You are "treading" on dangerous ground Hobbes. Do you, or have you ever, backpacked carrying a heavy load (over 15 pounds) without shoes or boots?
Not every hiker has perfectly conditioned feet. I've had three foot surgeries over the years and would never backpack in bare feet. There are very few people able to backpack in bare feet and not suffer for it.
About five years ago, my wife and I encountered a lady backpacking on the Paiute Pass trail in bare feet. She said she used flip-flops on rocky ground. She had been in the backcountry for 2 weeks. The mule packers called her "Little Foot", after seeing her tracks. She came from Laguna Beach, CA. and never wore shoes unless absolutely necessary...so you can figure it out.
Last edited by Bob West; 08/02/14 05:50 AM.
