Fording Rivers - Barefoot or booted?

[Wook]

Just a heads up - I got these in Aldis today for less than a fiver. I think I'll have a bash at the river fording next weekend.


IMAG0127 by Abrasive Scotsman, on Flickr

 

[Goatboy]

Just a heads up - I got these in Aldis today for less than a fiver. I think I'll have a bash at the river fording next weekend.


IMAG0127 by Abrasive Scotsman, on Flickr

Try them out then head for Balnamoon's Cave. Hope you get on fine with them. Your feet and boots will thanks you.

ATB,
GB.

 

[copper_head]

I picked up a set of those too after you recommendation GB. Seem pretty good

 

[Dougster]

A guy whose books I have enjoyed has a little Youtube channel. This one tickled me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op_4FRkx2aw

 

[Chiseller]

Wiggys waders .....they weigh nowt, take up no space and will get the job done
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWK4jH_F6kc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

Lots of ML trainees fail on 'Security on Steep Ground' and 'River Crossings'. If I'm Munro bagging, especially in winter, I just head up the river until I can hop on rocks or leap it. Although some routes can't avoid some crossing eg Ben A'Creachin near Bridge of Orchy.

 

[Uilleachan]

Bare foot for me, then dry my feet with the tops of my socks. Although some times the rivers and burns can become un wadable due to very high water levels and one has to consider carefully the when and the where of it all.

Edit, though I'd just add a wee trick for fording slimy rocky rivers: is to wear socks, a spare set if you have them and wool is better than man made fabric.

 

[Tiley]

Having recently enjoyed the delights of Greenland, which involved a couple of slightly chilly river crossings, I would now not be without a pair of Crocs. Strip off your boots and socks to keep them dry, slip on the Crocs and across you go. They were very good in the rivers, providing a firm footing even on the slimier of the rocks - an important consideration when carrying a heavy pack!

I had always been sceptical about them but am now converted. They weigh next to nothing and have the added bonus of being a really useful, comfortable camp shoe when you arrive at your destination, obviating the need to wear your boots for the whole of the day and giving your feet a well-earned rest. They dry quickly and are machine washable. Apart from their appearance, what's not to like?

As ever, I'm just a satisfied customer...

 

[hog]

I broke a big toe going barefoot, stubbed it on a submerged rock, 2 days into a 5 day walk,miles from anywhere. Had to limp the rest of the trip.

 

[mousey]

Fording a river - boots on
swimming a river - pants, with everything else in waterproof bags...

 

[ammo]

I try to us my sandals or aqua sox, but I've done all 3. If I can't see the bottom, then something on foot or swim, but I don't trust our river beds sadly.