I came across an old newspaper article from June 6, 1915 from a gent named H. H. Wilson. He is sharing beautiful hikes in the area around the SGV and gives us some good 1915 era clothing recommendations as well as what to pack to be successful!
Below, I will share the exact text from the article with images of the described items you should bring
"Now a word on what to take! Dress comfortably and lightly and carry nothing with you that is not absolutely necessary. Wear a flannel shirt, riding breecher and either puttees or mountain boots with leather cleeks., which prevent slipping backwards. Wear heavy woolen socks over the regular cotton or silk ones. They act as a cushion for the feet. Carry a canteen of fresh water. Your knapsack should be light and compact-- a two-compartment knapsack, the lower compartment for the lunch and a change of clothing and toilet articles and the upper for luggage.
Works Cited
Wilson, H. H. "POPULAR HIKES INTO THE WILDS.: SMOOTH TRAILS AND EASILY TRAVELED GRADES; BEAUTIFUL AND IMPRESSIVE HILL SIGHTS; A WORD ON WHAT TO WEAR AND CARRY." Los Angeles Times (1886-1922), 06 June 1915, p. 1. ProQuest. Web. 25 June 2025 .
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Matthew
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stoke is high
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dima
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Those boots look pretty sweet. Mine keep falling apart, so maybe he's on to something. I think those are spurs in the photos? Is that recommended?
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Matthew
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Just noticed the spurs but that might be a tactic to prevent slipping backwards?dima wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 11:35 pm Those boots look pretty sweet. Mine keep falling apart, so maybe he's on to something. I think those are spurs in the photos? Is that recommended?
stoke is high
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JeffH
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I'm trying to figure out the cleeks. I agree those look like spurs, just missing the wheel.
I think maybe it should be cleats? Although back then weren't mountaineers basically using nails in the bottom of their shoes?
I think maybe it should be cleats? Although back then weren't mountaineers basically using nails in the bottom of their shoes?
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"Argue for your limitations and sure enough they're yours".
Donald Shimoda
Donald Shimoda