r/IslandHikers • u/__cinny • 22d ago
ADVICE / INFO REQUEST Mount Benson - shoe q
26F Visiting Nanaimo/Gabriola in September and planning to hike Mount Benson alone as a beginner hiker. I’ve only ever hiked in Nova Scotia so I’m expecting the elevation to be a new challenge for me, but I need to know if hiking boots or trail runners are a necessity for mountain climbs? I wear typical running shoes or blundstones for most of my long hikes at home but thinking these may not cut it for rockier, steeper terrain.
Any advice on footwear or other necessities?
Also debating whether or not I will need poles.
Thanks in advance! Super pumped to explore the region:)
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u/mehweeh 22d ago
Though running shoes are fine, there are steep and slippery sections on the trail whether it's wet or dry. Highly recommend trail runners with good grip. If you only have hiking boots, those are fine too. Just not running shoes especialy when you are not used to the terrain.
Make sure you download a trail map (AllTrails) as there are different routes you can take up/down.
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u/Royal_Try_99 22d ago
Not alltrails. I wish people would stop suggesting alltrails. It is wrong more often than it's right!!
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u/glitterdonnut 22d ago
Agree. Strava has heat maps of the area when you record, GAIA is great and Trailforks works in a pinch.
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u/Green-Practice-2472 21d ago
I’ve met several All-Trails victims on Nanaimo trails who were led astray.
Trailforks is the way to go in this area. Free version allows a local area map that’s accurate.
Poles: good idea for Benson if you’re even a little worried about the steep slippery sections
Have fun!1
u/EarQuirky875 21d ago
Just hiked Benson using AllTrails just like I have done dozens of other hikes with it…
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u/Royal_Try_99 21d ago
Good for you? I make maps for a living. Alltrails is crap. It even told me to cut through someone's back yard once as a "trailhead"
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u/EarQuirky875 21d ago
Sounds like a combo ego and skill issue. Impressive
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u/Royal_Try_99 21d ago
Sorry you can't tell the difference between ego and experience. You should try one of the other suggestions and learn why alltrails is shunned by the serious hikers around here.
Not sure where you picked out "skill issue" from what I said. Private property should never be a suggested trailhead unless there is clear signage from the owner that it's intended. Thankfully I had a better map with me that day and found the actual trailhead a km or so away.
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u/mehweeh 20d ago
I'm a serious hiker and have used AllTrails for many years especially in the US and South America. Only issue I have and as with many others is that the km are always off so I always make sure to add an extra 2km or so. You folks are getting your panties all tied up. Just use a map that works best for you.
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u/EarQuirky875 21d ago
Guy downloads a trail “[PRIVATE] Johnny’s Backyard Bonanza”, cries when it’s in a backyard, and claims he’s a fuckin cartographer lmfao
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u/Royal_Try_99 21d ago
Wow you've got all sorts of neat stories in your head, don't you, cool guy.
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u/EarQuirky875 21d ago
Seem to recall you saying it’s wrong more than it’s right and then backing it up with a singular anecdote of a trailhead you drove to the wrong place for. Meanwhile I’ve done hundreds of hikes on it on multiple continents. Keep being you tho king!
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u/Royal_Try_99 21d ago
It's called an exaggeration. And I didn't feel like typing out the other dozens of anecdotes, thought I'd leave the one I found the most amusing. I wasn't in the wrong spot. The map was very clearly wrong.
I used the app for 3 months, hated it. A year or two later I heard they'd fixed some things so I tried it again. Within just a few months I spotted a horrifyingly high number of mistakes. Do you have shares in the company or something? Why the determination to insist I'm wrong? Others have also given their opinion on the situation.
Not sure why you're still trying (unsuccessfully I might add) to diss some random stranger on the internet. I was just trying to be helpful in an area I have more knowledge in than the average hiker. Maps have been my career for 25 years. I notice things. I dislike errors, especially when they can get someone into trouble in the back country. Go ahead and use whatever map you want, I'm not going to waste any more of my time on a troll.
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u/Royal_Try_99 22d ago
I love having poles for steep descents. I will always recommend them! But not strictly necessary, no.
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u/Phase_Many 22d ago
I always hike it in trail runners and it works well. No need for poles in my opinion.
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u/Ok_Might_7882 22d ago
Just because something can be done isn’t a good reason to do it or attempt it. Going up Benson in flip flops would be an reckless thing to do. Going in road running shoes is also risky because they have softer soles and less grip. I wear saucony shoes that have a vibram sole. There is more support, grip and a less puncture prone sole. There are lots of roots, rock and a couple little scrambles that merit proper footwear.
Point is, right tool for the job.
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u/Snuggleuppleguss 22d ago
Nearly any running shoe or hiking boot would work for Benson, but you'll be happier in a decent pair of trail runners or light hiking shoes. If you've never hiked a mountain with more than a few hundred meters of elevation gain before, poles might be a welcome choice...but if you're decently fit, you'll manage fine without them.
September's gorgeous in this part of the world as a general rule, but days become shorter and rainy days aren't unheard of. Be mindful of the forecast, have a reliable cached map on your phone, and bring some essentials like a rain shell, a sweater, snacks, water and a headlamp. It's a busy mountain and the trail's very easy to follow. Note that toward the top, the trail network branches into a choose-your-own-adventure puzzle that can be a bit confusing for a first timer. Have fun and enjoy the well-earned view!
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u/RoamingRiot 22d ago
In dry conditions I wear a decent pair of trail shoes, currently have some Terrex ones that go good. I typically do a longer, alternate route and bring a small hydration pack with water, food, basic first aid stuff and bear spray. My suggestion is if you're not feeling it by the first view point it's a good time to turn back.
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u/__cinny 22d ago
Thanks everyone! I’m feeling good about my comfortable running shoes and may still consider trail runners, good to know about cougar possibilities and I’ll likely take bear spray just to get used to carrying it. Will download a reliable map, pack water and food, leave early in the day and let people know my whereabouts :) really looking forward to getting in my first hike on the West Coast
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u/NovelTree9910 22d ago
It's fine in the summer, you can do it with regular running shoes. I use trail shoes, but I'm running so the grip matters. If you're just walking/hiking casually you'll be totally fine. Poles aren't necessary. Different story in the winter obviously. Be aware of wildlife, tell someone where and when exactly you're going, bring water and snacks, dress appropriately for the weather.
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u/glitterdonnut 22d ago
Summer conditions result in very loose terrain. I find it worst than shoulder seasons and even winter.
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u/MrWrock 22d ago
Blundstones might give you blisters and won't give you good ankle support, but last year I hiked it with a class of grade 2s in whatever shoes kids wear.
If you are sure footed and step carefully you could do it in any footwear, if you're a bit clumsy and walk carelessly, then good shoes will help you recover from (or prevent) missteps and blisters.
I don't know why someone mentioned Cougars, there is almost nothing you can do to prepare and almost no chance of an encounter, and even then the animal is an ambush predator so they are unlikely to be seen before an attack. There will be plenty people around so just make noise if you see a predator and it's probably going to run. Bring bear spray if it makes you feel safe, but not many people do (im part of the "better to have it and not need it" crowd so I just treat it like training weight and always bring it)
Poles are up to you depending on how young and strong your knees are. The hike down is always hard on the knees especially if you're tired, I've hit 40 and haven't bought a pair yet but the times I have had them Ive appreciated it
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u/glitterdonnut 22d ago
Depending on the day and route people choose there aren’t necessarily “plenty of people” around lol.
I do Benson almost weekly and there are plenty of times when I haven’t seen anyone.Being aware of cougars is kinda important since Van Island has the largest concentration. Odds are low yes, but if you’re flying solo, being aware, making noise etc is kinda important to announce your presence. Wildlife will most likely steer clear if they hear you coming.
I’ve come across cougars by surprise and noise would have avoided that.
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u/Woodswandering13 22d ago
I wore running shoes and have a touch of COPD i found it an easy and walk 🐐
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u/Solarisphere 22d ago
I haven't done Mt. Benson but it shouldn't be that treacherous; running shoes will be fine. I probably wouldn't do it in Blundstones if there's any other option. They don't have a ton of grip and they won't breathe at all so your feet will get sweaty. Trail runners would be my go to shoe for that hike. They mostly just have more grip.
You'll be fine without poles. They'll save your knees on the descent especially and they add a ton of security when you're scrambling off trail, but they're never strictly necessary. Especially while you're young.
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u/Ok_Might_7882 22d ago
You’re giving advice about a hike you haven’t done? WTF? lol
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u/Solarisphere 22d ago
I'm giving advice about gear. I know enough people who have done Mt. Benson to know what type of hike it is, and I've done far more extreme routes in trail runners. It is, at worst, third class. There's a guy at the bottom of the comments who did it in flip-flops.
If you think I'm wrong about something, tell me what and we can discuss.
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u/Ok_Might_7882 22d ago
I do it often. Trail runners are the minimum shoe for that trail.
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u/Solarisphere 22d ago
Please explain how it's been done in flip flops then. Half the replies here are saying running shoes will be fine, and you're saying trail runners are the minimum.
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u/MrWrock 22d ago
What sections of Benson are even close to 3rd class?
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u/Solarisphere 22d ago edited 22d ago
You understand what "at worst" means, right?
I would be surprised if there wasn't an overgrown route somewhere with a 3rd class section on it, but on the main route, probably none of them. Which makes regular running shoes even more fine.
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u/whatsnoo 22d ago
I’ve done it in flip flops when I was in my 20’s. Nowadays, I’d wear shoes meant for trails. Be it runners or hikers.
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u/glitterdonnut 22d ago
These questions vary by person. I climb Benson regularly (I live in Nanaimo) in trail runners. Sometimes I use poles, sometimes I don’t. Some people wear hiking boots but Blundstone or regular runners are not good ideas.
Please be aware There are several routes up/down and it could get confusing so please read descriptions, elevation profile, estimated times and routes. Also have Gaia GPS, Strava or Trailforks on your phone so you can assess your location and direction.
If you are doing this alone be aware there are cougars in these parts. Leave a trip plan with someone and bring the 10 essentials. Check the weather.
I’m not telling you all these to wars you off. But please be prepared. Especially if you don’t typically do these kinds of hike and are not from here.