Yesterday’s big task {after doing a 50 minute power walk} was to get everything I need for my 5 day hiking trip that’s coming up next month.
The list was somewhat long and mostly full of clothing I don’t own.
I like cotton and linen. And pretty much every piece of clothing I own is made from those fabrics. So spending bookoo bucks on a bunch of quick drying synthetic fabrics was not something I was excited about.
Luckily though, I was able to borrow all but 4 items on the packing list. And thank goodness for that!
Everything from walking pants, to shirts that wick moisture away. And a backpack too! I may not win any fashion awards on this trip, but hey, who cares, right? I’m just glad I didn’t have to buy a ton of things I’m only going to use once.
The four things I needed to buy:
- Waterproof pants {in case it rains on our trip}
- Hiking shoes
- Water sandals {the idea of them still makes me shiver}
- Dumb sports bras {I can’t stand those either}
Right off the bat I was able to find a pair of waterproof pants. The plan is to keep the tags on and hope that it doesn’t rain on the trip so I won’t have to use them {and I’ll be able to return them}.
Next up was hiking shoes.
I don’t think I’ve been hiking in 30+ years and way back then they were super clunky and uncomfortable so I wasn’t looking forward to spending money on something I was only going to wear for 5 days.
I knew I didn’t want a boot so I tried on a hiking “shoe” and instantly knew it wasn’t going to work for me.
They were way too rigid and uncomfortable.
The salesperson at REI suggested the Lone Peak 9+ hiking/trail shoe.
I LOVED IT! The sole is more ridged than a regular shoe, but still super comfortable.
It instantly felt comfortable, lot’s of grip. I was in!
Next up was water shoes.
I tried on 4 different pairs and finally decided on a pair of really unattractive Keens simply because they felt the most comfortable.
I would have bought the black ones but the gray sandals were 25% off so I bought those instead. There was an even bigger discount on the lilac colored ones but I just couldn’t do it. 😉 I do have some standards.
I understand the concept of closed toe water shoes, but what’s the point of the holes on the side if tiny rocks can squeeze in there? Grr. They make me cranky. Even the HH was surprised I bought them.
I also stopped by Costco and picked up some dumb sports bras. I’m sure they’ll be fine.
The HH suggested I also buy some Liquid I.V. {packets of electrolytes}. He said I would need them. Do you think those are really necessary? I’m not one for flavored water, and really, wouldn’t it be better to eat something {dried fruit, salted nuts?} than buying packets of something?
This hiking trip, on one hand I think it will be really fun. But on the other hand, I’m beginning to wonder what I got myself into.
~Mavis
Tracey says
Mavis, I am so looking forward to your reports from out West. I hope you find that you love hiking, and that you get to use your new gear more than once! You live so very close to my most favorite place in the country to hike, Acadia National Park. I can’t say I’ve read that you’ve gone over to Mt Desert Island – but you should. Our family camped there every summer, and our most treasured memories include Seal Cove, Sand Beach, Cadillac Mt., biking the bridle paths and of course all there were all those tidepools the kids scoured for hours for little urchins and octopi. Heaven being there at the edge of the world. Makes you glad to be alive!
Brianna says
I have those altra shoes and when it gets cold or wet outside, my feet are freezing in them. I wear a thick performance sock with them. I have a set of those Costco puma sports bras and they are fine, not good for high intensity exercise, but good for low or moderate. I do find they do not wick away the sweat as good as other brands, but they would probably be perfect for hiking. Rain pants are overrated. I find them to be muggy and stiff. I hate the fabric and feel of waterproof thin rain jackets and pants and the noise drives me crazy. Hopefully they never see the light out of your backpack and you don’t have to experience the joy of wearing rain pants. If you do wear them, then you can always use them later for gardening on a wet day or over your regular pants when shoveling snow.
Erin says
My hubby is an avid backpacker & I help make all his food – he makes spreadsheets & approaches the calories like science since his hikes are usually 7+ days. We always add collagen to his tea & his breakfast oats, to add protein. And the electrolytes are a must for him when he’s doing 15-20 mi a day. He could never get enough minerals from food alone. He does bring multiple flavors because he gets really sick of drinking the same flavor all day. He hikes in shoes similar to the ones you bought. He does break them in before a trip. And he always brings moleskin patches to have on hand for any blisters that may still pop up.
Mavis Butterfield says
Moleskin. I’m going to need to add that to my list. Thanks Erin!
maureen detmer says
duck tape works too!
Jeanine says
I second that. I always bring some duck tape. Roll some off a roll and wind it around a toilet roll and flatten it so it doesn’t take a lot of room in your pack. Also, wear your new shoes to break them in. If you have wool socks, bring those as well. It doesn’t matter what you look like when you hike, so no worries if you don’t have clothes that match. I hiked in nylon style shorts. Never took rain pants. The shorts dry fast. I have only brought a disposable rain cover or you could even use a black plastic bag with a hole cut out for your head and arms. Just make sure it can go over your backpack. I could go on and on, but you’ll either love it or hate it. Just enjoy the nature and experience of the great outdoors. Wish I could go! But, I’m 77 years old now.
Mel says
Why were water sandals specifically needed? Couldn’t you do water shoes that don’t have any gaps if you’re worried about rocks?
Kelsey says
Mavis, if you still have time, buy a pair of Frogg Toggs for your waterproof gear. They’re around $20 and get the job done.
Shelly says
You definitely need water with electrolytes. I live out west and the dry air will sneak up on you. You don’t sweat like you do in more humid climates so make sure to stay hydrated!
Ally says
Totally agree with Shelly! It’s very dry here in Utah and you will be at high altitude which also contributes to faster dehydration. Pack those electrolytes.
Cindy R says
I would pack moleskin, bandaids, and bandaids for blisters. Also you better start walking in your hiking shoes to break them in, not just around the house, but outside for long walks. I like the Mountainware hiking pants and shorts the best. They are lighter weight and dry quickly. Costco sells Eddie Bauer hiking pants at a reasonable price. Also for your feet good socks are a priority. The smart wool brand are great! My favorite non-wool socks are Balega hidden comfort socks. Listen to your husband and pack the electrolytes. It can still be really hot in the fall hiking and you will be sweating. Happy trails!❤️
J in OH-IO says
Smart wool brand socks are awesome!
Jennifer Murch says
LLBEAN hiking shoes (the ones I got, anyway) have the stupidest, slippiest bottoms — regular sneakers have way more grip. John kept picking on me for being so cautious on the trail and then he looked at the bottoms and was like, OHHHH.
(I tried to return them and they said nope.)
Laura says
You might consider KT tape instead of moleskin. You can tape your toes to stop the friction, but it’s flatter than moleskin and stickier so it works better without effecting the fit of your shoes.
cat says
At the end of the day, it’s probably better to be a bit more cautious and pack some extra supplies versus going and realizing you need something and not having it. Pack some emergency rations, like protein bars and electrolytes just in case. We live out west and when you’re sweating and in the sun for so long, you need to top off what your body is depleted on and sometimes liquids are what the body is craving.
Jeanine says
Beef Jerky and some peanut butter. Water is a must! I wear a banana around my neck and wet it. Keeps you cool and you can use it for water filtration and a towel.
Ashley B says
Excited to see your posts about your trip! Have fun!
Peg says
I love my Altra shoes! However, the lugs will wear down quickly if you wear them on asphalt or concrete once you return from your trip. Ask me how I know!
Carrie says
I’m going to go against the grain here and say no to electrolytes. I 100% agree qater and food will do you just fine. If you are staying hydrated you’ll have no problems.
And if you are feeling the sun…eat and drink and rest a but and you’ll be fine again.
We have hiked all over in the west and I have never had problems. I have backpacked in WA and OR. Lots of long repeated days of hiking in Utah, idaho, CA. Never needed electrolytes. And I hate drinking water when hikng. I have to force myself to do it.
Sue says
The problem is that when you realize you need to replenish your electrolytes, you need to do it RAPIDLY, to address the dizziness/nausea/headache/cramps that can result from too-low electrolytes.
HH is right; the Liquid IV will replenish them AND hydrate you–quickly. Save the fruits/nuts for when you want a snack.
BTW, your water shoes arecute–much more fun than basic black.
debbie in alaska says
yes to the electrolytes. also those keen sandals are great for water but also for putting on over socks after a long day of hiking. That was always the best part of the day for me after many miles of hiking with a heavy backpack — putting on fresh socks and my keen sandals. As for how they look — in this case function over fashion for sure! I would have bought the lavender.
debbie in alaska says
p.s. be careful of dried fruit when hiking — it dehydrates you QUICKLY
Linda Sand says
You’ll likely need those electrolytes. They have minerals, etc. you don’t normally get from food. When you need them, you need them NOW! Trekking Tess, whose blog I read, uses them all the time. Plus she likes the brand of hiking shoes you bought. Many hikers, and regular people, like Darn Tough socks. There’s a trail in Spain that takes a month to hike and those socks are the ones people I know wear on it.
Marcia says
Take the electrolytes.
Sue S. says
I only wear sports bras. I can’t stand underwrites and I’m too old to try to impress anyone. Comfort is where I’m at.
maureen detmer says
ditto
Judi Y. says
You definitely need to take electrolytes. I buy Propel packets to add to water and they are less expensive than Liquid IV. I’m 74, live in Texas and always got migraines mowing the lawn even when I started doing it at 7:00 a.m. Drinking Propel before, during and after mowing changed my life. By the time you realize you are dehydrated, it’s too late. Trust all of us. Take more than you think you will need. I like the grape Propel.
Gigi says
I’ve got nothing to add because I don’t have the experience. But if you need another New England roadtrip excuse, check out Darn Tough socks. They’re made in Vermont and have a lifetime warranty. I know they have hiking options, but I just wear them for everyday.
Emily says
I’m with you on just eating your electrolytes unless you’re really sweating like crazy. Make sure someone in your group has a pump to filter your water. You’ll all be glad for safe refills from streams rather than carrying everything you intend to drink.
Rebecca says
I have several of those Costco sports bras and they really are comfy and do the job, and what a great price! Can’t wait to see more about your trip!
Molly says
I drink electrolytes all day everyday and have tried so many brands. I think Liquid IV is disgusting and makes me so nauseous. Try Ultima Replenisher or LMNT instead. Ultima dissolves better than LMNT and tastes sweet. LMNT flavors taste very salty, but they do have an unflavored that isn’t salty. I have seen the Ultima Replenisher at Coastal Pharmacy near Trader Joe’s on Marginal Way. I like mixing grape and lemonade. Electrolytes really make a difference.
Linda J says
Take the electrolytes! You can get them in powder or tablet form. They don’t weigh much and are worth it. I second the Darn Tough and Smartwool brands of socks. I’ve had some of mine for 7 years and wear them almost daily for a physical, outdoor job and as well as hiking trips. They are still holding up just fine. Watch your pack weight. It doesn’t seem like much at the time, but you will feel every ounce on the uphill (cardio) and downhill (knees). That said, Utah is a gorgeous place to hike. Enjoy and can’t wait to see the trip reports.
Amy says
As I was reading your posts I was thinking, “Oh, she should really try a pair of Altras.” And then you did! 🙂 I love my Altras, I’ve been hiking in them for years.
Definitely yes to electrolytes, not everybody needs them, but because you are coming from a colder/more humid climate to a warmer/much drier climate they will be useful. They help with dehydration, but also help boost energy levels, and get rid of headaches. I always have some in my pack.
I prefer leukotape to moleskin personally, but make sure you have something for blisters, and hopefully you won’t need it.
And Amen, sister, on stupid sports bras.
Ann says
My hiking husband swears by toe socks he gets at REI. Never gets blisters with them.
Susan Williams says
Take those water shoes back. I have a similar pair of Hoka’s and they’re awful. The tiny rocks get stuck in there. You’d be better off with a pair of Chaco’s or something much more open. Or, getting something that is fully enclosed mesh.
My husband & I have hiked in Utah multiple times and I’ve taken my water shoes and every time, I swear I’m going to throw them out and get something different and then I forget about it.
Sports bras? Not needed unless you’re going to run. I’m a 36K so don’t have sports bra that are any different than regular bras. Just take 3 of your regular bras – one to wear, one to change into when you’re done and a clean one to hike in the next day. (Wash out the one you wore that day as soon as you get to where you’re at and let it dry overnight and the next day and just rotate your two that you’re hiking in)
Remi says
Where do you get your regular linen & cotton clothes? I need some nice ones like those.
Sheri says
I highly recommend collapsible hiking poles. They enhance stability and take pressure off your joints especially knees and back.