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Your feet are delicate instruments that if treated well may last for all of our lives, but mistreat them and we will suffer the consequences. We must wear shoes and boots that fit properly and they should be cushioned with good stockings. For some reason we may have high or low arches or flat feet that can give a lifetime of headaches. Years ago a couple of my buddies and I wanted to take a five day hike. For some reason or other I decided to buy a new pair of hiking boots. When I tried them on in the store they fitted fine. When we hit the trail they felt nice and comfortable. The new boots were leather and before we headed out I had given them a good heavy coat of grease that came with the boots. I was all set to take on whatever elements the weatherman could throw at me. That euphoria lasted all of twelve hours. It rained as never before. We were soaking wet by the end of the day. My boots were wet thoroughly. Next morning the rain continued. In the middle of by big toe I had a blister. Walking only made it worse. We walked for the next four days and each day it rained except for the last. By the time we arrived home I had a hole in the top of that big toe where infection found a way in. Luckily I was able to get to a doctor and antibiotics. The trail is not the place to try anything on for the first time. You should wear any new piece of clothing or test any new equipment a few times at home under fine conditions. My wife and I bought new rain wear that was sold as waterproof and breathable. Within half an hour in the rain we were wet clean through. When you are ready to buy hiking gear it is best to go to the outdoors gear websites where you can review what other users have found. These reviews are written by people just like you who have used the equipment in harsh conditions. After our supposedly rainproof jackets failed we searched the reviews and eventually purchased two new ones. They were well recommended. We wore them for year after year. They were so good that we wore them in the coldest part of the winter by wearing sweaters underneath. They were perfect for cross country skiing as well as spring and fall hiking. There was no way they would wear out. Year after year they protected us from the elements until we had enough. They were beginning to fade so we bid them goodbye and dropped them off at the goodwill store. It does not matter if it is hiking boots or jackets or any type of outdoor gear. Buy the best you are able to afford and read the reviews first. Joe and Irma MacMillan have spent many years backpacking, skiing, and simply enjoying life in the mountains of British Columbia. Their website Whistler Outdoors is full of tips on snowboarding, camping, kayaking, rafting, camp cooking and fishing. They met on a blind date in 1957 and are still married. Take a look at their story here About us
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