[pct-l] SOCKS

[Edward Anderson]

Diane,
 
Going by the picture that you provided, it is obvious that you were hiking wearing shorts. The gaiters kept the area covered free of dust. If you were also wearing long pants, as I do, your legs would also be pretty free of dust. Your feet were indeed mega-dusty. Very impressive illustration. I do agree that your footware should be breathable, but feel that the low-cut trail runners will allow more dust and other stuff in (sand, small bits of rock) from the top. I wore Keen breathable boots which didn't let in any noticeable amount of dust. In Washington, north of Stevens Pass, on the PCT, and continuing on the hiker detour to the White River Trailhead, I tried waterproof boots - same brand, same size. They were especially hard on my toes since they did not breath. We were met there by an Angel, driving my rig and were dropped off at the Bucks Creek TH - where I switched back to the breathable Keens. At Hart's Pass I talked to a Ranger, having
 mentioned my problem with waterproof boots, he told me of a hiker who had the same problem with waterproof boots. By being trailered around, we avoided the very dangerous for stock, Little Giant part of the detour - where, sadly, a brave, bold, and foolish, woman, a week behind us, who ignored the posted warnings, was to kill both of her horses. They fell about 300'. She was rescued by Helicopter.
 
In 1957, when I hiked the JMT, I wore 8" high leather boots with the lightweight socks under and heavier wool socks over. They were comfortable, I had no blister problems. The way we broke in boots in those days (before you start a long hike) was to wade in a creek, getting them thoroughly soaked - then you hike them dry. The leather stretches and shrinks slightly to take the shape of your foot. But, I admit, they were sure a lot heavier than the trail runners that are now so popular. My breathable Keens are somewhere in between. I like the ankle support - I consider that to be an added advantage over trail runners.
 
I think that PCT hikers should do their testing prior to starting a long hike and discover what works for them. HYOH
 
MendoRider-Hiker
 

________________________________
 From: Diane Soini of Santa Barbara Hikes <diane at santabarbarahikes.com>
To: Edward Anderson <mendoridered at yahoo.com> 
Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 8:33 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] SOCKS
  
I got dust all the way up my pant legs all the way to my upper thighs. How was that possible? The only place that was clean was the area where my Dirty Girl gaiters covered my ankles. I have a picture:
https://picasaweb.google.com/dianesoini/PCT2009QuincyLaPorteRoadToHighway36Chester#5353149431321617234

This is how your feet SHOULD look, according to Yogi's guide. And I agree. You want your shoes airy enough to let in the dust. Your feet need to breathe. This keeps your feet dry. You look at any boot wearer and their feet turn into prunes. That leaves the skin of the feet vulnerable to blisters. Dry feet are happy feet. This dust is so fine it doesn't chafe. It's like mica dust, like talcum powder only brown.

I was able to clean it off my legs with about a half cup of water. I could  get it out of thin socks. But a pair of cushioned wool socks that I wore still leaks little bits of sand that got in there and never got out, even now, almost 4 years later.


On Feb 10, 2012, at 6:57 PM, Edward Anderson wrote:

> I think that this "dust in the socks" problem is exacerbated when you are wearing those low-cut trail runner shoes. If you wear boots high enough to also give ankle support, dust in the socks will not be a problem. While I mostly ride, I also hike, leading my horse, sometimes for several miles. I have never had the problem that you describe.
> 
> MendoRider-Hiker
> 
>