Shoes for the Weary Sole - On Crocs

Picture this. You’re 10 miles and change from the trailhead, finally found the perfect spot to set up camp, there’s a pristine alpine lake in view, and you’re ready to kick back and relax. Maybe you’ll take a dip in the lake to cool off and rinse some of that dust off your legs. Then it’s time for a much-deserved snack. But let’s be real—your feet hurt. And the absolute least pleasant thing you can think to do right now is shove your wet, weary toes back in that stiff shoe. Enter Crocs.

Love them or love to hate them, there's no denying that Crocs fit the bill for backpacking. At around 400 grams, they're like carrying a cloud. (And if you're one of those ultralight backpackers who is worried about every single gram, let me start by saying "How?!" followed by "Why?!") I'll happily be a pack mule for comfort at camp, and when my ideal form of camp comfort is less than 1 pound, why not?

Now, I understand that Crocs are a little bulky for a tight pack. But who said they have to go inside? Those babies are built to live outside. They're light, they're airy, they're the perfect pocket for whatever precious cargo you might need to protect. Craving an avocado on the trail? Pop it in the Croc dangling from the outside of your pack. It might seem excessive, but my personal favorite snack for the first night at camp is charcuterie (as I said--I'll happily be a pack mule for comfort), but Lord knows those crackers will be nothing but crumbs if they live in your pack. Crocs.