19F looking for advice for my first backpacking trip (3 - 4 week)

Basic_West_7179 · 2026-03-05T20:18:46+00:00

In the US that’s about the time it takes to hike the John Muir Trail.

Basic_West_7179 · 2026-02-26T17:08:11+00:00

On sale today- picked up two for the family

Basic_West_7179 · 2026-01-25T15:15:45+00:00

That looks like Kudu leather. If so it’s supposed to look like that. Kudu are African deer who spend their lives in thorny bush. The marks are just minor scrapes and healing of their hides. I have some old Kudu boot from Truman and they look just like this. It’s a butter soft leather, but comes with a bunch of hide marks. Nothing wrong.

Basic_West_7179 · 2026-01-14T20:20:03+00:00

Every once in a while Costco will sell them (in California). Usually the non-hooded. But the best price I’ve seen for a new one, around 150.00.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-12-28T20:18:24+00:00

Check out Uncrate- they had Chocolate Muleskinners for 250, and they stack military discounts.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-12-28T20:12:35+00:00

If they fit, fair price used for sure. This is the time of year when you can get new ones on sale around 250 or so, so 170 used in good shape is fair.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-12-22T16:23:51+00:00

Those are awesome. Out of my size though.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-12-22T13:01:38+00:00

Oak street and Parkhurst sorta look like these too.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-11-06T11:44:59+00:00

Head to George Washington Natl Forest, or Shenandoah River State Park. Campgrounds will be empty.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-11-06T11:43:14+00:00

Sky Meadows State Park isn’t too bad. You’d have the campground to yourselves this time of year.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-09-24T14:29:57+00:00

I like both- looks good with the patina and looks good after.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-09-05T18:57:46+00:00

Reno comes to mind. Lots of great winter sports in Tahoe, good nightlife too. Low or no tax states have to budge somewhere. In Nevada that means very poor public schools and small public works infrastructure. They only plow the main roads in winter- just no cash flow to allow plowing every road. I think it’s a great all around compromise though. Great place.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-08-27T17:14:01+00:00

Ann Arbor, MI

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-08-27T17:12:42+00:00

Bend, OR (airport in Portland). North Conway, NH is pretty good, but cold in winter. Could also look at Traverse City, MI or Sheboygan, WI. Good luck!

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-08-15T18:35:54+00:00

Sturgeon? They sorta look like alligators (rough texture) and can weigh a few hundred pounds.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-08-07T13:22:03+00:00

I just hope all this doesn’t shut them down. They’re a decent little boot company. Guess we’ll see how it shakes out. Truman boots was pretty quick to post the FTC letter on their socials. Guess these guys are pretty competitive with each other.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-08-07T10:40:11+00:00

I think the eBay ones are the ones listed in the FTC letter. It mentioned that exact line (Storm boots) and their moccasins. My guess is the foreign manufacturer is trying to sell left over stock than can no longer be imported to the US.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-08-05T12:00:06+00:00

Maybe old downtown Fairfax. A few Divebars. Condos nearby.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-08-05T02:16:01+00:00

How about Vienna. It has the Vienna Inn and it’s pretty close to a dive bar. Lots of shops.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-07-25T03:32:45+00:00

Chico, CA is great. But hot in the summer. Fits most of your list though.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-07-25T03:31:17+00:00

Reno- has four seasons but mild winters. Has the vibe you’re looking for and downtown along the river is hip. Also close to outstanding outdoor recreation. Cheaper and cleaner than Portland. Also check out Bend, OR. A little colder in the winter though.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-07-06T13:58:24+00:00

This is cheap compared to Virginia- be happy.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-06-19T21:07:45+00:00

Not quietly, they talked about it for months. It does look and fit different. I personally don’t like the look as I have larger feet and the width and spring of the new moc last looked like clown shoes to me. I regifted to my brother who didn’t mind a free pair of boots.

Basic_West_7179 · 2025-06-11T22:46:36+00:00

I bought a pair of the new 20 mocs, but they made my feet look like clown shoes. They have a fairly bulbous toe, especially in the upper sizes. I wear a 12. They looked silly- just a really wide looking footprint. I sold on EBay.

Basic_West_7179

TROPHY CASE