River crossing

[Giant Stoneater]

Remove socks, remove insoles, put boots back on, wade river, pour water out of boots, insoles back in boots, socks on, start walking, simple.

[WeeHills]

"It was getting a bit tricky for balance trying to hold a pair of boots and edge along all the stone barefoot, so when I got half way across I threw the boots to the other side."

The trick is to tie your boots together by the laces and drape them round your neck.

I like a good wade, find it preferable to balancing precariously on slippery stepping stones, and favour cheap sandals and a wee micro-fibre cloth.

[davemorrissey]

Thank you so much for all this. I saw this picture of a couple happily wading through a stream and thought I was missing something and there were waterproof boots so I didn't need to take my boots off (I use the barefoot, poles and bugger that's cold technique )

If I read this right, you're missing the boots hanging from his pack Same technique I use for bike+hike.

I normally go barefoot, with poles and a 130g microfibre travel towel I usually carry. I have a pair of these for summer kayaking and would take those for big crossings, especially early in the walk like Ben Lui. My boots would stay wet for a week!

[kaye.cantlay]

I'm rubbish at crossing rivers - short legs and poor balance = trouble with using stones.
In the event of a wade I've generally anticipated it in advance and have my very special river crossing crocs to hand, and I always have my poles to steady myself.
Boots and socks off, boots tied by laces and slung around my neck.

Water above the knee would be a no go for me on my own.

[TheRealLurlock]

I have a pair of these for summer kayaking and would take those for big crossings, especially early in the walk like Ben Lui.

Thanks for the suggestion. How much do they weigh?

[davemorrissey]

They're 420g, so probably heavier than most sandals or flip flops.

[rockhopper]

They're 420g, so probably heavier than most sandals or flip flops.

I generally just use flip flops which at under 150gr. Also have wet suit shoes - heavier but I think under 300gr.
Always use two poles to aid balance and have crossed water as deep as mid thigh (removed trousers first). Sometimes I've got perhaps part way across then had to go back and try along the bank a bit if too deep.
Using the flip flops, I need to grip the thong with my toes and be careful to ensure they stay on - sort of shuffle along the river bed. The soles though are thick so I don't feel the stones underneath.
The wet suit shoes stay on very well but the soles are very thin so I feel all the stones underneath.
Pros and cons. I generally carry the flip flops if there's a risk of a water crossing at all as they're so light. Found that it's just a case of getting used to them and working out how best to use them over the years.

[Colin1951]

In my view, essentials for river crossing, if you can’t safely boulder hop - flip flops and walking poles.

In spate conditions - I just don’t. Either walk upstream or find another hill!

[Ewen1966]

Croc swiftwater.
A bit nicer looking than bog standard crocs and they stay on better. I used mine to cross the bay of Mont St Michel when doing the 3 saints way so comfy as well.
I have been known to just wade rivers in my boots at the end of the day though...