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From: lowell@fluke.UUCP (Lowell Skoog)
Newsgroups: net.rec
Subject: Re: question: climbing/all-round footware
Message-ID: <1218@vax1.fluke.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 14-Oct-85 13:27:36 EDT
Article-I.D.: vax1.1218
Posted: Mon Oct 14 13:27:36 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 16-Oct-85 04:20:18 EDT
References: <895@utcs.uucp>
Distribution: net
Organization: John Fluke Mfg. Co., Inc., Everett, WA
Lines: 27


For the Cascades, the best all-round footwear is a pair of medium weight 
climbing boots with vibram soles, 1/2 or 3/4 shank, and surdy all-leather 
uppers.  These will work on trail, snow, moderate rock, and moderate ice.  
On some trips, however, true all-round versatility is not adequate, or
not necessary, so many people use more specialized gear.

There are two cases where all-round boots are not adequate.  The first is
winter or ski mountaineering, or hard ice climbing.  Here heavier, full-
shank mountain boots are needed.  At the other end of the spectrum, 
difficult rock climbing may require klettershue like EB's or Fires.

There are also cases where all-round boots are not necessary.  For light
mountaineering with little snow or ice, light hiking boots are sufficient.
For trails or easy cross country, tennis shoes are best.  Either of these
may be used as an approach shoe, depending on the nature of the approach.
Because they are light and soft, you can cram them in a pack when you 
change to climbing footwear.  The goal in using these is to wear the 
lightest, most comfortable shoes you can get away with.

If this seems like a lot of shoes to own, it is.  You have to determine 
your needs and outfit yourself accordingly.  I must admit that I own all 
of the gear mentioned above, but I'm a wimp.

				"Real men climb in R-R's"  :-)

				Lowell Skoog, Seattle