Stream Fording Footwear

[DaveDill]

Thanks all,
Appreciate all the helpful input!

[Wandering Daisy]

Even when I take Crocks, in truly difficult crossings I keep on my hiking shoes, including socks for better stability. In the old days, even with boots, we never took extra shoes for crossings or "camp shoes". Even if you just cross with whatever you are wearing, you may want to wring out the socks. I really hate that sloshy feel of walking in soaked socks.

Often now late in the season when stream levels are down, I usually to not take the Crocks, but just put up with wet hiking shoes, or find an alternative crossing. It is amazing that with a bit of scouting, one can often find a log or rocks to cross. I just got back from a 6-day trip and waded 2-6 times a day and used Crocks. Most the streams I waded, others hopped rocks, but I would rather do the wading than fall off a log or rock. It takes about 15-20 minutes more to wade. The few times I tried to hop rocks and fell in it too 1-2 hours to wring out my clothes, check the pack, dry gear, etc.

I prefer the most colorful Crocks I can buy- less likely to lose them. My latest are kids, wild colors pink-yellow-purple!

[John Harper]

I use these as well. Also, combined with some Wetsox wading socks, they work well for flyfishing muddy/swampy meadows and wet wading.

John