RE: [at-l] Gear and Boots

["Mayer, Jim" <JMayer@crt.xerox.com>]

David,

You really DO have to try them on.  That said, I order most of my boots mail
order.  I'd suggest, given your time schedule, that you call up LLBean and
order a BUNCH of different boots.  Order several different boots in several
different sizes and widths, try them all on, and return the ones you don't
want.  I mention LLBean because they ship quickly, have a good return
policy, and have a wide selection of boots in different widths.

For a mid weight boot, their "Cresta" line has a reputation for fitting a
lot of people comfortably.  I used the fabric and leather Cresta for some
time.  The Cresta has a GoreTex liner, which I don't like, but fit is more
important.  You might look at their lightweight hiker (non goretex), and
even at their trail shoes (they have a new, low cut, trail shoe that looks
interesting, and they carry the New Balance 801 trail runner as well).  I
won't try to give you advice on what type of boot to bring beyond noting
that your feet will get wet and that I've done the heavy leather boot thing
and won't do it again.

LLBean's standard shipping is 2nd day Federal Express, and you should see
your stuff this week.

One note: I haven't done any really long trails, but I've seen lots of folks
mention that their feet swelled.  I'd make sure that your feet (particularly
the toes) have a good bit of room in the boot.  The other thing I've noticed
is that few people make it all the way on one pair of boots.

As for backpacks, if you are familiar with fitting the things, I suppose you
could go the same route, though you might want to try out Campmoor or REI.
If I was planning a non-ultralight thru-hike today I'd look for the smallest
and lightest pack that fit comfortably.  I'd try loading it with the gear I
was planning to take, and if I needed more than 3500-4000 cubic inches I'd
start throwing out gear, and I'd keep the weight of the pack under 4.5 lbs.
If it was me, I'd try to go even smaller and lighter, but the really light
weight packs are hard to find and you don't have a lot of time.  To be
honest, though, it might be worth taking a weekend and driving to a good
gear store.

As for brands, I've been very happy with the lighter weight packs from
Osprey.  You can call them to find a mail order place, or perhaps search the
net.  A good mail order place might be able to walk you through measuring
your torso to get a good fit.

Good Luck.

-- Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: David Richard [mailto:dpr@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Monday, April 19, 1999 10:41 PM