Theyre lightweight, easy to slip on/off, dry in seconds when wet, and use a plush foam midsole and EVA outsole that provide ample protection and grip, and more than enough cushioning for campsite tasks. Youll also want something you can throw on groggily in the middle of the night if nature calls. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail. However, they're still flip flops, meaning theyofferlittle to no supportandcant be hiked in. Weather/Season: Booties are generally better for the cold, while sandals are the best option for summer. While the Xero Z-Trail and Chaco Z2s extensive webbing and heel strap make them a better bet if you plan on putting in any mileage on trails, the Recovery Slides are ideal for letting tired feet air and enjoy some healthy R&R after a long day in your main hiking shoes. I have had a hard time finding good quality camp style shoes and or flip flops that are really light and compact. Please read the FAQ and the Wiki, and do a quick search to ensure that your topic has not already been addressed. option for days around your campsite. flops flip thong lightweight eva mens summer alpine swiss sandals shoes If your primary pair of camp shoes fails andyou need a replacement asap, flip flops may be all you find at the nearest trail town. to some flip-flop soles, but the flip-foles I bought at Target were still 4 or 5 oz with the toe straps cut off. These have exploded in the past year. They are durable enough to hike in, but they lack adjustable straps which can lead to slipping on uneven terrain. Hi, I want to make some of these sandals. but is rugged, grippy, and protective enough to use instead of hiking shoes. by Hailey Hudson The weight of your camping shoes isnt terribly important for car camping, but when backpacking, every ounce counts. An antimicrobial treatment keeps odor away, and the shoe does not absorb water. While all camp shoes are more convenient than hiking boots by virtue of having no lacing, the most convenient are those that can be slipped on and off with ease or even hands-free which usually means flip flops or slippers. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. Use tea tree oil, hand sanitizer (alcohol) or a wet wipe to give them a quick cleanse. but offers little in the way of underfoot protection and isnt a good option for walking in rugged terrain. A thin cord attached to an old sole makesforan almost-perfectultralight camp shoe. Not all shoes make good camp shoes. Discover 12 of the best cold weather tents, including the top 3-season and 4-season tents made for car camping, backpacking and extreme winter weather. Before we get into our recommendations, here are a few things to consider. If the shoe wasnt lightweight to begin with, this still could be a heavy option. Enter: camp shoes. Bringing a second pair of shoes into the backcountry might seem like an unnecessary luxury, especially for hikers laser-focused on going ultralight. The toe strap is flexible and you can adjust its tension to your preference. The shoe isnt overly expensive, but if the price is a little too high for you, Teva offers you the option of making four interest-free payments with QuadPay. Any suggestions? At camp, youll be in and out of your tent while doing your camp chores. Another reason for the blue foam shoes (not blue suede shoes) flip crocs flops crocband unisex womens toe mens sandals slides lightweight ladies The main types available are sandals, slippers, water shoes, and slip-ons. How to Pack a Backpack Are You Doing it Right? A good camp shoe is a nice, practical addition to any camping kit. They are not designed for hiking, and if you are camping in the snow they can slip and slide if it is icy. Type: SlippersWeight: 0.58 lbs. Its a classic Birkenstock thats modeled on the cork sandal and is crafted from lightweight, flexible EVA material. Temperatures drop as the sun goes down, especially in the mountains or desert. Nor are they the most suitable for walking in rough terrain or anywhere near the most packable. Ultralight, extremely durable, open-aired, and snug enough for a good walk. The sock material also is lightweight and won't keep your feet as warm as a pair of wool socks. Affiliate disclosure: We aim to provide honest information to our readers. This sandal ticks all the boxes for warm-weather camping. They also are also much more like a "shoe" and able to take on miles of trail if need be. Still fit well enough when drying the socks out, too. Unlike a lot of other subs, we try to aggregate information and resources about UL topics in the FAQ and the Wiki. Theyre also adjustable and lightweight, but if you think the barefoot style of the Z-Trail might be a little too much for your calves to handle, a sandal with a more regular drop, like the Chaco Z2, is a better option. Type: Water shoeWeight: 0.7 lbs. Bonus points if your camp shoe is durable enough to use for hiking in the case your primary hiking shoe becomes damaged. Updated October 18, 2021. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. Thanks! Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. Casual discussions, short and simple gear inquiries, and time sensitive questions (e.g. According to the website they weigh 0.1kg converted to ounces its 3.52739 oz. Water-resistant or waterproof shoes can be carried on the outside of your pack in rain or shine. Patagonia and The North Face are longstanding staples in outdoor retail stores, some of the few companies that you can instantly trust for quality based on the brand alone. In damp or dewy conditions around your campsite, having a pair of backpacking camp shoes capable of keeping your feet dry will be a blessing. On the Cloud, a Barefoam insert provides comfort but not too much padding, and the inserts flatiron pattern gives you better grip. For a camp shoe thats multifunctional, lightweight, packable, and offers comfort in spades, look no further than the Chaco Z2 (click here for womens version). Thanks for all your feedback. Thanks Mark, I will check those out on the REI website. A win for you and the planet. And if youd like to share this post with your friends, please do! try "pool shoes"mine are about four ounces. The relaxed fit gives your foot room to breathe while still being snug enough to hold in warmth. I'm also going to try hiking in some KSO Treks, and those are not the easiest to put on in the dark in the middle of the night. The shoe comes in blue, red, and multiple shades of green. Conversely, the most practical shoes are usually the heaviest and least comfortable. Few fabrics can become a wardrobe staple the way chambray does, and whether you're dressing it up or down, chambray can workfor all types of occasions. : ). Down bootiesmakea fantastic camp shoe for winter. The Patagonia Capilene is a great option that zips up to cover your neck as well. It's nice to have a little added luxury and comfort around camp after a hard day on the trails. You could just wear some light, comfortable trail runners, and ditch the camp shoes altogether. I used heavy paracord that I had around and thats the bulk of the weight. Oh and I really like the blue foam flipflops. The best thing is how compact they are in your pack. Look for shoes that dont require lacing up. Not sure how minimalist you want, but taking the insoles out of my trailrunners works great in camp (with a little limitation). Type: Water shoeWeight: 0.33 lbs. Its Honeycomb EVA upper is both breathable and durable, providing heel-to-toe protection from sticks, rocks, and other campsite hazards. Made with ethically sourced, 800+ fill power goose down insulation, these are our hands-down winners for trips in cool conditions or for campers prone to suffering from cold feet. The outsole is slip-proof to give you traction on snow or the forest floor, and the slippers can pack down to almost nothing, giving you more space in your backpack. Some people even hike in them if their hiking shoes unexpectedly fail. All types of camp shoes are designed to give your feet the ability to breathe, but some do so better than others. They're prone to breaking when used on uneven ground. Or at least how you did the plug between the toes? 8 Best Budget Hiking Backpacks Under $100, 8 Best Portable Power Supply Options for Camping. They are pricey, and you do have to like the "finger" design, so we recommend you try before you buy a pair. While many sandals lack the stability required for hiking, the Z2s adjustable straps and toe loops provide you with extra control, while the aggressive tread and 3mm lugs bring hiking-shoe-like traction in all terrains. Camping and backpacking trips are the best, but if your shoes are heavy and uncomfortable, it can suck the fun and relaxation out of your trip quickly. Enjoy the cozy lining made of Oso fleece. They have a snug, crew length fit with a rubberized bottom for grip. Xero, a brand of minimalist shoes, claims the Cloud is sturdy enough to take on a 100-mile trail ultramarathon. While largely subjective, most users find that slip-ons and slipper-style options are the most comfortable of the bunch. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. They are affordably priced, too. Over the last decade, the Chaco Z2s (click here for womens version) has gained a rep as one of the comfiest and most trail-worthy camp shoes on the market and with good reason. Thirty-five years later, the companys products have evolved into the likes of the Ember Moc, a slipper-style shoe thats comfortable, breathable, and a customer favorite. Not great for hiking; ideal for post-hike hanging around camp. Chris's use of a Walmart sleeping pad for sandals is a really good idea. Expeds slippers are also water resistant with a quick-drying insulation. Step 1: Buy $4 Walmart blue foamy sleeping pad, Step 2: Trace your foot and add little less than a cm all around (you can trim to fit later, though I find a little extra is kind of nice and you don't trip over it), and add wings so that when folded up together it looks like an Adidas shower sandal. While not the most supportive shoes out there, their sneaker-like design means theyre more than capable of putting in a few miles on the trail. Comfort: You wont want wear shoes you dont feel comfortable in. I recommend sizing them to fit over socks for warmth in camp. clear from debris and rocks) then $10 sandals may work for you. In this guide, we will be covering the following: For lovers of the outdoors, there are few things more satisfying than a good long hike through the wilderness. The shoe is waterproof and washable, and the footbed is anatomically shaped for extra comfort. This practically free option lets you get a little more life out of something you might have thrown in the trash. Check and see if they are really that light. Just plan it so that you end up with shoe-size pieces. Super light weight, comfortable and Id honestly feel ok wearing them to a pub or the office. https://www.rei.com/product/127268/birkenstock-arizona-essentials-eva-sandals-mens, I have some Australian Kmart knock offs of these for $5 and I have not found anything better, Edit weighed mine and they are 124g each, These are also great bc you can wear socks with them in cool nights (can't with flip flops), Also they float, are great shower/beach shoes, and are decently stylish. It weighs in at 1.15 lbs., takes up little room in your pack, has a podiatrist-certified footbed, and is more than grippy and robust enough to cover multiple miles on the trail. About 1oz for the pair. The My Open Country name is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This also means the sandals don't offer much protection for your feet. The Feathered Friends Down Booties are one of the most expensive options on our list. Use the soles of your old tennis shoes and tie some lacing around for a simple flip flop. I think its good to also mention showers. The main benefits of packing a pair of camp shoes are as follows: The core purpose of a pair of camp shoes is to provide your feet with a little comfort and respite from stiff, sweaty hiking boots after a days hiking. The most packable options in our review are the VivoBarefoot Ultra III and the Xero Z-Trail EV, both are compact enough to squeeze in your pants pocket at a push! Use the links below to share this content: Viewing 25 posts - 1 through 25 (of 62 total). Footwear company Teva has been around since 1984, when its founder created the original sport sandal while hiking the Grand Canyon by strapping two Velcro watch bands to a pair of flip-flops. Under 3 oz (~2.75 oz on what I assume is an inaccurate kitchen scale). I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Bottom-Line: If youre looking for an option to provide you with warm and cozy paw protection around camp, these slippers are a shoo-in for your shortlist! Live Webinar - Introduction to Map & Compass - July 2 @ 9 AM US MDT. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Terrain: Water shoes or sandals are nice for creek or lake-side camping, whereas booties work great for dry campsites. Bottom-Line: On cold-weather camps, these toasty booties are like sleeping bags for your feet and a great choice if you dont plan on venturing too far from your campsite. A Membership is required to post in the forums. Bottom line: A versatile, practical, hard-wearing, and uber-comfortable shoe thats ideal for three-season camping adventures. Bottom-Line: Versatile, comfortable, low-maintenance, convenient, and affordable to boot, you could do a lot worse than add a pair of these time-honored classics to your collection of camping footwear. Western Mountaineering notes that you can also wear these booties at home to aid with poor circulation or cold feet. The heel goes flat pretty quick on the blue foam though. The cover has elastic to hold them around your ankle, but I'm not sure I'd trust them to cross a river in. Not only do they work well as a camp shoe they also are great for hiking, running, and crossing streams. Great. thongs Normally I'd just slip on my trail runners, but if they're wet, they can get my sleep socks damp. The cotton footbed feels nice on your feet but does need to air out to fully dry. How often do you need to pee?! With a Vibram sole durability and traction arent an issue. Seriously, since dropping the heavy boots, I really haven't felt the need for camp shoes. I just wrap spare cord around in a "Jesus-sandals" kind of thingy around the insole and forefoot, then around my ankle. Bottom-Line: Super-comfortable, packable, podiatrist-certified, and versatile enough for short hikes near your campsite, these sandals are the ideal pick for warm-weather camping. Because they cover your entire foot, the V-Aqua shoes protect your feet from bumps and bruises. You don't want to have to hike out in steamy shoes tomorrow. The water shoes shed water thanks to their hydrophobic insole and Surf knit material that resists absorbing water. Note: The Vivobarefoot Ultra is a seasonal shoe that company only sells in the summer. Being a sandal, these arent as cozy or protective as other lightweight camp shoes in our review. The material a camp shoe is made of is important for comfort. New Live Webinar - Introduction to Map & Compass - July 2 @ 9 AM US MDT. However, if you use heavier footwear or get uncomfortable with your feet in same shoes, you could benefit from camp shoes especially if you need lighter footwear to go exploring after youve put down your backpacking pack for the day. Thanks. As such, theyre also our top pick for multi-day backpacking or buyers averse to carrying extra weight. My idea was to glue them (gorilla glue? flops thongs sole sneake lightweight pvc sandals comfort flip mens outdoor beach So now I'm thinking about glueing them to some insoles. Wandering around camp in your bare feet is, of course, doable. The design of the shoe also plays into the comfort level. When it comes to value, how you plan to use camp shoes will be the most important factor. If youre looking for a little more toe and forefoot protection, wed recommend plumping for closed-toe shoes like the Vivobarefoot Ultra III or Crocs Classic Clogs. Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. Front page posts should build on this knowledge with up to date information. It's not like wearing them around camp for a few hours each day is hugely onerous work, and the weight savings versus more exotic options are pretty negligible. The brand describes the slipper as unbeatable for camping, backpacking, and overnight snowshoeing trips, offering lightweight foot comfort deep in the backcountry.. Xero Shoes even sell a DIY kit. This sneaker-slipper hybrid has a cushy EVA midsole and a rubber outsole that offers similar traction to a hiking shoe. Little of 4oz and comfortable. It also boasts an insulated upper and knitted collar for warmth and nearly unrivaled coziness. The Cloud is a sandal, but better than your typical flip-flop. He climbs when he should be writing, writes when he should be sleeping, has fun always. Some people do entire thru-hikes in these ultra-thin sandals. The walmart foamy option is fairly durable (about 20 nights of heavy use, but a pad will make about a dozen pairs), very stable, ridiculously cheap and ultra comfortable. Bottom-Line: A superbly comfortable camp shoe thats specially designed to keep your feet in trail-worthy condition. But that doesnt mean its advisable. The soles are robust enough to hike in if your primary shoes fail. The toe post is strong but not firm it wont hurt your toes. The mens shoe comes in navy, gray, and black, while the womens shoe comes in coral, olive, purple, and black. flops deform faltbares einfaches pvcs flipflop verformen leichtes haltbares I don't bring camp shoes, but I've been thinking of taking a pair of booties to slip on over my socks when I wake up for night-time relief. In addition to the quick-drying, soft webbing that holds your forefeet secure while on the move, it has subtle heel cups that prevent slippage without chafing, an aggressive dual chevron tread pattern for grip, and 3-layer FeelLite soles for cushioning and foot support. I have these. At just six ounces per pair, this down bootie is lightweight, compressible, and easy to lug around. and could easily squeeze into the water-bottle pocket on most backpacks. Comfort can be tricky to gauge when buying online. Last update on 2022-07-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. http://www.rei.com/product/797595/acorn-tech-travel-moc-ii-slippers-mens. This is one of thebest ultralight camp shoes out there. They're very comfortable, durable and lightweight. Type: SandalsWeight: 1.15 lbs. They are comfortable sandals with an adjustable strap that lets you dial in the perfect fit. eva I've got an old, beat-up foamy in the closet right now just waiting for this project. Having good breathability is key for your camp shoe. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Designed to aid post-hike foot recovery and soothe sore feet, their high-density, soft EVA top in combination with a generously cushioned, oversized midsole and rockered outsole essentially massage your feet while you mosey around camp. So, how did you like our article? They feel a bit too bare on rough terrain for many hikers though and often make better camp shoes. Look for a camp shoe that is roomier and has a lot of open areas for airflow. These simple slip-ons are the second cheapest option in our review, after the Aleader Mesh. Suitable for hiking, swimming, and lounging alike. Grab asecond pair of hiking socks for sleeping in, like the popularDarn Tough Hiker. Just in case youre still undecided, lets have a little recap to help you out. Crocs are made from a Thermoplastic (EVA) material, making them ultralight and durable at the same time. Could you share the build? Step 4: Apply 1 piece of duct tape across the top you may have to shorten the wings after trying on to get a tight fit. Shoes with a heel strap can significantly help stabilize your walk and prevent a 'slip and slide' in these types of areas. Hailey Hudson is a full-time freelance writer based out of Atlanta, Georgia, but shes usually somewhere else. Its lightweight, provides insulation even when wet, and keeps you warm in cold and wet conditions. These flip-flops are no ordinary flip-flops: theyre sturdy and durable, and extra comfortable. These arent the most stylish in our review, granted. Best Instant Tents: 7 Easy-Setup Tents Reviewed, Backpacking Food: The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Eating, Why you need a pair for your backpacking trip, Antimicrobial application for odor control, Breathable recycled webbing and heel strap, Designed to aid recovery and keep feet healthy, Approved by American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), Not suitable for walking longer distances, Not versatile unsuitable for hiking or damp conditions, Dont absorb water ideal for stream crossings, Water-resistant nylon outer shell and waterproof sole, Some models are suitable for hiking in warm weather (just watch those toes! As such, optional or luxury backpacking gear items like camp shoes should ideally take up as little of that space as possible. You can even hike in them in a pinch. Home Forums Gear Forums Gear (General) Suggestions for ultralight camp shoes under 4 ounces. Its worth bearing in mind that comfort often involves a trade-off with practicality. The pros are obvious: you can make your shoes really light, potentially just a few ounces. It also makes them super comfortable. This means you can wear them around camp and pop the shell and sole off and wear the sock inside your sleeping bag. Basically, just one of those winter-doldrum projects that I don't really need to do. While they do add to your pack weight, theyll help keep your feet clean, comfortable, and in far better health for when the time comes to strap on your boots and return to the trails. I picked up a pair of Acorn Travel Slippers from REI. at water crossings. In the backcountry, especially if camping in less used areas, this can mean rocky sites with roots and plants. Down booties feel much like an indoor slipper. WALK-ABILITY:CAN GET YOU TO A NEARBY WATER SOURCE. I wear them on short day hikes and around town all the time. Our only gripe is the sizing. Merino wool is lightweight while still keeping you toasty warm. Theyre also a little heavier than our top-rated featherweights. I don't usually do camp shoes, but I wear some insoles that I've turned into huaraches with some extra cord. They actually have two parts: an 800 fill-down sock and a detachable water-resistant shell and an insulated sole. The Classic Clog is not suitable for any real hiking but are a comfortable (and affordable!) They're surely better than nothing. Basically a sock with a rough-coated sole - known as a "glove for your feet". The Chaco Z2 came out as our top pick for the best shoe for relaxing around camp. Having a warm piece of headwear will insulate your noggin around the fire and while sleeping. He has climbed a handful of 6000ers in the Himalayas, 4000ers in the Alps, 14ers in the US, and loves nothing more than a good long-distance wander in the wilderness. I just picked them up yesterday and will try them at the ADZPCTKO this weekend and if I like them I will bring them on my 4.5 day backpacking trip the following weekend.