Camp shoes
When I started, I started carrying crocs since they are a thru-hiker staple. https://adrr.com/d20/2023/03/19/gear-camp-shoes/ I made some changes through the years.
Camp shoes are most important for hostels that don’t allow shoes and for (often public) hiker showers which can be quite gross.
The ones on top were super light. I hiked up to 9-10 miles in them once at Front Royal. Lost them on the PCT, recovered one but hiker boxed it when the other stayed lost.
The ones at the bottom of the picture work well for water crossings but I find they take too much time to put on and off and I just use my shoes and walk until they are dry.
These days I just carry flip flops for the rare times I need them.
Others just use their trail runners and go barefoot where they aren’t allowed.
Sun Hoodies
On the Appalachian Trail sun hoodies were not what I needed. I burn easily but the green tunnel protected me.
That changed for the PCT. It has so much exposed sun. I started with a Black Diamond Alpenglow Pro. Highly rated, etc. It wore out.
I had a Rab replacement I hiker boxed instead of sending home because I didn’t like the snarls. Someone grabbed it immediately.
I tried a long sleeve shirt and a hat with a bandana instead of a sun hoodie for a while. It was not great for me with the wind. Others make it work so I gave it a try.
I tried and liked the Mountain Hardware hoodies much better than Black Diamond or some off brand ones.
Mine got chewed up by thorn bushes so I tried TYR as a replacement. Pretty but the fabric is too heavy for the trail. Great for around town.
Currently I’m using Jolly Gear’s Sun hoodie which is just neat. Seems everyone sells a sun hoodie now. Happy6 got one first and then I followed.
Of course I had to get a different look since she is adamant about not being twins.
I was turned off by the super bright styles but like the more subdued ones.
I’ll admit I’ve tried a lot of different ones. Some I really like, just not on trail. Funny how that has worked out.
Socks
I started with Smartwool. Moved to Darn Tough for the lifetime warranty. Moved Writesock for the blister protection. They really didn’t handle dirt well for me. Went to Kirkland for the cushion.
I also have worn the Kirkland ones for daily use. Still do.
I am currently using REI on trail because they don’t have compression. I’m still thinking. Merino Tech are similar (I got a pair for free with my baselayer top).I like them too.
Socks currently in day to day rotation for my wife and I.
I like the heavier cushion. I just need to decide about compression. Do I love it or want to avoid it or both?!?
Obviously I’m still thinking. I’ll probably go through everything that has InsectShield protection and decide.
Bottom line
Some gear is situational. I’d use it for one trail but not another.
Some gear is pretty optional.
Some gear is great off trail (that TYR hoodie) and some looks a lot like trail gear (heavier rain jackets). Some is an almost (Patagonia’s sun hoodie).
So over the years my choices have migrated and changed. Many times there is not one right answer. Other times “it just depends.”
