So, i already own them and love them to death for mountain/regular hiking, the grip and control is stellar for this.

Now i'm thinking about wearing them to play airsoft too, but our field is in a german forest, so it's often covered in wet leaves and muddy slopes. Has anyone some experience with them in such a terrain, because i haven't?

I'd rather not slip and fall on my 1.000 Euro, highly tuned airsoft gun while trying it out.

Okay, where I'm at I don't have to worry about brown bears. But we have a lot of black bears which are extremely mischievous. But also incredibly persistent raccoons and such.

However I do travel to other areas and would like something to satisfy all of my needs preferably.

I have the gossamer gear gorilla 50l bag and really have my eyes on the Bearikade Weekender (though I'm certainly open to the scout if necessary). I would like to have it in my bag horizontally But I'm unsure how easily I could get it in and out from that position. Anyone have experience with that bear can and that backpack specifically?

Or more generally, anyone in here do a bottom external mount for your bear cans on your backpacks? And how does that affect weight distribution, and movement? Since that will be my fallback plan.

Hey all! So I'm an avid trail runner looking to branch into fastpacking and going really ultralight while covering/running as many miles as possible on each outing, and I've been spending way too many hours researching what quilt I'd like to get in this forum and in other places, but even after searching a bunch of old posts, I still am in need of advice based on my goals.

I'm thinking of getting an Enlightened Equipment Revelation 40* quilt with 950 fill down, 7d fabric, and a draft collar to be about as UL as possible. (and I'm interested in the Revelation's open footbox versus the Enigma because of the ability to wear it as an emergency layer as seen here: https://youtu.be/aUxr8Djf6Jo?si=3dqviAh74lP95ljB, allowing me to leave the puffy at home). I'm quite comfortable sacrificing a lot of comfort to be quite ultralight, as my goal would be to prioritize runability (no cook kit, etc.) My hope is to have a kit that I can squeeze into a Salomon 15L vest for a quick 1-2 night fastpacking trip in favorable weather (as well as expand as needed for bigger outings), so volume is also something I'm interested in keeping low. I plan to use it both where I live in the midwest (where it should be plenty for warm summer nights) and for good weather outings in the summer in mountainous places in the U.S. West (Tahoe, North Cascades, etc.).

But here's the thing, some of those mountainous places out west can routinely get down into the 30s on summer nights, and even with careful campsite selection, a good pad system (an Uberlite and an 1/8 inch pad under that), and a light layer or two, I know I may be pushing the limits of a quilt like that. I don't think I would be putting myself in actual risk since I feel confident in my endurance, I could always get back up and run through the night if I'm dangerously cold and then recover/sleep in the day when it's warmer if needed. And I think I'm prepared to do something like that in pursuit of a really ultralight approach, but I still just wonder if I'm going to be wishing I had the 30 degree option every time I go out?

So here's my question, based on my situation and goals of being pretty spartan/as ultralight as possible, do you think I'd still be perpetually regretting the 40 degree quilt? In particular, I'd love to hear from people who have actually used/pushed the limits of a 40 degree quilt about their thoughts.

Hello

Brand new Neoair Xtherm NXT has a lot of variance in the edge perimeter seam, going from 14-15mm to 3-4, near the bottom (mummy shape). I don't think I can post an image or link due to my being a new account.

Anyone know if this amount of variation poses a risk, as I need it for next week and replacement would have to be here in time.

I have the older version and the seam on the edge is consistent, about 10mm all around.

Cheers

Edit: the widest part of the perimeter seam is about 15mm

20+yrs ago repackaged AquaMira was the standard for SUL and even UL backpacking. It also had a bit of mystery around the whole remixing dropper bottles process then vs now when so much long term user data now out there.

Do many use this anymore as the primary and only water treatment? Filters did get a lot better and lighter since then, but still not sub 1oz and not faster or simpler (no freeze or cleaning).

I see maybe 25X more posts/mentions here that talk water filters vs AM.

I know that we sell far fewer AM kits vs 10yrs ago.

https://andrewskurka.com/aquamira-why-we-like-it-and-how-we-use-it/

https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/aquamira-kit/

I have a Trangia alcohol stove and I'm using it with a clikstand (+ titanium windshield that's designed for it). I like the system but I keep getting soot on my pots - and this could contaminate my other gear. It's really a mess to deal with it. I like the stove but gas is so much cleaner in this regard.
The stove also burns way too hot. The flame is huge - and I have to thin the alcohol with water considerably to tone it down. Sometimes I add a bit too much and the flame is not hot enough. Suffice it to say, the system isn't ideal as I'm using it.
My alcohol is bio ethanol 100% which might be the cause for it being too hot. This one:
https://www.bioethanolshop.nl/product/5-liter-bio-ethanol-bioethanol-100-zuivere-ethanol/
The water doesn't solve the soot (even though Trangia mentioned it should). I'm also not sure how denatured alcohol could ever be 100%, but well.
Any tips? I chose the 100% alcohol to minimize toxins. Should I use something different?

Current base weight: ~15 lbs

Location/temp range/specific trip description: 6 days in the Sierra Nevadas in mid August. Want to be prepared for temperatures in the 30F-80F range with warm days and cool nights at elevation. More generally, I do 95% of my hiking in the desert and southern/central California mountains.

Budget: I have about $330 in planned purchases ( new cook system, layers, better sleep pad etc.) marked with a * in my lighterpack. Would appreciate any feedback on these items before purchasing. Willing to reallocate this money and possibly spend a bit more for notable improvements. Very open to shopping secondhand/used gear whenever possible.

Non-negotiable Items: Bear canister

Solo or with another person?: Solo

Additional Information: Lighterpack includes skin out weight. Haven’t done any meal planning yet so 1.5lbs/day food is an upper bound estimate. I run very cold so having a warm sleep system is important to me.

Lighterpack Link: https://lighterpack.com/r/rszi7q

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https://lighterpack.com/r/h7p9ts

Hiking the Sierra and some other peaks in CA that are along the PCT this year, looking at replacing some ruined gear from my thru last year.

Most of this gear I already own from my 2023 PCT thru, and I was pretty happy with it. Anything starred I intend to buy.

Any opinions on whether or not the Kakwa 40 can hold all of this well?

Last year my GG Mariposa felt too roomy a lot of the time, but I had a down quilt then. I'm pretty sick of down, so I'm looking at the APEX quilt listed, but i'm nervous it'll take up a lot more space in the pack.

I have a budget of like 700 for gear, but that's already pretty much accounted for by the starred items.

I plan on traveling with a companion and we wanted to travel as-light-as-possible. Were trying to decide between either a "dual bivy" setup; or a tent that could be taken as a carry on. I've never actually done any camping like this. Most of the camping I've done has been with a large setup from a car while parking at designated camping sites so excuse me if I'm a bit new to this.

Currently planning an extended road trip across the states. Planning on doing some shorter backpacking overnights (1-3 days, out and back) and as much trad and sport climbing as possible. Expecting a 25/75 split between the two, respectively.

I currently use a Mountain Hardware Scrambler 35 to fulfill both use cases (and the occasional backcountry* ski). After a few years, though it's served me well, there is only one emotion toward it: discontent. It's kind of shit at both.

Pros:

There's really only one big one, and it's the internal and external gear loops. The overall construction of the bag allows for a 70m rope to be carried comfortably, and frankly very conveniently, over the main pack and under the top... chingadera? wannabe fannypack? pod? Not sure what to call it.

It's pretty water resistant as well, which is nice. Right up until your Nalgene breaks inside it. See the first con for an explanation.

Cons:

Water bottle/snack storage is a major issue. The top pocket isn't convenient for keeping on the move, and the water bottle storage is made of a very rigid material. It's a pain to get anything into them when there's a moderate amount of gear in the pack. I usually have to set it down for access, and rather than fighting to fit my bottle back into the appropriate pockets, I always end up leaving it in the pack.

The hip belt is laughably inadequate.

The shoulder straps haven't been horrendous for backpacking but definitely don't hold up with a heavier pack (trad rack and rope). I believe a beefier hip belt would help mitigate this.

Maybe the bag I'm looking for doesn't exist. Space is pretty limited in the van and ideally I can kill two birds with one stone. Budget is pretty broad but I'd like to stay under $350 if possible. Black Diamond's Stone 45 is an option, but the lack of external water storage would be irksome. The Arcteryx Alpha AR 35 suffers from the same problem. Mountain Hardwear still offers the Scrambler 35, but obviously that's out. If anyone has recommendations please let me know! Thanks.

I went through a flair up of plantar fasciitis last month but after changing my work foot wear to something softer as well as lots of stretching I think I have it under control. I have had the same problem in the past and it is seems that just babying it isn’t enough as I pretty much had all winter to do that but it still came back.

That leads to me to my next approach, strengthening the fascia. I have 2 months to get ready for a trip and I want to try strengthening my feet to try to prevent this in the future but I’m worried the exercises and zero drop shoes may just cause another flair up. Anyone else try this in the past and have any success?

Is there anything preventing me from making a permethrin solution with distilled water and concentrated permethrin, storing it in a 5gallon bucket in a cool dry place, and dipping clothes etc in it as needed? Permethrin supposedly has a 4-10 year shelf life, so you could potentially save a ton of money.

Edit: Keeping it in a bucket lets me reapply to whatever as I need it. Someone just mentioned a half gallon pump sprayer that seems like a better idea though.

So I bought this bag last year end of October start of November as an emergency, because my other bag was failing and under performing. It hasn't been used much, so I think I'll be able to still sell it for about 100 euro. What could I get in return for 100 - 150 euro/dollar? Looking for the same kinda temp specs or better so comfort rating of 0c +5c (32f - 41f) (3 season), but hope to lose a bit of the weight? I don't mind trying different things like a quilt.

Currently I only bikepack/biketour, so if the difference is not significant I might just keep this bag, because it's extremely well built as it is a military product, zippers, materials etc. are all high quality and probably last 10+ years.

I am 193.5cm(6'4) and 90kg(200lbs), so I have the large version which is 1.2kg(2.65lbs).

​

https://www.carinthia.eu/en/defence-1-top-p1479/

Carinthia Defence 1

- Synthetic mummy bag

- 1050 g , 1200 g (large version that I have)

- comf. +4c extreme -10c

Hi folks I'm looking to learn about and improve my layering system to be more effective, both at keeping me a comfortable temperature, and in using an efficient nubmer of items (and therefore weight).

I was hoping this community could help. Using a sort of build a system approach maybe?

Currently I have a rab force t base layer, nexus pull over mid layer (thin so could add another if need be), and a rab downpour hard shell for rain/wind. My feelings are:

• without my shell on I have plenty of times I can get cold while active, ie with winds but also without.
• I have times where my shell is not breathable enough for active movement while I need to wear it, and therefore get muggy inside it.

I have been searching for new gear options that might help and would like to turn to advice on it...

I have been looking at everything from popular more effective warming fleeces such as AD ones and the R1 etc, as well as softshells (ie rab borealis) to take the wind off as well as provide some more warmth whilst being breathable and versatile. And also at windshirts ie the rab vital hoody etc.

I'd love to hear what advice and recommendations I could be given here to help me choose/find the right sorts of things.

Sidenote...: single layer options for the summer what are the most common preferences? Short/long/hoody? Examples anywhere you can give them would be aprpeciaetd!

Thanks in advance.

Going on a trip with 3 others for my brothers birthday. I have been trying to slowly work on getting my pack lighter over the years since my first thru hike ever with a pack of like 45lbs (I learned my lesson lol). I'm doing my best to work with what gear I already have so that I can plan a more intense trip for this summer with another friend out west. By the time that trip comes along I want to try and get my base weight down to <12. My immediate concern for this weekend is that I have started to get low enough that I can't tell if its worthwhile even using my Osprey Atmos AG 65 anymore, or if I can go ahead and ditch it for my Deuter Trail 30 for this AT trip coming up.

For this weekend: Which bag do I go with? Not trying to make any large purchases for this. Just need recommendations between the two bags I have available to me. It's an easy route and I don't think I'll suffer either way.

For this summer and ultimate goal weight of <12lbs: budget of $500.

Thanks!

Osprey + Comfy Chair

Deuter w/o Comfy Chair

I've heard some people say the cloud up is better because it's newer, but the entering of the tens seems a hassle nland I'm pretty worried about the lack of ventilation of the Cloud Up.

Been dialing in fit with my ultralight kakwa 40. Playing around with shoulder strap location. I sized up on the pack to take advantage of the load lifters. Lots of folks size up for this reason.

Now the shoulder straps don't "wrap around" the shoulder. I believe they don't need to if your planning to carry more weight on the shoulders. If I wear the waste belt centered an inch or two lower that the iliac crest, the shoulder straps drop down, but the load lifters flatten out.

I feel like the pack needs to be at the iliac crest. if the shoulder pad location must wrap, I can add pads, but that seems to defeat the purpose of a ul backpack.

Thoughts?

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Hello All. So I recently received my tarp from borah gear. Upon arrival, I realized it didn’t come with any guy lines, paracord, or stakes. I’m obviously gonna need those things. What would you all recommend I get that will allow me to run this tarp in a variety of configurations?

Weight matters and I’ll pay what I need to.

To preface: I am about 5’8”, 145lbs

So I’m in the market for a new bag. I was in between getting a Western Mountaineering and a Feathered Friends, but the more I read, I start to lean towards Western Mountaineering.

That leaves me in the dilemma of which bag to get. After quadruple-guessing myself, I am stuck between the Ultralite (possibly overfilled), and the Apache MF.

The Ultralite seems great for obvious reasons, light and warm enough. I plan to use it mostly in the Western Americas.

The Apache MF intrigues me because its rated a little warmer, which gives me more confidence in where I can go (although compared to an overfilled Ultralite, that might be negligible). The Apache also has the microfiber shell which from what I read is a little more durable and weather resistant, which I like since I don’t mind being out in the rain or snow. The issue seems to be it doesn’t compress as much as the Ultralite, although I would plan to swap the default stuff sack with a S2S compression bag. Which (hopefully) would get the volume a good chunk lower than their quoted 8”x15” footprint (I would also do the same with the Ultralite).

So what are people’s thoughts on these bags? People seem to love the Ultralite (and the Alpinlite, although I don’t think I need the extra room since I measured my shoulders as best I could at 43”). There isn’t as much info/reviews on the Apache MF online. Is there a reason why?

Any input is appreciated. Cheers.

Like the title says, I. SWEAT. SO. MUCH. It is absolutely unbelievable. I tried a few cheap backpack, some with special netting to prevent it, but nothing has helped so far.

What is the single best backpack to help prevent back (and shoulder) sweating ?

Ideally around 20 liters, more of a daypack. If it can have removable waist strap, that is better. If it can have strap on the bottom to strap stuff like a jacket or a tripod it is better. But really, the only requirement is best in class to prevent sweating.

No budget limit, get creative !

Thank you very much, and I hope I didn’t gross you out too much 😃

I'm looking to add a tarp/bivy combo to my gear options. I primarily backpack with my partner, so I'm looking for a tarp that will work for 2 people. Right now, the main use case will be our upcoming JMT hike starting at the end of August. But we also frequently backpack in Northern NM, Southern CO, and Southern UT. (Though we usually have a dog, and I'm not sure how I feel about tarp camping with a dog. So I think the tarp would only be used on trails where we can't bring the dog like long distance hikes or in National Parks.)

After doing some research, I'm leaning heavily towards a cat cut tarp. The idea of having many flexible pitching options offered by a flat tarp is tempting, but I think in practice I'll just want to get the tarp up if its supposed to rain and move on with my life. Also, while I'm used to trekking pole tents I'm definitely a beginner in the tarp space so flat tarps intimidate me a bit. It looks like for cat cut tarps that are big enough for 2 people the main options are MLD Grace Duo or the GG Twinn. Grace Duo comes in DCF or Silpoly, which is attractive vs the GG Twinn which I think is Silnylon. I'm leaning towards the Grace Duo based mostly on the fabric (I like Silpoly or DCF better than Silnylon.) but I'm not sure how to judge if its going to be big enough for two people in inclement weather.

So I have a bunch of questions. 1) Does anyone have experience with one or both of these tarps that could offer some insight into the space? 2) It looks like both of these sit pretty low, is it reasonable to assume that we would not be able to sit up comfortably underneath? (We are both around 5'6''.) 3) And finally, is there another cat cut tarp option that I should be considering? Note that price isn't the primary concern, but I'm not haphazard about my spending either. Also if anyone has a good argument for why I should consider a flat tarp, I'm open to entertaining it.

Hi all!

In a lot of lighterpack I see people taking with them an e-book reader.

We all know that a phone can be easily used as an ebook reader but a lot of people don't like reading books from a smartphone display.

My experience is that for reading an ebook for hours from a smartphone display without tiring your eyes, it is essential to use a BLACK background, and to also use a darker-than-usual screen.

This has also the great benefit of saving precious battery life, but needs some dedication to become used.

It is also important to use bigger fonts than the default size.

What's your experience?

Are there other hikers that regularly read e-books from their phones during pauses or at camp?

What are your tips for making the experience enjoyable?

Edit: Some info about battery consumption, as it seems to worry lot of people: on my phone (a Pixel 4A with a miserable 3140mAh battery), 1 hours of ebook reading with Airplane mode, black background and 45% screen brightness (a lot more than whats needed in the evening) consumes 4% of battery. On today phones with 5000mAh battery it could probably go down to 3% / reading hour.

Edit 2: About the claim "taking an ebook reader saves on PB weight", I calculate that an ebook reader weights about as a 10Ah PB. With a 10Ah PB you can read about 50 hours on your phone, so if you read more than 50 hours between resupply/recharge it is more weight efficient to take an ebook reader, else it is better to simply take a slightly bigger PB. But if you resupply/recharge every 5 days and read 2 hours each day, you only have 10 reading hours between resupplies so you need only about 2Ah of PB energy

Howdy,

I'm looking for advice on picking which Martin's formula to use for a clothing soak. After a year or two of reading about people using Martin's to soak clothes, I tried it. I was careful with what product I was getting. I got a 10% one and triple checked the math on dilution. I think at the time I got the SDS on the product too. Most things say theirs don't have petroleum distillates and complaints about the smell are answered with comments about it going away/being patient.

However, the smell on the two articles I did it on was extreme (a sun shirt and some Kuhl pants). After a few days you could still smell it from another room in the house. I washed them in the machine multiple times over a few more days, left them outside in the sun, and tried wearing them some outside but the smell was still very strong. I don't even have a very good sense of smell. It also felt very greasy to the touch, which also persisted for multiple washes.

Going for broke I kept washing them and eventually the smell faded a good bit, but by then so too would a lot of the effectiveness. They still had a pretty greasy feeling. I have other of those exact same garments (using older ones in case something like this happened), so the comparison is easy to see.

I've seen a comment or two that some bottles of Martin's smell worse than others, but I'm not sure if it's due to petroleum distillates or another ingredient.

Anyone have any advice? Would maybe starting with a higher % of permethrin, like their 36.8% bottle, maybe mean less room for stinky chemicals/petroleum based ones or does a concentration that high mean they need to add other stabilizer chemicals, etc?

EDIT: I'm not using InsectShield (at least not for everything I need) for a few reasons, so I'm just looking for advice on choosing the Martin's formulation, where people get theirs, etc.

I have in my head a system where a rectangular quilt (no footbox) is fully zipped (except where my head is) at the edges to a same shape/size inflatable sleeping pad. Fully zipped to prevent drafts, fully rectangular because I need to move when I sleep.

I can't find a product like this anywhere. Is that because it's a dumb idea? If not, should I make my own? Would just be sewing/gluing a zipper to the quilt/pad.

Thanks!

Hey folks! New here be gentle please.

I am in the market for a synthetic insulated jacket (UK being notoriously drisly...) to hike with and use most of the year around in some form whether as a midlayer or an outer.

I've been doing as much research as possible but would love to garner some up to date Reddit thoughts on things.

What do you recommend? Multiple recommends with different prices? Recommend any places to watch for good deals etc?

I've been looking at everything from Patagonia's, rabs, arcteryx, ME, mammut, Montane, EE, OH, OV, forclaz etc..........

As for example of what I think would work well for me: Lightweight packable breathable wind and water resistant are all the ideals.

Thank you!?

Hi, we're planning a 10-Day hut hike across the Austrian alps this summer. I'm relatively experienced with day hikes at that altitude but I haven't done anything this long yet.

I'll be travelling with very experienced hikers who study the area academically and they've put together some gear recommendations for the trip.

One item they highly recommended buying was "Crampons" or "Spikes" for crossing snow fields, possibly at an incline, safely. I've crossed snow fields in this kind of terrain before with just hiking poles and heavy boots, but I've also turned back or circled around a few times when snow fields just seemed too sketchy, underwashed or at too much of an incline, so something to give me extra grip when travelling in full gear would be a welcome addition. They're explicitly stated that full on crampons are not necessary, and that light spikes will do just fine.

I'm not entirely sure on the terminology of Crampons vs Spikes vs Traction Devices, and I've never used any of them, so I'll just use them at random.

I've been looking at Spikes with our local outdoor stores but I found that I lack the experience and knowledge to make an informed purchase. It's a long trip and the gear I already have isn't explicitly ultralight so my pack will be fairly heavy already, which is why weight is a very high priority. Ive found that most reasonable looking spikes are within the 175-325g range for the pair. There are some distinct construction characteristics. Most spikes seem to use a rubber band that goes around your shoe and a net of chains of steel cables spanning the sole, stabilizing the spikes. Most seem to have a few spikes under the heel and a few under the foot, so that's a construction I feel makes sense.

Beyond that, I don't know what to look for. The Kahtoola Microspikes seem to be among the most popular choice, though at 340g for the pair above what I'm willing to carry for one or two snow fields a day.

The Snowline Chainsen Light Spikes are more reasonable at 240g, still a bit on the heavy side, and the spike structure seems a bit strange (but probably thought through)

The Nortec Trail 2.1 Spikes use steel cable instead of chain and end up very very light as a result, around 170g, however I'm unsure how well the steel cable construction will work, there's gotta be a reason the chains are standard. Furthermore, they seem to be purpose designed for trail runners, while I'm planning on wearing heavy boots (Lowa Z8S) so I'm not entirely sure they'll fit.

Any wisdom on the types of Crampons or Spikes, as well as purchase recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Ok hear me out. I get that mylar bivies (SOL emergency bivy) are not breathable and apparently quite clammy. But if I'm cooled down enough after hiking so I'm not sweating, wearing a balaclava so my neck/head doesn't need to be inside the bag, and am using a heavier fleece bag liner (Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme for example) inside the bivy, wouldn't that eliminate the condensation issues and provide enough space between the mylar and my body for actual insulation to happen? I've read many many trip reports of people using the mylar bivy inside their sleeping bag. Which doesn't make a lot of sense to me, you wouldn't put your rain jacket on inside your sleeping bag. Maybe you're worried about wetting out the down in the bag but the down is breathable. If I'm using fleece, that's not a concern as much. Baselayers of merino wool/fleece.

I like this idea because more than half the time I'm hammock camping and I already have the down underquilt which is pretty bulky, and hard to get away from. Sometimes I use my Klymit Static V instead which is honestly pretty good. But I've not been able to get away from carrying a top quilt and have hesitated to go the full quilt route. So this would also really help reduce pack volume and about an entire pound and a half of weight.

If not in the hammock I would alternatively go with the klymit pad and sleep on the ground with a tarp tent. (I bring the pad when there's a nonzero chance I'll be not able to find suitable trees. the rest of the time, around here it's nearly impossible to find a good ground sleeping spot thats clear and flat)

Location is middle cascades, USA.

I'm currently in the middle of an 8 day trip through Scotland, my first long trip with this tent. And I've hit some snags that I think only a different tent can solve.

Condensation, I know it's a single skin tent it will get condensation they all will. My problem is I'm an active sleeper and like to sleep curled up, often with my knees and butt sticking out. The walls of this tent are way too close and I end up getting water all over the outside of my sleeping bag. The same if I dare try and sit up and turn around. Yes I have the sides pegged out it's still not enough room.

Pitching. This thing is fussy as hell about pitching. Finally have the sides taut so that the floor is the right shape? Well guess what now your door is too wide to close. Tensioned the apex for a nice firm ridge line? Now your door is loose and flaps about in the wind. Ground not perfectly flat and level? Your shit out of luck.

Shape/door position. I find the end door is just awkward. Getting up in the morning, trying to sit up then turn 180 degrees to put my boots on in the tiny awning which is already occupied by my rucksack makes me feel like a contortionist. Can't lie down and look at the view either because the doors above your head. I think I need something with the apex in the middle of the tent and a side door.

TLDR: I like a recommendation for an UL tent preferably with floor and bug netting built in, side entry with a middle apex. Two hiking pole tents might be good if they give me more room. Thanks.

Hi all, Altra Lone Peak 5 and 6 in the wide width are the only trail shoes I've found that work perfectly for my very wide, short, flat feet prone to plantar fasciitis and calf soreness. LP 7 and 8 are sadly too narrow.

I need to replace my shoes before a thru hike in August and am considering transitioning to a different shoe (Topos?) bc I'm no longer able to find 6s online anywhere. For those of you who have short, wide feet and have used the LP 5s or 6s, have you found a good replacement?

Do you use some kind of antiseptic liquid or alcohol wipes in your kit? Wondering if I should or if clean water and some kind of antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin is all I need. I'm planning on a doing a few multi day hikes up to 1 week long in the near future.