5 Tips for Wettable Shoe River Hiking

5 Tips for Wettable Shoe River Hiking
What would it be like to use a flowing river as a trail?
In some areas of the American Southwest, a walk in and out of a flowing stream with wettable shoes is often easier than navigation on the river bank. That's why wettable shoe hiking is a common method of back country travel in and out of rivers on the Colorado Plateau and beyond. This style of adventure does involve a learning curve whether it be on a day trip with a light pack or a multi day trip with a heavier pack. Here are some tips for easier travel on river walks:
1) Wear Neoprene "river" sock inside of your footwear.
This type of breathable wetsuit material will be more durable, dry out faster and provide more comfort underfoot in constantly wet situations.
2) Walk through the river for easier travel provided that:
* No established onshore trail exists
* The water is not too deep
* The current is not too strong
This will save the struggle of battling up and down slippery river banks through thick and scratchy foliage while leaving less of a trace.
3) Bring two hiking poles with powder baskets.
Bringing two sticks will enable three points of contact for better balance. Powder baskets will guard against poles sinking too deep in to the soil. Poles also make for an easy probe to measure water depth and assess the feasibility of a particular line through the river.
4) Pay attention to how currents effect depth. River currents often dig out soil and create extra depth upstream from large rocks while leaving shallow or exposed sandbars on the down stream side.
5) If the ground or river bed starts sinking beneath your feet, keep moving. Yes quicksand is a thing!
#escalante #hikingrivercrossing #riverwalking

[@WyeExplorer]

That was super useful Amos. In part 2 of my Bachawy hike I try to find this hidden waterfall, which is in the center of a thick plantation at the bottom of a 40 meter gorge. It was dangerous so I decided I would go back and walk up the river as opposed to falling in from above. Armed with this advice I reckon I should do alright. Cheers Amos. Have a great week. Mark

[@BackpackerDiaries]

That sounds like a great adventure Mark! The soil in your neck of the woods must be quite different from here. Perhaps you will not need to be concerned with quicksand?
Thanks for watching and commenting as always my friend.

[@WyeExplorer]

@@BackpackerDiaries Sorry for the late reply Amos - the river bed I'm seeking to tread upon will be rocky with small gravel. So, no concerns but cold.

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched all of it

[@BackpackerDiaries]

Thanks!

[@BluecollarBackcountry]

Good tips Amos. Rivers certainly add a new dimension to hiking 👍

[@BackpackerDiaries]

Absolutely; I hope to add pack rafting to my repertoire this year so wish me luck! Thanks Tony For watching and commenting

[@thebackpackblazer3973]

Great information. Thanks for sharing.

[@BackpackerDiaries]

Thank you for watching and commenting :)

[@HikeCamp]

I don't plan on doing much in the way of river hiking but some very useful points that you make I can see being useful in just water crossings as well. 👍👍

[@BackpackerDiaries]

Indeed; I've found that hiking poles come in very handy for river crossings as well. Thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment.

[@Nerding4Nature]

Good tips. I haven't done a lot of them, but I've found it handy when route finding sans trail. Rovers are nature's trails (or highways if they are big enough).

[@BackpackerDiaries]

Nature’s Highways indeed. I often imagine what it would be like to be on Powell’s expeditions down the green in Colorado rivers when adventuring on the Colorado Plateau; This spring will be the 150th anniversary of his first expedition. Thanks for watching Carley!

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

Great tips my man, cheers!

[@BackpackerDiaries]

Thanks Corbin! I’ve been meaning to connect with you. What is the best way to contact you outside of CZcams?

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

@@BackpackerDiaries [e-mail]. There we can exchange #s

[@theidahonian5321]

I just heard a news bit about an unlucky hiker who got into some quick sand in Zion National. Great video, great tips! 🤙🏻

[@TheWasatchGearReview]

11 hours he spent stuck. Kinda crazy...

[@BackpackerDiaries]

I heard that story too; that would suck! Thanks for watching

[@marilynsmith2749]

Nice video. I love to river walk, even when there is a trail. I was hoping to hear what you like best for footwear. Been using keen sandals for years, which offer great toe protection and dry quickly, but they just aren't very grippy.

[@BackpackerDiaries]

I’m an Altra Lone Peak guy still. Here in Utah we have the luxury of gear drying out quickly. That might be less feasible in wetter climates.
Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@marilynsmith2749]

@@BackpackerDiaries thank you!

[@steveysimmons13579]

No trail? Hold my map.