Any Experienced Hikers Here?

[replicant_argent]

Originally Posted by Wanger

If you sign up for the co-op option at REI, you can get some good discounts, especially if you're looking to drop some serious coin and get boots, a pack, tent, camp stove, mummy bags, If I remember correctly, REI in Bloomington has weights that you can add into the packs when you try them to simulate the load and how it will fit when you're out on the trail.

A good thing to remember, like Mike said, is that any outdoor store worth its salt will let you load up the gear with weights and galumph around the store for an hour or so. If you are buying a bag, get in that sucker and roll around in it, try to ventilate it, make sure it is the right length, or if it is too claustrophobic. Buying a stove? Ask to see if you can torch one up? It is also a good way to shop, bending, climbing stairs, lifting, trying to access pockets for a water bottle or see if the hydration bladder setup works for you. Loaded up, and properly adjusted (possibly with help from a pro on site, not just a fluffy repurposed Mickey D's employee), you will know fairly quickly how the boots fit under a load, whether the pack straps fit your chest, shoulders and hips, if it moves properly with you, etc. Try a sweater or fleece under it, get some heat working from your body and see if some exertion makes that particular internal frame pack a sweaty mess, and a clammy slimy back might work not as well as an external for a situation that calls for ventilation.

Oh, and GREAT point about the polypro liners and good socks. There are some fantastic alternatives in the hosiery world, with wicking/channeled/well constructed and purpose built socks.