Real Life Stories

Robert FrassMy GORE-TEX® shoes saved the trip!

"After receiving a book about the Appalachian Trail for my 26th birthday, I began dreaming of trekking the legendary trail myself. Over the next year I pored over maps, read lots of hiking advice and researched hundreds, if not thousands, of pieces of gear. I chose to go very light for my first solo hiking adventure, and following the advice of one ultra-light hiker, I chose a trail running shoe instead of a hiking boot.

The Ultra 103 XCR by The North Face was the best choice I could have made. My second day on the trail featured non-stop rain and mud. For 12 long miles I hiked through puddles and streams. By the end of the day I would have expected soaked feet, but instead, my feet were the driest part of my body.

The GORE-TEX® XCR® lining had not only stopped any water from entering, but had also allowed moisture from sweat to escape. Wet feet combined with the heat of friction are what cause blisters — a hiker’s worst nightmare. My GORE-TEX® shoes saved the trip!"

Robert Frass, San Diego, California
June 6, 2006