A few seasons ago I was on the search for a camp shoe that was warm enough, and supportive enough for my needs. My wife has vetoed using Crocs, which have long had a soft spot in many a camper and hiker’s hearts. It’s apparently just a no-go for her. But when I came back from a trip where my friend had a pair of Merrell Hut Mocs I thought those might be just the ticket.
Merrell makes the hut mocs in a variety of styles and colors on their website. They are available in both men’s and women’s sizing. Prices vary by style but nowadays they’re running around $75 for a pair from Merrell.com, with deals to be had elsewhere.
Construction
The Merrell hut moc is a moccasin style slipper with a quilted toe cap, a fold down rear, and a soft rubber sole. The idea being that you can fold up the rear fabric when you need extra support, or stomp it down when you just want to slip on the shoe. I use the slippers around camp after a day of hiking, particularly if I need to walk out to my truck or just slip out of the tent for one reason or another.
There is a loop in the front of the tongue in order to help in slipping the moc on your foot. That can double as a point to throw a carabiner on it to dangle from your pack in a pinch when hiking.
Durability
If you chose to use the Merrell Hut Moc for a camp shoe my only real concern would be the durability of the sole. After two seasons it’s held up quite well. However rocks cause pock marks in the soft rubber. Just around camp this is definitely fine. I’ve used mine for a house slipper and camp shoe for two or three seasons. It’s beginning to get worn on the soles for sure.
For a camp shoe, the inside will pick up foot funk, so it’s worth keeping them deodorized. Consider odor eaters, or a dry spray deodorant. The occasional baking soda bath for the mocs to keep them smelling fresh. The quilted pattern on the exterior as well as the sueded leather will pick up and hold water. So if you’re camping a lot in wet conditions something like a Croc or Merrell Hydromoc might be for you instead.
Overall
Overall I think the Merrell Hut Moc provides a good value for a camp shoe. After a long day I want to take off my hiking boots and slip into something for camp meals. I’m not fond of the aesthetic of Crocs, but mocs themselves seem more put together with their quilted exterior. I don’t want to try throwing on my full boots in the dark when I need to take a last pee call. Slip on shoes are ideal here, and the Merrell Hut Mocs fill that role plenty well.
