FAQs : Survival Gear

Q: I go camping and hiking, and I realize how important shoes are to the experience. My question is, how do you pick a pair of shoes for a given environment? I realize temperature and water protection should be part of the criteria, but what about other things to consider, like grip, support, etc.? I noticed in the desert Bear had Merrells, but in the rain forest he had what looked to be standard--issue jungle combat boots. What capabilities should one be most attuned to when picking a pair of shoes for an excursion?

Thank you for your time,
Jason

A: It seems to me, Jason, that you already have your "foot in the door" when it comes to footwear. Many people don't put as much thought as you already have into this critical area. There are numerous, quality choices available, so spend some time investigating features that will best fit your needs. Once I determine what climate and terrain I'm going to, I decide footwear choice based on functionality for the challenges I expect. For instance, I wouldn't choose waterproof boots going into the jungle. I know I'm going to get wet and waterproof boots will become water buckets. Therefore, I choose something that will dry out relatively quickly. Military--issue--type jungle boots are an excellent choice because they not only dry rapidly, but they are very durable as well.

This is one item that you get what you pay for. If you buy some cheap footgear, that's generally what you'll end up with -- cheap footgear. So once you've determined where you're going, and the type of footgear you'll need, my best advice on this subject is to purchase the best you can find and afford. Also, go somewhere and physically try them on to ensure compatibility. Almost nothing will end your excursion faster than footgear that doesn't fit properly or is uncomfortable. On the same note, don't buy your footgear the day before you leave and expect to break them in while on the trail. I once did just that even though I knew better. I planned on hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail with a friend. I bought some very comfortable hiking boots just days before we left. My thought process was that since they were so comfortable, like sneakers in fact, they really wouldn't need to be broken in. Wrong! Before the first day was over I had a quarter--sized blister on each heel and blisters on my toes as well. If I had purchased them a month in advance, I would have been able to break them in properly and would have avoided the trail crises. Remember, your feet support your entire body, so take good care when it comes to footgear that supports them.

Q: Can you tell me who is the manufacturer of the machete Mike used on the Amazon story?
Thank you,
"Tango"

A: I'm not sure of the manufacturer of that particular knife, but I can tell you that it is a type of Bolo, Gurkha or Khukuri knife. Google it and you'll find them aplenty. My personal favorite is a Bolo made in the Philippines from an old car leaf spring and water buffalo horn as the handle. I've had mine for nearly 20 years, and it has withstood extreme use (and abuse) in every environmental condition without ever failing me. After that length of time and incredible dependability, you really develop a relationship with your knife as Mike displayed in Science of Survival ---- Escape From the Amazon.

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