The fit of a shoe can be a major factor in your enjoyment of time spent outside. The last thing you want to have to think about is sore feet. A recent study by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that more than 77% of Americans experience foot pain. Most even think foot pain is…
Category: Gear
Kathy Simko’s Arizona Trail Trek – Entry 1 – The Journey Begins
Hi there! This is Kathy Simko and I am employed full-time by the Summit Hut. I am usually fitting feet in the footwear department, but currently I am thru-hiking the Arizona Trail, which traverses Arizona 800 miles from the border of Mexico to the border of Utah, and my trail name is Utah Zuke. I…
How To Select The Best Climbing Shoe
Did you go through a whirlwind of thoughts trying to pick out your first rock climbing shoe? I know that I did, without a doubt. It took me forever! I would go to the gym, and I’m sorry, but there is only so long you want to use a rental shoe. There’s just something about…
Superfeet University
Recently a few Summit Hut staffers were invited to visit the Superfeet Headquarters in Ferndale, Washington for a few days of what is called “Superfeet University.” We were also to visit Northwestern Podiatric Laboratory, the sister company of Superfeet. Thinking we were going to get an in-depth knowledge of insoles over the two days of…
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket Review
The Ghost Whisperer Jacket is hands down the most used piece of clothing in my closet. This jacket is super warm, versatile, comfortable, comes in great colors, I have the women’s blue and it always gets compliments. To give you some context before reading on, I am an avid hiker, backpacker, climber and work at…
Exped Dreamwalker Review
Summit Hut has a very unique bag from Exped called the Dreamwalker. We love carrying it because it is a big conversation starter and most people, including myself, get a good giggle out of it the first time you see it. Before you laugh too much and write it off, think about how never having to…
Lightning 60
Let’s cut to the chase: the Lightning 60 is a great pack. Need a pack that is very light, yet handles heavier loads with ease? Look no further than the Lightning 60. Though this pack is disarmingly simple looking, it is remarkably comfortable. I was recently won over by this pack on an eight day backpack in…
Review: Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 5 Set Pack
Over the past couple of years I have become more excited about running and moving quickly in the backcountry has become something that I enjoy/dream about/work towards. If – like me – you want to move fast/run on the trails and still carry a bit of gear and extra water with you the Salomon Advanced…
Hiking Report: February
February in Tucson and in Southern Arizona tend to be a great time to get outdoors to play in your favorite venue. Whether it is hiking, biking, trail running or simply just getting outside to enjoy the weather and awesome landscape to relieve the stresses of our everyday lives. One of the things that we…
Review: Inov-8 Trailroc 235, 245, 255
In the second half of 2012 Inov-8 released 3 new models in their Off-Road series – the Trailroc 235, 245 and 255. Because the fit and features seemed right we decided to stock the entire series – and after getting good feedback from a staff demo day on the Douglas Springs Trail and from several…