Trip Report: Keen Canyoneering Adventure (9/23-25/2005)

Scott Brady

Founder
Well, this trip greatly exceeded my expectations, and we had a wonderful adventure. Over a dozen swims in ~60 degree water, several rappels and exceptional scenery. What topped all that was the awesome team I was able to share it with.

Thanks! :luxhello:

And here are a few highlights.
Mark on rap
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Greg, in a narrow slot long crossing
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Uwe, in the first swim
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Hltoppr

El Gringo Spectacular!
Sorry I missed you guys! Ended up heading South to the Copper State Cruisers trail cleanup at Fossil Creek....had to deliver my moto to CruiserPhil....

Looks like a great time!

-H-
 

Brian McVickers

Administrator
Staff member
To all who went on this trip:

How did you like the Keens?
Did they grip well on wet rocks?

I'm looking at getting a pair and figured your experience last weekend would be a good field test!
 

articulate

Expedition Leader
mcvickoffroad said:
To all who went on this trip:

How did you like the Keens?
Did they grip well on wet rocks?

I'm looking at getting a pair and figured your experience last weekend would be a good field test!
Dude....these "boulder" series shoes gripped superiorly on dry rock - but verify the performance on wet rock with Baja. We were pretty impressed with the shoe on the sandstone slab we traversed, as everyone made some comment before attempting the manuever, "Sheesh...how'd you guys do this one?"

It seems to me that nothing can stop a muddy rock from sending you groundward at an alarming speed :)

Cheers,
Mark
 

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BajaTaco

Swashbuckler
Thanks Scott, I agree about the awesome team ;)

Wow, that was an incredible journey through some exquisite canyon landscape! Being able to put yourself deep within a cross-section of the earths history like that always gets you going. The sculpted curves and then the countless layers of sandstone are something to behold. I kept getting out of sight behind the group because I couldn't stop gawking and taking pictures and craning my neck to look at as many details as I could. Then I would catch up when they got to the next pool of water :D Damn, that water was COLD! I wish we had a thermometer to get a reading.

My synopsis on the Keen Boulders:

mcvick, I thought the Keens gripped very well and they surprised me on a few occassions where I expected them to slip. But Mark is right - there are some surfaces that will confound the stickiest of soles... and I almost incurred some dental work at one point :eek: I would rate them pretty high as far as grip goes for a canyoneering trip like this though, where a sandal-type (draining) shoe is required. I felt really confident with them early on in the trip. The Boulders upper construction is notably more rigid than the Newport H2 and for myself, this has advantages and drawbacks. The rigid upper obviously helps keep the foot structure in a supported position which is pretty critical for a trip like this. I always felt like my foot was well contained and supported in this shoe. The drawback is that the ridgid materials and the material used to line the inside surfaces tend to be felt on the flesh a bit more than the Newports (softer) so I think there are possible issues with a "break-in" period being required, whereas the Newports do not require a "break-in". An alternative would be to wear a thin liner sock. Only more time will tell though. My feet had some hot spots the following day when I put the Boulders on again, so I switched back to the Newports. I think this will be alleviated once I get to wear them more though. The enclosed toe-box combined with the wide open-strap construction is pretty much ideal for a canyoneering trip like this. I was able to firmly plant the toe of the shoes in all sorts of scenarios where the peace-of-mind knowing my tootsies were out of harms way is kind of a sub-conscious advantage. The issue of gravel trapped in the toe-box is a real one, but was surprisingly infrequent on this trip (for me anyway). That is the trade-off for the tootsie protection - you have to remove the shoe to get aggregates/debris out sometimes. We need to do some more trips with these to give them more of a time-line evaluation. So far, I am impressed.
 

Brian McVickers

Administrator
Staff member
Thanks
Great feedback on the Keens, especially since I am deciding between the Boulders and the Newport H2.

Glad everyone had fun and that all was safe.
Look forward to joining in in the future!
 

BajaTaco

Swashbuckler
mcvickoffroad said:
Thanks
Great feedback on the Keens, especially since I am deciding between the Boulders and the Newport H2.

Glad everyone had fun and that all was safe.
Look forward to joining in in the future!

No prob ;) FYI - I would not rely on the Newports for a trip like this, as much as I would the Boulder. The Newports are an AWESOME sandal - I wear mine daily and don't hesitate to take them "off-road" :D But for the sheer gripping capability and foot support, I think the Boulders would probably be more suited to highly technical treks. For a hike on an established trail, paddling, or even a bike ride, I would pick the Newports H2's any day. VERY comfy.
 

whitethaiger

Adventurer
I want more! :luxhello:

It doesn't get better than spending time with this group of people on an adventure.

About the Keens:
I totally second Chris' review. Like him I've been wearing the H2's all summer.
I was problably the only one of the group who wore the 'Boulders' new out of the box and I had a few hot spots after the hike. I was surprised how well they stuck to the rock. For water activities that do not require walking on rock faces I think I prefer the H2's since gravel can be removed fairly easily by just moving the foot around in the water, where as I had to take the 'Boulders' off to remove trapped gravel.
 

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BajaTaco

Swashbuckler
Nullifier said:
... thank god for dry bag back packs lol!

Absolutely! Having something dry/warm to put on if we needed/wanted to, made all the difference. I was also able to tote my digital camera and capture the trip with some photos thanks to my dry fanny pack.
 

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blupaddler

Conspirator
WOW!!! Looks like you guys had a great trip! Any exposure issues with the repeated in/out of the cold water? Regarding shoes would a waterproof boot with stealth/sticky rubber been more appropriate?

Oh, yeah, more pics!
 

Scott Brady

Founder
Exposure was an issue, and several of the "thinner" members of the group were affected. Fortunately, we had plenty of wool and fleece to go around.

Everyone was tough though, with not a whimper from anyone.

I even remember watching Greg shivering next to one of the pools, but he wouldn't go on to the sun, just in case someone needed his help. I was very proud of everyone for how they worked together and supported each other :)
 

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