatives around - I remember someone telling me they bought a copy off eBay that work well. So long as they are thick enough to insulate you from the ground and they look like they're built to survive, they should be okay.
Hopefully someone else will offer further advice. I generally put something under my feet - my Japara if it's dry, or clothes or something. A space blanket shiny side up when inside the tent also helps.

Anyone else? Feel free to offer your own opinions on boots & mats, these are my opinions and experiences.

[sarge]

Thanks Adam, re Scarpas, I am pretty set on getting them. I do have a paddy pallin card so will definately take advantage.

I have been warned off getting leather scarpa's by a couple of people though. Are yours leather or synthetic? One hiking freind tried to wear in a pair of leather scarpas for 2 years and gave up, however it could have been that they were not the correct size for her....

[Penguin]

I have found that there is no such thing as the best boot. I have a pair of Raichle's - nubuck. For me they are fantastic - bung knee, flat feet and a couple of chipped bones. (Reading that you might as well send me to the knackery). I wera them all day, when I get to camp I do not feel like I want to take them off. Being nubuck no wearing in time yet good water resistance. One of my hiking buddies has them and hates them - gives him sore feet. He much prefers a $200 pair of Eco's. The best boots are the ones that fit you and the ones that you can get at a good price.

I too have the 3/4 length thermarest. It has been good. In cold weather I have started putting ther packliner in teh bottom of the sleeping bag and that has worked well. I thought the new thermarests were much cheaper than the old ones.

[tasadam]

Are yours leather or synthetic?

It took me a while to find, but here are my boots...
http://www.fitnesstravelgear.com/archiv ... boots.html

These are full leather.
When searching for Scarpa boots on the net, it seems all I can find are Scarpa SL M3 boots such as here
http://www.trailspace.com/gear/scarpa/sl-m3/
and here
www.themountainfactor.com/read.php?page=36&type=review
EDIT dead link

and reviews of the SL here (doesn't specify whether or not the M3)
http://www.thebackpacker.com/gear/boots/scarpa_sl.php
I can't find the SL on the Paddy Pallin site.
My first pair were called Scarpa Attack, again full leather.

Best advice I can offer on these boots - when you put them on for the first time, take your time and put them on right!
Any little crease in the tongue etc will be there for the life of the boot if you don't get it right the first time you put them on (to wear, not to try on at the store).

I condition them with snow seal. Keep melting it in with a hair dryer until they just won't take any more. Works for me.

As Penguin says,

The best boots are the ones that fit you and the ones that you can get at a good price.

This is good advice. However, a good price does not necessarily mean cheap... Cheaper can mean two things - a saving, that is, less expensive; or, paying for something that really is "cheaper". The old saying, "You get what you pay for" but not everyone can justify spending top dollar for top shelf items, when a lesser price can get you something that will suit your needs. Having said that, I would never consider a boot other than Scarpa as I know how great they are.

Breaking in - I wore them for a day or so before an extended walk. I get away with that because they fit me so well (and perhaps because I use 2 pair of explorer socks).
You will know when they have softened up a bit and adjusted to your feet. Shouldn't take too long. Certainly won't take months.
My wife uses Scarpa as well, leather, their first outing was a 7 day circuit over Frenchmans and out at Victoria Pass... No troubles with the boots... Wish I could say the same about the leeches!

[Son of a Beach]

I'll agree that Scarpa make great boots, however, my old ones were very uncomfortable. All of what Tasadam says is spot on though (especially the bit about creases in the leather of the tongue!). Mine were a problem only because the shape of Scarpas is not right for my feet... Scarpas are not wide enough for my feet. I put up with them for years, and was glad when they finally started wearing out.

They were very solid boots (one piece leather, including the tongue), and although very hard at first, they were easy to wear in. On my first walk with them, I walked across the Mersey (at Lees Paddocks), and just kept walking with them soaking wet all day. That wore them in perfectly in just one walk.

I always wanted Zamberlains, but the Australian importer is on bad terms with the company, and they're now virtually impossible to get here. I've now got Raichles instead, and they are fantastic. No wearing in required, and exceptionally comfortable. They are gortex lined, which is not something I like in a boot (makes them hot and sweaty), but it was hard to find anything similar that wasn't gortex lined that year.

The only thing I miss from the Scarpas is the completely rigid sole (mine had a steel shank).

I have a rather old 3/4 thermarest. Sure beats the old foamie (rollup thin foam strip). I would imagine that any other brand ought to do the job. It's just sponge rubber, glued into an airtight bag with a valve.

[corvus]

Boot choice is always a difficult subject and I concur with the others comments about trying them on.My choice has allways been full grain leather and I have used Garmont for the last 17 years (3 pairs) as they are broad fitting which suits me however I may need to check out other brands next time as Garmont are no longer made in Italy and the fit may be different.(by the way my cash strapped son swears by his Yakkas from K mart that he bought to replace Rossie Falcons)
Snowseal and Nikwax will keep leather in good condition but dont overdo it as you still want the leather to breathe for the sake of your feet .
Getting boots soaked then walking in them is and old trick to help break them in and this should not be difficult to attain when walking in Tassie.
Sock choice is also important and I wear thin thermal wicking ones under expensive technical ones such as Ultimax (explorers just did not do it for me on extended walks)but again we are all different and I never thought that I would ever buy a pair of socks that cost over $20.00 but trust me they do work.
corvus

[corvus]

I have recently progressed from a 3/4 Thermarest to a Thermarest Prolite 4 Regular 4 season full length mat which is fractionall lighter,thicker and I am enjoying a better nights sleep than I did b4.
I know they are expensive but if you net shop you should get one for under $160.00

[Penguin]

The point with many boots is the structure of your feet. My big toes are very high and the sloping front on many boots now means that the top of my toes rub on the instide of the boot. Very painful. I find the boots I like then wait for them to come on special - they always do.

I heartily agree that Nikwax/Snoseal does help the wearing in process and seem to keep the leather more flexible than the spray on products.

Corvus, we also do the double socking with a coolmax inner and very good outer and that has made a big difernce to comfort after four or five days. In the long run a good pair of socks is cheap, the last pair of Ultimax lasted me five years and many walks.

[walkinTas]

As most have said, boots are a personal thing. I believe you need boots that suit and fit your feet. I like to go to the shop and try on boots to find something that is very comfortable. I broke my left ankle years ago and I need to find a boot that does not restrict my ankle too much. I'm imagine the shops don't like it too much, but I will try on a dozen boots sometimes and won't buy any (maybe I should see someone about this!).

Make sure you try on boots wearing the same socks as you do when you go walking! If you walk with orthotics or inner soles, take these with you to the fitting.

You can spend a lot of money on walking equipment, but you won't buy anything more important than a good pair of boots. If you only go on day walks and carry light pack you can buy a lighter boot with a tongue that "breathes". These probably won't be waterproof, but will be comfortable for summer walks and year round walking on good formed tracks.

If you are carrying a lot of weight and walking over rugged ground you must buy a boot that gives you good support, both under the sole and arches as well as ankle support.

You need a boot that fits otherwise you will get sore feet and blisters from friction and you will suffer toe jamming when you walk down hill. Try the boot on. Lace it up to a comfortable fit. Walk around including up and down steps. Look for tight spots and hot spots. If a boot rubs, is too tight, or chafes in the shop it will only get worse on the trail. Your heel should sit in the boot and not lift when you walk. The boot should lace comfortably across the bridge of your foot and should stop your foot sliding forward excessively, especially when walking down hill. Any slipping will cause blisters under the ball of the foot or along the sides. If the boot is too short you will also experience toe jamming when descending. If the boot is too tight your foot will get tired and ache. Lack of support under the foot and arches will also cause sore, tired and aching feet.

There are other things to consider too like sole grip, waterproofing and air circulation (so your feet don't sweat too much), but in my book, comfort and fit come first.

[Joe]

My ankles are rooted. My left one is so bad that when visiting a new podiatrist last month for the first time he said it was the worst he had ever seen in someone under the age of 60 and asked if he could take a photo of it. I never wear out the sole of a shoe. My ankles invariably roll the shoe over so it stops supporting me. The longest wear i ever get from a pair of day to day shoes is around3 months. If they last this long its always some form of miracle. If anyone is a size 8/9 and wants a free pair of barely worn shoes on a monthly basis PM me. As soon as shoes/boots stop supporting me my ankles go which causes knees, pelvis and ultimately my back to go. I end up hobbling around in best case scenario, worst not walking at all. Therefore I am very specific about which boots I buy. I have had a lot of walking shoes over the years, the best few being Blundstone, Landrover and a pair of Mountain Masters (made by blundstone) The Mountain Masters were like sex for the feet. Most comfortable boot I've ever worn. They were fully waterproof and had great support. The sole had very little flex in the back to mid section and just enough in the toe area. If you are after a semi cheap boot for all round walking give them a go. The landrover boots were also great but only ever used them for day walks. They lasted me over 3 months though...which as i said previously is a big deal.

Yesterday after much umming and aahing i bought a pair of Mack Supertec Flinders. They are an all leather boot with synthetic lining. They are really well made with the lining being a single piece (like a sock) for the whole inner. The tongue is stitched in (separate piece of leather but undoubtedly still waterproof) and the eyelets looks strong (ive broken enough to know what will last) The big seller for me was that the Mack boots were nice and wide across the midsole area...an area where nearly every other pair of boots (incl the rediculously expensive ones) fail for me. My foot needs a wide midsole to support my orthotic where my foot falls down the most.

I will give them a really good test next weekend and report back

[sarge]

Thanks for all the advice, I bought my boots on the weekend. Decided to go with Scarpa ZG 65. They are a combination of synthetic and leather (but mostly synthetic). Wore them for approx 5 hours on the weekend walking around the city (Melbourne) and so far no pain or evidence of blisters at all.

The real test will be next weekend we are doing a local 20km walk (Lysterfield & Churchill park - Melbourne) with about 500m of hills. So far very happy with them.

[under10kg]

There is a trend in the USA for month long walks to go very light weight. If you go light with the right gear I find that very light shoes are great. I have even used them on snow in the NZ.

Unfortunatley runners do not have a good grip for serious walks.

My current shoe weights 280 gms and is actually lighter than runners. Compare this to a solid leather boot at about 1750g. They are designed for trail running and have a much grippier sole than runners. Called Inoc 8. I got a pair on special from the USA for $50 US.

Light shoes are great when walking in NZ crossing rivers as you can get them wet and they dry out pretty quick. No heavy socks needed too.

I find I do need to train on uneven ground to build up your ankles. Actually having shoes that you can feel the ground makes you less likely to twist your ankles. Light shoes makes you much less tied and less prone to falling or slipping.

[Lynda Moir]

I love my new Raichle boots. After years of battling blisters I have finally found the solution. Not a blister in sight after 5 walks.

[Penguin]

Excellent Lynda - I love my Raichle's too. BUT my main walking buddy hates his. We did a bit of a puddle around Lake Mackenzie on Saturday, lots of pretty snow. At the end he told me the Raichle's were going to become his work boots! He likes the lower end Eco boot. Viva la difference!!!!

[ben.h]

Garmont Passo GTX for me (2nd pair now). They've got nubuk leather uppers (breathable etc.) but I periodically treat them with Dubbin which negates the breathability. I like the hard compound sole because it wears well although they can be a little less gripworthy than softer sole boots on wet stone. I have a narrow foot and these fit me nicely. They're relatively cheap too

[slparker]

Boots: what fits...
i tried scarpa treks wjich were horrible and leaky despite 4 kg of snowseal. Th emost uncomfprtable boots in the world. Note: good friends highly recommend scarpa SL. Apparently the worlds best boot.

Meindl and raichle are my current faves, I don't know why,,,, they just seem to make boots that are quite rigid but have comfortable uppers. meindl are extraordinary - I wore a pair mountaineering that were hire boots.... the best boots I've ever worn just about a million dollars a pair though. Raichle make uber comfortable boots but again outrageously expensive unless you buy them in NZ on special...
My advice: what's comfortable. you can always buy sealskinz socks to make them waterproof. Rigid soles makes them comfortable on rocky terrain; some of which is in tassy. I doubt if this helps much so no doubt you'll do what I did and buy $1000 worth of boots until you find the right ones. Just don't get cheap crappy colombia or kathmandu nless you're doing daywalks - in which case get garmont.... excellent day/short walks.

[under10kg]

I was thinking of purchasing a new light weight blow up mat just available in the USA.
11 0z and only $34 US for the mummy mat.

By comparison, a Bozeman Mountain Works TorsoLite pad weighs which I have is 10 ounces, is one inch thick, and pads just the torso area. The Therm-a-Rest Prolite 3 Short pad weighs 13 ounces, is also one inch thick, and is 47 inches long x 20 inches wide. The comfort difference is mainly in the thickness, 2.5 inches thick versus 1 inch.

I planned someway for connecting 2 mats for when I walk with my lover.

I never sleep through the night on a thermal rest but I do on a normal lilo. One would add a lightweight closed cell foam pad in cold temperatures like snow for extra insulation. Big Agnes rates it to 35 F

I got a feeling that maybe this is the light weight way to go for me and have a good night sleep too.

http://www.bigagnes.com/str_pads.php?bid=8

I feel you would need to take a puncture repair kits as the material is not as durable as the bozeman pad.

Also what caught my eye at this site is the Multi-Use Dry Sack and Pad Pump
The Pumphouse can be used as a pad pump, dry sack, stuff sack, pillow, water carrier, backcountry shower and more.

* Made from lightweight Cordura fabric, a high-performance fabric resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs.
* Weighs 1.5oz.

I also see you can purchase a 6-ounce Cyclone SL chair adapter to use with this mat too.

[corvus]

G'day under10kg,
Blue mat light as ,thermally efficient ,cheap as , why spend $34 .00 ,it may be nearly as comfortable
corvus