After a long day on the trail, the first thing most backpackers want is to get their boots off. That's what camp shoes are for: a light second pair you wear around camp, on water crossings, and on the midnight walk to the privy. The trick is picking a pair that earns its spot in your pack.
Here's how to choose camp shoes for backpacking, what trade-offs matter, and where foldable sandals fit in.
Why bring camp shoes at all?
- Let your feet recover. Airing out your feet after hours in damp socks helps prevent blisters and hot spots the next day.
- Dry your boots. Your hiking shoes can air out overnight instead of being worn around the fire.
- Protect your feet in camp. Rocks, roots, sticks and sharp gravel are hard on bare feet, especially in the dark.
- River and lake crossings. A pair of sandals keeps your main footwear dry when you ford a stream or wade into a lake.
- Shared facilities. Campground showers and huts are exactly the kind of wet, shared floors you don't want to walk barefoot.
What to look for in camp shoes
1. Weight
Every gram counts on a multi-day trip. Dedicated ultralight camp shoes can weigh just a few ounces, while everyday slides and clogs often weigh a pound or more per pair. Most backpackers land somewhere in between: light enough not to notice, sturdy enough to actually walk in.
2. Packability
Weight is only half the story. Bulky clogs are awkward to strap to the outside of a pack, and they snag on branches. A flat, flexible sandal slides into a side pocket, down the back panel of your pack, or into the gap between your bear can and sleeping bag.
3. Comfort and cushioning
The thinnest camp shoes save weight but can feel like standing on a sheet of foam. If you plan to walk to a viewpoint, gather firewood or spend an evening on your feet, a cushioned footbed makes a real difference.
4. Straps and security
Thong-style sandals are light but many people find the toe post uncomfortable, especially with socks. Open-toe sandals with a strap across the foot and a heel strap stay put better on uneven ground and during water crossings.
5. Water and grip
Look for a closed-cell material like EVA foam that won't soak up water, dries fast, and has a textured sole for wet rock and shower floors.
Honest trade-offs: no camp shoe does it all
The lightest options are often a thin foam sole with minimal structure: great for a short walk around camp, less great on steep, rocky or sloped ground. Sturdier sport sandals handle real terrain but weigh far more. Pick based on how you'll actually use them:
- Counting every gram on a thru-hike? An ultra-minimal camp shoe may be the right call.
- Want comfort in camp plus showers, hostels and travel days? A lightweight cushioned sandal is more versatile.
- Doing technical water crossings? Consider a dedicated hiking sandal with a secure heel strap.
Where Jimmies foldable sandals fit
Jimmies foldable sandals were built for people who want one pair that does camp, the gym shower and travel. A pair plus its mesh bag weighs 155 g to 230 g depending on size, and the soft EVA footbed is cushioned enough for evenings on your feet. They have an adjustable strap across the foot, a heel strap for a more secure fit, and no toe post.
Being honest about what folding does: it doesn't make the sandals vanish, but it makes them flat and flexible so they tuck into the spaces a stiff slide or clog can't. The included carabiner means you can also clip the mesh bag to the outside of your pack so wet sandals can dry as you hike.
They're a lightweight, comfortable camp shoe rather than the absolute lightest option on the market. If you want something that also works for campground showers, hostels and flights, that's the sweet spot they're designed for.
Quick camp shoe checklist
- Under about 250 g per pair for backpacking
- Waterproof, quick-drying material
- Textured, non-slip sole
- Heel strap if you'll cross streams or walk on uneven ground
- Flat enough to fit in a side pocket or clip to your pack
FAQ
Are camp shoes worth the extra weight?
For most backpackers, yes. A light pair gives your feet a break, lets your boots dry, and protects you around camp and in shared facilities.
Can I use camp sandals for water crossings?
Yes, as long as they have a heel strap and a grippy sole. For fast or deep water, use extra caution or cross in your hiking shoes.
What's the difference between camp shoes and hiking sandals?
Camp shoes prioritize low weight and packability for use around camp. Hiking sandals are built for miles of trail and weigh considerably more.
Ready to lighten your load? Shop Jimmies foldable sandals, with free shipping and 90-day returns.