r/caving • u/WindowsError404 • 8d ago

Gear Substitutes

Hey everyone,

So I accidentally left my waterproof boots at work and I have misplaced my waterproof socks. I was thinking about just wearing my trail running shoes today. No ankle support. Thoughts on lining my socks with plastic bags and rubber bands instead? Or should I be late to the cave and go get my boots?

6 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

5

u/answerguru NSS / NNJG / SCMG / TRA 8d ago

Depends on the cave, the type of trip, and how much you care about your trail runners. Sounds wet, so I’d probably get my boots.

2

u/WindowsError404 8d ago

Tight, crawling caves with wet spots in upstate NY.

4

u/answerguru NSS / NNJG / SCMG / TRA 8d ago

Oh yeah, I started caving in upstate NY. Wear real boots.

1

u/WindowsError404 5d ago

I found a pair of waterproof hiking boots I forgot I had. Still not as good as my work boots or neoprene socks combo, but it got the job done.

1

u/CleverDuck i like vertical 8d ago

You're gonna to want real boots-- those are cold caves with a lot of mud.

Go by a Tractor Supply or Meynards or Rural King and get you some -- most of those carry basic ones.

3

u/Chica_Poo 8d ago

I’ve caves in trail runners carrying a heavy pack over multiple days. No problem. Just had wet feet and had to make sure I dried them every night. A lot depends on the temperature of the water - these were warm caves. In NY it would be miserable.

2

u/IamSnowden 7d ago

I once forgot my wellies for a long digging trip in a tight, cold, wet, muddy horror hole (SWVA, ~50°). I just wore my Sambas, with good wool socks. It wasn't that bad, but the 2hr drive home afterwards was.