They are great for hiking when you need something small and compact. The grip is okay, but I would have liked a little more grip. Ideal for hikes that lead through a lot of water. Ideal for traveling to places where you will be hiking as they are lightweight and compact. You can swim in it if you must (I traveled to a place where there were multiple places to swim). I wouldn't swim in them unless you have to, but they are easy to swim in if you have to. Ideal for river trips and boulders. Willโฆ