HikeArizona.COM

I have gone to the archives to view suggestions on boots, gear, etc, but I would like to post it here to get more recent opinions and suggestions. Anyone wanting to share their knowledge, I'm grateful!

First off I'm new to hiking, I've only done one hike, Waterfall Trail, but I plan to get into this and want to make good choices rather than too much trail and error. That's where you all come in

What brand names do you recommend? What one's to steer clear of? Where do you shop? Reasonable? Sales? I've been told about the REI stores, so I plan to go there to take a look around. (Phoenix area)

What I feel I need first off is boots, hydration pack, hat, cool (well cool to look good too, but meant not warm lol) clothing, back pack, etc. What else? I don't plan to go camping, so plan to use these for day hiking only.

Thanks in advance !

Happy Memorial Weekend!

Sherileeaz

opps.... "trail and error" I meant to put "trial and error" lol
nice pun!

trail, trial... either way!

Sherileeaz

Vasque hiking boots... Bought em at REI...

Have been with me for 4 years... Never gave me blisters that I wasnt asking for to begin with (18.5 mile hikes without changing socks)... Nice fit, durable... went to the grand canyon on a 4 day back country hike with them... never let me down.

REI is expensive, hence the kickback they give ya at the end of the year to buy more of their stuff...

I dont care for camelbacks, preferring to have it stowed in a backpack with a hip pouch for water and to transfer it from there... If your serious about your hiking times though, a camelback might be preferrable.

Other gear? Carry a first aid kit, store bought if you dont know what you might need. Pretty much after that it is your choice about the name on your gear :}

Hope that helped.

Sherilee:

As you know, I'm a new hiker, too. Other people will undoubtedly have better advice, but since they're probably out finishing their hikes and I'm home doing chores like you, I'll share some of what I've learned with you so far. One of the reasons that I started hiking was because it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. So, my advice is on the fiscally conservative side.

Boots/shoes: This is the only thing that I think you have to have to begin hiking but you don't have to spend a fortune, either. Popular always seems to have a pair of their house-brand shoes priced at $20. If they are out of your size (as they were mine last weekend), check out the kids shoes, too. Boys shoes run two sizes smaller than women's shoes but are much less expensive. People may disagree with me about getting less expensive shoes, but if you wear them out quickly, you can turn them into shopping shoes or yard shoes. This way, you'll know you can justify the extra cost for expensive hiking boots when you get them.

Packs: Currently, I hike with my old college backpack. If you have one lying around the house, or you know someone you can borrow one from, I'd start with that. Mine has served me well, although I wouldn't mind finding something that distributes the weight a little better.

Hydration stuff: I have insulated bottle covers with shoulder straps and I don't want to use anything else! They are a good alternative to hydration packs for a number of reasons. One: you can get them just about anywhere for a few dollars vs the $30 or more you'll spend on a Camelback. Two: Because they go over my shoulder and rest on my hip, the weight of that water isn't in my pack and it makes my load lighter. Three, and what I think is most important: it's very easy for me to check and see how much water I've been drinking. When I'm more experienced, I think I'll know instinctively if I'm drinking enough water. But, now, i feel I need to watch it very closely.

Another lady I hike with suggested that I could convert my backpack into a hydration pack if I bought a Platypus bladder. She says these are about $10. If your pack has two zippers, you can run the drinking tube out between them without having to cut a hole in it. That sounds like a pretty good alternative, too.

I like to shop at Popular. They have a good range of stuff from economical to reasonable quality. REI is a great store and a lot of fun to shop at, but they are top quality and you pay for it. I haven't found a Popular close to Avondale, but if you ever want to go shopping, maybe we could meet and go together!

Hope this is helpful!

That's a great idea about shopping together at Popular's. I have no clue where it is but sounds worth it.

I think all your tips are great, thanks!

(BTW, I'm in the Coldwater Springs subdivision)

Sheri

I think the single most important piece of equipment is footwear. I have 3 different kinds. I have a pair of Lowa Renegade boots for backpacking trips when I'm carrying a heavy pack or need good ankle support. Best pair of boots I've ever owned. They are pretty pricey ($160 ) but well worth it. I have had many a pair of boots. These were perfect right out of the box. My first time wearing them was on a 20 mile trip. No blisters, no fatigue. I have a pair of trail runners that are invaluable. They are light, have sticky soles were reasonably priced and are like wearing an old pair of shoes. Then I have a few pairs of Teva'a that get the most use. I don't need alot of ankle support. I don't worry much about cuts and abrasions to my feet. I have worn then canyoneering, dayhiking in Sedona, up Squaw Peak to berry picking in by the creeksides. They are also my work shoes. If your going to stick to dayhikes the only other thing you will need is something to carry water in. Everyone has their preference but mine is a Platypus hydration pack. They also happen to be 40% off at Popular right now.

Your best bet is to go to any of the popular outdoor stores and ask any of the associates. They're usually pretty informed and most times very helpful. The ones mentioned in the previous replys are always the way to go (Popular, RIE, etc.).

A rule of thumb is obviously don't scrimp on any of your equipment whether it be hiking boots, camping gear or accessories. Like the old saying goes..."you get what you pay for". and it holds true with your outdoor gear.

Good luck and enjoy!...

Marty

Thanks Cindy and mj...

I'm going to do a search on "Popular" stores now.


Sherileeaz

No prob Sherilee. Don't know where the Cold Springs subdivision is but there is a Popular on Ray Rd. past 48th St. near Sweet Tomatoes and there is one on the NW corner of Warner and Alma School.

Hope that helps.

M&M

I'm on the West side of Phoenix in Avondale.

I posted my subdivision for Holly since she's in my area.
She wrote me and we may hook up to go to a Popular store soon.
Hiking and shopping, what more can a girl ask for?

I tried to do a search on "Popular" stores on the interenet, closest I came was a Popular store in Singapore! I don't think that's the same store!

I think I need to learn how to do searches again on the computer! Hope I'm not this
bad navagating in Arizona! Been here 3 months, so far so good. *whew* But maybe I should add a GPS to my hiking list!!

Anyway, thanks for the directions M&M.

Sherileeaz

sherileeaz, here's the site:

http://www.PopularOutdooroutfitters.com

I love ours in Prescott!

I love ours in Prescott!

I'll bet we have run into each other in there Abe.....I am on a first name basis with those folks. My Happy Camper card gets a lot of use!!!! All of my backpacking gear is from there, my kayaks, stoves, socks, tents, hydration, you name it, if there is a sale.....you'll find me there with an armload of goodies......
Sherri....If you sign up for Populars email notifications, sometimes you will get special discounts that aren't advertised.

Thanks Abe and Hoppy!!

Appreciate the help !

I'm going to be out in the Mesa area tomorrow, I may stop in there, if I don't post for days, I got lost in there! HAHA

Sherileeaz

sherileeaz wrote:Hiking and shopping, what more can a girl ask for?

I tried to do a search on "Popular" stores on the interenet, closest I came was a Popular store in Singapore! I don't think that's the same store!


Sherileeaz

The corporate story of "Popular" is an Arizona Success Story. They have and continue to "beat the odds" and maKe a success in a niche even Wal-Mart can't fill. They can hold their own against REI, all the assorted online ilk and "what not." It's tough to think of anyone who can beat Popular and it's tough think of a business model that can beat Popular!

Popular started back in the "dark ages" when people's business model was to soak up truckloads of military surplus and sell it for a 10:1 multiple. Made sense. Made money.

What separates Popular from those Dark Ages was their willingness to adapt to a modern paradigm.
They are supremely successful at the "adapt or die" paradigm.

Maybe you can't find them on the net because their correct "google" address is:

popular outdoor outfitters (POO makes an interesting acronym, to say the least!)

Politically correct? Yes. Weird? Yes. We Old Timers here will ALWAYS call them Popular Surplus. The "help" in their stories today don't take kindly to being called "Popular Surplus."

Frankly, My Dear, we don't give a "d*a*m*n."

But the fact of the matter is simple--Popular-Whatever-You-Call-'Em is the best danged outdoor store in these Southwest United States! REI--Take Notice!

J&S

You either work there or own stock!

Sherilee,

Try the Popular on Alma School and Warner.

M&M

I have found that I drink a lot more water when I use a camelbak or clone. They have the water right there and ready. I have been hiking in the Grand Canyon about 6 times a year and have found that that really works the best. You don't have to think to make your self drink that way. It is ready when you are....

But the fact of the matter is simple--Popular-Whatever-You-Call-'Em is the best danged outdoor store in these Southwest United States! REI--Take Notice!

Yeah... maybe if you want Coleman gear. I'm not too impressed with Popular. I think I've purchased a sinlge pair of Teva's there over the years. Other than their footwear, the equipment selection is not that great and most of the gear they sell is Coleman-like - large and bulky.

REI has good stuff... and you can usually find what you're looking for. Do I believe they are becoming too "mainstream wanna-be outdoorsy"? Yes. The minute I started hear those commercials from them 2 years ago advertising various seasonal clothing I knew they were changing directions to attract more consumers... ones who want to "look" like they are outdoorsman. Do I care? Not really. The prices are still competitive and I get my dividend each year. Am I loyal to them? No. I'll buy wherever is cheapest... usually online. But in a pinch, I'll go to REI first.

Coaster

That's funny--I never noticed the name change. I still call them surplus. MP

You either work there or own stock!

Now why didn't I think of that :idea: