T Hocking
Trad climber
Redding, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Jan 15, 2013 - 07:58am PT
|
My current boots (Lowa) are DOA, they served me well for over 15 years.
Looking for recommendations for a backpacking/light mountaineering boot.
Primary use will be backpacking with occasional peak bagging and strap on crampon use.
Won't be doing any steep ice front pointing and would like to keep the price point under $200 if possible.
What do you guys like or recommend.
Thanks,
Tad
|
|
donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
|
|
|
Jan 15, 2013 - 08:00am PT
|
They are mutually exclusive. Backpacking is best done with running shoes unless a lot of snow is present.
|
|
T Hocking
Trad climber
Redding, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Jan 15, 2013 - 08:19am PT
|
Want a boot that offers ankle support and foot protection that a trail running shoe can't.
|
|
Ron Anderson
Trad climber
Soon to be Nipple suckling Liberal
|
|
|
Jan 15, 2013 - 08:26am PT
|
I got a pair of KAYLAND lighter mountaineering style boot which ive been very happy with.. All leather uppers, toe cap for protection- and fairly light- Sierra trading posts has them normally.
|
|
darkmagus
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
|
|
|
Jan 15, 2013 - 08:33am PT
|
Asolo Moran GTX, though it may not be under $200.
|
|
T Hocking
Trad climber
Redding, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Jan 15, 2013 - 09:18am PT
|
Thanks guys,
Ron, I don't think Sierra Outpost carries the Kaylands that you have anymore. They do have a Kayland mountaineering boot model that would be overkill for my use.
Darkmagus, Those Asolo's do look like they would fill my needs, how do you like yours? Some reviews say the are slippery in wet conditions.
Anyone have any experience with Scarpa Kailash GTX model pictured below.
|
|
Bababata
Mountain climber
Utopia
|
|
|
Jan 15, 2013 - 09:28am PT
|
I love my Scarpa Nepal GTX - very light but also plenty sturdy and stiff for steep snow and winter escapades. Have had them for 3 years, so far so good... Not sure if they make them any more.
http://www.scarpa.com/scarpa/products/p_60100G
|
|
Vegasclimber
Trad climber
Las Vegas, NV.
|
|
|
Jan 15, 2013 - 09:40am PT
|
This is an interesting topic for me as well, as we are planning to take a shot at Kilimanjaro in September.
So far I haven't found a pair that fit well enough to take them home. I really like some of the Asolo boots, but they pinch the middle of my feet.
Next up to try are the Salomon Quest 4D's, they are pretty widely recommended so hopefully they will actually fit my feet.
|
|
QITNL
climber
|
|
|
Jan 15, 2013 - 09:51am PT
|
Hey T - I don't know those boots but those soles look better for hiking than climbing. For hiking/climbing, my favorite sole is the Vibram Mulaz, it edges like a champ, and the Teton is also good. It looks like they have a new one called the Maton - on rock, the flat bit in the front gives better grip than lugs.
You might want to look at some Garmonts, the Vetta & Tower are both pretty good. There are various versions ranging from heavy to light, the larger ones take hybrid crampons. If you look around you can find them at a decent price.
The most important issue, of course, is fit, so you might want to hit a shop. If you are doing the mailorder thing be prepared to send a bunch of them back.
|
|
Ron Anderson
Trad climber
Soon to be Nipple suckling Liberal
|
|
|
Jan 15, 2013 - 10:01am PT
|
what about a rebuild of the Lowas..Good Norwegian welt- board lasted boots are getting rare..
|
|
T Hocking
Trad climber
Redding, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Jan 16, 2013 - 07:57am PT
|
Boot Bump,
Thanks for the suggestions so far.
Anymore recommendations?
Ron, the wife gave the OK for a new pair, don't want to piss her off. lol
Tad
|
|
kaholatingtong
Trad climber
Nevada City
|
|
|
Jan 16, 2013 - 08:05am PT
|
i have quite enjoyed my asolo powermatics. granted, after selling boots in the industry for several years i would say that the fit is going to be more important than anything anyone could say here
|
|
darkmagus
Mountain climber
San Diego, CA
|
|
|
Jan 16, 2013 - 08:17am PT
|
I've had really good experiences with my Asolo Morans. I've now beat them up for two full seasons (summer Sierra stuff) and they're showing minimal wear. Haven't noticed anything regarding excessive slipping when wet, in fact, I downclimbed a bunch of snow/ice on Mt. Sill (no crampons/axe) and remember being impressed with how they worked/felt in that situation. I have heard a lot of good things about the Salomon Quest 4D, and I know that they're a hit among Marines and Navy Seals (FWIW)!
|
|
bajaandy
climber
Escondido, CA
|
|
|
Jan 16, 2013 - 09:31am PT
|
Brand don't mean chit if the boot don't fit!
The best thing you can do for yourself is take the time to try on various brands and models. Find a boot that fits your foot and still will serve your need. As long as you're not set on having bail-type clip in 'pons, you can get away with a fairly light weight boot using strap on crampons. Just my two cents. Your mileage may very. Personally, I'm one of those idiots who seems to have a boot for every purpose, so I don't really count on my light weight hikers to do anything other than that. But in that category, I like the Asolo Fugitive. Fits my foot well.
Happy hunting.
|
|
klk
Trad climber
cali
|
|
|
Jan 16, 2013 - 10:01am PT
|
everyone is going to recommend a different boot because each of us has a differently shaped foot. everyone is going to prefer the one we bought that fit us best and complain that the others are badly designed because they have "poor fit."
each of these boots is built on a differently-shaped model of a human foot. you need to find the one where, through sheer chance, the manufacturer used a model that was shaped like your actual foot. there's no sure way of knowing which that'll be w/o trying on multiple pairs.
salewa, scarpa, sportiva, garmon, and kayland all offer well-designed boots that cover the niche you're looking for. moreover, each offers multiple model options. in many cases, the different models are built on differently shaped lasts.
go to a store with a wide selection (better, multiple stores) and try on everything you can find. or else order six different pair from zappos-- or sixteen --and find the one that fits.
|
|
Dover
Trad climber
New England
|
|
|
Jan 16, 2013 - 10:21am PT
|
It's true, everyone has a different foot and will recommend something that works for them. So, to add to that list, you might check out La Sportiva's Karakorum. This is the best boot I've ever owned for light mountaineering and backpacking. Very solid and very comfortable. Pretty light-weight for a beefy boot. Perfect for mixed conditions. You need to treat the leather with nickwax to keep them waterproof. Do that and they never leak. They take crampons well (flex, not designed for rigid) and are warm for a single boot. I always feel sure-footed in them. I think I read that they were originally designed for NOLS or OB; no question they are tough and durable. They run about $300, so maybe outside your price target, but a really great boot.
I have to echo KLK's reco to go to a shop with a wide variety and also people who actually use the boots they sell. I spent pretty much all day selecting these boots, trying lots of different makes, and some different sizes, too. I bought them at IME in North Conway. The people there are all climbers and know their gear. They had lots of good advice on how to fit. To me, it's worth paying a little extra for that kind of service for boots. I have had too many blisters from ill-fitting boots when I tried to save a few bucks. Eventually learned that lesson!
|
|
T Hocking
Trad climber
Redding, Ca
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Jan 16, 2013 - 12:53pm PT
|
Here in Redding we only have 1 shop and their selection is very limited.
I've tried a few of the models they have but have not found one I liked locally.
I'm a true size 12 med. width so fit should not be a problem, may have to make a trip to Sac Town.
Where should I try in Sacratomato?
Thanks all,
Tad
|
|
QITNL
climber
|
|
|
Jan 16, 2013 - 01:47pm PT
|
It's not Redding, but the Fifth Season up in Shasta had a good selection last time I dropped by. There's a nice hike or two up that way, too.
|
|
climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
|
|
|
Jan 16, 2013 - 03:07pm PT
|
Vasque Sundowners ain't bad
$100 at Sierra Trading Post
|
|
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!