Woolpower Socks

The sock is of paramount importance while backpacking, as your feet are part of your transport. The Woolpower range are a good sock for medium to long term expeditions, and are constructed the same way as the rest of the garments (see above). They are hard wearing, and give good moisture wicking and insulative value as the garments.

" Mike says "

Another long term piece of kit that I have used over the years. I purchase 10 pairs of knee length 600g socks every 3 years, and remove the old socks from service. I use a three sock system with one on, one spare and one in the wash. Changing my socks every 2 to 3 days and ensuring I wash and powder my feet at the end of every day.

Boots

Meindl Dovre Extreme

The Meindl Dovre Extreme high leg boot with Gore-Tex lining.

" Mike says "

Good high leg boot for winter work, especially on Moorland or wet peaty ground. If you use foot powder, ensure you revive the breathability of the Gore-Tex lining by once a year washing the boots out with Nikwax Techwash. I apply Kiwi dark brown shoe polish every 3 to 5 wears to nourish the leather upper.

Scarpa Crux Mens Shoe

"Scarpa says”

The ideal approach shoe should be tough, well protected and provide enough support foreasy climbing but comfy enough for the approach walk.  The Crux takes technologies that have been developed inour trekking and climbing range and combining them together to give a hybridthat has all of the characteristics required to be a top approach shoe. 

Toughness is provided by using our best quality suede in the upper, a rubber toe and heelrand gives protection whilst the new Vibram Vertical sole with sticky rubber, tough EVA midsole and forefoot cradle system ensures support and confidence.  It’s not just the colour that’s green, they’re made using 50% recycledpolyester in the lining and mesh!

"Tony Says"

I have been trying to find a shoe to walk in for a while now as I am finding boots are sometimes heavy, and if possible I want a good compromise. There is much research to indicate that 50g extra on your foot is the equivalent to carrying 500g on your back. As I get older and doing more 2 and 3 days walking trips the weight savings are becoming more important. Working on this principle, the shoe is almost 500g lighter than the Meindl Burma boots I wear - so in theory, 2.5kg less to carry.

The Shoes are a good fit for me as I have quite shallow feet, and a 45 euro size with a medium thick Teko sock was a spot on fit. I decided not to break them in so did a 14 km flatish walk with them fresh out of the box. I followed this with 18km over Helvellyn via Striding Edge, so a stern test to say the least, with a wet  valley  walk of 12km on the next day.

Oh my god, what a difference. The walking seemed easier and lighter, noticeable not lifting the heavy boots every step. The weather was wet for the 3 days (as it always is in the Lakes) but the sticky sole advertised certainly was sticky - I did not slip at anytime on sharp edges, wet rock or wet grass. The sole unit has a flat section at the toes which gives an excellent platform to stand on small rocks jutting out, a real help on Striding Edge. The shoe is not gore tex lined but with the only mesh being under the laces I found the shoes stayed remarkably dry inside without avoiding any shallow puddles or obvious wet areas of the walk. My socks became a little damp on the last valley walk day and the shoes felt a little wet inside when we stopped for a brew. But a quick change of merino socks and the shoes were dry inside again by the bottom of the hill.

Meindl Nordkap Pro GTX Boots

These Meindl snow boots are perfect for the mountains! The 100% waterproof upper and lugged sole will keep you safe on any trip, even in -35°C temperatures! A must!

"Mike Says"

Meindl are a bit short on blurb for this fabulous winter boot. Over the many years I have been travelling to Sweden in the winter, I have tried many boots.  Eventually after around five different types, I have settled for the Nordkapp.The weather that you can come across in Sweden in the winter is varied. On one occasion over three days the weather went from –27 celcius to + 8 Celsius and raining. The Nordkap coped with these extremes of temperature, no problem.

It is important that a good winter boot has a removable inner shoe, so you can dry this at night in the cabin or sleeping bag. Also, a lot of cheaper winter boots are very cumbersome and wide, so you can't fit into a ski/snowshoe binding - and when the weather turns wet, the Gore- Tex lining in the Nordkap keeps your feet dry.

I have walked long distances on foot, snowshoe and ski. I have ice fished, herded reindeer, driven different types of vehicles including snow scooters and mushed dog  teams in the Nordkaps. What more do you want from a boot!  I also use them in the UK  in winter in fixed camps to keep those feet warm and dry. AWESOME.

Extremities Runnagaiter

A short, lightweight gaiter which is ideal for runners and weight conscious backpackers - to keep out the worst of the mud, gravel and sand.

"Mike say's "

In recent months I have been trekking in trainers. However, I have found that on most of my sojourns I have had to stop and remove small pieces of gravel from my shoe. The Runnagaiters have stopped this from happening, and are now as integral as my tent or sleeping bag on a trip. The only down side is the elastic cord that goes underneath the sole of the shoe - I have replaced this a couple of times, and I am now thinking of using a thin gauge bike cable, hope it works.

Meindl Sportwax

Leather boot care

" Mike says "

Meindl Sportwax nourishes either leather or nubuck uppers and adds that waterproofness to the outer. Ensure that the boots are clean and dry before applying the wax and only apply with a cloth every 5 to 8 wears. Good stuff.

Meindl sportwax

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Meindl Wetproof

Meindl Wet Proof Spray is a proofing spray suitable for footwear made of leather (full grain, velour and nubuck) or textile materials.

"Mike says”

Use in conjunction with the Meindl Sportwax to keep that transport in good order. Good stuff.

Meindl Wetproof

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Grivel Air Tech New Matic

This crampon is an all season chromolly steel 10 plus 2 point semi rigid design. It has built in the Antibott system that prevents snow build up between the points, and is compatible with the Scarpa Manta.

" Mike says "

A well made easy to fit crampon for use on snow and ice in mountain areas. As I only winter walk not ice climb etc, this crampon is every thing I need for those iced up tricky bits. The Antibott system is a revelation in crampon design, as I use to find in older crampons you were forever tapping out snow build up between the points with the shaft of your ice axe, the Antibott prevents this snow build up. It is adviseable that when not in use the crampons are fitted with crampon crowns to prevent injury and damage to your equipment, and stored in a crampon bag.