HikeArizona.COM

I have found that the more that I've hiked, the more I have gravitated towards canyoneering. Its more of a welcome challenge for me, but I'm lacking in the proper footwear department. So I'm looking to my fellow HAZers to steer me in the right direction on the purchase of a pair of canyoneering/water shoes. (other than sandals) Sorry Joe.
I've looked into the 5-10 Canyoneer and the Saloman Tech Amphibian. They both seem like great shoes, but I would like to get some feedback from the other swim/boulder/scramble junkies on what you prefer.

You can get them at the Az Hiking Shack for about $89. They also have other models. Besides, they are awesome folks, you can actually touch, feel, and try them on, and I think its really important to support your local retailers in this online oriented world we're becoming.

I have Hi-Tec Alpines that do quite well.

Tried out my new 5.10 Water Tennis at the Tonto Narrows today. Excellent choice of shoe. If you are looking to get a pair of amphibious shoes with super sticky souls, spend the extra $. I highly recommend them. You can stick to the rocks like your glued on. Except for the slim covered ones.

I have the Salomon Tech Amphibians. If I'm mostly in the water, they're great. They're very light and drain quickly. If I'm primarily on dry ground, they are not as comfortable as a nice hiking boot or shoe.

I was with AK on his trial run. I've got to say that after watching him get traction on just about EVERYTHING, while I was slipping and sliding on the same rocks, I am seriously considering investing in a pair of 5.10s.

Hey AK! I was at the Tonto Narrows last Sunday also. As I was hiking in with my sister and another friend, I stopped and talked to 2 guys who were hiking out, one guy who was wearing a pair of 5.10 Water Tennies. He said he loved them, and I mentioned that I was considering the Canyoneer model. Was that you? Of course, Matt Gilbert says he was with you, and I've hiked with him in the Supes once before, and the other guy didn't look anything like Matt. Did you guys dodge the storm? The lightning was incredible, but I managed to keep everyone safe. Also, I'm always up for canyoneering trips. Canyoneering is quickly becoming my favorite way to persue adventure! :twisted: See ya!

Hey Matt! I thought that was you, but I couldn't think of your name until after we had walked away, pretty dense huh? Anyway that was us. We didn't see any storms, some lightning the night before though. How far back did you guys go?

Chacos are a good bet as well. They will support a lot of weight if you are backpacking and are great for dayhiking too. We did 30 miles of hiking in this canyon and 28 miles were in our Chacos. Stream crossing were constant.

Chacos in Coyote Gulch

Hey Matt Hoffman, that was me. Small world huh. I agree with you on canyoneering. Its become my favorite way to see Arizona. How far back in the Narrows did you guys go? Good to see that you survived the storm. Let me know if you ever want to do some canyon treks.
Hey Matt G. How are you feeling today? I'm a little on the hung side. Too many Kiltlifters lastnight!

Matt G, sorry I didn't recognize you! It's cool to know that some of the HAZ members are into canyoneering also. We didn't get to far back the canyon, because the storm blew in really fast. We only made it about 1/2 to 3/4 a mile up stream, just before the canyon gets narrower again. Then we turned around and headed back staying out of the water and off the high ground. Lightning was everywhere and that made route finding ...well...interesting. Of course we were also delayed a bit by the mandatory cliff jumping at the Narrows. My sister, who was visiting during time off at the Air Force Academy in CO, and my other friend had never been to a place like that and they loved it!
AK it is a small world, but it seems to work in my favor. I am planning a canyoneering trip for next weekend, and so far it's a toss up between Salome, West Clear Creek (the middle section perhaps) or an overnighter in Tonto. No matter what it will be fun!

Matt H. That sounds like a great time no matter where you go. Personally I've been wanting to do the middle section of West Clear also. But I'll be in Portland next weekend. Oh darn! Seventy degree weather at a brew festival!