What under your boots?

I recently purchased my first pair of Smart Wool Medium Crew socks, and I have to say I LOVE them!

Made from 74% Yarn, 25% Merino wool, and 1% Elastane these socks keep my feet dry, cool and provide the prefect amount of cushion that I need for my thru-hikes. Whether I use my hiking boots or my trail runners these are by far the best socks that I have worn.

Around $20 per pair they are definitely not cheap, but if your feet are uncomfortable your whole trip can suffer. What do you wear?

Check out Smartwool here

Can I wear trail runners for hiking?

The answer is yes. This is a very common practice among experienced hikers who know their limitations and what would be considered safe for them. For day hikes or even some long distance thru-hikes, trail runners are great. Trail runners are design differently that regular running shoes, from a more aggressive tread, to a specially designed shank to protect your foot from pounding on the rocks.

There are several things that should be taken into consideration before deciding to buy and wear trail runners for hiking.

Things to consider:

• Your weight
• Your pack weight (under 30lbs is best)
• The trail (rough terrain or going off trail is not recommended)
• Trail runners will not last as long as hiking boots.

A trail running shoe (bottom) has a more aggressive tread than a regular running shoe (top)

With so many manufacturers, materials, tread design, and even colors it can seam overwhelming. Which ones do I choose?!  Well unless you have unlimited fun funds, cost can certainly be one of the top considerations. 

But the one that trumps them all is how do they fit you? Some trail-running shoes cater to certain foot types, due to their design and their type of sole construction. The key is try a bunch of different brands and see what fits you the best. Break them in, and have fun out there!

Shemagh- Top 10 Uses for this Tactical Scarf

Worn in the Middle East for centuries this piece of cloth became popular in the United States after Special Ops groups realized the benefits that they offer. Pronounced shmog I recommend adding one of these to your day pack or bug out bag.

Sporting goods stores sell the glamorized "Buff" but in my opinion its no Shemagh!!!

Here are my top ten uses for the Shemagh, please comment below any uses you may have below!!!

1. Cooling wrap– Soak it before tying it around your head or placing it under your hat, coupled with convection it will actually make you cooler. Great way to prevent sunburn too.
2. Warm wrap – Wear it under a hat, or around your neck for extra warmth in cold weather.
3. As dust protection – Even if you don’t live in a very sand or dust storm prone region, it makes great protection from sawdust, grass clippings, or other flying particles.
4. As a backpack or shoulder sling – Tie the corners together, put over your head and across your chest, and carry anything in the middle pocket that is formed.
5. As a pillow – Wrap clothes, leaves etc inside to form a pillow to rest your head on if you forgot your camp pillow.
6. As a sling – Much better than a bandanna in my opinion due to its size for slinging broken arms/collar bones.
7. Trauma bandage – Its not a replacement, but in an emergency it can be tied around a gusher to help control bleeding.
8. Filter your water – It wont protect you from microbes but its a first line filter to get the chunky stuff out.
9. Towel– I used mine to wipe sweat off my face, or you can even use it as a towel for those river dips.
10. Bug Protection– I use mine during the day and at night to keep those pesky buzzing flies out of my ears! It does also help to keep mosquito's off your face and neck, although I still use products containing Deet.