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Hiking is a great exercise for anyone who is exhausted of the city and wishes to commune with nature. There isn’t much equipment that you should have when you are just starting out; simply get a pair of hiking boots and a backpack for your water bottle and you’re good to go. However, even with this bare minimum of equipment, hiking boots can burn a sizable hole in your pocket. It is best to start with a cheap hiking boots when you’re just starting.
Hiking Boots A to D
There are actually four categories of hiking boots, hiking boots start at A and go up to D. The classes are designed for different kinds of terrain; class A and B boots resemble sneakers and are suitable for light terrain. Class C and D boots are intended for heavy-duty hiking, and some class C boots come with a fixture for crampons and all class D boots can be used with crampons.
As you could probably guess, the prices of the boots increase as they go up a class. There will be a huge difference in the price of a class D boot and a cheap hiking boot in class A. Of course, it is doubtful that you will need a class D boot as you begin as a hiker, because it is what mountaineers who climb Mount Everest use!
Wait for Expensive Boots
Do you recall that exercise bike that is now a clothes rack or how about the step machine that’s taking up space in your bedroom? The point is that many times, people lose interest or the commitment to follow through with an activity. You don’t want to have to kick yourself later for those costly hiking boots that sit pitifully in your closet. You’d definitely feel better if they were inexpensive hiking boots.
Expensive hiking boots are an investment that you should wait before purchasing. Wait until you know for sure that you love hiking and that it is really worth it, but for now, settle for some cheap hiking boots. Once you have established that you really do have an intense interest in hiking, by all means, you can upgrade your boots.
Start at the Beginning
As with everything, hiking is best if you begin at a novice level and gradually ease yourself into the higher levels. Less expensive hiking boots are also best used on beginner trails. If you skip ahead and try terrain that is not meant for someone who is new to hiking, you may not enjoy yourself and give up too soon. Cheaper hiking boots may also not hold up too well on rough terrain.
So to get the best out of your learning curve, start slowly and don’t bother to flaunt expensive hiking boots. Inexpensive hiking boots will do good for now, think of expensive boots as a goal you are working toward.
Tagged with: boots for hikers • hiking boots
Filed under: Hiking Gear