Thanks. It was the write-up of others that helped me get going with my own plans and I thought I would return the favor. Pass-it-forward as it were.



Situational awareness is something I really need to work on. Like probably much of the population I go through my normal day without truly paying much attention to what's around me. It is easy to become lax when nothing ever happens. (I may have led a relatively charmed life in this respect). With this as my habitual state of awareness, I found it really hard to shift gears into a heightened state of awareness on this hike. It certainly didn't help that everything was actually normal anyway. As I said, something I need to think more about.

Using a single ear-bud is a good suggestion. On the other hand, I had just finished deciding I didn't need the earbuds because my Coby one-piece headphones had worked so well. Back the decision drawing board I guess.

The Coby CV123 headphones I use are a one piece behind the head type. For me they are comfortable and fairly rugged (no foam ear cups to wear out, no thin plastic joints to get broken or crushed). The one-piece design means they stay on and don't work there way out over time. Also the behind the head design doesn't interfere with hats. A previous pair I purchased about 5 years ago are still going strong. Coby is one of those very bottom tier electronics companies that I generally stay away from. These headphones are the exception. I doubt everyone would like them, but they work well for me.

Thanks for the suggestion on better insoles. I'll take a look for them. I'll admit the superfeet website seems a little extreme in their claims, but that doesn't mean they can't have an excellent product that would work really well for me.

My BOB is a 3ltr hydration pack as well. I do like the convenience a hydration pack offers. For a GHB, I made several compromises between size, weight, price, and features. Built-in hydration lost out in this case, but it may be worth re-visiting in the future. Also, my current GHB is so packed, there is not really any room for an add-on hydration bag. Maybe another reason to "lighten up".

As I stated previously, I prefer a high-top boot due to past ankle injuries. It is possible that it is all psychological, but I feel much more stable in a high-top over a low-top. I normally play volleyball in a high-top court shoe. Every once in a while I forget them and use a low-cut pair and I really notice a difference.



The bicycle is definitely the way to go. Just wish I had a way to keep one at work. All the worst case scenarios I have been running through my head generally rule out a bicycle as well. However, I need to keep reminding myself that these are the "worst-case" scenarios and "better-case" scenarios are possible/probable and I need to plan for them as well.

I'm with you that the high-tops feel like they offer much more support for me as well. I'm less sure about the extra inch or two of height will make a great deal of difference in places where you need to get through water. Dealing with water is another reason not to have breathing holes in the sides of your shoes though. Still prefer the high-tops though!

The gaitors are a great idea! Tend to think of those in terms of snow, but I can see them providing additional lower leg protection as well as helping keep dust, dirt, gravel, etc. out of your boots. Wonder how much a pair weigh...

I fully believe the science of what you are saying about weight on the feet. However, in my case, I think I'll take the known psychological and protective benefits over the science. Extending the science to the ridiculous, a simple pair of flip-flops would be far better than the light hiking shoe. Your point about the affects of weight are well taken though. While I will stick with my high-top, that doesn't mean I can't look for the lightest one possible that still offers the protective qualities I want.

BTW. The pair of hiking boots I have been using with my GHB weigh in at 2lbs 1oz. I selected this particular boot simply because it was relatively cheap and seemed to fit. As a GHB boot, it is basically for one time use as it will be stored permanently at the office. (though, as somebody else pointed out, wearing it every once in a while will help keep both my feet and the boot fitted better).



I agree with you that when it comes to getting through water, where and how you decide to cross makes a far greater difference then whether you wear a high or low top boot. The high top would offer marginally more protection, but not enough to be a deciding difference between a low and high top.

6.8 oz on these

http://www.outdoorresearch.com/site/m_s_rocky_mtn_high_gaiters.html

I have actually been thinking about your GHB thread the last few days and have some extra thoughts on that: Essentially what you are doing is planning for a three day hiking/camping trip, with additional considerations. What I was going to suggest is that (if you have the time) is to start hiking for recreation, with some occasional overnighters. Use your intended GHB load. You are now shaking out your plans to see what actually works and what doesn't, plus getting into better shape, plus just getting outdoors away from the rat race. You have taken a good step with this trial run.

A few thoughts on this thread: good idea keeping some gear on you separate from your pack, in case of separation for whatever reason.

Two trekking poles is better than one in most situations. If for whatever reason you have to get rid of one, just ditch it. You already came to that conclusion, I think.

Soap: There are numerous soaps and multi-use cleaners marketed to the backpacking crowd that are used for cleaning you, your hair, clothes, dishes, dog, whatever in cold, warm or salt water. Check out REI.

While you're at REI go find the "Shoe Guru" in the store. Based on experience I know that hiking on pavement will chew your feet to shreds, even if you are in shape and have good calluses. This, and "ankle support" are covered by haveing boots that actually fit correctly. High top shoes do not offer any extra ankle support if they don't fit correctly in the heel. Your foot will still roll if the heel isn't stabilized. High top or low top should not matter as long as it fits correctly. That being said I still recommend a higher top hiking shoe/boot for your purposes. They provide better rain protection with your rain pants pulled over the top (assuming you go with a waterproof version), and they provided better impact protection for your ankles. This is a consideration for getting out and through debris from an earthquake, flood waters that you may have to go through with nasties floating around, dog and snake bite protections, etc. Heavy duty, all leather, clodhopper hiking/mountaineering boots are probably overkill for your purposes and as someone else mentioned, save as much weight from your feet as you can. A midweight, hightop, waterproof hiker like those from Merrell and other makers should work fine, BUT GET IT FITTED CORRECTLY BY THE SHOE GURU. For extra fit/comfort/cushion REI will have numerous choices in replacable footbeds. Check again with the foot guru.

Water supply is a personal issue with most people. I have found I like the convenience of the hydration bladder, and I drink a lot more with them than from a bottle. This is a good thing, but YMMV. Having a separate small water bottle on your second kit is probably a good idea for the redundancy mentioned above.

Consider gaiters, also for protection/rain use. Good job. Get out there and keep "testing."

I would personally stick with the lightweight boots rather than the lightweight hiking shoes. The aftermath of an Earthquake may make downtown Seattle look like a more rubble strewn landscape that the top of the fairy hill of the Caledonians. Twisting an ankle in this scenario would be a bad thing to happen.

I personally would go with something like the Rockport Valverde II's or one of the Clarks Active Air boots which are just slightly heavier than the Brasher Supalites.

http://www.brasher.co.uk/catalogue/products/supalite-ii-gtx-r-supaiimn

2lbs 1oz is a pretty lightweight pair of boots.