Gears are the most essential things during mountain trekking. Some gears are common, like - Shoes, Rucksack, Tent, Sleeping Bag, Mattress, Hiking Pole, Fleece Jacket etc. and some gears are for specific situation, like - Gaiter, Crampons, Rope etc. It has been found that many times we lost many trekkers and mountaineers due to gears. Either they haven't took proper gears or haven't took proper care to their gears. So for all my trekker and mountaineer friends, I'm posting this blog with lots of my readings and with my very very limited experience.
Shoes
Shoes are the most important gear during trekking or mountaineering. So choose this gear very carefully. Normally trekking or hiking boots are very costly, which tends the beginners to overlook on this gear, while this gear might become fatal if not chosen correctly.
- Always carry two pairs of shoes, one low ankle and another high ankle. For snow trekking, insulated breathable (Gore Tex) shoes are preferable. Carry one extra pair of shoeless for each pair of shoes.
- Sole is the most important part of a shoe. Try to buy shoes having three different layers - outer sole, mid sole & inner sole. Outer sole is the shoe sole where the foot meets the ground. It should be made of Carbon Rubber or Blown Rubber or a combination. Carbon rubber is stiffer and lasts longer and may be used in the high-wear areas of the sole, with the softer blown rubber in other areas. Outer sole should have a very good grip on different surface, specially on wet surface. "Vibram" sole is the best in market. Mid sole is the layer in between the outer sole and the inner sole that is typically there for shock absorption. The main focus of mid sole is the shoe's cushioning system. Mid sole ensures stability, flexibility, cushioning and duration of a shoe under tough conditions. Inner sole is the interior bottom of a shoe, which sits directly beneath the foot. Many shoes have removable and replaceable insoles, and extra insoles are often added for comfort or to control the shape, moisture or smell of the shoe. Inner sole should be made of soft material and should have good curved shape so that the feet's surface fits on it perfectly. Avoid using PU or PVC type sole, these are good for running/jogging shoes only.
- Your shoes should have adequate padding inside. Specially on ankle surrounding area and in front of toe fingers. Extra padding can be used for comfort.
- Shoe should be made of good quality tanned soft leather, not of cambis, canvas or rexin. Shoe should not be made with lots of small leather parts stitching together. Stitch must be as minimum as possible.
