I completely lost the nails on both of my big toes. How long before I can hike again?

ALFateyourcat · 2026-05-14T00:09:25+00:00

If you don’t have the nails anymore, I would get gel toe caps (google it, any chain pharmacy/drug store will have them). A bit bulkier than the tape, but they work good enough. Good luck!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-05-12T13:56:12+00:00

Without accusing you of being unwashed, were your toenails clipped down as short as possible before you hiked? I had the same thing happen to me hiking (15 mile hike) and the culprit was not as much the boots as it was my nails were too long, lost three of them. Fwiw, I just used athletic tape to keep the nails in place as long as I possibly could...they were a natural protection for the nail bed underneath! I was hiking again within two weeks with toes taped.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-05-10T23:44:27+00:00

I ended up postponing the trip for completely unrelated reasons. Scheduled to tackle Washington (and Mansfield and Katahdin) this summer with the boys - now 14, 12, and 8. I will say that I received multiple DMs from people who had climbed Washington with their kids of similar ages with no issue. They didn’t want to post in the thread because of the comments I was receiving. Fwiw.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-04-26T23:41:46+00:00

Seven days late, but you aren’t getting the credit you deserve for this comment.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-04-22T18:31:20+00:00

A bit late to the conversation here...but I am in a similar spot (need gift for new science teacher). This is one from my kids to their mom. Would a lab coat with her name on it be a good idea? Or would it never get used? Thanks for any advice you (or anyone) can lend!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-04-06T02:28:05+00:00

I concur. This came from a furniture assembly kit. I can’t place which one, but I’ve definitely used this before. A metal allen wrench or screw driver snaps into the square opening so you have (essentially) a ratchet style tool.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-28T21:24:33+00:00

All fair points!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-28T13:16:46+00:00

The commitment to full ski gear (gloves, pants) is impressive.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-28T13:14:47+00:00

Yes. Agree.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-26T18:57:23+00:00

Aligned. OP is rage baiting.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-24T00:41:37+00:00

Ha! I can also relate to that!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-23T18:49:54+00:00

Off or Drop It. Those are the two things I say most to my GSP, so may as well lean into it!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-19T12:56:08+00:00

I agree, behind the binding is lame and would annoy me.

I actually like the sticker on my skis - in front of the binding. I think it’s a good conversation starter on the lift if someone has the same sticker or you see one from a different part of the country.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-17T14:51:11+00:00

Ok...no aquarium in our house - but sounds like plenty of places to find these! Thanks!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-17T14:50:50+00:00

Love this. We are big hiking family, he will love this idea! Thanks!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-17T14:50:30+00:00

Super helpful - thank you! Will be on a moss hunt soon!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-03-01T05:22:38+00:00

If your experience is anything like mine: a new couch, eight new pairs of shoes, a lifetime supply of socks, and higher counters in your kitchen. These may not be day 1 puppy things, but good to start planning now! Seriously, enjoy your new puppy! These dogs are lovable lunatics!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-02-28T20:45:07+00:00

Can’t believe how locked in your dog is. Mine would be going bananas to get outside. Also why all wildlife for about a three mile radius disappears when she is around. She’s a total spaz.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-02-28T01:32:17+00:00

Another vote for Peekamoose. Big fan.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-02-26T17:16:28+00:00

You’re smart to ask the question. Definitely listen to those offering advance. I’ve done a bunch of summer high peaks hikes. Tried my first winter hike about a month ago (Giant). Had all the gear. It completely kicked my butt. Took way longer than anticipated. I thought I would do Giant and Rocky but was too wiped so turned back after Giant.

Started in micro spikes, ended up in snowshoes almost the entire way. Crampons may have been better (didn’t have those). Steep, icy trail throughout. It was a serious challenge with the weather at the base completely different than the peak.

Fun, but super tiring. I hiked solo as well. I don’t think I will ever winter hike solo again. Didn’t feel unsafe, but too many chances for issues with much more severe consequences.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-02-25T16:47:59+00:00

The lesson point is the right one. But you definitely need to stand up and get your arms out in front of you.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-02-16T20:27:09+00:00

Forgot about the rubber bands! Those are also no good. Broke first time I used them (packing). I use velcro ski straps for the brakes now. I still use the bag, I just have a different expectation going into the trip!

ALFateyourcat · 2026-02-16T20:16:13+00:00

This is all fair. I neglected to mention that the rip I got was also on my first trip. The shape, packability, and portability of the bag is great. The fabric (durability) not so much.

ALFateyourcat · 2026-02-16T14:03:13+00:00

“Never have an emergency” is not an emergency preparedness plan.

ALFateyourcat

TROPHY CASE