Hiking Boots and Stick

Nay_Nay · Post by **Nay_Nay** » Apr 08 2005 10:10 am

Okay.....I'm new to this

I go hiking every day......Squaw Peak......BUT........I hike in my tennis shoes. They are so comfortable. Are hiking boots a necessity when doing longer hikes

: Also, what about the hiking stick? What are the pros and cons?

Nay_Nay · Post by **Nay_Nay** » Apr 14 2005 8:44 am

Thanks again everyone for all your help!!! By the way Abe, I love your stick

I just think it might be too cumbersome for me…???

Another question……Does the pole/stick get in the way on the steeper trails like the ones at Picacho Peak where you have to use your hands too??? I haven't hiked there yet, but I'm trying to get ready for it.

hikeaz · Post by **hikeaz** » Apr 14 2005 9:51 am

In response to Nay_Nay's reply:

It/they would be of help especially on the downhill sections of Picacho.
For the "4x4" climbing, you may wish to collapse it/them and put it/them in/on your pack.

kurt

Abe · Post by **Abe** » Apr 15 2005 9:25 am

Nay_Nay wrote:Thanks again everyone for all your help!!! By the way Abe, I love your stick I just think it might be too cumbersome for me…???

Thank you Nay_Nay. My stick is my best friend on the trail.

On steep trails a pole/stick is very helpful; in addition, the one positive thing I did note about poles mentioned by hikeaz, when you are doing some serious climbing, up or down, using both hands, you can collapse your pole and slip them in your pack.

Sybil · Post by **Sybil** » Jun 07 2005 5:12 am

The Reavis hike (4 of 5) was enough to warrant a trekking pole, staff or support of some kind. I laughed (not aloud) at one of the guys for using two of them. On the way out, I wished I had both of mine! When not in use, they are light enough to stow under a strap.

One of our friends just picked up a staff on the trail. It worked well enough.

They may think you are crazy (as they did me), but spend a half hour trekking around the store when you shop for boots. The time you spend in a pair that seem to fit, may make the difference in the end. Walk, climb, stop, turn, step over and around ANYTHING YOU CAN FIND there. I walked all over the fitting area, stepped on stools, onto and around exercise equipment, etc...

Have fun.