If you are like me, when you arrive at your campsite after a long hike, you want to switch out of your boots and put on something lighter and more comfortable. I have tended to carry sneakers, but I am beginning to wonder if I need the weight of a cross-trainer.

What shoes are out there that will work well around the campsite? I’m looking for something that will protect the toes, enough sole so you can step on a rock without hobbling yourself, but nothing that makes for extra weight. –
John B., New York

Good question: I’ve been sort of pondering that same question myself, John. Of course, in this day and age of light-packing, and given the fact that nearly all hiking boots are far more comfortable today than their counterparts of 20 years back were, we should be doing the right thing and simply wearing our trail boots around camp – maybe going barefoot occasionally if need be.

Try sandals: However, I have to agree that after a long, hot day on the trail, putting on something light and comfy and ambling around the campsite is a real treat. A few weeks ago, for instance, I opted to carry a pair of Teva sandals on a backpacking/climbing trip. They’re fairly light and very comfortable, but Tevas have drawbacks. They don’t offer a lot of toe protection, in the event you want to do anything more ambitious than loaf around camp or wander to the nearest stream for a water refill. Your feet don’t stay dry. And foot stability is a little problematic.

Another choice: Trail runners and things like that are too heavy, in my view. Water shoes, on the other hand, tend to be quite light while still offering decent toe protection, good traction and a lot of comfort. Salomon’s Karma ($90) is a good choice, with a mesh upper, tough toe camp, and grippy outsoles. Weight is about 20 ounces for a pair, so a bit over a pound. Teva’s Sunkosi shoes ($100) are a touch heavier, with a little more polyurethane around the uppers and a little less mesh than the Salomon shoes.

One potentially intriguing choice is the Vibram FiveFingers ($70). These are a sort of rubber five-toed sock – think of gloves for your feet. They slip right over your feet and toes for an unusual footwear experience.

The offer decent foot protection and good grip, and they’re very light – 11 ounces for a pair. But opinions are mixed. Some people really hate they way they feel, and in my own experience, it can be a little tough to get all your toes into correct slots. But they’re improved from the preproduction models I tried, so worth a look.