Footwear is another priority consideration for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. For hikers, it is a top priority, but even if you are not trekking, good footwear is vital for foot and ankle protection (even around camp).
The markets for sleeping bags and footwear are enormous, and while we know what works for us, we need to hear from you about your preferences and experiences. Join the net.
It's difficult to know exactly where to start on our topics for this net. To a very large extent, the information that we intend to cover will give you the benefits of our experience and knowledge, neither of which lend themselves well to pictures. There are exceptions, of course, and they will be posted below. A large part of your decisions, either for sleeping bags or footwear, will be the product of your research and personal preferences, which we hope will be aided by the information discussed during the net.
A couple of very important note bears emphasis. Both footwear and sleeping bags are a critical part of any trip. Quality matters. A failure in either of these two categories can spell the end of an otherwise great trip. Proper planning can avoid this result.
SLEEPING BAGS
There are basically three types of sleeping bags (really only two, but the third is worth mentioning)
Rectangular https://coolofthewild.com/gear/types-of-sleeping-bags
- Rectangular sleeping bag.jpg (41.8 KiB) Viewed 714 times
Mummy https://www.coleman.com/north-rim-extre ... gs#start=1
- Coleman Mummy Bag.jpg (80.9 KiB) Viewed 714 times
Hybrid (cross between rectangular and mummy)http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-sno ... od-p286207
This is just an example, as there are several models that attempt to create a cross between a mummy bag and a rectangular bag.
- Hybrid Sleeping Bag.jpg (81.67 KiB) Viewed 714 times
Footwear
1. Sources:
1. Cabela's - http://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?categ ... ting+boots
2. Sportsman's Guide - http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/spor ... /cat101537
3. Bass Pro Shops - http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/mens-hun ... ageSize:36&
4. Midway - https://www.midwayusa.com/s?targetLocat ... PerPage=96
2. Boot Care
Leather boots are pretty rugged and water repellent as they come from the factory, but with use, abrasion and age, they will benefit from some supplemental waterproofing. I have found that Sno-Seal to be one of the very best products to keep your boots dry and able to still breathe. Here is what they say, http://www.atsko.com/sno-seal-wax-8-oz-jar/:
Sno-Seal Original Beeswax Waterproofing protects leather from rain, sun, snow, and salt. Sno-Seal is also great for waxed cotton and tent seams. The beeswax formula dries to a solid wax that "stays put" in the surface of the leather so it lasts longer. Our competitors' greases, oil, and animal products are able to migrate through the leather till they clog all the pores. These waterproofing products fill the natural spaces that are supposed to absorb perspiration and insulate.
In addition, animal fats weaken and rot leather. The tannery worked hard to remove the fats and preserve the leather, so it's hard to imagine why you'd put it back on.
Sno-Seal will help you feel more comfortable in Gore-Tex® fabric lined boots because it allows the Gore-Tex® absorbed perspiration to escape out of the leather.
Not only will Sno-Seal keep you warm and dry, it will also help you from getting tired. A typical leather boot can soak up to a pound of water. That means you lift an additional 2,212 lbs. to walk one mile. Sno-Seal keeps the whole boot dry, warm and light.
- Sno-Seal (Large).jpg (84.63 KiB) Viewed 719 times
3. Typical pair of well made, quality hiking, hunting and general use boots
- Multi-purpose boots.jpg (31.78 KiB) Viewed 719 times
