Introduction to the first section of outdoor equipment
1. Definition of equipment< /p>
Equipment has two definitions in the dictionary: one is used as a noun, referring to the items, equipment, facilities and technical tools equipped; the other is used as a verb, referring to items, equipment, facilities and technical tools Waiting for people to be equipped. Similarly, outdoor equipment also has two meanings, one refers to specific materials, and the other refers to the accurate use of these materials. Obviously, for an expert with outdoor knowledge, bark and stones can be good outdoor equipment, but for those who do not know how to operate, perfect advanced equipment is just a decoration or even a burden. Therefore, whether a person has enough equipment not only refers to how many specific materials he has, but also how much knowledge of outdoor equipment he has.
From the perspective of specific items, outdoor equipment refers to the equipment, clothing and other items that outdoor sports enthusiasts need to use in activities. Outdoor sports are different from home life and do not have perfect supply conditions like ordinary tourism. The outdoor environment is often harsh and changeable. Therefore, in outdoor sports, equipment occupies a very important position. In order to ensure the smooth progress of activities and their own safety, participants need to have suitable outdoor equipment.
In view of the special nature of outdoor sports, the design and quality of outdoor equipment also have special requirements. For example, in addition to rainproof materials, jackets also need to be breathable, wear-resistant, windproof, etc. In addition, the design is also different from ordinary wind and raincoats. Outdoor equipment is designed and produced according to the actual needs of participants. Consumers should use outdoor equipment according to their own needs in order to make the best use of everything. In outdoor activities such as mountaineering and expeditions, the equipment is the life of the athlete. If the equipment is not used properly or is used improperly, it will cause the athlete to be injured at light level, and life-threatening in severe cases. For an outdoor sports enthusiast, it is important to have what kind of equipment, but how to understand and use these equipment is even more important.
2. Classification of equipment
Second shoes
1. Structure and function of shoes
Sole
Outsole structure: It is mainly composed of outsole rubber material and woven carbon plate to make it sensitive and accurate when climbing, while ensuring the hardness of the sole. The selection of materials for the outsole of professional hiking shoes, especially the professional brand manufacturers, most of them choose the Italian Vibeam outsole, because Vibeam not only provides professional materials, but also provides professional outsole pattern design. Since new materials are developed and applied in Vibeam every year, Vibeam has always been the name of high performance, high skill and high comfort. Therefore, Vibeam enjoys a high reputation and credibility in the outdoor industry. Good for walking in slippery environments and rough terrain.
Outsole pattern: The outsole pattern design of professional hiking shoes is very particular. Just like the tires of the F1 formula car, different tires are used in different climatic conditions and road mines. Professional hiking shoes are different in the design of the outsole pattern due to different types. Of course, there is another situation, that is, even if they belong to the same type of hiking shoes, due to different design concepts and different construction costs, the texture of the outsole will be affected. It won’t pay attention to detail.
Professional outsole pattern design:
1) The front and rear edge patterns of the front and rear soles are designed to grip the ground and rock surface more firmly
2) The main function of the subsequent lines is to brake and effectively promote walking
3) The lines on the left and right sides are used to prevent sideslip
4) The middle part of the outsole and the heel The front pattern is the steering balance braking area.
5) The outsole pattern guide groove can efficiently guide rain, snow, moisture and sediment out of the outsole, further improving the anti-skid, shock absorption and buffering of the outsole Function
Midsole structure: It is composed of one-piece support or integral nylon pre-formed inner support pad with microporous shock absorbing material, which further enhances the hardness and stability of the shoe and ensures the stability of the torsion. hardness. The mid-layer structure of the shoe needs to be quite strong and have an excellent shock-absorbing structure.
Insole
It is a kind of soft and comfortable for the foot, the last layer of midsole structure, a good insole will be good for the arch, heel Provide one more protection.
Ankle
This is a design that provides support and protection for the ankle. In the design of the ankle protection structure, different rules for the shape of the ankle are often used. to design protective structures. Therefore, the appearance and structure of professional hiking shoes are mostly high waist, and the general shoe waist will be 5-7.5 inches high. High waist, 5-7.5 inches, protects and supports ankles when walking on complex terrain.
Tongue
The tongue pad should be designed to be taller, thicker and more snug to the foot. The tongue should not be easy to move, and it should not be in place. Stable and free, and the tongue opening is large enough to put on and take off easily. At the same time, the manufacture of the tongue should adopt the overall folding process. The tongue design is thick, close to the foot surface, folded and connected with the upper, and the opening is large enough to wear and take off freely.
Shoelaces
The styles of shoelace structures mainly include traditional symmetrical structures and asymmetrical structures. The former focuses on reliability and beauty, while the latter focuses more on The fit of the laces and the angle of the toe.
Upper
Few seams, using a single piece of material as much as possible to create the upper structure. The upper and sole are sealed with U-shaped edge strips to strengthen the structure and waterproof function. In the material of the upper, pure cowhide is the most preferred by mountaineering enthusiasts, because pure cowhide has enough strength and is not afraid of the friction of rocks, and the material processing technology makes the shoes have enough hardness, even if kicked hard objects will not hurt your toes. The development of materials is changing with each passing day, and it is nothing new that modern hiking shoes are made of new composite materials.
Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of half leather shoes and full leather shoes:
1) Weight reduction
2) Comfortable, shorten the running-in period
3 ) Easy to dry after cleaning
4) Cheaper
5) In difficult terrain, it will appear less stable than full leather shoes. Not suitable for harsh high-altitude environments.
6) Half-leather shoes without waterproof structure have poor waterproof performance. But it can squeeze out the moisture in the shoes when walking.
7) The service life is shorter than that of full leather shoes
8) The weight hardness is not enough to cope with the impact of hard objects, and cannot effectively meet the weight of the crampons.
Shoe shape
Comfortable, soft yet firm upper design provides light weight, durability and conforms to the shape of the foot with room for the forefoot Reasonable margin and firm heel. The overall material should be used as much as possible in the manufacture to improve the design advantages. At the same time, the processing of the shoe seam must be based on the pressure inside the shoe to ensure that the upper does not deform under pressure. The toe and heel are protected by reinforced materials, and the toe protrudes to protect the foot. The heel is slightly bulged to enhance the stability of the shoe. When going up and down steep slopes and installing crampons, reduce the pressure on the feet.
Coating
The GORE-TEX fabric now used to enhance the water resistance of the shoes has long been loved and accepted by mountaineering enthusiasts. Every pair of professional hiking shoes made of GORE-TEX fabrics undergo rigorous inspection and testing. But GORE-TEX is not a panacea, so everything will have its limitations. If water enters the shoe from the mouth of the shoe, its waterproof function is completely useless. And it will not squeeze the water out with the movement of the footsteps. In addition, the use of GORE-TEX materials can also increase the cost of hiking shoes. If you want to reduce costs, you must sacrifice other professional designs while simplifying the process.
2. Types of shoes
There are many types of shoes required for outdoor activities, mainly for mountain activities. The classification of shoes, the concept is as follows:
Trail shoes
It is mainly designed for short-distance trekkers, and the time outside is only one to two days, suitable for general For outdoor camping, the mountains are not very complicated. The design features of these shoes are that they are more comfortable, soft, and breathable, but the hardness and wear resistance of the soles are the lowest among mountaineering shoes. The upper of this type of shoes is made of sheepskin and chemical fiber synthetic materials, the sole is made of plastic material, the inside of the shoe is made of chemical fiber material with certain breathability, and the upper is lower. It is suitable for hiking and hiking activities with a flat environment and light load for about a day. Even in mountain activities, the terrain environment is obviously flat. Because GOTE-TEX fabrics are widely used, even hiking shoes will keep the wearer in a wet environment in rainy and snowy weather, keeping the feet dry and comfortable.
Lightweight hiking shoes: They are lightweight, comfortable, quick-drying, and easy to wear. The soles of this type of hiking shoes are softer and are bonded with adhesives. The shoes are highly breathable and comfortable, and can be adapted in a relatively short period of time. Ideal for carrying light weights and hiking in the mountains with good trails.
Hiking shoes
It is used for pure mountain activities for two days or more, and even the activity area goes directly to the mountain area below the snow line. Some brands of products can even engage in mountain activities in the snowline area, and perform very well even in harsh weather. Since it is mainly designed for medium distance trekkers, and carry more mountaineering equipment than short distance climbers, these boots have good resistance to hardness and abrasion, but these boots are basically designed for short to medium distances. , the mountain type is not very complicated. These boots feature sheepskin or thin cowhide uppers, hard plastic or Vibram soles, naan or Gore-Tex insides, and medium-height targets.
Hard Sole Hiking Shoes: Emphasizes ankle support, sole stability, and ability to withstand harsh conditions. When walking on rough terrain, the harder sole can provide foot protection and support the stability of the ankle and the sole of the foot; because the ankle, heel and toes have enough support, it can improve the carrying force and adapt to difficult terrain.
Trekking boots
are designed for long-distance trekkers, the activity environment area must be steep slopes, gravel and ice and snow terrain. Carry a lot of mountaineering equipment, stay outside for a long time, have strong resistance to hardness and wear resistance, and can better protect the ankle joint and the surface of the foot. These boots are mainly designed for more complex terrain, climbers carrying heavier equipment, good flexibility, hardness and safety, etc. Some models can be equipped with crampons. These boots have thick cowhide uppers and Vibram soles. A certain amount of carbon fiber or steel plate is added, and Gore-Tex and other materials are used in the boots, and the boots are higher. Suitable for long-distance mountain activities, the activity area is above the snow line, and the performance is very good.
Heavy climbing shoes Mount boots
Mainly used in high altitude areas with mixed terrain of ice, snow and cliffs, and the weather conditions are extremely harsh. It is specially designed for snow mountain climbing. It has strong resistance to hardness and can be installed with crampons to effectively protect the safety of the feet. However, these boots are heavier and less flexible. Vibram on the sole. And lined with steel plate, the upper is made of hard plastic resin material, the inside of the boot is made of Gore-Tex material, and the upper is higher.
Plastic Boots:
Commonly known as Double Shoes in China, waterproof, warm, suitable for hard snow terrain and winter Ice Wall Climbing. Bootie insulation keeps feet warm and dry, and can be removed to allow feet to dry. These boots are very rigid and not suitable for general marching use.
The difference between the above hiking shoes is mainly in their hardness, which is determined by the material and structure of the upper, midsole, sole and frame support. Due to the existence of these factors, various types of hiking shoes will have different performances. Even the same type of hiking shoes will have differences due to different costs and design concepts.
(table) type/common characteristics/individual characteristics
hiking — short-distance light hiking shoes/non-slip, abrasion-resistant, breathable and quick-drying/short-length, lightest, usually not Waterproof, Soft Sole
backpacking–short-distance heavy-duty hiking shoes/non-slip, abrasion-resistant, breathable and quick-drying/medium-weight, hard-soled, usually waterproof
trekking– Long-distance heavy hiking shoes/non-slip, wear-resistant, breathable and quick-drying/medium, weight, harder sole, generally waterproof, thermal insulation
mountaineering — polar climbing shoes/slip-resistant, wear-resistant, breathable and quick-drying /Medium-high, heaviest, super-hard sole, usually waterproof, high thermal insulation, suitable for crampons
3. Choice of shoes
Step 1: Consider the type of activity you will be engaged in
Choosing the most suitable shoes for your type of activity is your first priority when deciding to buy shoes. If your activity is more focused on suburban mountain routes or hiking routes, you only need to buy lightweight suburban mountain climbing shoes or hiking shoes; if you plan to climb mountains or arrange more challenging climbing activities, you can choose general hiking shoes Or more professional hiking shoes; if you want to do technical snow climbing, ice climbing or polar expeditions, then you may want to consider purchasing double boots. For mountaineering in Taiwan, in addition to your plan to engage in professional technical climbing, it is recommended to purchase hiking shoes or general hiking shoes.
Which type of hiking shoes should I buy? Use the scoring table below to try to find out what type of hiking shoes you need
(table) days/slope/road conditions/weight/weather
hiking–short-distance light hiking shoes( H): Round trip on the same day/flat/clear and easy to walk/within 5kg/good weather
backpacking–short-distance heavy-duty hiking shoes (B): 1-3 days/some places are slightly steep/rough Uneven/5kg to 15kg/Walk in normal weather
trekking–long-distance heavy hiking shoes (T): more than 3 days/many steep slopes/cutting roads, finding ways/15kg to 30kg/ Even in bad weather
mountaineering–polar climbing shoes (M): expedition/mixed cliffs of ice and snow/self-driving on ice and snow/more than 30kg/will advance in blizzard
Example 1: Only climb back and forth on the same day (H), the slope is slightly steep (B), the road conditions are clear (H), the load is 5Kg (H), and the general weather is walking (B), the total is 3H2B, so the most suitable is H–hiking
Example 2: Two days off per week (B), many steep slopes (T), roughness (B), 25kg on the back (T), and walking in bad weather (T), the total is 3T2B, so The most suitable is T–trekking
Step 2: Carefully compare the material, design and quality of the shoes
There are various brands that make shoes. Its unique design, in addition to your unique brand preferences, compare several brands, look at several models, and choose a pair of hiking shoes that suit you. When purchasing, carefully observe the design and workmanship of the shoes to see if there are any defects of poor quality. In addition, you must pay attention to the description of the product label, so as not to buy the type of shoes you need. In addition, is the design of the sole pattern appropriate? Is the sewing thread handled properly? Does the design of the heel, toe and shaft fit your needs? Are the shoes waterproof? It’s all about your consideration.
Step 3: Try it on
After you’ve decided on the make and model of your shoes, the most important thing to do is choose a pair that fits your foot size shoe. Here’s how to try on your hiking shoes:
Choose the right shoe size: Usually choose hiking shoes that are at least half a size larger than your average shoe size, but Don’t be limited by your own size, because the size standards of different countries and different brands are different, and even shoes of the same size from the same brand will have a slight difference in size. Make sure you try it on yourself to find the size that really fits you.
Put on the right socks: When you get your hiking boots, loosen the laces completely and put on inner socks (wicking socks) and wool socks. One pair, then put your feet into the shoes, and push the toes forward to the toes. At this time, there is still a distance of one to two fingers between the heel and the heel. Move the heel back to the heel, tie the laces tightly (but not too tight, just moderate), stand up and see if the foot slides in the shoe? Will the sides of the foot be too tight? Can the toes be stretched? If your feet slide freely in the shoe, you may want to change to a larger shoe; if your toes are tightly pressed against the toes, or even slightly arched, you may want to try a larger shoe .
Try it out: Try walking around with your shoes on, are they too loose or too tight? Will the foot slide in the shoe? Will the heel leave the sole? Best to try on the slopes to see if it’s comfortable to wear? New shoes are usually a little stiff, but after a few wears they become more comfortable.
If there is no discomfort after the above tests, the shoes should be available for purchase. But still, please note: Repeat the above for every pair of shoes you buy, because different brands have different designs, and even the size of your feet will vary. In addition, Westerners have longer and slender feet than Easterners, so you must try on shoes from foreign brands to find the best shoes for you.
Note: Activities during the day can swell your feet, so it’s best to buy shoes at night. No matter how well-fitted your shoes are, try them on for a few days and walk longer. If there are blisters on the soles of the feet, add a pair of socks. If there are blisters on the toes, wear thinner socks or remove the insole. If the heel is worn, tie the shoelace tightly. If the ankle is bruised, the shoelace should not be tied to the top hook groove.
4. Shoe care
Keep your shoes as clean as possible, especially after each activity, at least use a brush Brush the dirt and dust off the shoes. Shoes of most materials can be washed with neutral soap and water (be careful not to use detergents casually). For wet shoes, drain the water and put newspapers in a cool and ventilated place. Do not dry them with fire or dryer. Will destroy the material of shoes (especially Gore-Tex shoes). The debris in the shoes is cleaned, and the insole is taken out and washed separately. After the shoes are dry, apply a tanning oil to the leather (however, for Gore-Tex shoes, be careful not to apply the tanning oil to the nylon cloth, which will affect the breathability). When applying the leather oil, apply it slowly and evenly with your fingers to help the leather absorb the oil through the body temperature, and pay special attention to the oiling at the stitches. Shoes (especially the leather part) should be maintained frequently, and it is best to develop a habit of cleaning and maintaining them immediately after each activity. When your shoes are not in use, keep them in a dry, constant temperature and less dusty place so your shoes will last longer and stay in top condition.