Thanks to all of you, BEDROCK SANDALS have started to gain recognition among lifestyle cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, and now draw interest from many visitors at our pop-up events. Today, we would like to share a translated article about how to best enjoy mountain sandals, written by Bedrock's Sales Manager, Matt McAdow—who visited Japan last autumn, where we deepened our friendship during a short cycling trip—for their company blog. We hope you will read it to the end and find it useful for your own outdoor life.
Backpack Better : Story by Matt McAdow, Translated by Bassi
While I wouldn’t call myself a veteran thru-hiker or an ultralight backpacker, I’ve spent as much time as possible exploring the backcountry during my weekends off.
From my very first trip as a student, when I headed west to Colorado in search of adventure, to a loop hike in the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Sierra just a few weeks ago, I’ve learned a few ideas that make backcountry adventures even more enjoyable.
To be honest, my first backpacking trip as a student wasn't exactly glamorous. While the scenery was breathtaking and the experience serves me well today, the gear certainly did not. I brought an oversized sleeping bag, bulky layers, a mysterious pair of "synthetic" socks, and to top it all off, sandals that felt like bricks. That experience left me with some essential tips for walking through the wilderness.
Taking up sports in college to get in shape didn't solve these problems either. I invested in shoes marketed as "lightweight," but they didn't do the trick, and I ended up having to duct-tape the soles back together. Eventually, I nearly got frostbite in the Rockies during early spring, and while I tried to cope by layering multiple plastic bags, they were no match for the wet environment after the snowmelt.
After that, I bought Gore-TEX hiking boots that offered excellent waterproofness, breathability, and solid ankle support. On top of that, I gathered gaiters, DWR (durable water repellent) stretch pants, and other small items and gear necessary for backpacking.
It was definitely important to have good gear. It felt great to finally have a lightweight shell I could use in the woods instead of borrowing my dad's raincoat, wearing DWR stretch pants instead of track pants, and carrying an internal frame pack.
However, I began to loathe carrying around heavy, rugged hiking boots. They were a pain to put on and take off at camp, and they felt far too constricting. While they did help dry out my wet socks quickly after crossing small creeks, there was nothing I could do about water coming in over my ankles without gaiters.
I tried looking for paths upstream or downstream to stay dry, but I never did find a good way to manage it when heading out to camp.
While thinking about all that one day in 2014, I found the perfect solution for backpacking. I had picked up a pair of Bedrock sandals to try out trail running, and I quickly started using them as my camp shoes in the Sierra. Bedrock's 8-ounce sandals were far easier to manage than the 2.8-pound ones I’d been lugging around.
Eventually, I ditched my other shoes entirely and started wearing Bedrock sandals for all my backpacking trips. Around that time, I joined the Bedrock team. When we launched the Cairn sandal in 2016, my backpacking trips became even easier thanks to the grippy, flexible "Vibram Regolith sole" and the "strap system," which allows you to easily adjust your fit to the perfect position.
Please take a close look at the photo above, taken during my trip through the Sierra mountains this summer. I think it perfectly captures what it means to "backpack better."
There’s no trip where you won’t pique the curiosity of others as you charge ahead wearing nothing but sandals and a heavy pack. Sure, I’ve been asked on the trail a few times, "Did you forget your boots?" But when I blaze through creeks and mud without skipping a beat, I can see the look of envy in their eyes. I’d be lying if I said I didn't take pleasure in that style.
The benefits of using Bedrock sandals as hiking shoes become most apparent when walking through mud or water, and it’s certain that in other ways too, Bedrock sandals have made my various backcountry experiences so much better.
Bedrock has created the ultimate camp sandal, and they turn you into a better hiker in the process—it’s a win-win, you could say.
Once you’ve set up camp, head straight for the river to cool off!
Following mountain streams toward the alpine meadows. I’ve worn my Bedrock sandals to reach the summits of the Rocky Mountains several times this summer.
Bedrock sandals also pair really well with tabi (split-toe) or toe socks available on the market. These days, Hot Cheetos and other quirky snacks have replaced the need for dedicated camp shoes in my pack. I used to think that granola bars, peanut butter tortilla wraps, and ramen were the only "proper" foods for backpacking. On this last trip, I went with the method of "skipping the meal plan and buying everything at a rural grocery store." Before heading out of town the next day, I loaded up on all the food I wanted to eat in the mountains, inspired by recipes from my fellow "BEDROCKERS" over at Backpackers Bistro.
Why not head out on your next backpacking trip with a pair of Bedrock sandals and shatter your own preconceptions?
Story by Matt McAdow from Bedrock Sandals
Translated by Bassi from Circles
