When you go hiking you need to have the right equipment to finish your expedition safely. The gear that you select needs to be appropriate for the weather, terrain, difficulty of the trail and your experience level.

Selecting a Hiking Boot

There are several ways you can select a hiking boot . However, a good rule of thumb is to select a boot that is designed for the type of hiking you plan on doing. Casual hikers, for example, that only tackle low level trails can get by with the lightweight, hiking boots . These boots weigh in around a pound a piece and look like a cross between a hiking boot and a running shoe . The drawback of this type of boot is that they aren’t as waterproof as better hiking boots are, and they don’t provide your feet and ankles with the stability needed to handle heavy backpacks or extra rough terrain.

The next level of hiking boot is the middleweight hiking boot . This boot typically weighs more than two pounds a piece. These boots are for the average hiker and backpacker. They are great for weekend adventures during the summer months. However, if you plan on an extended backpacking trip, if you plan on exploring extreme environments or if you plan a trip during inclimate weather, then you may want to upgrade your hiking boots.

The top of the line hiking boots are the heavy clompers . These boots weigh in at over five pounds a piece. These boots are designed for hard core backpackers and trekkers. They will provide your feet and ankles with the support that they need, they will keep your feet dry and warm and they will provide you with the traction and versatility that you need for your adventure. They also accommodate strap crampons.

High Altitude Hiking Gear

When you travel into high altitudes there are several pieces of equipment that you are going to need in addition to a great pair of hiking boots. First you will need warmer hiking wear. Weather in high altitudes is colder than you may expect and weather conditions can change rapidly. To stay warm you will need a great jacket, think layers, gloves, a hat and warm thermal underwear . You will also need a great pair of goggle style sunglasses to protect your eyes from solar radiation and the cold. You may also want to bring oxygen with you if you plan on going really high, as well as a GPS locator in case you get lost and need to be rescued. Finally, you can bring with you strap crampons, ice cleats, snow shoes and ski equipment with you to handle snowy and/or icy terrain.

Recreational Hiking Gear

If you are just a recreational hiker then you can experiment with the type of gear that you bring with you on your hiking adventures. Generally a short hiking trip will only require a good pair of hiking boots, a walking stick and a canteen of water. If you are hiking in warm or hot weather then you will also want to wear a hat, wear sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 and a carb rich snack. On the other hand, if you plan a hiking trip during cold weather then you will want to also bring appropriate clothing, ice cleats or snow shoes, matches in a waterproof container, a plastic garbage bag and extra food and water.

All Hikers

No matter what type of hiking adventure you want to go on, it is always a good idea to bring a friend with you. They can be your most valuable piece of hiking gear that you can have. After all if you get injured you have someone to help you out of the backcountry, or someone to go for help. A cell phone is another valuable piece of hiking equipment to bring with you. If you get reception in the area you are hiking you can call for help or update people on where you are and when you plan on returning home. This is very important to do, especially if you change your original plans.

This is the second installment of Q&A with the CLT business units. The first post happened last week when I picked the brains of the Kids team CLT group . This week features the candid responses of our Outdoor CLT business unit!

Read on to live vicariously through the exciting experiences of William B, Lacy J, and Max M!

From left: William B, Max M, Lacy J

Question: What is the most exhilarating outdoor activity you have done?

William: “Scuba diving.”

Lacy: “Rock climbing. There is no comparison.”

Max: “There are too many times that I could mention and go on and on… but basically anything outdoors.”

Question: Our customers do a lot of shopping in preparation for upcoming trips. Have they ever shared a trip with you that you were totally jealous of? If so, where were they going?

William: “To Patagonia for four weeks. I was way jealous of that.”

Lacy: “This actually happens everyday. Yesterday I spoke to a mountaineer that’s climbing Grand Cathedral in the Tetons this summer. I was born a couple miles from there, so I’m a little biased, but they’re some of the most beautiful mountains in the world! I’m not usually the alpine mountaineering type, glaciers scare me, but even I would like to see the world from the top of Grand Cathedral. I’ve talked to people going to Kilimanjaro, the Alps, and even a couple to Everest and some of the other Seven Summits. I’ve also talked to rock climbers going to Thailand, South Africa, Madagascar, South America, Europe, etc. I can’t go a day without wishing a customer could take me along with them!”

Max: “Some customers taking trips overseas, to Italy, or the one guy who was going to hike across Europe for 2 months.”

Question: What is the craziest animal you have come across in your outdoor journeys?

William: “A giant eagle ray while I was scuba diving. The thing had to be three times my size, it was HUGE. I was both terribly scared and excited at the same time.”

Lacy: “I seem to be a wildlife magnet, so this is hard. But there is a refuge in Jackson, WY where the buffalo can roam and graze freely. You can also drive through this refuge and take a look. I have a picture of a 3-4 year old bull crossing the road, 10 feet from the front bumper of my car. No matter how many times I go see the herd, being that close to such a giant wild animal is a major thrill. And when your little car is surrounded my a hundred of them snorting and grunting and doing their buffalo business…well… let’s just say it’s crazy.”

Max: “I saw a panther on the beach in Guam. While on vacation, I was walking on the beach, just as the sun was setting, and I saw what looked like a large dog on the beach. He was with his trainers. So it wasn’t exactly a wild animal, but I was walking very close before I realized what it was.”

Question: What 5 items would you pack if you were going to be stranded in the desert for a month?

William: “Flint/Clothing /Jerky /Fresh Water /A signaling device”

Lacy: “Nutrogena Full Spectrum SPF 85/Therm-a Rest mattress/Gerber multi-tool with a decent blade and a shovel attachment/Topo map of the area/Snake tongs or a .22 rifle.”

Max: “Enoughwater/Shelter/Food/Map/Compass.”

Question: Would you rather be stranded on a remote island or lost in the mountains?

William: “I would rather be lost in the mountains because you can – eventually – find your way out of the mountains. On an island you can’t get past the ocean. There is also more potential food and fresh water in the mountains.”

Lacy: “That would depend entirely on the specific island or the mountains I had to choose from. I’ve seen examples of both that I would be perfectly happy on and could survive on easily enough, and I’ve also seen examples of each that would kill me in a day. Tropical Islands are okay, Desert Islands are not. The Northern Sierras I could handle, but I would freeze to death in the Himalayas in the first 24 hours. I’d pick whichever one had more stable, temperate weather conditions, lots of available food and fresh water, and potential shelter.”

Max: “I would rather be stranded in the mountains. I don’t think I’m that good at building boats… yet! But I sure can hike!”

Question: What is the most common question asked by our customers?

William: “How does this shoe run?”

Lacy: “It varies by season and also by degree of activity. We have hard core customers and casual customers. Right now a lot of casual customers are looking for hydrophobic shoes and sandals, while the hard core folks are looking for backpacking and mountaineering boots. In the winter we get lots of calls for Sorel bootliners and “fashionable” winter boots that will keep your feet warm in -60 degree weather. Haha.”

Max: “Most customers want to know how different shoes, boots, or sandals fit.”

Question: What was your favorite outdoor activity as a kid?

William: “Riding my bicycle and seeing the ocean.”

Lacy: “Horse Camping. It basically involves riding your horse out to the most remote location you can find, and camping there. You can fish and hunt at the same time. It’s like backpacking, but with a horse to help carry stuff.”

Max: “Riding bikes.”

Question: What do you love most about your job?

William: “That it happens to be at Zappos.com!”

Lacy: “Product testing! I feel so fortunate to work for the lifestyle department that embodies my lifestyle. I shop on Outdoor.zappos.com constantly! Because I love the lifestyle, I also love the product, buying it and using it. A few minutes ago a lady called for help finding rock shoes for her son, who is just learning. I was able to make several recommendations based on actual hands-on experience. I am also a beginner and have tried several of the styles on our site. I was able to give her real life evaluations and personal experience to help her decide. Customers really appreciate it when I can relate to their situation and they enjoy talking about the activities they love with someone who understands and relates. It makes their experience and mine much more enjoyable. Instead of work, it’s just a nice day talking to people about the activities, places and products we love.”

Max: “Being able to help our customers!”

One of the most interesting technology advances in the realm of fabrics and textiles is Gore-Tex . Gore-Tex fabric is fairly amazing. It is meant to be breathable and waterproof at the same time. Gore-Tex is used in a variety of products – from ski gloves to waders to coats to shoes. Indeed, Gore-Tex is very popular in hiking shoes and boots . This is due to the fact that it can help keep your feet dry in a variety of situations.

The Technology Behind Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is a revolutionary fabric with proprietary technology.However, there are some basics as to how it works. Gore-Tex is comprised of three layers: an outer fabric, a Gore-Tex membrane and an inner liner. Each of these layers contributes to the qualities of a windproof and waterproof fabric that is ideal for outdoor use. The secret, as you may guess, is in the Gore-Tex membrane. Yes, the outer fabric and the inner liner are durable and breathable (they have to be in order to keep Gore-Tex from becoming unduly uncomfortable), but the
Gore-Tex membrane is made on a microscopic level.

Using technology that allows for things to be constructed on a micro level, the membrane consists of pores. The Gore-Tex Web site points out that each pore used in the membrane is 20,000 times smaller than a water drop. One thing that Gore-Tex can’t save you from, though, is what happens when you get to a point where the water does get in. I learned this the hard way. When I was hiking, I had to wade into water that went half way up my calf.

Now the Gore-Tex in my hiking shoes kept my toes dry, but there wasn’t a “seal” to keep the water from getting in through the tops of my shoes. And, the water did seep down from the top. The main downside is that once water gets in, it stays in for a while.

Gore-Tex Shoes vs. Non-Gore-Tex Shoes

Even with that one drawback, I still really like Gore-Tex shoes (and I got some Gore-Tex-lined snow boots recently as well). They protect my feet from most instances of getting wet, and the insulation keeps them warm. The fabric is breathable, so it doesn’t trap too much sweat in my shoe. And, even when I am wading in water, my feet don’t get nearly as wet as they did when I had hiking shoes without the Gore-Tex.

There are other waterproof shoes that don’t use Gore-Tex. However, many of them don’t have the same technology that allows for a breathable fabric. A lot of the time you either get the breathability of mesh – and wet feet – or you have to give up the breathability to keep your feet dry. And if it’s hot, giving up that breathability can eventually lead to uncomfortable feet as the sweat is trapped by your waterproof hiking shoes. Gore-Tex is by no means perfect. Water can find its way in, and the fabric isn’t as breathable as mesh. But Gore-Tex does combine the best of both worlds, allowing for a shoe that is reasonably comfortable.