How To Buy Senior Hiking Gear
REI, Vasque, Merrell, Lowa, Leki Offer Light Weight Boots, Poles
Sep 11, 2008
No longer do senior hikers and trekkers just lace on tennis sneakers and head for the woods. Here's a guide to equipment that actually eases the burden for treks into the wilderness.
Low-cut Hiking Shoes
Let's start at the bottom - feet. . Forget boots that feel like they're made of cement after a few hours. Hiking sneakers and boots are now more comfortable, lighter and more adjustable than those of a decade or two ago. Walkers headed for a well-worn, gradually graded trail should investigate mesh trail runners or low-cut boots with thick-tread soles. They are available in brands such as REI, Salomon, Merrell, Asolo, Lowa or Vasque. If they fit properly, they require not more than a day before they're broken in
Climbing or Hiking Boots
Those who need more ankle protection might invest $130 or more in a pair of lightweight backpacking boots that extend above the ankles. Available from some of these same companies, these boots "wrap" the foot, while mesh panels on the outside reduce the weight. Boots with Gore-Tex lining are much more water-resistant, although some complain that they do not always "breathe" as well as those without Gore-Tex. Be sure to give new backpacking boots time to get broken in by wearing them around the house for a few days.
Hiking Poles
Hiking poles, used by Europeans for decades, have gained acceptance in in the United States as knee-savers and confidence-builders. A pair of poles is better than just one staff, because they give seniors welcome balance both uphill and downhill. Cost: $50-$100 per pair. Adjustable two- or three-section lightweight aluminum poles, which can be lengthened or shortened in a jiffy, are available from such companies as Leki and Black Diamond. The most expensive have built-in shock absorbers that act as cushions for the wrists on downhill treks.
Other Hiking Accessories - GPS, Waterproof Topo Maps
Experienced hikers know about the mobile Global Positioning Systems, which act as electronic maps. GPS sys\stems are available from companies such as Garmin as stand-alone handheld units or as software that can be added to an accessory such as a smart phone.
Those who balk at the price or just the idea of high-tech wilderness gadgets march into the outdoors with “old-fashioned” topographical maps. The company Trails Illustrated sells great tear-proof topo maps of most Western national parks and many popular hiking areas. They are more expensive than paper maps but are likely to be more up to date as well as sturdier. Hikers can waterproof a plain old paper map with an inexpensive bottle of Map Seal, a chemical coating from Aquaseal that encases paper maps in a permanent waterproof, clear and flexible film. It is available at outdoor specialty stores and online.
