Man vs. Wild Boots?

K Williams

K Williams

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Nov 17, 1998
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Does anyone know what boots Bear Grylls was using in the Ecuador(Amazon) episode? Thanks.

Also... why no machete??
 
Can't give you an answer on the machete, but I'm about 90% certain the boots are Merrells.

Gautier
 
Look like Merrell Chameleon Lows. I have a pair, tough and wateerproof with Vibram outsoles.
 
Why no machete? That really makes no sense. The machete is very cheap and easy to produce. If he were to come out with an official Bear Grylls machete, and show it in a few episodes, he could then market them for about $200 per copy.

Personally I think BG is a genius. The name of the show, Man vs Wild, is one of the classic conflicts that all creative writing is based on. The show is pure entertainment and apparently is working very well in that regard as lots of people are talking about it.

I thought his interview on Oprah was enlightening. He goes to a place, a local survival expert coaches him for a bit and then they do their shoot and go home. Bear does radical and adventurous stuff, makes everybody go ewwww a bit, and laugh a bit.

He actually is the right guy to play the part as anyone who is already running a school or has made a name for themself in the wilderness survival education business would be forced to make a much slower paced, instructional, and technically accurate program.

So the broader question, why no machete? Of course if you are going to be in a jungle you should have a machete. Likewise if you are shooting an instructional video about jungle survival you would expect to shoot alot of video on how to use one. If you want to shoot a segment in which a charismatic TV personality exposes himself to the raw force of nature then a machete would steal the show.

As to jungle boots... The regular, standard US issue, panama tread canvas and leather jungle boot is really quite good and they're not too expensive.

Mac
 
I've done a lot of walks through the jungle and I usually didn't use a machete. I didn't like using machetes because you cut up a lot of bush and it makes the jungle look bad for those who follow you. I used to use knee high snake boots that would get me through no problem. I did a few jungle treks with real pro jungle guides and they always used machetes. The real reason they used machetes was to blaze a trail so that they could easily find their way out again. Now that we have GPS to help us get out of the jungle the need to blaze a trail is not necessary anymore. My 2 sense.
 
I agree on the Merrils.

I like Montrails and Salomons. Danners are awesome if you like heavier leather boots.

Why no machete? Why no PSK at all!

First rule of survival: don't get in a survival situation.
Second rule of survival: be prepared -- training and equipment.

In Bear's case, if you have a canteen, there should be a good supply of water treatment tablets taped to it or in the case if one is used. He puked his brains out on one show due to bugs in the water. Just a small PSK would avoid much hassle-- compass, bug repellent, pot for boiling, space blanket etc.
 
pict said:
Why no machete? That really makes no sense. The machete is very cheap and easy to produce. If he were to come out with an official Bear Grylls machete, and show it in a few episodes, he could then market them for about $200 per copy.

Personally I think BG is a genius. The name of the show, Man vs Wild, is one of the classic conflicts that all creative writing is based on. The show is pure entertainment and apparently is working very well in that regard as lots of people are talking about it.

I thought his interview on Oprah was enlightening. He goes to a place, a local survival expert coaches him for a bit and then they do their shoot and go home. Bear does radical and adventurous stuff, makes everybody go ewwww a bit, and laugh a bit.

He actually is the right guy to play the part as anyone who is already running a school or has made a name for themself in the wilderness survival education business would be forced to make a much slower paced, instructional, and technically accurate program.

So the broader question, why no machete? Of course if you are going to be in a jungle you should have a machete. Likewise if you are shooting an instructional video about jungle survival you would expect to shoot alot of video on how to use one. If you want to shoot a segment in which a charismatic TV personality exposes himself to the raw force of nature then a machete would steal the show.

As to jungle boots... The regular, standard US issue, panama tread canvas and leather jungle boot is really quite good and they're not too expensive.

Mac
Click to expand...

Dude, why were you watching Oprah!?!?!?!?!?!:D

You are spot on with your observations.:)

H
 
Good points Mac.

Maybe Oprah will tag along on one of next seasosn's episodes.
I'd watch that one :D
 
Well i must say i did pick two things from BG. One, i got two metal cantines with a cup on the bottom. I thought that was a good idea. The second one as soon as i need new hiking shoes im getting the merrels they must be awsome shoes to do what he does. To make sure, i asked the good folks on here and it seems that many like those shoes. thats for me 90% of the sale. Lots of people that know what they are doing on here. The rest of the show is just that a show and i do think its a good one cause i make sure to see it. Im sure most of the time he knows exactly where he is heading. Come on he never gets lost and get out of the wild within 3 days. How does he manage to come across the only people in the area every time. Or how does he find the only house in the next 20 miles. I wish i were that lucky in everything i did. He is fun to watch if someone takes it as the thing to do then.......... let them more air for me to breath.. If you see someone jump of a roof of a building would you jump too???????????????? People got to have some common sence.. I like to watch him but if Les was on same time i would rather watch Les.

Sasha
 
KW- I've just always assumed no machete or hatchet because it would be unlikely for a person to have when unexpectedly plunged into the bush and lost. He doesn't even have a compass. I suspect we will see more stuff with his name on it, because there are always those wanting to have their wares endorsed. I personally would go for an ultralight compact dung press so not to waste even a drop of that precious stuff.:D ss.
 
Not to hijack the thread or go on a tangent, but in ways this reminds me of the early 90s when the Nike Air Jordans were bought left right and center just because of who wore them. Don't get me wrong Merells are quality, and in this day and age you usually get what you pay for, but I wouldn't get too caught up on brands personally. Knowing how to use your gear and it's basic functions are more important than who makes it or how much it costs. There are plenty of good alternative choices if you're on a budget.

Just my two cents. Gautier
 
Gautier said:
Knowing how to use your gear and it's basic functions are more important than who makes it or how much it costs. There are plenty of good alternative choices if you're on a budget.

Just my two cents. Gautier
Click to expand...

We all know how to use footwear, and no there aren't any cheap alternatives. Sure you can buy something that will do ok short term under so so stress but its not a bet your life piece of gear.
If your feet pack up you are finished no matter how many survival forums you visit or how sexy your kit is.

Footwear, you DO in fact get what you pay for (agreed), spend the money for the correct fit. Brands are only a guideline no 2 feet fit the same.

Skam
 
Sorry if that was taken a bit out of context, wasn't meant to sound aggressive or generate aggression. Like I said, generally you get what you pay for. There are "good alternatives" (that aren't as expensive) is what I was pointing too, not 'cheap alternatives', there IS a difference. I also agree, your feet are one of the most crucial things to take care of on hikes and in the bush.

That said, again, just an observation and not a personal attack. Not everyone "knows how to use footwear". Speaking not just of boots, but all things footwear related. I've seen many people pick brands of shoes and boots that "look cool", "look rugged", and so on and so forth. Not to mention that some people don't take into consideration how important socks and insoles are, for shock absorbtion, wear, breathability, etc. The list goes on. The only thing I was cautioning against was buying a shoe simply because "X" TV personality wears them.

I do think Merells are quality, and like you pointed out. Fit is important. So is intended application, environment, and use of them. Stopping to let your feet air out and breathe(if you don't have the ideal socks) for instance. Sorry if I didn't concisely convey what I meant, or any misunderstanding.

Gautier
 
Something neat that I found out recently is that REI will stretch boots for free for you if you buy them from them. They boil water, get the leather pliable, then stretch the boots where it is needed. I picked up a pair of REI Spirits last week and am having them stretched this week thanks to my funky feet. Leather only, obviously. The Spirits are some awesome boots if you are looking for something super durable and supportive.
 
Anyone know what he was wearing in the Panama jungle episode? British jungle boots?
 
I love Merrils. They are the only hiking boots and shoes for me out in the bush. They are SOOOOOOO comfortable. I saw a bunch of old men wearing them and finally asked one guy what the deal was and what they were. He explained to me that he had seen other older guys wearing them and they all said they were the most comfortable shoes on the planet. I went out and got a pair to try out. Now I swear by them. They rock!
 
Waterproof boots don't help if you go sloshing around in water, they just hold the water in. Get a pair of US jungle boots with drain holes. Remember "Bear" spends a few days filming a show and probably chucks the boots out and gets a new pair. No long term testing there.
 
Just wondering while we are talking about boots - what do you guys prefer the ones that go above the ankles or at the ankles. (lack of better terms)
 
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