If you’re an avid reader of my work here on Eye & Pen, you know that I’m a big nature lover who loves nothing more than to get out into the wilderness, as far away from man as possible. The reason is complex, but the basic reason is that in no man made place on earth can I feel as connected, as peaceful, calm and inspired as I do when I am in the unspoiled wilderness.
I gain this sense of belonging, as if I’m in the right place at the right time, every time I explore the natural areas of our world. And nowhere else do I feel that way. I attribute this immense feeing of connection directly to our origins as humans as a part of the greater whole of animate life. Without time spent in the natural world, we become stressed, anxiety consumed, and mental and soulful issues tend to ramp up before getting out of control. Simply put, time spent with our origins brings us back to where we belong, and it is such a powerful thing that it can be felt. And is it not the things that make us feel that stick with us forevermore?
But to venture so far out, you must go prepared. That means packing smart and choosing gear that will help you survive the worst that the natural world can throw at you. One of my recent favorite gear finds is Garmont’s Santiago Low GTX shoe, which is a low-cut hiking shoe that was built for day trips, everyday activities and lighter terrain and hotter weather. If you’ve ever been backpacking or camping in a place you had to hike to, you understand that every ounce matters, which is why lessening the burden of what gear you take with you is an important step of maturation for every adventurer and outdoors man and woman.
Garmont is featured regularly on our site because they make a superior product. Every pair of hiking shoes is made extremely tight with high quality builds that were made to withstand heavy use in tough areas under challenging environments. They are among my top goto’s every time. And this time around, as I mentioned above, I’ve had the opportunity to try out their Santiago Low GTX shoes, which I’m a big fan of.
They are a lighter, less bulky shoe that is extremely versatile, in that it gives your ankle the freedom to adjust and move with ease, yet offers support and protection that makes a hiking shoe what it needs to be, while also remaining comfortable. I don’t know how many times (A LOT!) that I’ve tried out a hiking shoe that typically is either too stiff and ends up causing harm after extended use, or is weak in its support but strong in its comfort. If you can marry these features then you’ve got a damn near perfect hiking shoe, and I think Garmont has done just that.
The Megagrip outsole provides quality traction in wet and dry conditions, while the shoe tip is heavy like a steel-toe, yet the upper suede leather and nylon mesh offer you the comfort you need and desire from a long-use shoe. All in all, I found the Santiago Low GTX to be a great summer shoe that can take the sometimes sporadic wet conditions that come with certain environments. I like how fit, being less bulky and adding less weight to my already overtaxed body. When I went out hiking last time, I noticed that they hugged my feet, yet allowed for optimum range with my ankle, which I found to be a lifesaver for when I was climbing rocky terrain.
If you would like to learn more about Garmont, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
But to venture so far out, you must go prepared. That means packing smart and choosing gear that will help you survive the worst that the natural world can throw at you. One of my recent favorite gear finds is Garmont’s Santiago Low GTX shoe, which is a low-cut hiking shoe that was built for day trips, everyday activities and lighter terrain and hotter weather. If you’ve ever been backpacking or camping in a place you had to hike to, you understand that every ounce matters, which is why lessening the burden of what gear you take with you is an important step of maturation for every adventurer and outdoors man and woman.
Garmont is featured regularly on our site because they make a superior product. Every pair of hiking shoes is made extremely tight with high quality builds that were made to withstand heavy use in tough areas under challenging environments. They are among my top goto’s every time. And this time around, as I mentioned above, I’ve had the opportunity to try out their Santiago Low GTX shoes, which I’m a big fan of.
They are a lighter, less bulky shoe that is extremely versatile, in that it gives your ankle the freedom to adjust and move with ease, yet offers support and protection that makes a hiking shoe what it needs to be, while also remaining comfortable. I don’t know how many times (A LOT!) that I’ve tried out a hiking shoe that typically is either too stiff and ends up causing harm after extended use, or is weak in its support but strong in its comfort. If you can marry these features then you’ve got a damn near perfect hiking shoe, and I think Garmont has done just that.
The Megagrip outsole provides quality traction in wet and dry conditions, while the shoe tip is heavy like a steel-toe, yet the upper suede leather and nylon mesh offer you the comfort you need and desire from a long-use shoe. All in all, I found the Santiago Low GTX to be a great summer shoe that can take the sometimes sporadic wet conditions that come with certain environments. I like how fit, being less bulky and adding less weight to my already overtaxed body. When I went out hiking last time, I noticed that they hugged my feet, yet allowed for optimum range with my ankle, which I found to be a lifesaver for when I was climbing rocky terrain.
If you would like to learn more about Garmont, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
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