Scared to wash your waterproofs? Lack of care is the most common cause of gear failure. Overtreated your boots? Yes, on occassion too much fussing can be detrimental also. Plan ahead and groom your gear before your departure, and you may discover things that may have been overlooked otherwise. If gear needs repairing by a professional then hopefully you'll have more time up your sleeve for this. Imagine equipment failure in a remote location ruining your holiday or putting you in danger. A little time spent now could save you from much grief later, and save you money.
Footwear may degrade from lack of use or over immersion with treatments, whereas waterproof shells have historically been under washed, to their detriment. There are some simple rules for use, cleaning and storage that will prolong your equipment's life expectancy. The following articles provide a rough guide for the care of your equipment. However, its important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for product care as these will be specific to the combinations of materials used.
Choosing the best footwear for you can make or break a planned trip. Features and maintenance won't matter unless you purchase the right fit, which in turn will improve comfort and longevity.
Doing the rounds? When visiting shops you will need your chosen socks, foot-beds / orthotics, your finger, plenty of time and an open mind. It’s a good idea to turn off your mobile phone. If your current boots have left you with blisters from the last trip, don't try new boots until your feet have healed. Nothing will feel comfortable otherwise.
Forget about (brand specific) foot measuring devices and sizing comparison charts. Your finger offers the best consistency between boots and shops, and you hopefully always have it on hand.
