Thread: Bush Huntin-Salomon Trail runners

Originally Posted by Snoppernator

To answer your question arouns weight and trail runners. Ive packed out two deer (boned out) 2-4 hours out in Kawekas and Kaimais. I do have a quality backpack (Exo Mtn Gear) with an excellent meat shelf - well balanced l
Pack. And I place my feet!

There is also a differencs in support between trail runners. I have a pair of Innov8 mudclaw (disco yellow) and they were too flimsy and the lugs wore too quickly. The Salomon Speedcross are much more robust in build and hold their shape. And much more cushion for the feet.

Ankle support. Depends on the person. I dont like boots/ankle support - ankles are strong/not prone to roll. I also use trekking poles on the mountains. In the bush I take the time to place my feet (quiet feet) under load as it stops injury. Also avoids sore feet from impact.

If your thinking about it - try a pair on a shorter hunt. The only thing Id suggest is use a pair with decent lugs for grip - as a flat tread won't be much fun in the wet.

yeah mate same for me trek poles- also same for taking time- i mostly have an oppsie end of day- when tired- not concentrating- that can be managed differently/better reducing the risk if i do thinks differently.

Originally Posted by Kimber 7mm-08

Just a thought....How much meat do you plan on packing out if successful and how long would the walk out likely be?

I'm sure they fit the bill when unladen, but how do you reckon they'll go if packing out a deer (whole or in part)?

I appreciate the Q.

Hopefully ok.

I've done my best to reduce pack weight the last 10 years or more, often 8 or 9kg overnight and generally 12kg max on back with food for 3 nights ish. Generally I'm aiming on one deer down, if I shoot more, I generally take backs and a back wheel or 2 from one of them, and for me this is dependant on the species- reds I'm more picky and likely to weigh up what I take home, versus Sika, a lot lighter. Ill try it out on tops(north island), cant see why they wont work tho- I know others on here do and get along well.
Re the laden part with 20 or more on the back, I don't know how that'll go as yet. Likely I'll have to use walk stick/s and ensure more rests, hydration, fuel and maybe stay another night to cope. Reading between the lines ,there's a lot of hunters out there that do buy into the "must have ankle support" theory especially for load carrying, more power to them.
I also don't buy into the "take every gram of meat or whole animal theory for the hunting we do- public off track, so its only backs and 2 back legs for Sika mostly- which is was easier than with reds.
I'm keen to try other options as I see no sense in river crossings when accessing hunting )Tararuas-Ruahines)- or during hunting with half a kg of wetness extra per foot with every step and soggy toes for me, spending hours at night in huts trying to dry boots, that just get wet again next day
I've always valued activeness outside of hunting in general life, way more so, the last 2 years with health issues, so I am about max prepared in the legs core and ankles as ill ever be to cope with less boot support.
Will see how it goes and report.

Originally Posted by HarryMax

Tried using my trail runners this past weekend in the Aorangis, it was actually really good. Felt like my legs fatigued much less and they dried quickly. Pleasantly surprised… I’d been putting off trying them on a hunting trip due to concerns of injury (ankles etc) but didn’t have a single issue.

Flip side though - the shoes took a punishing.. will need to get a slightly tougher pair

excellent mate- I'm same- my mates have been doing it for "years" and I've been procrastinating due to what "could" happen, its all in ma head aye.
I think there's no one size fits all for anything, but if ya manage yourself correctly, should be good.

Done a few trips in Altra Lone peaks, 3 day trips, loaded pack multiple river crossings. They are a wide fit, zero drop large tow box, ok cushioning and grip. Great shoe for 90% of NI bush hunting. Also a popular choice for the Te Arora Trail thru hikers

However they are not that robust, typically I get 12 months out of a pair used as my daily dog walkers and hikers. I have a pair of Altra Olympus zero drop boots to try, I haven't worn then much after shifting to Nelson. Down here I like a firmer boot for the rocks/scree so using Mendels which are bloody heavy by comparison...

Zero drop you need to get use too over time otherwise you will have sore calves, knees, tendons tec.

Ankle strength builds by not having support, ease into using the trail runners, and you naturally build ankle flexibility and strength. I have had no issues with carrying 20kgs plus on typical bush tracks in Kaiwanawas and EBOP bush.

Cheers

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re ankle strength and rolling them..... mate got me onto a "redneck wobble board" a few years ago when I was regularly rolling ankle getting out of fert sower and finding rocks in long grass...bit of heavy sided pipe 3" round by 18" long..a good clean bit of wood would work in a pinch...and a 6/8" wide plank about 24" long..thats 150mm wide by 600mm long for you modern measures..and pip is 75mm diameter by 450mm long. sit pip on thick carpet in door way,place plank across it so its running through door...HOLD DOOR FRAME, put one foot on plankon ground,put other foot at other end of plank and get it up to level..and keep it there...you WILL NEED to hold door frame for a week or so...do this for 5-10 minutes a day and your whole body will notice it and ankle roll becomes less of a thing....I believe it teaches your muscles how to work together to stop the rolling thing. warning...if slip the plank moves really fast sideways and will punch through wall..thus start on thick carpet...in a month you will be able to do this free standing on smooth ground..and even brush teeth without touching wall.

@Ryan_Songhurst What do you prefer, the inov8s or the La Sportiva Trangos? Horses for courses or a clear winner?

Originally Posted by iambatman

@Ryan_Songhurst What do you prefer, the inov8s or the La Sportiva Trangos? Horses for courses or a clear winner?

They're two different beasts really the Tra go's shine in that they are solid like a proper boot should be above the bush line yet half the weight of the likes of Tibets or Islands. The inov8s are more and all round boot that are lighter again, they aren't as stiff as the Trango but I like them for just kicking round the bush and day trip kind of stuff, if I was doing longer trips I'd take the Trangos knowing I could scramble in the alpine stuff all day and not be giving anything away

Speedcross are currently 40% off. Brought a set in the weekend to give it a go. Super lightweight

Yup that's a good price. Just retired my Speedcross 5s. 2 years Kawekas/Ruahines/Kaimanawas/Kaimais/Pureroas and the lugs were still in mint condition - attribute to not using on concrete and only in the bush/mountains. The Speedcross 6's are sitting in the hunting bin ready for the next trip.

Wore my Salomons on the Kaweka tops couple weekends back- they were brilliant- sure they may not handle the scree/shale slopes x 4 x yearly- but they were brilliant- im sure i had more grip than i remember from wearing boots.

What about crap getting in the shoes? Even with traditional ankle high boots and good gators, some debris still gets in to my boots.

Originally Posted by MB

What about crap getting in the shoes? Even with traditional ankle high boots and good gators, some debris still gets in to my boots.

Wear a pair of bowyangs (cotton or oilskin ) and they’ll keep the dirt and grass seeds out of your boots and socks.


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Originally Posted by MB

What about crap getting in the shoes? Even with traditional ankle high boots and good gators, some debris still gets in to my boots.

I use Hunters Element neoprene gaiters. They keep all the stuff out and also provide some protection for the front of the shoe.

I use neoprene gaiters over my trail shoes as well.

Thanks for the replies. I don't think this would work for me as I'm often ankle deep in forest detritus. One day I may hunt in a more civilised place!