Hikers/outdoorsy people, come in please.

[picksthemusic]

I'll be going on a Girl Scout (Daisies, sleeping in cabin in sleeping bags) camping trip in a few weeks, and there is hiking involved. I will need hiking boots/shoes that can keep my feet warm and dry, and add traction. I live near Seattle, so I have REIs all around me, and I'm sure I could go to the store and ask, but I don't want to spend a ton of money. I also need some outdoor wear/gear because we're in the PNW and it rains and it'll be cold. So think layers, waterproof, etc.

We're not super outdoorsy people (DH thinks staying in a hotel = camping), but I have camped a fair amount in my youth, just not as an adult.

I do have a thrift store close to me that I'll visit and see what I can find (HCOL area where there are a ton of hikers, etc).

Any recommendations of brands, what is essential?

Thank you!

[sakura]

I got a pair of nice North Face hiking boots for $40 (used once and returned) from the REI garage-located inside the downtown REI. They have some great deals on shoes and random camping stuff, but you need to be a member to buy from the garage. Might be worth a visit with the free parking to see what they have.

[kadams767]

For shoes/boots, I would look for Keen or Merrell. In my area at least, these are the most common brands and I see a lot of good sales. North Face shoes haven't held up as well for me, but are also often on sale and if you aren't planning on wearing them a ton, would be good for this purpose. I personally also like Salomon, but they run $$$.

I'd get some warm socks, Smartwool, Darn Tough, or other brands similar will be good. I'd personally check a place like TJMaxx for these, though, they always have them and are way cheaper than REI.

Other than that, a rain jacket with a hood if you don't have one already (Is this even possible in the PNW?!). And then some wicking layers underneath. REI brand, Underarmour, etc. Again, I'd check TJMaxx.

[oswin]

So I got some cheap hiking boots from Costco this fall, they've been fine so far, but not waterproof. Basically these I think: smile.amazon.com/Khombu-Leather-Hiking-Outdoor-Tactical/dp/B07JN1BR66 They were $20 at Costco, they're sometimes available at Walmart too. Anyway, the point is that reasonable hiking boots don't have to be super expensive. I figure I'll spring for super nice/expensive ones if I get to the point that I'm hiking so much that the cheap ones either start to fall apart or otherwise fail me. The most important thing is that the boots fit, since too small or too big can lead to blisters, etc.

Anyway, my all time favorite socks for cold or wet are these: defeet.com/collections/men/products/woolie-boolie-4-d-logo-charcoal If you have a Costco, DH has liked these well enough: www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature-Men's-Outdoor-Trail-Sock%2c-6-pair.product.100360948.html (being much more budget friendly but still thick and wooly - though maybe not, recent reviews seem to indicate the quality has gone down this year).

Pants other than jeans. Like, wet jeans are super miserable, so if there's any chance you'll get wet, wear something else. Anything. Leggings, rain pants, long underwear, convertible pants, any combination thereof that sounds comfortable.

[lacey]

I really like my Merrell Moab 2s. Depending on your shoe size and how picky you are with colors you may be able to find them for pretty deep discounts.

[outnumbered]

Jan 18, 2019 15:28:31 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

I'll be going on a Girl Scout (Daisies, sleeping in cabin in sleeping bags) camping trip in a few weeks, and there is hiking involved. I will need hiking boots/shoes that can keep my feet warm and dry, and add traction. I live near Seattle, so I have REIs all around me, and I'm sure I could go to the store and ask, but I don't want to spend a ton of money. I also need some outdoor wear/gear because we're in the PNW and it rains and it'll be cold. So think layers, waterproof, etc.

We're not super outdoorsy people (DH thinks staying in a hotel = camping), but I have camped a fair amount in my youth, just not as an adult.

I do have a thrift store close to me that I'll visit and see what I can find (HCOL area where there are a ton of hikers, etc).

Any recommendations of brands, what is essential?

Thank you!

I have always worn Merrell Moab 2.  They hover around the $110 mark.  Get them fitted at the store and then look online for deals.  Last seasons colors are often on sale.  Try sierratradingpost.com, moosejaw.com, steepandcheap.com.  They are all discount sites for outdoor gear.  I would suggest packing 2 or 3 pairs of wool socks.  If your feet tend to get cold wear a pair of silk sock liners underneath the wool pair.  Long underwear, fleece pants, and a pair of rain paints should be good.  Cotton is not good when cold weather camping.  Will it be slippery or icy when you go?  You might want to consider a pair of 'grippers' for your boots.  I have microspikes (expensive), but you can get a cheaper pair and then if the girls need a hand you have a stable foot grip.  REI sells used gear on their website.  I have purchased from there and it is good stuff.

[IndiaInk]

I have backpacked extensively, I own expensive boots from REI and I live in the Pacific NW. But honestly, unless you are going on an all day hike, or anticipate walking through a lot of unavoidable puddles/streams or snow I don't think you need to spend much money on hiking boots. I just went on a 3 hour day hike with my family and we were in very cold and wet conditions, walking on half-flooded, muddy trails behind waterfalls and I was the only one in hiking boots. All the adults wore running shoes or rubber boots and they were totally happy, they just had to hop around puddles or be sure to cross boggy areas carefully.

If you think you will be able to get back to base and change into dry shoes within a few hrs, you may be just fine in non-waterproof shoes. Just bring a few pair because you shouldn't count on them drying out quickly in the cabin. You can also probably get by with some used or cheap hiking boots that you DIY waterproof with Nikwax www.nikwax.com/usblog/how-to-clean-waterproof-shoes-and-boots/. This stuff is easy to use and works great! (For the record, you can use it to re-waterproof your rain or ski jackets very effectively - use the Nikwax stuff made for that purpose, and just throw it in the washing machine.)

[picksthemusic]

Jan 18, 2019 15:44:49 GMT -5 kadams767 said:

For shoes/boots, I would look for Keen or Merrell. In my area at least, these are the most common brands and I see a lot of good sales. North Face shoes haven't held up as well for me, but are also often on sale and if you aren't planning on wearing them a ton, would be good for this purpose. I personally also like Salomon, but they run $$$.

I'd get some warm socks, Smartwool, Darn Tough, or other brands similar will be good. I'd personally check a place like TJMaxx for these, though, they always have them and are way cheaper than REI.

Other than that, a rain jacket with a hood if you don't have one already (Is this even possible in the PNW?!). And then some wicking layers underneath. REI brand, Underarmour, etc. Again, I'd check TJMaxx.

LOL! I have a hooded rain shell jacket - no warmth, though. My warm coat isn't waterproof. I might have to get one that does both jobs. I also have an Eddie Bauer outlet near my job, so I can look there too.

Good suggestion on socks - I can run to Costco and get some there, I saw them last time I went.

Great suggestion on shoes - thank you!

[cabbagecabbage]

Just so you know, our hike at the Daisy mom campout weekend was seriously a 40 minute walk on paths in the woods. Any running shoes would have sufficed. I not saying yours will be the same but unless you're told to bring specific gear, you can remember this is a trip for six-year-olds and I bet you're fine with things you already own.

[mrsd2006]

You can find all sorts of hiking boots/shoes on 6pm.com also in all the major brands.

[sunnysally]

Jan 18, 2019 16:07:40 GMT -5 outnumbered said:

Jan 18, 2019 15:28:31 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

Get them fitted at the store and then look online for deals.  

This is unethical. If you are going to take up the store's time the least you can do is buy from them once and if it is something you need in the future then order it online.

[pandorica]

I hike a lot both for work and fun, and my Keen boots are my favorite. I find them way more comfortable than my Merrells, and they are great for working in wet/mucky areas. The ones I got in grad school have lasted me years. I think I have the Targhee waterproof ones now.

[hamster]

I really live my Keen shoes. H prefers Merrill. Neither of us can wear the other, so try on both.

For a jacket I have a three season puffy, packable down from Cabelas. I dont see it on their website, but I do think I've seen one at Costco before that is quite similar.

[InBetweenDays]

I agree with a PP - unless you're doing a serious hike and/or carrying a big pack, I don't think you'll need fancy hiking boots. We hike a decent amount (in the PNW) and I just wear my trail running shoes which are Saucony Run Anywhere. They aren't waterproof, but dry out fast.

I also don't know that I'd buy a heavy waterproof jacket. I'd just layer. Wear the waterproof shell you have over a fleece jacket or fleece quarterzip sweatshirt. And add in a long underwear base layer and some warm non-cotton socks.

I can't remember where in Seattle you are, but a new outdoor consignment store just opened in Ballard called Wonderland Gear Exchange. There's also Second Ascent on Ballard Ave. I'd check both for shoes/gear.

[sugarbear]

Try the REI garage. I would also ask around to see if any of your friends have gear for you to borrow.
ETA: Where are you going? I agree that you probably only need running shoes. Depending on where you are, I'd make an exception if it's going to be super wet and muddy.

[lexxasaurus]

I'd wear your shell over layers and not splurge on a new coat if you're not going to wear it a bunch. And the poster above who mentioned the hike is going to be for young girls made a good point, you probably don't need anything hardcore (unless you will utilize them more than this and then definitely find some good ones).
I remember our trail 'hikes' when I was a Girl Scout and I think I wore good thick socks and my rubber boots honestly. I lived in SE Alaska so we had a lot more rain than Seattle area, but they were good for the muddy parts of the trail. If you go a not-waterproof route, packing a couple pairs of shoes is smart since no one wants to put your feet back into semi soggy shoes. Ew.
I hope you have fun!

[dancelnow]

The most important thing is to avoid cotton. Synthetic layers will dry quicker and keep you warmer even when wet.

[puppylove64]

I would wear layers with a water proof shell. I don’t think you have to buy expensive boots. Make sure whatever you get is comfortable. Do not wear them new, you need to break them in a bit and be happy with them before hiking. On dry warm days, I wouldn’t have a problem wearing running shoes to hike. Just wear what you are comfortable with.

[picksthemusic]

Jan 18, 2019 16:12:50 GMT -5 cabbagecabbage said:

Just so you know, our hike at the Daisy mom campout weekend was seriously a 40 minute walk on paths in the woods. Any running shoes would have sufficed. I not saying yours will be the same but unless you're told to bring specific gear, you can remember this is a trip for six-year-olds and I bet you're fine with things you already own.

The packing list was quite extensive (prepping for PNW weather, basically) and seemed pretty excessive (IMO for six-year-olds staying in cabins). I'll be able to reuse this stuff eventually, so I'm not opposed to getting some semi-nice gear for future use.

[picksthemusic]

Jan 18, 2019 16:48:23 GMT -5 InBetweenDays said:

I agree with a PP - unless you're doing a serious hike and/or carrying a big pack, I don't think you'll need fancy hiking boots. We hike a decent amount (in the PNW) and I just wear my trail running shoes which are Saucony Run Anywhere. They aren't waterproof, but dry out fast.

I also don't know that I'd buy a heavy waterproof jacket. I'd just layer. Wear the waterproof shell you have over a fleece jacket or fleece quarterzip sweatshirt. And add in a long underwear base layer and some warm non-cotton socks.

I can't remember where in Seattle you are, but a new outdoor consignment store just opened in Ballard called Wonderland Gear Exchange. There's also Second Ascent on Ballard Ave. I'd check both for shoes/gear.

I'm in South Everett, work in Woodinville.

Great ideas, thank you!

[picksthemusic]

Jan 18, 2019 16:49:10 GMT -5 sugarbear said:

Try the REI garage. I would also ask around to see if any of your friends have gear for you to borrow.
ETA: Where are you going? I agree that you probably only need running shoes. Depending on where you are, I'd make an exception if it's going to be super wet and muddy.

It's in Carnation, so I imagine if it's been raining (like we expect), it will be muddy and soft, if not wet.

[formerlyak]

My older son and husband both like their Merrell hiking shoes for their Scout trips. I just got DS a new pair on Amazon for $50. DS has done several tent camping trips where it's been cold and he likes the fleece lined long johns to layer under stuff. Very warm, but not bulky. Also, get a rain poncho that folds up really small to have in your backpack at all times in case it starts raining and you want to keep your top dry. They make packable rain pants as well if you think you will need those. We are in LA, so you get way more rain than we do. The ponchos are plenty here.

[sugarbear]

Jan 18, 2019 17:07:39 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

Jan 18, 2019 16:49:10 GMT -5 sugarbear said:

Try the REI garage. I would also ask around to see if any of your friends have gear for you to borrow.
ETA: Where are you going? I agree that you probably only need running shoes. Depending on where you are, I'd make an exception if it's going to be super wet and muddy.

It's in Carnation, so I imagine if it's been raining (like we expect), it will be muddy and soft, if not wet.

Ah, yes. The hike would likely be easy in running shoes, but definitely hiking boots if it's wet. And yes, it probably will be .

[housewife]

If you're looking for comfortable warm pants, the fleece lined flexpedition pants from Duluth are great. Super warm and comfortable. They also have fleece lined firehouse pants. I dont like them as much, but I know they are waterproof.

[ladyfern]

Are you going to River Ranch? Do not get hiking boots if you are there isn’t real hiking there. It can be super muddy on the paths in camp though, so i would suggest waterproof rain boots with wool socks, layering with your current rain shell, some cheap rain pants and a warm base layer, maybe long johns if you run cold. If i remember, the cabins are heated and the main lodge is for sure heated if you are doing meals there. Chances are you’ll be in and out of your wet gear going back and forth to the cabins and activities. Have fun, so many great RR memories as a girl scout, all the way through high school!

[dale]

I got my Keens when I became a Cub Scout leader and I live in them now for so much. They've replaced my winter boots for snow.

[candreco]

I've got a couple pairs of Merrells, one pair of hiking shoes and one pair that's more like a snow boot. I like Patagonia for outerwear.

But like pp's have said, I wouldn't drop a ton of money unless you're going to get more use later. As a former Daisy and current Brownie leader, when we've camped in cold, rainy weather, we always recommended warm socks with rain boots and layers under raincoats, and packing extra socks/shoes over buying specific gear.

[sagelily]

Another vote for the REI garage sale. We hike a lot but I wanted low waterproof hiking shoes mostly because we spend time at least weekly on easy trails that don’t drain well and are always muddy. I got tired of my sneakers being a mucky mess and I prefer a shoe that laces to rain boots. H and my BIL kept raving about Oboz and I found a pair at REI’s garage sale that were a great deal. I didn’t see any else recommend the brand but I wanted to mention it because they are good quality but maybe less well known compared to Merrells and others so you may have better luck finding a pair that were only worn a few times. I find Smartwool socks at TJMaxx or wait for sales at REI or backcountry.com

[georgeglass]

I like Sierra Trading Post, too. Here are their Merrell and Keen stuff on sale - www.sierratradingpost.com/womens-footwear~d~19/merrell~b~13400,10054/

[litebright]

Eddie Bauer is having a big sale right now, so I'd recommend checking them out.

I absolutely love their fleece-lined pants and have two pairs. I would not call them water-proof, but they are very cozy and do shed water somewhat. When I've worn them in the rain, the outer layer has gotten somewhat wet-ish but didn't penetrate the fleece.

www.eddiebauer.com/product/Womens-Polar-Fleece-Lined-Pants/23151059?showProducts=111&previousPage=type&pSrch=fleece%20lined