Hiking Gear

[graffex]

I need some clothing recommendations for hiking/mountaineering. I'm going to be going to Utah and Wyoming in August. I'm not to savvy when it comes to high-performance outerwear. Any recommendations on Clothing, Boots, and packs would be helpful.

[Obiwan]

I like Merrell Boots ...mostly because they fit my feet well, and I know my size so I can order them online

Synthetics are best for outerwear IMO

Packs are pretty subjective and size would be based on your trip length

I do a week long backpack every summer

[graffex]

What are some decent outerwear brands? And what should I look for?

Boots, and Packs, I think I got covered now. Just need to find some high quality clothes.

ETA: I just looked online to see what kind of weather I can expect, and the norm for that time of the year is around 80 degrees, with afternoon t-storms being common. So I'm going to need something that is cool and wicks away sweat but I'm also going to need protection in the likely event of a t-storm.

[tiger seven]

In my opinion, Smartwool makes the best socks in the world. Never underestimate the importance of good socks.

Derek

[graffex]

In my opinion, Smartwool makes the best socks in the world. Never underestimate the importance of good socks.

Derek

Aren't wool socks hot as hell in the summer though? I'm not a hot weather guy, I sweat very easily so coolness is a big factor for me.

[tiger seven]

Aren't wool socks hot as hell in the summer though? I'm not a hot weather guy, I sweat very easily so coolness is a big factor for me.

That's a common misconception. When people think of wool soocks they tend to think of those big, thick scratchy ones made for hunting in Michigan in the dead of winter.

Smartwool makes a gazillion different styles of socks. For warm weather you need "summerweight" wool. It's lighter and is usually blended with some synthetics, like nylon. Wool is better than cotton mainly because it breathes better. That allows your body to regulate temperature better. They do a better job of keeping your feet warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. The wool also transfers moisture away from your feet better, allowing them to stay drier. Cotton (or synthetics) tend to absorb the sweat and hold it next to your foot, which leads to funky, nasty feet. The wool fibers also resist crushing better than cotton or synthetics, so they provide better cushioning over long distances.

I was dubious at first as well, but once I bought a few pairs of their socks and gave them a try, I can't wear anything else. I have Smartwool socks for hiking, walking, running and even some dress socks. I think the Hiking Medium Crew is probably the best all-around sock they make. If you're going to be carrying heavy loads for prolonged periods you might consider the Trekking socks.

Boy, do I sound like a sock nerd...

Derek

[Akoni]

What are some decent outerwear brands? And what should I look for?

I like stuff from Royal Robbins. Since it is going to be the summer, unless you are gaining a bunch of altitude, light and cool is very good idea. A couple of wicking t-shirts (underarmor works well here) and convertible pants, 3 pair socks (Smartwools are my fav also), 3 pair synthetic skivvies, camp shoes (Tevas), one long sleeve shirt, one pair light-weight pants (if u didn't get convertibles). In the summer, if you continue to hike, wearing rain gear is just as likely to make you wet as is the rain plus you'll smell worse! But a light rain jacket is a good idea. A poncho can be good or bad depending on how much wind comes with the rain.

The one thing that will make your hike misereable is carrying too much gear. For a week in the woods (especially in the summer), you don't need a whole lot.

[graffex]

I like stuff from Royal Robbins. Since it is going to be the summer, unless you are gaining a bunch of altitude, light and cool is very good idea. A couple of wicking t-shirts (underarmor works well here) and convertible pants, 3 pair socks (Smartwools are my fav also), 3 pair synthetic skivvies, camp shoes (Tevas), one long sleeve shirt, one pair light-weight pants (if u didn't get convertibles). In the summer, if you continue to hike, wearing rain gear is just as likely to make you wet as is the rain plus you'll smell worse! But a light rain jacket is a good idea. A poncho can be good or bad depending on how much wind comes with the rain.

The one thing that will make your hike misereable is carrying too much gear. For a week in the woods (especially in the summer), you don't need a whole lot.

I'm definitely going to be gaining a bunch of altitude. All the hikes will be all-day hikes except for one which will a 2 day hike.

[Cold Zero]

for pants take a look at mammut and 3sp mtn. pants. both are synthetic and dry fast and are highly wind resistant.

for boots, check out meindl canada pro , they will take crampons and are 10".
for socks, look at bridgedale, smartwool and thor lo, medium weight.

[Kisara]

Don't get confused and think that "tactical" brands (i.e. 5.11, Woolrich, TacTailor, Eagle etc.) will be the best for this. Products made for military jobs will be extremely durable, but heavy and uncomfortable for the simple demands of hiking/camping. In contrast, taking a North Face backpack or a civilian nylon Camelbak to the sandbox and it will fall apart asap. Different items for different jobs.

Sport Chalet and REI are where you want to shop. Any of the top brands will do, but you'll be paying Crye multicam prices for it. My favorite socks for hiking are Wigwam and Smartwool, and I've tried all the brands. Base layers of Salomon or Under Armour titanium for hot weather, UA CoolGear in the cold. Columbia and The North Face make nice lightweight, wicking button up/collared shirts nice enough for casual wear off the trail. North Face makes good fleece in 100, 200 and 300 thicknesses. I just happened to be in a Sport Chalet when Vasque GTX (Goretex) boots were on sale for the same price as the regular non-Goretex version, and they haven't let me down in two years.

Stay away from the camping sections at WalMart. Chinese junk that will let you down. Like firearms and tac equipment, you get what you pay for.