Course Gear Frequently Asked Questions - Socks and Shoes
Socks:
Fabric: Look for socks made from CoolMax, polypropylene, or other wicking fabrics. They wick away the sweat to evaporate and help prevent blisters.
Padding: If your feet feel tired after walking on pavement, look for padded running socks. Be sure that you try them with your walking shoes so you have enough room left in the shoe. Walking is lower-impact than running and light padding is adequate for most walkers.
Double layered socks: Some socks are two-layered, with an inner sock of wicking fabric and an outer sock layer.
Your own double layering: Many hikers and cold weather walkers wear an inner sock of a wicking fabric and an outer sock of wool or a wool blend, to provide insulation. Outer socks of mostly wool, preferably a loop wool construction; the popular name here is "Smart Wool". This system can be used all year however if you prefer something a little lighter for the summer, a synthetic sock such as a Thorlo Light Trekking sock, again with loop construction can be substituted. Always make sure this combination fits well in your shoes or boots and still leaves enough room for your foot.
Cotton is not a suitable fabric for a hiking sock as the cotton fabric becomes wet quickly, stays wet and provides no cushioning and causes blisters.
For more info about what socks to wear, click here.
Camp Sneakers: Lightweight, comfortable, old running shoes. May wear these when rock-climbing. Environmentally friendly--doesn't tear up the ground in camp. These will work for hiking if boots and/or feet fall apart.
Water shoes:
On rafting courses there is too much danger of hitting your foot into a rock. Old sneakers are necessary to protect the foot. The sneaker, or other padded footwear need to be secure on your foot with no chance of being pulled off in fast moving waters. These shoes will be wet at all times during the rafting section. For this reason sandals are appropriate (if they are padded and secure), and old shoes because it is likely they will not last past the course. Keens are appropriate and will work well for rafting shoes.
Winter Courses: Camp Booties:
Down/Acron booties- preferably with rubber sole. These are your camp shoes rather than continuing to wear boots all day. These are comfortable and warm and you can even sleep in them! They resemble slippers. Available at outdoor retailers and on the web. These are optional.
Dogsledding Boots need for Minnesota:
On the dog sledding course, students wear boots all day long whether they are mushing for cross country skiing. The skis have special bindings so they will be compatible with the boots. The boots need to have a rubber sole. Suggestions include Mickey Mouse boots and Sorels which can be found at most outdoor stores.
