Giveaway: Hi-Tec Hikers…for You and Three Friends!

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Thank you for playing. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED !

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Summer’s here and the hills are alive…with the sound of people reveling in nature, basking in the sun, soaking in the scenery and gasping for breath filling their lungs with fresh mountain air.

Hi-Tec is about to make four hikers—or hiking wannabes—very happy. The winner of this contest will receive a pair of Hi-Tec hiking shoes or boots for themselves and a pair each for three friends or relations. After all, the first rule of hiking is “Never hike alone!” (Actually, the first rule of hiking is “Never be farther than 20 minutes from an iced latte.” Oh, wait. That’s MY first rule of hiking.)

Women can gain some serious elevation in the Hi-Tec Altitude IV WP boot, one of the most popular light hikers in the United States. Rich, waterproof nubuck pairs up with a cushy, antimicrobial insole and a carbon rubber outsole for a women’s hiking boot that goes the distance with support, comfort and exceptional value.

The men’s Cascadia XCm eVent hiker is packed with performance features suitable for day hikes and wilderness treks alike. This state-of-the-art, waterproof Hi-Tec men’s hiking boot provides stability and lasting comfort, from the generously cushioned collar to the rugged Vibram® sole, which offers maximum multidirectional grip.

To enter the contest, answer this question in the comments below, “If you could take any three people hiking—living or dead, famous or not—who would it be and why?” (I’d bring Mario Batali to cook, my mother to tell me how smart I am for wearing Hi-Tec boots and Andre the Giant to carry me when I got tired.)

So go on, tell us about your dream hiking companions (100 words max.) and you could be the one lucky winner, chosen at random, to win four—count ‘em, FOUR!—pairs of Hi-Tec hiking boots or shoes! Entries will be accepted Tuesday, July 20, 2010 through Monday, August 2, 2010.

See contest rules for complete details.

Open to U.S. residents only.

By Get in Gear The OnlineShoes.com Get in Gear blog is all about living an active lifestyle from the ground (your shoes) up. Follow our shoe blog with OnlineShoes.com's very own shoe gurus. We're runners, walkers, outdoor enthusiasts and comfort driven fashionistas here to share advice, articles, video and the always popular shoe giveaways from our top brands.

73 Comments

I’m actually going on a hiking trip soon, and I love the group of guys we’ve got setup for it, but if I could pick anyone, I’d pick my grandpa for his interesting conversations (who passed away a few years ago), Jesus Christ for laughter and entertainment, and my friend Adam for his financial expertise and experience with the outdoors!

—By willwgp on July 16, 2010 at 12:22 pm
What a great question. If I could take three people hiking with me it would be my grandma (before she got sick) she loved the outdoors and was always ready for an adventure. She died 20 years ago and I still miss her daily.
John Lennon, just because I’ve always had this huge crush on him, and I would love to have him sing to us as we hiked. I think I could also talk to him for hours.
…and my favorite all time hiking partner my dad, just because I would want him to see his mom again, meet john lennon, and because he’s such an awesome guy.

—By Tara C on July 18, 2010 at 8:53 am
I would take my husband and my two sons ages 4 and 8. I know it sounds cheesy, but my husband is my best friend. He can also identify poison ivy and has a great sense of direction so I don’t have to worry about getting lost. Our boys loveadventures and going for a hike is their idea of a perfect day especially if there is a waterfall somewhere along the route.

—By thela on July 18, 2010 at 4:14 pm
I would take my husband because he is a good boyscout, The Crocodile Hunter because he reveled in nature like no other, Bear Gryllis because he could keep us fed.

—By reva skie on July 19, 2010 at 7:33 am
When I go hiking I would like to take Steve Irwin to point out and teach me about the dangerous and unique animals and protect me from alligators. His energy and appreciation for wild life would be so much fun to hike with. I would take Ewell Gibbons to teach me about the edible plant life and keep me from starving if we got lost. I would take Mark Twain to tell great stories by the campfire in the evening. And lastly I would take my son – because he’s the most wonderful person in the world and I love sharing all of life’s experiences with him.

—By cchristy on July 20, 2010 at 5:45 am
I would take Matthew Mcconaughey because he’s HOT and an outdoors person, my brother in law because he’s a knowledgable outdoors person, and my sister so we could have some sister time without kids!!

—By beachie on July 20, 2010 at 10:11 am
I would love for my family to hike with me.

—By pleasantandchad on July 20, 2010 at 10:30 am
I’d take my older son, to set the pace; my partner, to match my pace; and Hillary Clinton, because I think it would be fascinating to talk to her.

—By kdivasilver on July 20, 2010 at 11:28 am
I’d have to bring my dad with cause he’s the one who got me into hiking. And since he majored in forestry, he knows all sorts of interesting things about the wilderness. Second, would be Henry David Thoreau. I could listen to him philosophize all day long. Third, it would have to be my husband who is a great cook. Gotta have good food after a day on the trail!

—By tanya on July 20, 2010 at 1:28 pm
The three people i would take hiking would be my Dad because he tells alot of wild jokes, and he packs alot of good snacks. My Mom because she needs to walk 10,000 steps a day, plus she always brings water for everyone. And Elizabeth Taylor because I think she could give me alot of advice on how to be a happy single woman! Plus I think Elizabeth would love my Dad’s jokes, And she and my Mom would certainly enjoy each others company! And I of course would enjoy all three.

—By Victoria MD on July 20, 2010 at 1:40 pm
WikiLeaks.org founder Julian Assange, Ricky Gervais and Charlize Theron. I’ve got it covered, the conversation would be fantastically entertaining.

—By idontdospam on July 20, 2010 at 3:05 pm
My husband would definitely be one my hiking companions because he is the one I have hiked with for 35 years. I would take my Dad along, too, because is the one who imbued in me my love for the natural world. The third would be the author Terry Tempest Williams because I would enjoy conversing with her about the books she has written.

—By Eugenie on July 20, 2010 at 9:01 pm
I would bring a wilderness guide, a medic, and religious council! I’ve been on some pretty scary hikes…

—By Rachel on July 20, 2010 at 10:22 pm
I would take my husband because we share all fun experiences together always; my sister to make me laugh (she’s hysterical!); and my brother to keep me from killing my sister (we have this “love-hate” relationship thing)!!

—By Li'l MG on July 21, 2010 at 9:49 am
If I could take three people hiking I would take: Bear Grylls, from Man vs Wild, just in case anything went terribly wrong on our adventure; Tosh, from the show Tosh.0 on comedy central, to keep me entertained; and my dad because he loves to hike!

—By Nick Webster on July 21, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I would take my son’s Michael & Steven even though I gave them life, they have showed me what life is. My 3rd choice would be my long time friend Debbie, they all helped me recently with my battle with breast cancer, there was a time that I wanted to give up, but they all gave me what I needed…Love and Laughter and the reminder that I was and still am a strong woman. A woman that can handle any adventure that comes her was. Love laughter & a sense of direction is all we need.(and water!)

—By Collie on July 23, 2010 at 8:16 am
It’d have to be my three sons. Even at my age, I’m faster than the oldest, so that’s good for me if a bear chases us. The youngest one is super speedy, so he can go for help if No. 1 son actually outraces me away from the bear. And the middle child is very strong, so he can carry all the medical supplies I’m probably gonna need.

—By deweyd on July 23, 2010 at 12:54 pm
One “person” I would take would be Jesus. It would be interesting to walk in the woods and ask him questions about why the world is the way it is. A close friend would be my second person because it’s always fun to have a friend along. And third, I would choose Julia Child because she’s a good cook, led an interesting life, and always seemed like she had a good sense of humor.

—By Lisa on July 23, 2010 at 1:55 pm
Ever go to Yosemite or another massively popular location, hit a crazy, upwardly intense trail, sweat your butt off, nearly blow your lungs out…then pass some girl hiking in heals or a dude wearing loafers with tassels? I’d need someone to witness and appreciate this ridiculousness and my daughter would waste no time sharing her thoughts about it. Plus, she’s hilarious. Next on the guest list, my favorite hiking partner, my husband; prepared, practical and reliable, you can never go wrong with that. Finally, my bro who is always the life of the party. He turns every event into entertainment.

—By Lauren Monack on July 23, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I would definatly take my husband, first because he is my best friend,next because it is a dream of mine for him to be well enough to go on a hike with me. I would also take Jesus Christ as someone else said, it would be wonderrful to ask him questions and just walk with him in all his glory.

—By tobby100000 on July 23, 2010 at 5:57 pm
family and few friends would be good.

—By gregb204 on July 23, 2010 at 6:32 pm
I’d take my husband, who’s so passionate about hiking, my best friend Anca, because she is a city girl and does not have many opportunities to spend time outdoors, and my mom because she loves telling jokes and is a great sport.

—By Catalina K on July 23, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Well, I would need to take my grandson because he has LOTS of questions that need to be answered and he is a problem solver. My sister loves the woods so she would enjoy the hike and she can cook well. My son is a giant and would protect us all from harm and he could carry me home if I got too tired to walk anymore!

—By Betrice on July 23, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Jesus, Buddah, and Krishna…campfire stories would be enlightening!

—By GANDORF57 on July 23, 2010 at 10:43 pm
I would bring Jim Carrey, Seth Rogen, and Amy Poehler. It would be the absolute most hysterical hiking trip ever!

—By Trisha on July 23, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I’d love to be hiking with my Husband and 3 Children. We’re soon to be empty-nesters with one teenager still at home. The older two have moved far away and I miss them and the grand babies. I often think of them swimming away from the “boat”. Would love to hike up our mountain with them. Maybe next summer

—By MissEcho on July 23, 2010 at 11:46 pm
I would take my two sons and my daughter in law.. my DIL just graduated from Culinary school, and both my sons are big & strong.

—By misspita on July 24, 2010 at 2:16 am
I would take Stephen King to tell stories around the campfire, Rob Thomas to provide music and Emeril to do the cooking.

—By traymona on July 24, 2010 at 4:02 am
John Muir, Roger Tory Peterson and Mr Audubon. Now that’s a hiking group!

—By gatormomx2 on July 24, 2010 at 4:53 am
I would hike with Margaret Chase Smith, former governor Anne Richards, and Carol Burnett, because they’re all strong, interesting women.

—By visperson on July 24, 2010 at 6:07 am
ben franklin – I think he was a really intelligent guy.

maternal grandfather – he left this earth way too soon and I’d love to have a chance to spend even a little more time with him

fraternal grandfather – he is my namesake and died while my father was in high school. I never got to meet him and have heard enough stories that I know I should have met him

—By misternat1 on July 24, 2010 at 6:49 am
I hike with my husband and daughter. Our other two companions are canine, and weigh in at 125 lbs each. Their names are Beau and Miesha. One of our favorite hikes is the trails of Eisenhower State Park. Because of our many dates hiking, we were married at Eisenhower State Park.

—By ashadevine on July 24, 2010 at 10:22 am
I would take Jesus, Lincoln, and Sarah Silverman.
We would have great and possibly funny conversations while hiking!

—By sickdog74 on July 24, 2010 at 10:22 am
Jessica Simpson (it’s my dream).

—By Victokirsh on July 24, 2010 at 12:45 pm
1. my husband, because he’d insist. 2. his brother who passed away recently and we miss terribly. 3. Ted Nugent, because none of us have ever met him but his stories and insights would sure make for an interesting hike. Crossbow optional.

—By Anne L. on July 24, 2010 at 2:47 pm
I’d bring a more experienced hiker than me, my dad to hang out with, and my dog for fun.

—By gen on July 24, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I would take Bear Grylls from Man versus Wild. If he can survive with nothing, imagine what type of palace he could set up with modern, store bought items.

I would also take my cousin. I went camping with him once and he cooked very well.

For entertainment, I would take Jules Verne. What a great storyteller.

—By Sylvie W. on July 24, 2010 at 7:47 pm
There are so many answers to that question, I’m not sure I could settle on it. But for a group of three, I’d like to have my girlfriend and her parents. Her parents have both passed, but I think it would be a good chance to get to know each other.

—By Shorin Scythe on July 25, 2010 at 8:36 am
My companions would be the kind of people that lift as they climb. They would be able to help me along the way. My companions would be generous and willing to try anything, just like me.

—By frankie on July 25, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I would take my two daughters and husband hiking because I’ve hiked with my girls who are end up way ahead of us and my husband so he can tell us how boring it is.

—By Susan P. on July 25, 2010 at 2:11 pm
I would take three of my co-worker girlfriends. We are nurses and it would be a blast to get together away from work and in the wildnerness – especially in my new hiking boots!

—By Cindy on July 25, 2010 at 6:21 pm
I would take my dad, because he loves to hike, and my mom and sister because they like to look for toads on hikes. Toads are fun.

—By Hilary on July 25, 2010 at 7:12 pm
I’d take my fiance, MacGuyver (in case we ran into trouble) and Frank McCourt to keep us entertained with his fabulous stories.

—By Tara on July 25, 2010 at 10:21 pm
I would take my wife, my great grandfather, and ozzy. It would be a funny weird trip.

—By eaglesforjack on July 26, 2010 at 12:30 pm
I would take my wife, Richard Feynman for the great conversation and sense of humor and Thomas Keller to provide great meals for us.

—By Howell on July 26, 2010 at 5:58 pm
My chosen companions would be my grandma, my mom, and my daughter. My grandma died when I was six and my mom died when I was nine. I have wonderful memories of watching my grandma quilt and cook and memories of eating sweets with my mom. I would to have memories of them being outdoors, feeling alive and healthy and sharing that with my daughter.

—By bade05576 on July 26, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I would take my husband and 2 daughters to experience the beauty of nature and the outdoors together. Nothing is better than to be able to see the joy in my children’s eyes when we got to the top and to build happy and awe inspiring memories. These are the moments you look back on when times are tough.

—By WendyR. on July 27, 2010 at 4:14 am
on the trip ,davy crocket to live in the outdoors in case we got lost, jesus chist in case we an into a water body we could walk across,and my wife…to keep me in line and not get lost

—By dean on July 27, 2010 at 9:47 am
I love hiking, more now than when I was younger. My mother loved hiking as well, But I never went with her. She passed away a few years ago and if I could I would give anything for the chance to hike her favorite mountain with her, something I should have done years ago.

—By Andrew S. on July 27, 2010 at 4:10 pm
I’d bring my Dad because he has great folk knowledge about the natural world, my boyfriend because I hate to sleep alone, and Che Guevara to fight off any bears.

—By AMD on July 27, 2010 at 8:23 pm
…..Sorry I didn’t list three people in my first post…..so here is my real comment…..added to it..

I love hiking, more now than when I was younger. My mother loved hiking as well, But I never went with her. She passed away a few years ago and if I could I would give anything for the chance to hike her favorite mountain with her, something I should have done years ago.

I’d also take my dad, he is a mountain goat, and the best navigator I know, and I couldn’t forget my wife, so competitive she would race my up the mountain.

—By Andrew S. on July 28, 2010 at 8:52 pm
I would take my dad because he doesn’t get a chance to hike that often but he really enjoys it. I would also take my nieces because they live in the city and don’t ever get out into the wilderness.

—By Stephanie on July 28, 2010 at 9:02 pm
If I could choose three people to take with me hiking, I would want three people who are experienced in adventuring. I would take Edmund Hillary, because if he can climb Mount Everest, then he can probably climb anything. Neil Armstrong, after walking on the moon any hike is probably like a walk in the park for him. The last person I would take is Jane Goodall, because she would know what to do in any scary animal situations.

—By Tara P. on July 28, 2010 at 10:59 pm
If I could take any three people hiking, I would take my daughter (her exuberance for hiking would surely keep us charmed), and my Uncle Gerald (he never met a challenge he didn’t relish), and Jon Voight, so I could have someone upon which to feast my eyes by the light of the fire.

—By Schmidty on July 29, 2010 at 12:11 am
We’re having a ‘walking contest’ at work – part of our fitness initiative. These great boots would get our team moving!

—By mike on July 29, 2010 at 6:57 am
I would take my wife (because she loves camping), my brother mike (because he loves camping) and Brian Palmer (because he’s funny and he loves camping). I don’t like camping and I’d need the good vibes.

—By cblakes on July 29, 2010 at 3:39 pm
I’d take Lorenzo de’ Medici (he could give me some pointers on the dissertation I’m writing on his poetry), my old roommate Robby, and Mr. Rogers. We could take a break every time needed to change his shoes or sweater.

—By cshorter on July 29, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I would take my Dad (he passed away last year), my daughter and my grand-daughter.

—By okieway on July 30, 2010 at 8:10 am
My wife and my dogs. we are always going on walks locally and it would be fun to go to fall creek falls or asheville nc. a cabin stay and local hiking would be a nice trip.

—By kibbyster on July 30, 2010 at 8:55 pm
My dream hike is in New Zealand with my husband and my aunt and uncle. We all adore botany and the hike would probably take four times as long as it should because each of this would be going,”Ooo, look at this plant!” the whole way.

—By mgkamish on August 1, 2010 at 8:30 am
Daniel Boone. I have a real fear of bears in the wild and he is reported to have some expertise in this area.

—By James Goodman on August 1, 2010 at 8:40 am
I would take Jesus for any problems,my friend Jim,my son Sean and my brother Ron since I get along with them.

—By Don malone on August 1, 2010 at 2:15 pm
I would take my dad, and both my grandfathers, all of whom are now deceased, my maternal grandfather passed away long before I was born, my paternal grandfather passed away when I was very young, and my dad passed away shortly after he retired, and so we never got to do the things we planned for that time. It would be a great male bonding hike. If only it could be more than a wish.

—By Ushpa on August 1, 2010 at 9:10 pm
If I could take any three people hiking with me..they would be #1 the closest survivalist I could find #2 Paula Deen for great company and food and #3 my husband 10 years younger

—By mllmogaml on August 1, 2010 at 9:50 pm
my husband and I would love to take a hiking trip at Letchworth Park where we got married.

—By ashleyh8584 on August 2, 2010 at 4:31 am
My son and Lewis and Clark

—By sc2466 on August 2, 2010 at 5:57 am
I would take Will Rogers for his great story telling and humor to keep the hike fun and
interesting. I would also like Smokey the Bear to join me on my hike because he would
teach me forest safety by pointing out the hazards, both natural and human, that could
cause forest fires and share his knowledge of forest ecology. Not to mention he is friends
with all the forest rangers. Finally, I can just imagine what I would learn about astronomy
by having Galileo join me on my hike. What a terrific hike that would be.

—By Tommie on August 2, 2010 at 10:53 am
I’d take Albert Einstein because he would have the ability to be creative with his mind to help out from a logic standpoint, I’d also take my husband for moral support, and the last person I’d take would have to be our friend Andy who is pretty keane when it comes to locations and knows survival techniques.

—By victoria lester on August 2, 2010 at 3:34 pm
I would like to bring with me 3 people who would give anything to walk…they are Christopher Reeves, Iraqi war veteran Andrew Kinard (left without legs after IED explosion), and Alejandro Albarron, lost his legs to an IED, but his wife then joined the Army to take his place. He dreams of walking with her in battle.

—By anne m. on August 2, 2010 at 4:57 pm
I would love to learn to HIKE! But starting with the right shoes for the family and picking a great park, I am sure I would like it!

—By Tracy3675 on August 2, 2010 at 6:52 pm
I’ve always thought it would be great to drop everything and hike across the country. No cramped plane rides, no exhausting car trips, and no life threatening hitchhiking experiments. First person on the trip would be Donald Trump. If we ever needed money, I could say hey don’t be a Scrooge. Next would be either someone funny or beautiful. I’d pick Keira Knightly. It would be a long and lonely trip and a good time to test the “Last Man on Earth” theory. Third would be mountain climber Joe Simpson, who could get us out of anything.

—By desert11 on August 2, 2010 at 8:02 pm
I would like to go out with my soul beside me to can see how he looks like, for how I feel,in that momment when I crossing a river jumping a boulder coming down the hill runing faster as I possible can do it. that could be wonderfull because Im ready feel it inside me, but cant see it
I never leave my soul away

—By trekkinero on September 11, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Well I would take my hubby because he is a great campfire cook and my kids. They keep me enjoying the outdoors.

—By Jill L on June 23, 2011 at 9:23 pm