Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Hectocotylus on August 28, 2016, 06:15:57 PM

Title: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: Hectocotylus on August 28, 2016, 06:15:57 PM: Wonder if anyone has great advice on how to side hill any distance comfortably. I have microspikes which are awesome, but after not too long the feet start to hurt pretty good. Any wisdom is appreciated.

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Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: kentrek on August 28, 2016, 06:25:40 PM: Your feet hurt ? Or ankles ?

Are you on ice ? Why the micro spikes ?

What boots do you have ??
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: Hectocotylus on August 28, 2016, 06:27:58 PM: Feet and ankles. Hill is too steep to walk without hanging onto stuff. So microspikes so I don't slide down at all. Keane hiking boots

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Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: JLS on August 28, 2016, 06:36:18 PM: Odds are pretty good that your Keen's don't have a stiff enough shank (aka insert) in the boot and this is allowing your foot and ankle to roll when side hilling. I prefer a trekking/mountaineering style boot for steep country side hilling. Think something along the lines of a Crispi Idaho, Lowa Ranger, TiCam, Camino, or Tibet. I wear the Rangers in some very steep country and they serve me well.

Boot construction will affect lateral support much more than a taller boot will. I'd take an 8" trekker/mountaineering boot anyday over a taller boot that doesn't have the footbed support.
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: MtnMuley on August 28, 2016, 06:57:45 PM: Mountaineering boots and trekking poles. :twocents:
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: Hectocotylus on August 28, 2016, 07:07:14 PM: Quote from: JLS on August 28, 2016, 06:36:18 PM
Odds are pretty good that your Keen's don't have a stiff enough shank (aka insert) in the boot and this is allowing your foot and ankle to roll when side hilling. I prefer a trekking/mountaineering style boot for steep country side hilling. Think something along the lines of a Crispi Idaho, Lowa Ranger, TiCam, Camino, or Tibet. I wear the Rangers in some very steep country and they serve me well.

Boot construction will affect lateral support much more than a taller boot will. I'd take an 8" trekker/mountaineering boot anyday over a taller boot that doesn't have the footbed support.
Ya boots could be improved for sure. I had my rifle in my hand so no free hands for poles.

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Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: Alchase on August 28, 2016, 07:14:47 PM: I bought Asolo GTXs because I spend most of my hunting side hilling.
Most boots are no way stiff enough in the shank to side hill for extended periods.

http://www.asolo-usa.com/radion-gtx-mm-night-blue-night-blue.html
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: Branden on August 28, 2016, 07:27:13 PM: While guiding for sheep in Alaska it was the same. Most guys didn't have mountaineering boots and their ankles/feet would be hurting after a few hours. Lots of good boots out there now days. Zamberlans seem to fit me pretty good. I would go to REI where you can try on a few different pairs to see what you like.

Regards, Branden
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: Alchase on August 29, 2016, 09:46:18 AM: Quote from: Branden on August 28, 2016, 07:27:13 PM
While guiding for sheep in Alaska it was the same. Most guys didn't have mountaineering boots and their ankles/feet would be hurting after a few hours. Lots of good boots out there now days. Zamberlans seem to fit me pretty good. I would go to REI where you can try on a few different pairs to see what you like.

Regards, Branden

Ya that!

REI has a few great boot fitters.
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: Cougartail on August 29, 2016, 10:13:20 AM: Lose weight and increase fitness. I also do foot, ankle and toe exercises while sitting at my desk which really helps.
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: buglebrush on August 29, 2016, 10:18:39 AM: It's the keens. I found that out the hard way :bdid:
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: kentrek on August 29, 2016, 10:25:12 AM: Start hiking trail/crosscountry more in the least amount of ankle support your ankles can handle....start building up the ankle & foot muscles....also throw in which ever new pair of stiff boots ya buy from time to time....ideally come next year youl have strong ankles/feet and even stronger boots...this works well for me

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Sidehilling tips?
Post by: Okanagan on August 29, 2016, 10:32:51 AM: Quote from: JLS on August 28, 2016, 06:36:18 PM
Odds are pretty good that your Keen's don't have a stiff enough shank (aka insert) in the boot and this is allowing your foot and ankle to roll when side hilling. I prefer a trekking/mountaineering style boot for steep country side hilling. Think something along the lines of a Crispi Idaho, Lowa Ranger, TiCam, Camino, or Tibet. I wear the Rangers in some very steep country and they serve me well.

Boot construction will affect lateral support much more than a taller boot will. I'd take an 8" trekker/mountaineering boot anyday over a taller boot that doesn't have the footbed support.

^This^

For steep sidehill you need a stiff platform under your foot that remains flat and level even when only one side of the sole is edged into the slope, rather than twisting and torqueing. Boots good for extended sidehilling are too stiff and non-flexing for ideal hiking on a trail, but they are fabulous off trail. A rule of thumb is that if the boot is stiff enough to accept crampons, it will be good for sidehill, talus, etc.