Field note
When camp shoes are worth packing
Updated October 5, 2026
At the car
A clog or a sandal is the right call. The weight does not matter. Dry the hiking pair overnight.
On the trail
A light sandal such as a Bedrock can be the water shoe and the camp shoe. A heavy clog is a choice you should admit out loud.
Gear that shows the point
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Minimal camp sandal
Bedrock Cairn
Do not hike a rocky day in these unless your feet are already used to minimal sandals. They are the camp shoe that dries and weighs less than a clog. The strap system is the product. Size them snug.
Who should buy it. Backpackers who are tired of wet shoes at camp.
Pros
- Light
- Drains
- Straps stay put
Cons
- Minimal protection
- Learning curve on the straps
Camp clog
Classic clog, camp shoe
Bring them when the car is close. They let you dry your hiking shoes and walk the campground without socks full of gravel. On a backpacking trip they are an indulgence unless your feet are destroyed and the miles are short. Crocs are the usual version people mean.
Who should buy it. Car campers.
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Dry-ish
- Cheap
Cons
- Heavy for the trail
- No support
Check current price on the listing.
FAQ
Do I need them for a first overnight?
No. Let the shoes air. Bring them next time if you hated the evening.
Are flip-flops fine?
At a campground, yes. On a rocky ford, no.
