In short:
A tourist has been accompanied down Cradle Mountain, in Tasmania’s north west, after attempting to climb it without footwear.
Police say the man contacted emergency services Saturday morning, reporting that he was unable to walk due to his toes being frost-bitten.
What’s next?
Police have urged people to remember the importance of going out into the wilderness with appropriate equipment.
For reference, temps at cradle mountain are still a few degrees below zero overnight.
Soooo, you know, it’s nice to feel connected to nature by going barefoot, but shoes are probably a good idea.
I’ve walked barefooted up and down a Canadian mountain similar to Cradle with snow still fully on the path, so it is doable… But I wouldn’t recommend it and even less so if you’ve not previously hiked barefooted.
Tasmania is also deceptive, it can look 20C one minute and be below zero the next.
Agreed that shoes probably make sense.
At least bring some just in case even if you plan to walk barefoot.
My toes are freezing in Sydney as it is.
Is barefoot hiking common? Being in touch with nature and Mother Earth and stuff? Or is he just an idiot?
It’s not hugely common, but common enough that it’s not unheard of. Same with barefoot running.
I have “barefoot” hiking sandals that are 4mm thick, so I can feel everything but not get rocks in my soles. Sort of a compromise, because I don’t like shoes but don’t want to damage my feet if I slide or something.
Oh, ok, thanks. Never heard of the idea before.
