Then and Now: Shoes & Clothing
Then — Leather moccasins
During the summers of 1804 and 1805 members of the Expedition suffered from stepping on prickly pears. The soles of their moccasins were not thick enough to keep the spines out of their feet, even though they added extra layers of leather.
Now — Hiking boots
No self respecting explorer would go out without the latest in ankle high hiking boots with thick soles, arch support and padding to protect the feet. According to ConsumeSearch Fast Answers, leather is still the material of choice for serious hiking outfitters. The recommended minimum of 2.5 mm leather thickness thickness far surpasses the best moccasin available to explorers in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In addition, a hard-rubber lug sole with deep treds, a metal shank midsole for lateral stability and a “beefy” midsole to protect the feet from sharp rocks are minimum expectations for today’s “serious” hikers and backpackers. Newly developed breathable, waterproof GorTex hiking grear is also popular.
To see how one man followed the Lewis and Clark read John Krist’s journal at: http://www.voyageofrediscovery.com/part6/trail/index.shtml
Then
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While the men of the Expedition started out in military uniforms and specially ordered “coatees,” flannel and linen shirts, and overalls made in the military style of the day but not in military colors, this clothing was proven inadequate to meet basic needs in the new, rough country. At first amused by the Native American way of dress, the men soon adopted buckskin clothing, moccasins, buffalo robes for warmth, and other aspects of native attire that were more practical and easy to make. The men became adept at tanning skins and making new clothing. Moccasins wore out and had to be replaced every two days!
Now
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Today’s back country trekkers know that layering is the key to comfort and is most adaptable to changing conditions. Hiking clothes can be grouped into 4 basic categories: inner layer, mid layer, insulation layer and outer layer. The inner layer, worn next to the skin is a wicking material. Unlike the cotton flannel used by the expedition that absorbed seat and stayed damp a long time, silk, polypropylene, MTS2 (Moisture Transport System) and Capiliene (designed for cold weather) are the current favorites for outdoor enthusiasts.
Recommendations for the mid layer, the everyday clothing, still include two of the fabrics available to the members of the Expedition — 100% cotton and wool clothing items. Newer recommended materials include Nylon and MTS2 and Capilene.
For the Insulation layer, wool is again recommended as a natural insulator although when wet, it takes a long time to dry. Fast drying and half as heavy, fleece and pile garments are popular today, especially those with wind and weather-stopping liners built in.
To cope with a wide range of weather conditions, appropriate outerwear is both waterproof and breathable. Unlike the simple and warm buffalo robes that members of the expedition wrapped around themselves in winter, current design features include adjustable openings at the waist, cuffs and neck, vents, hoods, storm flaps to cover zippers, pockets and other openings to protect against leaks, and sealed seams.