The Wind River Range, Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and the Grand Canyon (all numerous times now). Utah’s High Uintas Wilderness, Montana’s Beartooths, and Colorado’s Weminuche. Glacier National Park and the Tetons. The Canadian Rockies. Southern Utah’s Owl and Fish canyons, Buckskin Gulch, and Paria Canyon. The John Muir Trail and Wonderland Trail. Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails. New Hampshire’s Presidential Range and New Zealand’s Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

These are just some of the places where I’ve recently tested the backpacking gear and apparel that I’ve reviewed at The Big Outside—so that I can give you honest and thorough, field-tested opinions that help you find the best gear for your adventures.

And that’s exactly how I came up with the following picks for today’s best backpacking gear.

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

Three decades of testing outdoor gear and apparel—including formerly as the lead gear reviewer and Northwest Editor of Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog—have refined my ability to identify gear that’s truly outstanding, at the cutting edge technologically, and a good value.

In this freshly updated review, I share my top picks for a basic backpacking gear kit, from several of the best packs, tents, boots, and sleeping bags, including suggestions for backpackers on a budget—because everyone has different needs and preferences—to a favorite rain shell, the best trekking poles, down jackets, and air mattresses, the camp kitchen, and water treatment.

Much of the gear in this story links to my complete review of it, where you can get more details and find links to online retailers for purchasing it. Purchasing through the “Buy it now” affiliate links below or affiliate links in each complete review supports my work on The Big Outside, at no cost to you—in fact, you’ll usually find the best prices at those links. Thank you for doing that.

Please share your questions or thoughts on my gear picks in the comments section at the bottom of this story; I try to respond to all comments. And please forward this story to other backpackers you think might find it useful.

Want to read about the many places I’ve backpacked while testing gear? See my All Trips List or use the search box (main menu, above), and check out my e-books to America’s best backpacking trips, including the Teton Crest Trail and The Best First Backpacking Trip in Yosemite, and my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how I can help you plan your next great backpacking trip.

Click on any product name to read its review. Click any “Buy it now” link to purchase it.

Backpacks

Best Overall: Osprey Atmos AG 65 (buy it now) and Aura AG 65 (buy it now), both $370, 4 lbs. 11 oz./2.13kg.
Best Weight-to-Performance Ratio: Granite Gear Blaze 60, $300, 3 lbs. 4 oz./1.47kg. Buy it now.
Best Price-to-Performance Ratio: Gregory Paragon 60 (buy it now) and Maven 58 (buy it now), $270, 3 lbs. 12 oz./1.7 kg.
Best-Fitting Ultralight: Osprey Exos 58 (buy it now) and Eja 58 (buy it now), both $280, 2 lbs. 14 oz./1.3kg.
Best For Heavy Loads: Gregory Baltoro 65 (buy it now) and Deva 60 (buy it now), both $350, 4 lbs. 14 oz./2.21kg.

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Best Ultralight Pack

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider
$379, 1 lb. 15 oz./878.8g

Many ultralight packs lack the support for carrying more than about 25 pounds comfortably. HMG’s Windrider handles up to 35 pounds, its 55 liters deliver the capacity for a week between resupplies, and it weighs much less than some best-selling competitors. Its tough Dyneema Composite Fabrics is fully waterproof and built to survive the apocalypse. The fixed suspension comes in four sizes and the simple harness system works. Its minimalist design, durability, capacity, comfort, and low weight will appeal to many backpackers who prefer hiking over simply hauling.

Read my full review of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider and see all of my picks for the best ultralight backpacks.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider at hyperlitemountaingear.com.

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
Want my help with yours? Click here now.

Tents

Best Two-Door Tent That Pitches with Trekking Poles: Slingfin 2Lite, $505, 2 lbs. 10 oz./1.19kg. Buy it now.
Best 2-Person Ultralight: MSR Freelite 2, $465, 2 lbs./907.2g. Buy it now.
Sturdiest and Roomiest 2-Person Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2, $699, 1 lb. 2 oz./510.3g. Buy it now.
Best Solo Ultralight: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1, $599, 16.8 oz./476.3g. Buy it now.
Best Value Solo Ultralight: Gossamer Gear The One, $255, 1 lb. 2 oz./510g. Buy it now.

Great Balance of Space, Features, and Weight

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
$550, 2 lbs. 11 oz./1.22kg

For years, the Copper Spur HV UL2 has remained a leading choice for backpackers seeking an ultralight tent that doesn’t compromise on sturdiness or livability. While some would call it merely “lightweight,” semantics aside, it sports an abundance of features and space for a freestanding, two-door shelter well under three pounds, starting with the most conspicuous: two awning-style doors that can be set up in rain to allow cooling ventilation without getting wet inside or rolled up for maximum ventilation and stargazing. The DAC Featherlite hubbed poles create steep walls that make the tent feel roomier than its 29 square feet, 40-inch peak height, and 88-inch length. It pitches easily, the two vestibules are spacious and ventilation excellent, and the Copper Spur has abundant interior pockets. Very few freestanding, two-door tents strike such a space-to-weight balance.

Read my full review of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 at backcountry.com or another version of the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL series at backcountry.com.

Get the right gear for your trips. See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

Shoes and Boots

Best Lightweight Shoes: Danner Trail 2650, $190, 1 lb. 7.5 oz./666.2g Buy them now.
Best Lightweight Backpacking Boots: Scarpa Rush Mid GTX, $199, 2 lbs./907.2g Buy them now.
Best Midweight Backpacking Boots: Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX, $250, 2 lbs. 5 oz./1.05 kg Buy them now.
Most Breathable and Sticky: La Sportiva TX3, $159, 1 lb. 9 oz./708.7g Buy them now.
Best Trail Running/Ultralight Hiking Shoes: Hoka One One Speedgoat 6, $155, 1 lb. 3 oz./538.6g Buy them now.
Killer Value: Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof, $180, 1 lb. 13 oz./822g Buy them now.

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Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-book!

Sleeping Bags

Best Down Bags: Feathered Friends Hummingbird and Egret UL, $549-$629, 1 lb. 5 oz.-1 lb. 9 oz./595.3g.-708.7g. Buy a Hummingbird UL 30 or 20 now or an Egret UL 30 or 20 now.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30, $510-$540, 1 lb. 6 oz./623.7g-669g. Buy a Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 now.
Marmot Hydrogen 30, $399-$419, 1 lb. 9.4 oz.-1 lb. 11 oz./720g-770g. Buy a Marmot Hydrogen 30 now.
Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9C/15F, $649-$689, 1 lb. 11 oz.-1 lb. 14 oz./765.4g-861g, and Spark Pro -1C/30F, $549-$579, 1 lb. 6 oz.-1 lb. 8 oz./619g-672g. Buy a Sea to Summit Spark Pro now.
Best Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 32 or Hyperion 20, $430-$580, 15 oz.-1 lb. 6 oz./425.2g.-623.7g. Buy it now.
Best Winter Bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0, $700-$740, 2 lbs. 7 oz.-2 lbs. 11 oz./1.11kg.-1.22kg. Buy it now.
Best Budget Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic Synthetic 20, $110-$120, 3 lbs./1.36kg. Buy it now. Or Kelty Cosmic Down 20, $170-$200, 2 lbs. 7 oz./1.11kg. Buy it now.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-books.
Click here now to learn more.

Best Value Down Bag

Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F/-1C
$265-$285, 1 lb. 12 oz./793.8g

When shopping for sleeping bags, it’s helpful to compare certain key specs: temperature rating, type and amount of insulation (or fill), total weight, and, of course, the price. Using those metrics, the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F/-1C looks really good, with RDS-certified, flourine-free, 650-fill-power down, enough warmth for many backpackers on typical overnight temps of summer in most mid-latitude mountain ranges (except for people who tend to get cold more easily), and a cut that delivers more generous space than many bags—all at a weight south of two pounds and it packs down to 7×13.5 inches. Among down bags, this is a good price for a bag of this quality. It also comes in 15-degree and 0-degree versions.

Read my full review of the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30. 

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30F at backcountry.com, or other versions of the men’s and women’s Bishop Pass bags at backcountry.com.

Click on any product name to read its review. Click any “Buy it now” link to purchase it.

Best Rain Shells

Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell
$189, 10 oz./283.5g
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Full-Zip Pants
$179, 9 oz./255.1g

Few places test rain gear as brutally as New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, where rain is almost as prevalent as oxygen. In some of the heaviest and most relentless wind-driven rain I’ve encountered over four decades of hiking and backpacking, on two classic hut treks and one long dayhike—the Routeburn Track and Milford Track and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing—Black Diamond’s Fineline Stretch Shell and Full-Zip Pants performed impressively.

For two straight days and most of a third day on the Milford, the jacket and pants never left my body. While water did penetrate both layers in spots—and in fairness, I believe those conditions would overwhelm any high-quality waterproof-breathable shells (and companions with Gore-Tex shells suffered the same fate)—they prevented me from getting soaked and cold. Credit goes to BD’s 2.5-layer BD.dry waterproof/breathable/windproof technology, which also has adequate breathability for all but very warm three-season trips.

With a one-hand-adjustable, climbing-helmet-compatible hood, the DWR-sealed pit zip vents, a waterproof front zipper, tough 50-denier fabric, and two zippered hand pockets—all at just $180 and 10 ounces/283.5 grams (men’s medium)—the Fineline Stretch Shell is a full-on technical, three-season rain shell.

Read my complete review of the Black Diamond Fineline Stretch Shell and Fineline Full-Zip Pants.

See all of the latest gear reviews at The Big Outside.

Down Jackets

Best Down Jacket: Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket, $409, 11 oz./311.8g Buy it now.
Best Synthetic Jacket: Black Diamond First Light Stretch Hoody, $349, 14 oz./397g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Down Jacket: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Hoody, $360, 8.8 oz./249.5g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Synthetic Jacket: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody, $329, 9 oz./255.1g Buy it now.
Versatile Down Jacket: Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket, $295, 15 oz./425.2g Buy it now.

Which puffy should you buy? See “The 12 Best Down Jackets” and
“How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is.”

Trekking Poles

Best Overall: MSR Dynalock Ascent, $190, 1 lb. 1 oz./481.9g Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ, $210, 12.7 oz./360g Buy it now.
Most Versatile: Leki Makalu FX Carbon, $230, 1 lb. 1.9 oz./508g Buy it now.

Need a good headlamp? See “The Best Headlamps.”

Air Mattresses

Best All-Around Air Mat: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated and XT Extreme, $219-$249, 1 lb. 1 oz.-1 lb. 9 oz./482-709g. Buy it now.
Best Comfort-to-Weight Balance: Nemo Tensor Insulated Air Mattress, $200-$230, 13 oz.-1 lb. 5 oz./369-595g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, $200-$240, 11.5 oz.-1 lb. 1 oz./326-482g. Buy it now.
Best Inflatable Pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Ultra Light, $50-$55, 2.5 oz./71g. Buy it now.

What do you really need for backpacking?
See my “Essentials-Only Backpacking Gear Checklist.”

Camp Kitchen

Best Ultralight Pot: MSR Titan Kettle 1400ml, $70, 5.4 oz./153g, or Titan Kettle 900ml, $65, 4.4 oz./126g. Buy it now.
Best Cook Set: Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight Collapsible One-Pot Cook Set, $146, 19 oz./527g. Buy it now.
Best Solo Stove: Jetboil Flash, $145, 13 oz./369g. Buy it now.
Best Family/Group Stove: MSR Windburner Group Stove System, $260, 1 lb. 4 oz./567g. Buy it now.
Best Bear Canister: Bear Vault BV500, $95, 2 lbs. 8 oz./1.1kg. Buy it now.

Buy smart with my pro tips on buying a backpack, backpacking tent,
hiking shoes or boots, a rain jacket, and a sleeping bag.

Best Ultralight Stove

MSR PocketRocket 2
$50, 3 oz./85g (4 oz./113.4g with plastic case, included)

Backcountry stoves come in a variety of designs these days. But in many respects, the simplest design remains the most versatile and reliable, and the PocketRocket 2 continues to embody everything a backpacking stove should be. It fires up easily every time, boils water fast, has good flame control for wilderness gourmands, weighs next to nothing, and costs less than many of its best competitors.

Whereas some types of stoves have limitations on what you can cook with them, you can use the PocketRocket 2 for cooking almost anything, almost anywhere, for any size party (or more than one stove for a large group). That may explain why it’s so popular.

Read my full review. The PocketRocket Deluxe ($85) adds a piezo push-button igniter, but as with that feature on other stoves, its performance can be erratic.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase an MSR PocketRocket 2 at backcountry.com or cascadedesigns.com.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
Find out more here.

Water Treatment

Best Pump Filter: MSR Hyperflow, $150, 9 oz./255g. Buy it now.
Best Gravity Filter: Katadyn BeFree Gravity 6L or 10L Filter, $115-$145, 9-10 oz./255-284g. Buy it now.
Best Filter Bottle: Lifestraw Go, $35-$50, 650ml to 1L, 7.8-8.6 oz./221-244g. Buy it now.
Best Ultralight Personal Filter: Katadyn BeFree Water Filtration System 0.6L, 1L, or 3L bottle, $45-$80, 2.5-3.5 oz./71-99g. Buy it now.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “12 Expert Tips for Planning a Backpacking Trip,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

Was this review helpful? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside.
Join now and a get free e-book! ]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-of-2018/feed/ 23 27582 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-things-to-know-before-buying-backpacking-gear/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-things-to-know-before-buying-backpacking-gear/#comments Wed, 14 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23564 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Are you in the market for a new backpack, boots, tent, sleeping bag or other backpacking gear or apparel? How do you find something that’s just right for you? What should you be looking for? How much should you spend? These are questions I’ve heard from many friends and readers over the years as they’ve waded through the myriad choices out there. This article lays out five simple but helpful tips to keep in mind when buying gear.

I’ve learned these steps over three decades of testing and reviewing gear—including the 10 years I spent as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog—and helping people find gear they love. No matter what you’re shopping for—boots, pack, tent, sleeping bag, other backpacking gear, or some major piece of apparel like a rain shell or insulated jacket—you face a daunting array of choices, and everyone’s needs are different.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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But finding the gear that performs well and that you’ll be happy with really comes down to following a simple thought process described in the five easy steps below, which you can follow when buying almost any gear. Below them, you’ll find links to my stories offering specific tips on buying a new pack, boots, tent, sleeping bag, rain shell, and insulated jacket, plus reviews covering my top picks in several categories.

Please share your thoughts on my tips or your own, best gear-buying advice in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Gear up smartly for your trips.
See the best-in-category reviews and expert buying tips at my Gear Reviews page.

No. 1 Decide Exactly What It’s For

A friend once asked me to recommend boots he could buy for backpacking that would also work well for climbing glaciated peaks (in the Pacific Northwest); I told him that was a little like shopping for a dump truck that would also give him good mileage as a commuting vehicle. If you set out in search of a pack or boots for every hike you ever take, then you will probably wind up with just that—which may serve your needs in an overly general way, but not be quite right for anything.

Focus on how you intend to use that item most of the time and buy something that’s good for that purpose. When you actually need or can afford more specialized gear that you will only use occasionally, get it then.

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No. 2 Decide Exactly What You Need

Do you need solid ankle support, or do you prefer really lightweight, nimble footwear? Are you a big guy who needs a roomy tent, or a lightweight or ultralight backpacker or parent backpacking with a young child with a top priority of minimizing gear weight? Do you want the lightest bag you can afford, or do you get cold easily and need a bag that’s a little fatter and warmer than the average person uses?

The reason for the almost infinite number of choices in gear is the infinite variability in the wants and needs of consumers. That can seem confusing but it’s ultimately good for you. Your first step in buying may simply be writing down your customized answers to numbers one and two in this list of tips and using that as a guide as you begin winnowing your short list.

Trips go better with the right gear.
See “The 10 Best Backpacking Packs” and “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents.”

No. 3 Get the Fit Right

Especially with footwear, packs, and performance apparel, fit and personal satisfaction go together like chips and salsa. You can be happy with a sleeping bag or tent that are not quite what you wanted (but are what you could afford); but no matter how much you spend, you’ll never be happy with a pack or boots that don’t fit you well. A poorly fitting pack can make you miserable, and poorly fitting boots can end a trip.

With those gear items for which fit becomes critical—boots and a pack—narrow your list to perhaps three or more options, based on steps one and two (above). Then go try them on and you will find the model you like.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.
Click here now to learn more.

No. 4 Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

The best way to spend more than you want or need to spend—and be forced to settle for something that’s not quite what you wanted—is to wait until the last day or two before a trip and rush out to buy something.

You wouldn’t buy a car or a house that way, because you want to take the time to find something that feels just right for you.

Treat buying boots, a pack, tent, bag, or other major gear or apparel item the same way—those aren’t like batteries or stove fuel that you dash out to pick up at the last minute.

Plus, shopping around weeks or even months in advance gives you time to wait for sale prices—and that’s truly the best way to get the most value out of every dollar you spend.

Plan your next great backpacking adventure in Yosemite, Grand Teton, Glacier,
and other flagship parks using my expert e-books.

No. 5 Spend What You Can Afford

This last nugget of advice goes both ways: If you can only afford an entry-level pack or other piece of gear, look for the best-quality item that’s within your budget (and fits you) and just buy it. Some brands that sell directly to consumer offer high-quality gear at very competitive prices. (Tip: Pick a brand name known for high quality, because they usually bring similar attention to quality to their affordable gear as they do to their pricier gear.)

Maybe it won’t be as comfortable or last as long as the high-end gear you coveted, but it will enable you to get out there and have fun and may last until you can afford something better.

See my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

By the same token, I always tell friends or readers seeking advice: If you can afford the best, why settle for something that will be less comfortable, or heavier, or not fit or perform as well as pricier pieces of gear or apparel that are within your budget? Measure the value in terms of your enjoyment and comfort as well as the cost per mile or day of use, because higher-quality gear, while pricier, often proves much more durable than cheaper stuff. That’s money well spent.

See my story “Why and When to Spend More on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures. 
Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-book!

See these articles at The Big Outside for my pro tips on buying gear (most of them require a subscription to my blog):

“5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack”
“5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent”
“How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for You”
“Expert Tips For Buying the Right Boots”
“Pro Tips for Buying a Backpacking Sleeping Bag”
“5 Expert Tips For Buying a Rain Jacket for Hiking”
“The 12 Best Down Jackets” (includes buying tips for down and synthetic jackets)

Planning your next big adventure? See “America’s Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips”
and “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites.”

See also these reviews of top picks:

“The 10 Best Backpacking Packs”
“The 10 Best Backpacking Tents”
“The Best Ultralight Backpacks”
“The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking and Backpacking”

“25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories”
“The Best Trekking Poles”
“The Best Headlamps”
“The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/5-things-to-know-before-buying-backpacking-gear/feed/ 6 23564 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-boots/#comments Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=11654 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Boots are the most important piece of hiking or backpacking gear you will buy. You can live with a mediocre pack or a cheap tent (as many of us have), but poorly fitting boots are often a trip killer. Trouble is, boots are also the most difficult piece of gear to get right. (First tip: Don’t settle for a mediocre fit—if they don’t feel good, they aren’t good. That said, feeling good doesn’t necessarily mean they are good.) This article will go beyond the usual boots-buying tips you’ll find at countless sources to help you figure out how to find the right hiking footwear for you.

Thousands of miles of dayhiking, backpacking, trail running, and ultra-hiking, plus field-testing dozens of shoe and boot models of all kinds over a quarter-century of reviewing gear—formerly as the lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine for 10 years and even longer running this blog—have refined my sense of how hiking footwear differs subtly in critical characteristics like design, weight, materials, performance, and fit. (I can now usually tell the first time I put on new shoes or boots whether they fit me perfectly and are appropriate for my feet and the kind of hiking or backpacking I’m planning.)

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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Hikers make every kind of bad choice on footwear, from buying too much boot (which can result in blisters and chronic foot or lower-leg injuries) to getting shoes that are not adequately supportive for them (which can also result in—you guessed it—blisters and chronic foot or lower-leg injuries).

Gaining a better understanding of those differences will help ensure you buy the right footwear for your needs—and spend your money smartly.

Please share your questions or thoughts on my advice—or your own boots-buying secrets—in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments. And like many stories at this blog, part of this one is free for anyone to read, but reading all of my tips in this story is an exclusive benefit for paid subscribers to The Big Outside.

Gear up right for your hikes.
See my reviews of the best hiking shoes and boots and the 10 best hiking daypacks.

Types of Hiking Footwear

For the purposes of this article, I’ll divide hiking shoes and boots into three categories by approximate weight (per pair of men’s US size 9/Euro 42), noting that there’s overlap between these categories:

•    Lightweight—Low-cut (below the ankle) shoes or mid-cut (ankle-high) boots weighing roughly two pounds or less per pair;
•    Midweight—Mid-cut or higher boots weighing approximately two to 2.5 pounds per pair;
•    Heavy-duty—Mid-cut or higher boots weighing 2.5 to three pounds or more per pair.

(Purely for simplicity, my reviews divide footwear into two categories: hiking shoes and boots ideal for dayhiking and lightweight backpacking—overlapping the first and second categories above—and backpacking boots—overlapping the second and third categories above.)

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For many people, midweight boots are a good choice because they serve the needs of a broad cross-section of hikers and backpackers, offering a balance between being fairly light and yet moderately supportive; many are also relatively affordable.

There has also been an evolution in the category of hiking-approach shoes toward designs that make them more breathable and comfortable for hiking many miles—in other words, making them more of a hiking shoe with great traction and support, and thus more versatile for all kinds of hikers. They generally fall into the category of lightweight shoes and boots, and are often the type of low-cut shoe I prefer for dayhiking, especially models that are highly breathable.

Still, choosing the right boots for you comes down to understanding the type of hiker you are and considering the type of hiking you will do most often.

I’ve listed below criteria to help you figure out which type of footwear best suits your needs.

Click here now to plan your next great backpacking adventure using my expert e-books.

Lightweight Shoes and Boots

Get lightweight shoes or boots if you fit any of these descriptions:
•    You are a dayhiker typically carrying a light pack (15 to 20 pounds or less);
•    You’re a fit, avid hiker, climber, ultralight or lightweight backpacker or trail runner and accustomed to hiking in light footwear, especially for hiking long distances daily at a strong pace;
•    You don’t tend to roll or sprain your ankles;
•    Or you’re hiking trails that are well maintained and not too rocky.

If you’re new to dayhiking or backpacking, I’d caution against getting very lightweight boots because your feet may not yet have the strength and resilience that slowly develops when you hike a lot, and inadequately supportive boots can be a fast way to a chronic overuse injury. Start out with a midweight, mid-cut boot with good support and protection for your feet. As you get more experience, you will know better how light a boot your feet can handle—right around the time you wear out your first pair and need new ones.

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
Want my help with yours? Click here now.

 

Midweight Boots

Get midweight boots if you fit any of these descriptions:

•    You’re new to hiking and want a functional, all-around model for dayhiking and/or light backpacking;
•    You’re carrying a light or moderately heavy pack (35 pounds max) on trail;
•    You hike high-mileage days, generally on trails, with a light or moderately heavy pack, and want footwear that’s fairly lightweight and won’t make your feet overheat too badly (which can lead to blisters), yet with more protection and support than lightweight shoes;
•    Or you’re an experienced and fit hiker and backpacker and want footwear that finds a balance between moderate support and weight.

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Heavy-duty Boots

Get heavy-duty boots if you fit any of these descriptions:

•    You’re carrying a heavy pack (generally 40 pounds or more) on trails, or a pack weighing 30 to 40 pounds on rugged trails or off-trail, and find that midweight boots don’t offer the support you need;
•    You typically go hiking or backpacking in an environment that’s rugged, very wet, and cool or cold, and may involve some challenging, off-trail hiking;
•    Or if your feet simply need more support and protection than is provided by midweight boots.

Keep your feet happy with my “8 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters.”

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots and my “8 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters.”

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See also my stories:

“5 Expert Tips For Buying the Right Backpacking Pack”
“5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent”
“Pro Tips for Buying a Backpacking Sleeping Bag”

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-book versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of gear reviews and expert buying tips.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/pro-tips-for-buying-the-right-boots/feed/ 26 11654 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-salewa-alp-trainer-2-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-salewa-alp-trainer-2-mid-gtx-boots/#respond Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:29:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=61894 Read on

]]> Backpacking and Trekking Boots
Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
$250, 2 lbs. 5 oz./1.05 kg (men’s US 9/Euro 42)
Sizes: US men’s 7-14, women’s 6-10.5
backcountry.com

Eight days of hiking in Iceland, including two dayhikes totaling nearly 10 miles of the peaks Blahnukur and Brennisteinsalda in the Fjallabak Nature Preserve and six days trekking nearly 49 miles on the world-class Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, presented the full range of conditions that will test any boots: rain falling at times on most days, temperatures from the 30s to 50s Fahrenheit, and hiking on often-wet dirt, pebbles, rocks, mud, and slick, wet snow. I chose Salewa’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX precisely for dealing with those conditions and they truly passed every test with flying colors.

I also wore the Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX through two days of solid, cool rain on an August backpacking trip in the Wind River Range that we cut short because of the weather; and backpacking five days through Washington’s Pasayten Wilderness in September, with dry weather and moderate temperatures.

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The primary reason for choosing boots this burly and expensive is to protect feet against the elements in very wet and cool climates. But at this price point, we justifiably expect excellence in all other performance attributes of hiking footwear. (But truly, for boots of this quality, the price is very competitive, although pricier than even better lightweight hiking shoes and boots.) Again, the Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX excels all-around.

Starting from the top, the waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane and suede and stretch fabric uppers kept my feet absolutely dry even walking through shallow streams and standing in flowing water to test the waterproofness of the boots. They also passed the harshest tests a boot’s waterproofing: long stretches of kicking steps in mushy snow and slapping through wet, low-growing trailside and off-trail vegetation (the latter relatively rare in Iceland’s Central Highlands, but I did encounter some). That sort of constant brushing against wet surfaces will cause many lighter boots and hiking shoes with an ostensibly waterproof-breathable membrane and fabric uppers to eventually wet through. Not these boots.

Not surprisingly, breathability was fine in the cool temps I used them—partly thanks to perforated mesh in the padded tongue, collar, and the uppers on either side of the tongue—with my feet only getting a bit sweaty on rare instances when Iceland’s July sun shone warmly and the temp hit 59° F (the warmest we saw); but these boots would be too hot on warmer days and that’s not really their purpose.

Plan your next great backpacking trip on the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, Teton Crest Trail, in Yosemite or other parks using my expert e-books.

At just two pounds five ounces/1.05 kilograms (per pair, men’s US 9/Euro 42), the Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX feels like a lighter hiking shoe and punches well above its weight in terms of protection. They gave my feet enough support and cushion for carrying well over 30 pounds/13.6 kilos on my back at the outset of six days on the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails, and I’m confident they can handle significantly heavier loads.

Traction is another area where this type of boot should excel, and the deeply lugged Vibram alpine hiking outsole, exclusive to Salewa, gripped very well in wet or dry dirt, wet rocks, mud, and slippery, wet snow, as well as steep ascents and particularly descents on slick, loose volcanic soil that feels very insecure underfoot (and I heard many trekkers complaining about).

The medium-volume fit felt good the first time I slipped them on (and I hiked in them out of the box, no break-in time, based on how they felt when I first put them on at home). They wrapped my feet the way good boots should, comfortably snug in the heel and midfoot, with no slipping or rubbing, with breathing room for the toes. The durable, round laces extend to the toes in the style of climbing shoes, which I found helps me make slight adjustments to the fit for varying sock thicknesses or going from a steep ascent to a steep descent.

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With an eight-millimeter drop (common in hiking footwear), an EVA midsole, a soft, flexible collar, and a relatively flexible forefoot and good rocker for a boot this substantial, striding came easy, even on long, flat stretches of trail. Still, the boots carry enough heft to readily kick steps in snow and the sturdy toe rand and sidewalls protected my feet from rocks. The boots also come with two pairs of Salewa inserts that create different volume inside, to somewhat customize your fit.

One small complaint: The laces are longer than needed, requiring double knotting and taking care not to leave a long loop than can snag on anything while walking. And I encountered one durability issue: In the Pasayten, one lace hook blew out—entirely due to me wearing them unlaced in camp (for comfort and to cool my feet) and tripping over the lace; I was still able to lace and hike in them and Salewa sent a replacement pair.

The low-cut version is the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX ($220, 2 lbs. 1 oz./940g per pair) and the kids version is the Salewa Jr Alp Trainer 2 GTX ($120, 1 lb. 4.5 oz./580g).

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The Verdict

The Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX is a high-performance, comfortable, durable, very waterproof and protective, and relatively lightweight boot at a reasonable price in this category, ideal for backpackers and trekkers venturing into the coolest, wettest climates.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase the men’s, women’s, or kids’ Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX boots at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots, “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” and all reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year and all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide and member gear discounts!

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-salewa-alp-trainer-2-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 0 61894 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-katabatic-mid-waterproof-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-katabatic-mid-waterproof-boots/#comments Fri, 13 Oct 2023 22:21:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=60494 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof
$180, 1 lb. 13 oz./822g (US men’s size 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
backcountry.com

Designers of backpacking boots—driven by consumer demand—have brought that category through an evolution of sorts to where many popular models look very similar: reasonably lightweight, waterproof-breathable, increasingly flexible and comfortable while maintaining good stability and support, and moderately priced. But as I found while wearing them on a pair of three-day backpacking trips and dayhikes in the Canadian Rockies and a four-day backpacking trip in the Wind River Range, the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof achieve all of those qualities while weighing significantly less than many boots in this category.

I wore these boots on two three-day backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies in early August: the 27.3-mile/44-kilometer Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park and about 23 miles/37 kilometers on the Nigel, Cataract, and Cline Passes Route in the White Goat Wilderness, as well as dayhiking the 13-mile/20.9-kilometer, 3,500-foot/1067-meter Burgess Pass Loop in Yoho National Park and the Cory Pass-Edith Pass loop in Banff National Park, about nine miles/14.5 kilometers with a steep 3,400 feet/1036 meters of uphill and downhill. I also backpacked 41 miles/66 kilometers in four days in the Wind River Range in mid-August in these boots, crossing four passes on the Continental Divide.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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At under two pounds/907 grams per pair, they are quite light for a mid-cut, waterproof-breathable boot with this level of performance and have a generous forefoot flex that places them closer on the hiking footwear spectrum to trail runners than traditional, heavier boots. And yet, they gave my feet enough support and cushion for carrying well over 30 pounds/13.6 kilos on my back at the outset of a four-day hike in the Winds. I’d recommend them with 40-pound/18-kilo loads for backpackers accustomed to carrying that much weight.

Credit the midsole’s proprietary, high-rebound EVA and a midfoot-to-forefoot plate that provides additional protection as well as torsional rigidity for hiking on rugged, uneven terrain. The brand’s proprietary O Fit insole, featuring a fully recycled, moisture-wicking top layer, offers better stiffness and cushioning from midfoot to heel than standard, thin insoles that come with most hiking boots.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton, and other parks using my expert e-guides.

The medium-volume fit is classic Oboz: comfortably snug from heel to midfoot, to prevent your heel from shifting and rubbing or your foot slipping forward when going downhill, with more space in the toe box than you’ll find in footwear from many other brands. That fit will serve many hikers and backpackers well, especially as feet expand slightly over the course of a day on the trail. The eight-millimeter drop in the shoe’s height off the ground from the heel to the toes—or the midsole and outsole thickness (essentially, your foot’s height off the ground)—is very typical of many hiking shoes.

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In the Canadian Rockies and the Winds, the Katabatic Mid Waterproof’s waterproof-breathable B-Dry lining kept my feet dry through torrential rain in thunderstorms, splashing across shallow creeks, slogging through muddy and boggy trails, constantly brushing against dripping-wet trailside vegetation, and standing in shallow streams while filtering drinking water. And their breathability prevented my feet from overheating, although they got a bit damp with sweat—a reasonable expectation with any waterproof footwear. But I probably didn’t hike in them in temperatures warmer than the 60s Fahrenheit/15-20° Celsius.

Abrasion-resistant mesh uppers enhance breathability while TPU overlays on the uppers, welded and stitched to reduce weight, along with a sturdy toe cap and heel counter protect the feet and improve durability.

The outsole’s rubber compound and four- to five-millimeter lugs delivered very good traction on varied surfaces, including trails of packed dirt and steep descents over scree and small stones littering trails in the Canadian Rockies and Winds, as well as off-trail. They also shed mud effectively.

The Oboz Katabatic series comes in four men’s and four women’s models, including, besides the Katabatic Mid Waterproof, a non-waterproof, mid-cut boot and waterproof-breathable and non-waterproof (more breathable) low-cut shoes.

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The Verdict

The Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof is a solidly constructed, protective, comfortable, and durable boot with good support, waterproofing, and breathability, at a competitive price—and is lighter than many boots in this category, making it ideal for lightweight and ultralight backpackers and dayhikers.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof boots at backcountry.com, or any other model in the Katabatic series at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” plus all reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year and all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide and member gear discounts!

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-katabatic-mid-waterproof-boots/feed/ 4 60494 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-rush-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-rush-mid-gtx-boots/#respond Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:22:19 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=55308 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Scarpa Rush Mid GTX
$199, 2 lbs./907g (pair Euro men’s 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 40-48/US 7.5-14, women’s Euro 36-42/US 4-9
backcountry.com

Having backpacked numerous times through the Wind River Range on summer’s tail—and more than once been greeted with buckets of cold rain and wind for days or finding out that over a foot of snow fell the day after we got out—for my latest trip, I wanted to stick my feet in boots that can handle any unpleasant surprises. Still, I also didn’t want to feel like I was lifting a cement block with each step or like my feet spent each day in a hot yoga studio. Our five-day hike showed me the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX were a smart choice for what we encountered as well as what we might have encountered—and an all-around superior hiking boot.

I wore these boots starting with about 35 pounds in my pack on a pair of late-summer backpacking trips: five days and 43 miles in the Wind River Range and nearly 70 miles over seven days in Glacier National Park, and found them quite comfortable hiking trails for several hours a day—comfy enough even to wear around camp (leaving the laces very loose and the tongue lifted to cool my feet, something I commonly do).

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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The medium-volume, sock-fit construction—with breathable, stretch fabric in the tongue instead of traditional, bulky gussets—embraced my feet closely and comfortably, preventing any slipping or rubbing, with good space in the toe box and a heel cup that anchored and cradled my heels very stably. And the dual-density EVA midsole with a TPU heel—both somewhat common in lightweight hiking shoes and boots—plus quite substantial torsional rigidity, especially for a boot so light, provided plenty of cushion and support for hiking for hours with over 35 pounds on my back.

I stood in shallow creeks to test the boot’s waterproofness and the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane allowed no water inside while proving reasonably breathable, at least for keeping my feet from getting sweaty even under an alpine sun that often felt hotter than the ambient air temperature in the 60s and as high as 70° F one afternoon. In fact, I walked across a shallow and slow section of the New Fork River in my boots, on my toes to keep the water from over-topping them, and my socks stayed dry, even as it took at least 10 strides to reach the other bank, my boots dunking to midfoot with each step.

Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton, and other parks using my expert e-guides.

The synthetic uppers combine breathable mesh fabric with protective PU overlays and sidewalls and a reinforced toe, helping to prevent feet overheating while armoring the boot against rocky, rugged trail or hiking off-trail.

The Rush Mid GTX features the same Presa Freedome IDS outsole found in Scarpa’s Rush trail-running shoe, with widely spaced, moderately but not overly deep, multi-directional lugs delivering grip and traction that never slipped while I hiked trails ranging from packed dirt and mud to loose, sliding scree and large talus boulders, and the pronounced rocker facilitates a quick stride on the trail.

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Besides minor abrasion to the soft midsole at the forward outer edge of each boot—outside your little toes, where hiking footwear often suffers the most wear and tear—the Rush Mid GTX seems very durable for most circumstances that most backpackers and dayhikers encounter.

Other models in Scarpa’s Rush series include the non-waterproof, low-cut Rush ($159), the low-cut Rush GTX ($189), the low-cut, suede Rush Trail GTX ($219), and the mid-cut, suede Rush TRK GTX ($239), all in men’s and women’s versions. The Verdict Remarkably comfortable, supportive, reliably waterproof, adequately breathable for all but the hottest hikes, and impressively light, the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX are all the boot many backpackers and dayhikers would need.

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
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The Verdict

Remarkably comfortable, supportive, reliably waterproof, adequately breathable for all but the hottest days, and impressively light, the Scarpa Rush Mid GTX are all the boot many backpackers and dayhikers would need.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Scarpa Rush Mid GTX boots at backcountry.com, or any other model in the Rush series at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” plus all reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

And don’t miss my popular reviews of “25 Essential Backpacking Gear Accessories” and “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide and member gear discounts!

 

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

See all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-rush-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 0 55308 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-sawtooth-x-mid-waterproof-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-sawtooth-x-mid-waterproof-boots/#respond Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:29:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=53423 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof
$175, 2 lbs. 7 oz. (US men’s size 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
moosejaw.com

Between the days of backpacking 11 to 12 miles with up to about 7,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss, the seven miles of steep and loose off-trail hiking, the need to carry eight pounds or more of water weight at times, and of course, the heat, one might speculate that our six-day backpacking trip to Utah Flats and Clear Creek in the Grand Canyon was no more than an elaborate ruse to put hiking boots to a severe test. (Some of my companions went so far as to suggest a plot to inflict physical suffering on them. Yea, whatever.) But after all was said and done, the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof shined through all the canyon (and I) hurled at them. Here’s why.

The Sawtooth X’s strength as an all-around boot for backpackers and dayhikers begins with its support. The boot contains a rubberized, dual-density EVA midsole that delivered ample cushioning even when extra water weight pushed my pack toward 40 pounds in the canyon. And I expect many backpackers would find these boots adequately cushioned even with more weight than that on their back.

Similarly, the medium-volume fit is typical Oboz: comfortably snug from heel to midfoot, to prevent your heel from shifting and rubbing or your foot slipping forward when going downhill, with more space in the toe box than you’ll find in footwear from many other brands. No matter what your adventures, that’s the kind of fit that serves many hikers and backpackers well, especially as feet expand slightly over the course of a day on the trail.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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The outsoles, featuring widely spaced, multi-directional lugs under most of the foot and a tread under the toes for traction when ascending steep slabs, gripped securely on packed-dirt trails; off-trail scrambling over boulders and walking over slickrock and miles of going up and down very steep and loose scree on canyon walls: I slipped and fell onto my back side just once over a few hours of descending steep scree.

The uppers combine oiled nubuck leather with Cordura fabric mesh ventilation holes and a toe bumper that extends to behind the toes on the sidewalls, ensuring very good durability with plenty of protection from hard use on rocky trails or off-trail terrain while enhancing breathability—and the breathability is pretty good for a mid-cut boot with a membrane: Even on hot afternoons in the canyon, my feet never got uncomfortably sweaty or developed hot spots catalyzed by too much dampness and rubbing. While the non-waterproof, likely more breathable Sawtooth X Mid may be better for hot desert hiking, the waterproof mid may be a better all-purpose choice for backpackers who hike in wet climates as much as dry.

Plan your next great backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail, Wonderland Trail, in Yosemite or other parks using my expert e-guides.

 

Oboz’s proprietary B-Dry waterproof-breathable membrane kept water out of the boots even when I stood in shallow creeks, performing as it has consistency through more Oboz boot and shoe models that I’ve tested over the years than I can remember. And the brand’s proprietary O Fit insole offers better stiffness and cushioning from midfoot to heel than standard, flimsy insoles that come with most hiking boots.

The Oboz Sawtooth X series includes men’s and women’s Sawtooth X Low B-Dry ($150) and two non-waterproof models for men and women, the Sawtooth X Mid ($150) and Sawtooth X Low ($125).

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The Verdict 

Comfortable, protective, and durable, with solid waterproofing and good breathability, the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof stands out as an all-around boot for on- and off-trail backpacking and dayhiking—at a price that’s hard to beat for this level of quality.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof boots at moosejaw.com or backcountry.com, or any model in the Sawtooth X series at moosejaw.com or backcountry.com.

See all reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots, “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” and all reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

Let The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures.
Join now for full access to ALL stories and get a free e-guide and member gear discounts!

 

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.” With a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read all of those three stories for free; if you don’t have a subscription, you can download the e-guide versions of “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” the lightweight and ultralight backpacking guide, and “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be.”

See all stories with expert backpacking tips at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See The Big Outside’s Gear Reviews page for categorized menus of all reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

I’ve helped many readers plan unforgettable backpacking and hiking trips.
Want my help with yours? Click here now.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-sawtooth-x-mid-waterproof-boots/feed/ 0 53423 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-tennine-hike-gore-tex-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-tennine-hike-gore-tex-boots/#comments Tue, 02 Nov 2021 17:25:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=48690 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Hoka One One TenNine Hike Gore-Tex
$275, 2 lbs. 2 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11, standard and wide sizes
backcountry.com

Lacing up the Hoka One One TenNine Hike Gore-Tex boots for the first time felt a little like suiting up for a moon walk—if moon boots feel exceptionally cushy, light, supportive, and surprisingly stable, given their oversized platform. Although I’ll probably never walk on the moon, after wearing these boots on a four-day, 45-mile backpacking trip in Yosemite, I’ll definitely hike many more miles of trails in them.

Most distinctively, the TenNine Hike sports a conspicuously extended heel geometry—a broad, compression-molded, EVA foam midsole platform projecting farther outward behind and to each side of the heel than has yet (to my knowledge) been used in any hiking footwear—even more so than Hoka’s signature oversized, lightweight foam midsole, used in the brand’s other models. Hoka says the extended heel creates a more efficient heel-to-toe transition.

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Carrying 25 to 35 pounds in a backpack for four days in Yosemite—and briefly around 45 pounds, including some 12 pounds of water, for a bit over a mile uphill to a waterless campsite—I immediately noticed the enhanced softness of each step taken in these boots, an effect that persisted even through days hiking up to 14 miles and over multiple days of backpacking.

Hiking in them also quickly disabused me of my primary concern before trying them out: That the elevated platform would feel unsteady or awkward. That wasn’t the case. While I wouldn’t use or recommend these boots for scrambling or hiking very rugged off-trail terrain—both because of the wide platform and because, like other lightweight shoes, they’re not really built for that level of hard use—walking a trail in the neutral-stability TenNine Hike feels largely no less steady than traditional, narrower-platform hiking shoes.

Even with its higher bed of cushion, the TenNine Hike has a mere 4mm heel-to-toe drop, the same as found in Hoka’s Speedgoat 4 and Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX and other models. That’s somewhat minimal but has always felt good for me, as a hiker and runner who has never found that zero-drop active footwear suit my feet.

Like other Hoka shoes I’ve worn and liked, the TenNine Hike’s medium-volume, over-the-ankle fit feels comfortably snug in the heel and midfoot and provides decent room for the toes; the boots also come in wide sizes for men and women. Three pairs of lace hooks on each boot help prevent them loosening up over miles of hiking.

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The Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry in rain showers and when splashing through puddles, but it’s my experience with lightweight footwear that the membrane can get overwhelmed by hiking long distances through wet snow, a sustained downpour, or constantly brushing against dripping vegetation overhanging a trail.

Like other boots in this weight class, the TenNine breathes reasonably well, aided by the mesh tongue and perforated patches on either side of the ankle: In temps that ranged from the 40s into the 70s Fahrenheit under a hot alpine afternoon sun, my feet stayed mostly dry and comfortable, although they got sweaty enough one afternoon that I developed a minor hot spot (which I taped immediately to prevent it developing into a blister; see my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking”). The Gore-Tex fabric is also made with recycled ripstop textile and recycled polyester throughout the collar, laces, heel pull tab, and vamp webbing. 

I found the Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs and a Litebase compound—which Hoka says reduces weight without compromising durability—delivered very good traction on dry trails that ranged from loose gravel and rocks to solid granite slabs and packed dirt.

The ripstop textile uppers, metal lacing hardware, and rubber toecap provide good durability for on-trail use. The weakness in the TenNine—as is common in lightweight shoes—lies where the midsole foam projects over the outsole on the lateral, forward side of each boot, subjecting it to more abrasion than other areas of the boot. Still, I’d expect these to have a similar life as other hiking footwear in its weight class, upwards of 400 miles, varying depending on the rockiness of trails you usually hike, how wet and muddy they get, and whether you clean muck off them after each hike.

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The Verdict

For dayhikers and backpackers who carry moderate or light loads, stick to trails, and prefer lightweight hiking footwear, the Hoka One One TenNine Hike boots deliver one-of-a-kind cushion and comfort.

BUY IT NOW 

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See all my reviews of lightweight hiking shoes and backpacking boots, my “Expert Tips for Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” and “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

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You may also be interested in my picks for “The Best Trekking Poles” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all of my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear.

And don’t miss my picks for “The Best Backpacking Gear” of the year.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

Tell me what you think.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-tennine-hike-gore-tex-boots/feed/ 8 48690 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-mescalito-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-mescalito-hiking-shoes/#respond Fri, 07 Feb 2020 17:10:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=38017 Read on

]]> Hiking/Approach Shoes
Scarpa Mescalito
$169, 1 lb. 13 oz. (men’s US 9/Euro 42)
Sizes: men’s US 7-14/Euro 40-48, women’s US 5-10/Euro 36-42
rei.com

Sometimes a piece of gear seems better every time you use it. That’s what happened to me with these low-cut hiking shoes. From dayhikes on the slickrock and sandy trails of Zion to the packed dirt and scree of Glacier and the wet, slippery, rocky trails of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, to hiking and scrambling in Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park on days of rock climbing, the Mescalito shone for exceptional traction, support, and protection.

Perhaps most impressively, the Mescalito excels at gripping all kinds of dry and wet ground. The outsoles never once slipped on a dayhike of nearly nine miles and 4,000-plus vertical feet on wet, rock-strewn trails on Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains, or on the scree of the Scenic Point Trail in Glacier National Park. On the descent off Cervidae Peak in the Boise Foothills, I noted just one slip while coming down 1,800 vertical feet of often-steep, sandy, pebbly trail. The shoes owe this traction to the high-friction Vibram Megagrip outsole with moderately shallow, widely space lugs and a patch of smooth rubber under the toes.

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On days of hiking and scrambling in Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park while rock climbing, I wore them climbing an easy route, and found the shoes grip large footholds well, but don’t have the stickiness and sensitivity for more-delicate easy moves on steeper slabs—in short, they’re a very good hiking shoe, but not so much a climbing shoe.

There are lighter low-cut shoes in this approach-hiking category, but that’s because the Mescalito is armored for hard use. Weighing a few ounces shy of two pounds for a pair (US men’s 9/Euro 42), the Mescalito features suede uppers and a full perimeter rand with rubber in front and polyurethane wrapping around the sides and back—providing superior protection and durability. I bashed these shoes numerous times on rocky trails without any repercussions for my feet—although the low cut obviously leaves ankles unprotected—and the uppers show no wear beyond some scuffing on the rand. Vibram LightBase technology also makes the outsole base thinner and relatively lighter.

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The fit feels comfortably snug from the heel through the midfoot and toe box for my medium-volume feet, and has good support for my slightly high arches: I felt no slipping inside the shoes even on the steepest trails. That close fit is thanks partly to lacing that extends to the toes. Although the shoes felt good out of the box, and the uppers and forefoot flex do loosen up after a few days wearing them, they may not be the best choice for people with wide feet.

The EVA midsole has good cushion and the kind of torsional rigidity you’d find in a midweight boot—you can’t easily twist or wring these shoes (like a towel), making them very stable and supportive on rocky trails and difficult off-trail terrain.

 

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Breathability is predictably fine but not outstanding, given the full leather uppers and wrap-around rand; but the lack of a waterproof membrane helps with breathability. In hot sunshine but comfortable temps on an October dayhike of the Observation Point Trail in Zion National Park, my feet got a bit warm, as they did on a warm, early September, steep hike up and down Cervidae Peak in the Boise Foothills. But on both days, my socks never even got very damp. For hiking in generally warmer temps, another favorite shoe in this category, the La Sportiva TX3, is more breathable than the Mescalito, but not as protective or durable.

While the suede uppers shed light moisture, these shoes are not waterproof, making them better suited to one-day outings than backpacking. Scarpa also a mid-cut, waterproof-breathable version, the Mescalito Mid GTX in men’s and women’s sizes ($199, 2 lbs. 4 oz.), for single- or multi-day adventures in rugged terrain.

The Verdict

For hiking on rocky, rugged trails or off-trail scrambling and mountain climbing, when you need superior traction, support, and protection for your feet, the Scarpa Mescalito excels, and its top-quality construction and materials assure hundreds of miles of hard use.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Scarpa Mescalito or Mescalito Mid GTX at rei.com, backcountry.com, or Moosejaw.com.

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Thank you.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

See also my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking,” my reviews of trekking poles and “The 8 Best Hiking Daypacks,” which includes my expert buying tips, and all of my reviews of hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-scarpa-mescalito-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 38017 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-bridger-mid-and-low-waterproof-boots-and-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-bridger-mid-and-low-waterproof-boots-and-shoes/#comments Wed, 15 Jan 2020 13:11:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=37605 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof
$180, 2 lbs. 6 oz. (men’s size 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-15, women’s 6-11
backcountry.com

Hiking and Backpacking Shoes
Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof
$140, 2 lbs. 3 oz. (men’s size 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-14, women’s 6-11
backcountry.com

As someone who makes his living walking on- and off-trail a lot, I’m very selective about my footwear. I manage the 200-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system in Boise, Idaho—and on any given day I might put in anywhere from three to 10 miles of hiking. I need boots that provide lateral support and comfort and stand up to hard use. After testing both of these models extensively, I can’t speak highly enough about how well the Oboz Bridger Mid and Low Waterproof boots and shoes performed.

Wearing the Bridger Mid on a three-mile, trail-building project in the rugged hills above Boise, I was walking on rocky hillsides with consistent 60 to 70 percent side slopes up to six hours a day for a week—while always carrying a pack weighing at least 25 pounds—and support was exceptional in those challenging off-trail situations, thanks to solid torsional rigidity, stability, and cushioning from the single-density EVA midsole with a TPU forefoot plate that also provides protection underfoot.  

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Oboz’s proprietary outsole, with its deep, widely spaced, multi-directional lugs, gave provided reassuring traction on rocky, loose, slippery slopes while hiking off-trail, as well as on trails of all kinds: packed and loose dirt, rocks, and scree.

The Bridger Mid fit like a perfect pair of gloves, wrapping my feet securely with absolutely no slipping: no blisters, no hot spots, no sore feet, no sore ankles—and perhaps best of all, no break-in time. I literally pulled these boots out of the box and headed into the Foothills. At the suggestion of a fitter at a local gear shop, I got boots a half-size larger than my usual size 10 and was glad that I did as the length was perfect: no sore big toes on long downhills. My feet are slightly wide (probably the result of running around barefoot on the soft sand beaches of Hawaii for 20 years—a duck could paddle with these feet), so the wide toe box characteristic of Obox footwear really enhances comfort, while the form-fitting heel cup and midfoot hold feet in place even for hikers who don’t have wide feet.

In fact, their form-fitting design leads to my one minor complaint: The Bridger Mid require some effort to get on and off, due to the high, snug cuff and the consequent need to really loosen the laces. But the effort pays off in the fit and comfort achieved.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The brand’s O Fit insole, used in all Oboz footwear, offers far more support and cushion than standard, flimsy insoles in most hiking shoes and backpacking boots. 

The Bridger Mid also scored high on durability. After a weeklong trail-building project, a 15-mile backpacking trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and numerous days off-trail chasing deer with a heavy hunting pack, these boots have yet to show any signs of wear, and the soles are dirty but unscathed. Credit the tough, fully nubuck leather uppers and rubber toe bumper,which isn’t as bulky as found on boots from some brands.

Oboz’s proprietary B-Dry waterproof-breathable membrane kept my feet dry through numerous hours over multiple days of walking through wet snow on trails. Plus, having shied away from waterproof boots in recent years because I’ve found few that breathe adequately to avoid uncomfortably sweaty feet, I was pleased that the B-Dry membrane did not leave my feet uncomfortably hot and damp with sweat.

[NOTE: The Big Outside has reviewed numerous Oboz shoes and boots, most recently the Sawtooth II Low Waterproof shoes trekking through fresh snow in Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, and consistently found the B-Dry membrane to be reliably waterproof. The B-Dry also consistently breathes reasonably well, although breathability is also affected, in any footwear, by the material used in the uppers; and the Sawtooth II Low Waterproof have mesh vents in the leather uppers and a breathable mesh tongue, which enable the shoes to release moisture effectively and dry quickly.]

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I used the Bridger Low Waterproof almost daily for several weeks in fall and winter while hiking the trails of the Boise Foothills for work and pleasure, almost always carrying a 10- to 15-pound daypack, and routinely putting in five to eight miles per day. The Bridger Low excels on trail, delivering a high degree of comfort on both smooth and rocky trails, and a surprising degree of foot protection due, as with the Mid, to the leather uppers and single-density EVA midsole with a partial TPU plate. (I did not hike off-trail in these shoes because they lack the lateral stability of the higher-cut Bridger Mid.)  

As with the Bridger Mid, too, I ordered a half-size up in the Bridger Low—a 10.5 instead of my usual size 10—and achieved a great fit both in length and width. Not surprisingly, the Low do not present the same challenge getting on and off as the Mid: They slip on and off quite easily.

Like the Mid, the Bridger Low demonstrate very good durability: After six weeks of daily use, the leather still looks almost as it did when I pulled them out of the box, and the outsoles show almost no sign of use.

Overall the Bridger Low is what one would expect: a scaled-down version of the Mid that’s not quite as terrain-versatile, but an excellent on-trail shoe for carrying moderate loads.

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The Verdict 

Well-constructed, very comfortable, and fairly priced, the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof is an all-around solid boot for on- and off-trail backpacking and dayhiking, and the Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof is ideal for on-trail dayhiking or lightweight or ultralight backpacking. Just choose a color you like—you’re going to have them for a long time.

—David Gordon

Note from Michael Lanza of The Big Outside: David Gordon is the manager of the 200-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system in Boise, Idaho, an experienced backpacker and hiker, and a friend with whom I’ve backpacked, backcountry skied, and mountain biked for years.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof boots at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com, or the men’s or women’s Oboz Bridger Low Waterproof shoes at backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” and my “8 Pro Tips for Preventing Blisters When Hiking.”

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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OBOZ BRIDGER MID WATERPROOF

Comfort/Support

Fit

Waterproofing

Breathability

Traction

Value

Summary

Well-constructed, very comfortable, and fairly priced, the Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof is an all-around solid boot for on- and off-trail backpacking and dayhiking.

4.3

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-oboz-bridger-mid-and-low-waterproof-boots-and-shoes/feed/ 2 37605 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-sawtooth-ii-low-waterproof-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-sawtooth-ii-low-waterproof-hiking-shoes/#comments Tue, 09 Jul 2019 09:32:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34483 Read on

]]> Hiking Shoes
Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof
$140, 2 lbs. 4 oz. (men’s size 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-14, women’s 6-11
backcountry.com

All through the second day of a five-day trek in northern Spain’s Picos de Europa Mountains, we hiked through steady rain and, higher up, wet snow that accumulated several inches deep on the ground. It felt more like Scotland’s Northern Highlands than mountains in the north of Spain. Throughout that day and the entire trip, these shoes mostly delivered the kind of support and performance I expect from much pricier boots—but did have a couple of minor shortcomings. 

Support and stability are better than many low-cut shoes: I carried 25 pounds or more for several hours of hiking a day in a variety of terrain through the rugged Picos, from trails of packed dirt or loose scree to steep scrambling and slogging through wet snow, all without a complaint from my feet. A dual-density EVA midsole combines plenty of cushion with the solid torsional rigidity delivered by a nylon shank. As a bonus, all Oboz footwear come with the brand’s O Fit insole, which offers far more support and cushion than standard, flimsy insoles in most hiking shoes and backpacking boots. 

The Sawtooth II’s were comfortable out of the box, requiring no break-in time before I took them on that hut trek. They have a wider toe box than many hiking shoes, enhancing comfort for many hikers—including people (like me) who don’t necessarily have wide feet. But the midfoot and heel still have a more-snug, medium-volume fit that prevents slipping, although the heel felt slightly roomier than I need (and my average-size feet fit many shoe and boot brands). 

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My feet stayed largely dry in these shoes, thanks to Oboz’s proprietary BDry waterproof-breathable membrane: Although a little dampness penetrated the boots after long periods hiking and kicking steps in wet snow, that’s not unusual in waterproof-breathable boots in this category and price range, most of which are really made for hiking in rain and splashing through shallow water; many will allow some dampness through, and some will even get soaked after hours of hiking through wet snow. The Sawtooth II’s performed better than many low-cuts in that regard, letting only my socks get slightly damp. 

They also dried out noticeably quickly afterward, thanks to the mesh vents in the leather uppers and the breathable mesh tongue, which enable the shoes to release moisture very effectively. The leather gives them substantial protection against hard use, as they demonstrated when I scrambled over very rocky terrain in the alpine zone of the Picos, and a rubber toe bumper protects your toes. 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The only mediocre design feature of the Sawtooth II’s is the proprietary Oboz Sawtooth outsole: The fairly shallow, widely spaced lugs tended to hold mud and wet snow rather than shedding them, and slipped at times on steeper, muddier trails. 

The Sawtooth II’s had one durability issue: The rubber toe bumper of one shoe began to delaminate slightly by the end of our five-day Picos trek—my first trip in them. When I asked Oboz about this, they responded. “We have seen this type of toe cap delamination before, but it’s quite rare. Since our shoes are assembled by hand there is a chance that there wasn’t enough glue applied to provide proper adhesion between the rubber toe cap and leather of the upper.” Oboz offers a one-year defect warranty on all of its products, and a problem like this one would fall under the warranty.

My take on the toe bumper delaminating: I’ve certainly seen this happen occasionally with other top brands. Defects occur in virtually any manufacturing process—that’s why companies offer warranties. Although it’s rarer with a handful of top brands and more-expensive, top-of-the-line hiking and backpacking footwear, it happens. I don’t see any reason to believe it happens more frequently with Oboz than many other footwear brands.

The shoe also comes in a non-waterproof low-cut version, the Sawtooth II Low ($110), and two mid-cut versions, the Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof ($150), and non-waterproof Sawtooth II Mid ($135).

The Verdict 

The Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof deliver good support, comfort, and breathability for dayhiking and light backpacking mostly on trails, at a very good price.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the various models of the Oboz Sawtooth II shoes and boots:

The men’s Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com, or the women’s Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

The non-waterproof, low-cut men’s Oboz Sawtooth II Low at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com, or the women’s Oboz Sawtooth II Low at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

The men’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com, or the women’s Sawtooth II Mid Waterproof at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

Or the non-waterproof men’s Sawtooth II Mid at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com, or the women’s Sawtooth II Mid at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

Was this review helpful? If so, would you like to support my work by clicking here to leave a tip for The Big Outside?

Thank you.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

 

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OBOZ SAWTOOTH II LOW WATERPROOF

Comfort/Support

Fit

Breathability

Traction

Value

Waterproofing

Summary

The Oboz Sawtooth II Low Waterproof deliver good support, comfort, and breathability for dayhiking and light backpacking mostly on trails, at a very good price.

4.2

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-sawtooth-ii-low-waterproof-hiking-shoes/feed/ 1 34483 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-aerios-fl-mid-gtx-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-aerios-fl-mid-gtx-hiking-shoes/#comments Wed, 15 May 2019 08:00:08 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33768 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Shoes
Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX
$185, 1 lb. 11 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-13, women’s 5-10
rei.com

The trend toward lighter footwear for hiking and backpacking has generally improved the offerings available—but has also produced a lot of shoes that, frankly, lack the support and cushion for rugged dayhiking or lightweight backpacking. Curious to discover whether the new Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX could hold up to hard use, I wore them on a six-day, 74-mile backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon—which included the very rugged Escalante Route—on which I carried upwards of 40 pounds (a substantial portion of it water). And guess what? Despite falling within the weight class of trail-running shoes, these shoes delivered the performance of a boot at least a half-pound heavier.

Don’t mistake the trail-runner weight and pedigree of the Aerios FL Mid for an indicator of flimsy footwear. A compressed EVA midsole and an integrated TPU shank in the midfoot provide a really nice balance between having nearly as much forefoot flex as a running shoe and the lateral rigidity, support, and cushion of a burlier hiking shoe, plus protection underfoot against rocks and roots. Molded foam around the cuff rises just high enough to protect the ankle bones.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The medium-volume fit features plenty of toe space, plus a midfoot and firm, supportive heel cup that prevent any forward slipping when going downhill, eliminating the friction that can breed blisters. Even though we carried heavy packs for 43 hard miles in just the first three days of our Grand Canyon trek—in temps that pushed into the nineties—my feet remained in pristine condition at the end of the trip. That speaks volumes about the fit of these shoes, given the heat, mileage, and my pack weight.

I wouldn’t normally take waterproof-breathable shoes on a dry, hot trip like in the Grand Canyon, but I was eager to test their stability, support, and comfort for backpacking with a moderately heavy load in rugged terrain, so this trip was perfect for them in that respect. Breathability was actually pretty good for a waterproof shoe, thanks to the Cordura mesh uppers: My feet did not get steamy until temperatures rose into the 70s under a hot desert sun. And the Gore-Tex membrane kept water out when I stood for minutes in shallow creeks to test the shoes.

The Aerios FL Mid are light enough for dayhiking andtough enough for any trail: In the Grand Canyon, I wore the Aerios on a pair of dayhikes from our camp for two nights at Tanner Beach on the Colorado River, one a six-miler, the other an 18-mile, rugged out-and-back hike on the Beamer Trail. I also wore these shoes on local dayhikes in the Boise Foothills, on which they felt as comfortable as sneakers.

Durability seems respectable for such a lightweight shoe, mostly due to TPU overlays and a toe cap protecting high-wear areas of the uppers. But the exposed, soft midsole foam showed wear and tear along the lateral sides of both shoes; those spots could potentially wear more quickly than the outsole, which is often the part of a shoe that ages the fastest. But the Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Aerios FL Mid is similar or the same as what you’d see on many similar hiking shoes: It has decent grip on rock and shallow, widely spaced, multi-directional lugs that bit well in loose dirt. The shoes gave me confidence when we scrambled up the very steep and loose talus and scree in Papago Canyon on the Escalante Route.

 

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The Verdict

The Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX delivers unusually strong support and cushion for a shoe in its weight class, making it ideal for lightweight or ultralight backpacking or dayhiking in any terrain.

The low-cut version is the Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX ($170), also in men’s and women’s sizes.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX at backcountry.com, arcteryx.com, or rei.com, or the men’s or women’s Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, arcteryx.com, or rei.com.

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Click here to leave a tip for The Big Outside! Thank you.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

ARC’TERYX AERIOS FL MID GTX

Comfort/Support

Fit

Breathability

Traction

Value

Waterproofing

Summary

The Arc’teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX delivers unusually strong support and cushion for a shoe in its weight class, making it ideal for lightweight or ultralight backpacking or dayhiking in any terrain.

4.4

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-aerios-fl-mid-gtx-hiking-shoes/feed/ 6 33768 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-safien-gtx-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-safien-gtx-hiking-shoes/#respond Tue, 30 Apr 2019 09:02:12 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=33457 Read on

]]> Hiking Shoes
The North Face Safien GTX
$140, 1 lb. 10 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
Moosejaw.com

Few outings test the comfort and support of hiking shoes like a rim-to-rim dayhike across the Grand Canyon. So to take the full measure of the purported extra cushioning in The North Face Safien GTX shoes, I hiked them across the Big Ditch and back again over two days—a total of 42 miles and about 22,000 vertical feet of serious pounding on consecutive days—and finished feeling no small measure of relief that these shoes really are as cushy as TNF claims. They also have other strengths as well as some minor weaknesses.

The Safien stand out for comfort and support: They proved exceptionally cushy when my feet endured the cumulative pounding of over 11,000 feet of elevation gain and loss two days in a row in the Grand Canyon. Credit goes to the shoe’s XtraFoam midsole, which has a unique shock-absorbing effect that noticeably reduces the pounding impact on the soles of your feet. (Squeeze the shoe’s midsole with one hand inside and one pressing from the outsole side, and you can feel and visibly see the slight shock-absorbing compression of the midsole.)

 

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The medium-volume fit provides plenty of toe space, a snug midfoot that prevents any forward slipping when going downhill, and a supportive, firm heel cup that’s slightly roomier than average compared to other shoe models.

The Gore-Tex membrane kept water out when I stood in shallow creeks to test the shoes, and breathability was good hiking in the Grand Canyon in temperatures ranging from the 20s (on the North Rim in early morning in October) to the 70s Fahrenheit with dry conditions, although I walked through some mud and shallow puddles from heavy rain the day before we hiked. (I had similar conditions dayhiking in these shoes in Bryce Canyon National Park.)

My feet never got more than slightly damp with perspiration, even on afternoons under the hot sun, thanks in large part to the TPU-coated, mesh uppers and gusseted mesh tongue and a below-the-ankle height that allows for more efficient heat release from the collar. The low collar also means no ankle protection, but synthetic overlays on either side provide some protection below the ankle.

 

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The Safien’s construction also integrates a reinforced, molded toe cap, the heel, and a mudguard—which wraps completely around the shoe just above the outsole—directly into the upper. TNF’s EXTS proprietary outsole has shallow, multi-directional lugs that delivered good traction on dirt and rock trails.

The Verdict

With exceptional cushioning, a waterproof membrane and uppers that breathe well, and good traction on a variety of trail surfaces, The North Face Safien GTX shoes are a good choice for dayhikers and lightweight or ultralight backpackers who prioritize low weight over added support in their footwear. And these shoes come at a competitive price for low-cuts.

The North Face Safien Mid GTX ($150), also in men’s and women’s sizes, offers the same performance with more support and protection, especially at the ankle.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s models of The North Face Safien GTX hiking shoes or The North Face Safien Mid GTX boots at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

Want to make your pack lighter and all of your backpacking trips more enjoyable? See my story “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” If you don’t have a paid subscription to The Big Outside, you can read part of that story for free, or click here to download that full story without having a paid membership.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Was this review helpful? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside. Join now and a get free e-guide!

 

THE NORTH FACE SAFIEN GTX

Comfort/Support

Fit

Breathability

Traction

Value

Waterproofing

Summary

With exceptional cushioning, a waterproof membrane and uppers that breathe well, and good traction on a variety of trail surfaces, The North Face Safien GTX shoes are a good choice for dayhikers and lightweight or ultralight backpackers, at a competitive price.

4.3

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-safien-gtx-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 33457 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-zamberlan-491-trackmaster-gtx-rr-backpacking-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-zamberlan-491-trackmaster-gtx-rr-backpacking-boots/#respond Wed, 10 Oct 2018 12:26:57 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29492 Read on

]]>

Backpacking Boots
Zamberlan 491 Trackmaster GTX RR
$220, 2 lbs. 8 oz. (men’s US 9/Euro 43)
Sizes: men’s 8-13, women’s 6-11
rei.com

For some backpacking trips, lightweight, mid-cut boots or low-cut shoes don’t cut it. With plans for a six-day hike of over 90 miles on the Continental Divide Trail through Glacier National Park in September—where snow had fallen just a week before—I saw the trip as an opportunity to put Zamberlan’s premier leather backpacking boot, the 491 Trackmaster GTX RR, to a real test. On that hike, I found they measure up as a top boot in this category, although I had one minor complaint. Here’s why you should consider them.

Most conspicuously, these boots are constructed with the highest degree of Italian craftsmanship you’ll find in backpacking boots. The uppers are made of Italian Perwanger split leather treated with Hydrobloc to shed water and resist abrasion, and have few seams, thus minimizing the number of places that can suffer damage or where water might penetrate more easily. Leather boots of this quality will outlive lightweight hiking shoes by several years and hundreds of trail miles—and the harder you use both types of footwear, the greater the advantage in durability of high-quality leather boots over lightweight shoes or boots.

 

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The Gore-Tex membrane proved absolutely waterproof the numerous times I stood for minutes in ankle-deep creeks to test the boots. As expected, breathability was moderate—predictably, my feet got warm on sunny, mild afternoons, but never very sweaty. Like any midweight leathers, these boots are best for cooler temps and wet conditions.

I found them comfortable on the first day of backpacking, without wearing them much at all before the trip. The fit cradled my medium-volume feet nicely, with good lateral and arch support and adequate toe space. I experienced no slipping or hot spots, but hikers with narrow heels might find the Trackmaster a little too roomy there. The EVA midsole offers more cushion than found in leather boots that blend PU and EVA, while the forefoot flexes more than some comparable midweight leather boots, making for a brief break-in period. The soft, cushioned foam collar and tongue, which have a Microtex lining to wick moisture, protect ankles while providing comfort on steep ascents when you’re flexing aggressively.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Subscribe now to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The exclusive Zamberlan Vibram Starlite outsole has deep, widely spaced, multi-directional lugs under the midfoot and heel that easily slough off mud and snow; a pronounced braking edge in the heel that gave me a confident sense of control when descending rocky, gravelly trails under the weight of a backpack; and horizontal ridges under the toes and rear heel for precise grip on smooth rock.

At two-and-a-half pounds per pair (US men’s size 9), the 491 Trackmaster hit a sweet spot of providing excellent support and performance without weighing down your feet too much.

One minor complaint: The three pairs of metal lace hooks on the upper part of each boot are slightly small, so if a lace loosens up while hiking, it can slip off one of the hooks. It’s slightly annoying, but happens infrequently.

 

The Verdict

For carrying moderate to heavy loads in cooler temps and potentially wet conditions, few classic leather backpacking boots are constructed with the fit, performance, and quality of the Zamberlan 491 Trackmaster GTX RR.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s Zamberlan 491 Trackmaster GTX RR at rei.com or campsaver.com, or the women’s at rei.com or campsaver.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-zamberlan-491-trackmaster-gtx-rr-backpacking-boots/feed/ 0 29492 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-fastpack-iii-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-fastpack-iii-mid-gtx-boots/#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2018 09:00:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=29039 Read on

]]> Hiking and Backpacking Boots
The North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX
$170, 1 lb. 15 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
Moosejaw.com

Supportive, durable, waterproof-breathable, mid-cut boots that weigh under two pounds are a rare breed, so I was intrigued by the specs on The North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots. But I’ve also worn enough lightweight boots to know that many do not measure up when it comes to delivering solid support and stability for dayhiking and backpacking mountain trails. So I took these boots on a four-day, roughly 30-mile family backpacking trip in August in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains—and they aced every test.

The North Face claims that its new FastFoam midsole “maximizes energy return so that you can cover more miles, faster.” Backpacking with about 30 to 40 pounds on my back, walking moderate daily distances at an easy pace (with my family), I found the midsoles—which sport an ESS midfoot shank to enhance torsional rigidity and guard against sharp rocks—have nice cushion and support for carrying that much weight.

But the aggressive forefoot flex, ankle height (for enhanced protection and support), and low weight of these boots—very few mid-cuts come in under two pounds per pair (for the men’s size 9)—mean they can pull double duty as a lightweight dayhiking boot for long days in the mountains and even ultra-hiking.

TNF also says the EVA midsole has a more-resilient perimeter to allow users to put more miles on the boots before the foam in the midsole gets packed out and loses its cushion—one of the two wear-and-tear points, along with the outsole, that are usually the primary reason for retiring old boots.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Subscribe now to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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The medium-volume fit gave me no trouble wearing them out of the box. With ample toe space and a midfoot and heel that prevented my feet from slipping, I never felt any discomfort or developed any blisters or even hot spots. Not surprisingly, given the price point and materials, these boots don’t deliver the kind of almost-custom fit you can get with the best, high-end leather boots. But the flexible uppers and the common lacing system of loops and hooks combine to provide a smooth wrap around the foot.

While we had no rain in the Sawtooths, I stood in creeks for several minutes more than a few times to treat water and simply test the boots, and the waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex membrane proved flawless. It also breathed well enough to keep my feet from getting more than damp on sunny, hot, August days. That’s partly attributable to the breathability of the mostly woven-mesh uppers, especially in the gusseted tongue. But where mesh uppers on many low-cut hiking shoes in this weight category quickly suffer damage on rocky trails, these uppers are made more durable by TPU overlays reinforcing key wear points from the toes and sides to the heel. While dusty, the uppers otherwise look no worse from the abuse of rocky trails.

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The Vibram Megagrip outsole—found in many models of hiking and backpacking boots—has widely spaced, multi-directional, relatively shallow lugs, and deliver good traction in most conditions encountered on summer trails, from dry, packed dirt to mud and rocks.

The North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots pull off a rare blend of traits, marrying the support, protection, waterproofness, and durability of many midweight mid-cuts with the low weight and nimble feel of ultralight low-cuts. Whether you want a light boot for standard or ultralight backpacking or dayhiking, or just a solid, all-around top performer for almost any mountain adventures in any weather, this one measures up and comes at a good price.

The Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX also comes in versions with woven uppers in a low-cut for men and women, and a mid-cut for men and women.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase…

The men’s Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots at moosejaw.com or ems.com;
The women’s Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots at Moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com;

The men’s Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots with woven uppers at moosejaw.com;
The women’s Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX boots with woven uppers at moosejaw.com;

The men’s Ultra Fastpack III GTX low-cut shoes at moosejaw.com, ems.com, or rei.com;
The women’s Ultra Fastpack III GTX low-cut shoes at moosejaw.com or ems.com.

The men’s Ultra Fastpack III GTX low-cut shoes with woven uppers at moosejaw.com or rei.com.
The women’s Ultra Fastpack III GTX low-cut shoes with woven uppers at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-fastpack-iii-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 5 29039 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/#respond Thu, 28 Jun 2018 09:00:29 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22860 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

What if every time you laid down money for hiking, backpacking, or other outdoors gear, you always knew exactly what you needed and were invariably satisfied with your purchase for years afterward? What if you knew every time whether it was smarter to spring for the pricier piece of gear or go for the cheaper model? What if you always knew when and where to find the best gear at rock-bottom sale prices?

Read on to learn how you can become that expert gear buyer—just in time for ongoing gear sales at many online retailers.

Like me, you love getting out dayhiking, backpacking, climbing, and/or trail running. We need the right gear and apparel for those activities. That stuff costs money. So we have to make choices over what we need, the best products among myriad models, which of them represent the best value, and ultimately, what we can afford.

More than two decades as a professional gear tester and reviewer have taught me a lot about making informed gear choices and when and where to shop for gear. Here are my tips for becoming a smarter gear consumer who understands how to get the best value for your buck. Please share your thoughts on my tips or your own best tips in the comments section at the bottom of this story.

 

Top 3 Tips For Buying Gear

For starters, my three top rules about buying outdoor gear would apply to buying almost any consumer product:

1. Do some research to understand what you need and the differences between choices available. (Start with the categorized menus and buying tips at my Gear Reviews page.)

2. Don’t buy at the last minute. Planning ahead usually gives you more choices and opportunities to find discounted prices. (Save money and support my work on this blog by making purchases through these links at moosejaw.com and rei.com, as well as links you find in the many gear reviews at The Big Outside.)

3. Assess price in terms of the gear’s value to you. If you use it infrequently, perhaps less-expensive gear (assuming it’s of adequate quality) will suit your needs just fine. But if you use it a lot and can afford it, high-quality gear pays for itself many times over in the currency of your quality of experience. And that matters.

 

Buy smartly. Read my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear” and
“Why and When to Spend More on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Use These Expert Gear-Buying Tips

Shop for any gear and you will quickly discover: There are a lot of choices out there. Sometimes it can be difficult or even overwhelming to sort through them all and discern which product is best for your needs—which is critical, because we all have individual needs and purposes for gear.

See my pro tips on finding the right backpack, backcountry tent, shoes or boots, sleeping bag, rain jacket, and sleeping bag in these articles:

5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack
5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent
How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for You
Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots
Pro Tips: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry

Those articles are premium content, which means that reading them requires a full paid subscription to The Big Outside, which costs as little as five bucks for a month, or pennies over four bucks a month for a full year. That’s a great value when you consider how much you will save as a more-informed gear consumer. Read more about subscribing here.

In the left sidebar, you’ll find a tag cloud with links to all reviews in categories like backpacking gear and backpacks.

 

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No Time? Cut to the Chase

If you simply want my recommendations on the best gear, you can find a long list of Best in Class reviews at my Gear Reviews page, including the 10 best backpacking packs and down jackets; the best ultralight backpacks; the five best backpacking tents, rain jackets, and headlamps; and the best daypacks for hiking. (All of those articles are free content, and you support my work on this blog anytime you make a purchase through a link to an online retailer in any of my reviews.)

 

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You’ll also find hundreds of reviews at The Big Outside, ranging from the best new stuff on the market to gear and apparel that’s a year or more old but still of high quality—and may be available now at a price steeply discounted from its original price, simply because it’s no longer new. As I point out in my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” this is stuff that went on sale new at higher prices just months earlier—it’s current technology, not ancient crap.

Looking for great prices soon? Bookmark sites like moosejaw.com, REI Garage, Sierra Trading Post, and theclymb.com, and watch for seasonal sales going on now or coming up soon.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/are-you-still-wasting-money-on-outdoor-gear/feed/ 0 22860 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zodiac-plus-gtx-backpacking-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zodiac-plus-gtx-backpacking-boots/#comments Wed, 11 Oct 2017 09:00:59 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=25153 Read on

]]> Backpacking Boots
Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX
$349, 2 lbs. 7 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 37-48/US 5-14, women’s Euro 37-42, US 6-10
backcountry.com

What are your expectations of your boots? That’s a good question to consider when shopping for a new pair. On a 39-mile backpacking trip in mid-September in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, I put Scarpa’s Zodiac Plus GTX through the gamut of mountain terrain and conditions. We hiked consecutive, 13-mile days on trails ranging from packed dirt to rock and mud—the kind of backpacking for which I might normally wear a lightweight, low-cut shoe for comfort and breathability. But we also traversed a five-mile stretch off-trail over snow, steep and loose scree, talus, and a 12,000-foot pass, including some dicey third-class scrambling. We walked through shallow streams, puddles, boggy ground, wet vegetation overhanging the path, thunderstorms and heavy rain. By all measures, the Zodiac Plus GTX passed every test. Here’s why.

Choosing the right boots begins and ends with a comfortable fit, and the medium-volume Zodiac Plus GTX held my heel and midfoot securely in place, with no slippage that can cause friction and blisters, while giving my toes wiggle room. (I wore lightweight socks, which take up less boot volume than heavier socks.) Scarpa’s Sock-Fit construction features a tongue made of stretchy fabric sewn into the uppers that facilitates a wrap-like fit—complementing the way the leather uppers conform to your feet. The nicely padded, flexible collar moved with my ankles while protecting and supporting them.

They hit a middle point between lightweight boots—which they definitely do not feel like—and a burlier, stiffer, heavier boot. That’s primarily because the midsole blends triple-density EVA with polyurethane in the heel to balance durability and the support and comfort needed for carrying a heavy pack, while keeping the boots under two-and-a-half pounds per pair (for the men’s Euro 42/US 9). Asymetric lacing that reaches to the toe box, with three pairs of lace hooks at the top, allow you to “mold” the uppers to the contours of your feet, and make micro-adjustments for, say, traveling downhill versus uphill—all of which can improve comfort and helps prevent foot slippage.

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here for my e-guides to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

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The boot flexes moderately at the forefoot, for comfort when cruising longer days on trail; and yet, they have abundant torsional rigidity—you can’t grab these boots and wring or twist them as you can with lighter (usually synthetic) mid-cut boots, which indicates substantial support for feet and ankles in difficult, very uneven terrain.

Whether hiking in thunderstorms and rain showers (wearing low gaiters), slopping through mud and boggy areas off-trail, or even standing in shallow streams to test the boots, no moisture ever penetrated the Gore-Tex membrane and water-resistant Perwanger suede uppers. My socks only got slightly damp with sweat in temperatures that hovered mostly in the 40s and 50s, perhaps reaching 60 under the warm, high-elevation sun; that’s decent breathability for waterproof, over-the-ankle boots with leather uppers, and that’s aided by the breathable tongue fabric.

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The rubber toe rand wraps around to the midfoot, providing a sturdy bumper for high-wear areas in the toes and sidewalls—especially valuable on rocky trails or hiking off-trail. The Vibram Drumlin outsole, with deep, widely spaced lugs, a pronounced heel for downhill braking, and a smoother tread under the toes for stickiness on rock, delivered solid traction and grip in snow, mud, dry dirt, scree, and when I was picking my way carefully through truck-size talus on the off-trail ascent to Knapsack Col at roughly 12,200 feet.

They’re overkill for lightweight backpacking in warm, dry conditions; and some people may want to take a hike or two to break them in before a long trip. But for someone who needs a supportive, realiably waterproof boot for backpacking on and off-trail, scrambling peaks, or even dayhiking in typically rugged and wet conditions, Scarpa’s Zodiac Plus GTX bridges a wide range of situations.

BUY IT NOW

You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX boots at moosejaw.com or backcountry.com.

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zodiac-plus-gtx-backpacking-boots/feed/ 11 25153 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-do-i-stop-getting-battered-toes-when-hiking/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-do-i-stop-getting-battered-toes-when-hiking/#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2017 09:00:46 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=11769 Read on

]]> Mike,

I know this is a really random question, but when descending mountain trails my big toes suffer immensely. Besides tying the laces up really tight, is there a trick to protecting them without losing a toenail or having them feel beat up?

Geoff
Rexburg, ID

Hi Geoff,

That’s not an uncommon problem. It’s probably that your boots don’t fit quite right. Does your heel or midfoot move around at all when you hike? Does your heel slip even the slightest? Do your toes slam into the front of the boots?

If you have narrow feet or the boots are otherwise just kind of wide or big for your feet, and your feet slip even slightly, over the course of several miles your toes can take a beating—especially going downhill, of course. One way to check the fit is to see whether, when you tighten the laces up, those laces are snugged about as tight as you can make them; in other words, you wouldn’t be able to snug the laces tighter over the boot no matter what size your feet were. If you’re maxing out the lacing, the boots are too big for your feet.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

 

Long-term solution: Get boots that fit. Go to a shop where they know how to measure your feet and size boots correctly. Try on several different brands because they all fit differently, and by experimenting, you’ll find the brand that fits your feet best.

Short-term solution: Try custom insoles in your boots, replacing the typical thin, stock insoles that come with the boots. Decreasing the inside volume, to create a more snug fit, may prevent your feet from slipping. Also, I always carry some athletic tape when I’m hiking or backpacking, because it sticks to feet pretty well even when you get sweaty. As soon as I feel any rubbing or discomfort, I put two or three overlapping strips of tape over the spot. You could even preemptively tape around the toes that tend to get beat up before you start the hike.

Does that sound like it might help with your problem? Also, check out my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots” and “7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters.” See my reviews of backpacking boots and lighter hiking boots and shoes at The Big Outside.

Michael

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

Thanks Mike! I appreciate the advice.

It usually happens when the toe slides and bangs into the front of the boot. I like the hiking boots I have so I am going to give the custom insoles and tape a whirl first.

Thanks!

Ciao,
Geoff

 

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life.

Got a question about hiking, backpacking, planning a family adventure, or any trip I’ve written about at The Big Outside? Email it to me at info@thebigoutsideblog.com. For just $75, I’ll answer your questions via email or in a phone call to help ensure your trip is a success. See my Ask Me page.

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]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-do-i-stop-getting-battered-toes-when-hiking/feed/ 20 11769 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-breeze-iii-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-breeze-iii-mid-gtx-boots/#respond Wed, 16 Aug 2017 09:00:30 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24373 Read on

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Backpacking Boots
Vasque Breeze III Mid GTX
$180, 2 lbs. 8 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-15 plus wide sizes, women’s 6-12 plus narrow and wide sizes
moosejaw.com

There’s an almost mind-boggling array of choices out there in shoes and boots for the trail. But many dayhikers and backpackers really only need one solidly built, mid-cut pair of boots that strike a balance between support and out-of-the-box comfort—and basically aren’t too heavy or too light. On a nine-day, mid-July trek on the 105-mile Tour du Mont Blanc in the Alps of France, Italy, and Switzerland, I hiked these boots through wind-driven rain, slick mud, and warm, sunny days, over talus boulders and loose scree, and on trails, dirt roads, and town streets—and they performed well, although I do have one caution about them. Read on.

For starters, at two-and-a-half pounds per pair (for men’s size 9), they’re neither super light nor heavy and clunky, hitting a sweet spot in over-the-ankle support, moderate torsional rigidity, good cushioning and protection underfoot with EVA foam cushioning pods and a TPU shank in the dual-density midsole, and nice forefoot flex. For my medium-volume feet, the fit was good all around: comfortably snug in the heel and midfoot and adequately roomy in the toes. The heel provides a firm, cushioned platform that prevented any foot soreness when carrying over 30 pounds on days hiking up to 12 miles with 3,000 to 4,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. The lacing system is more boot-like than shoe-like, with locking hooks at the midfoot to let you adjust the lacing of the forefoot and ankle independently of one another. I wore the boots on the Tour du Mont Blanc without any break-in needed.

 

The Gore-Tex membrane, with Gore’s Extended Comfort Technology, kept my feet and socks dry in most of the conditions we encountered, including steady rain and wet trail. But on the afternoon that we slogged for miles through relentless, wind-driven rain over 8,323-foot (2537m) Grand Col Ferret, passing from Italy into Switzerland, the constant soaking from rain, puddles, and mud—plus me testing the waterproofness of the boots by standing in shallow streams—eventually penetrated the membrane, making my socks damp even though my feet weren’t perspiring in those cool temps.

Some water getting through in somewhat extreme conditions isn’t unheard of in boots with partial mesh uppers and numerous seams; some boots at this price are what you might call “waterproof enough” for hikers and backpackers who tend to avoid soaking weather or destinations. The boots I’ve tested over the years that remain waterproof in very wet conditions are almost exclusively well over $200. I’m not offering a judgment about that, just sharing my experience.

 

Breathability is enhanced by abundant air mesh in the uppers—I carried a pack weighing over 30 pounds (my stuff and another person’s) up long climbs to passes approaching 9,000 feet on sunny days in the 70s Fahrenheit without my feet ever getting uncomfortably sweaty. But these uppers are also armored for hard use by an overlay of 2mm nubuck leather in key areas of wear, like the side walls and the toe, which also has a rubber bumper.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole has multi-directional, variously shaped lugs more similar in design and depth to a lightweight, low-cut shoe than a heavy-duty boot. I found they gripped well in most conditions, although they slipped a bit on wet rock slabs and slick mud.

Overall, the Vasque Breeze III Mid GTX is a competitively priced, good choice for dayhikers or backpackers carrying a pack weighing under 40 pounds, in circumstances where you want waterproof footwear for the possibility of rain or occasional shallow streams and mud. But I would not recommend them for trips in sustained wet conditions.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s Vasque Breeze III Mid GTX boots at moosejaw.com, or rei.com, or the women’s version at moosejaw.com, or rei.com. If you prefer better breathability over waterproofing, the non-Gore-Tex Vasque Breeze III Mid boots ($150) are available in the men’s model at moosejaw.com and rei.com, and the women’s model at moosejaw.com and rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots,” all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

The Big Outside is proud to partner with sponsors Backcountry.com and Visit North Carolina, who support the stories you read at this blog. Find out more about them and how to sponsor my blog at my sponsors page at The Big Outside. Click on the backcountry.com ad below for the best prices on great gear.

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-breeze-iii-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 0 24373 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-gore-tex-surround-mid-hiking-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-gore-tex-surround-mid-hiking-boots/#comments Wed, 21 Jun 2017 09:00:14 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23999 Read on

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Hiking Boots
The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid
$190, 2 lbs. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

The heat and humidity fell onto us like a wet blanket; I broke into a sweat just lacing up my boots for the dayhike of 3,740-foot Cerro Chato, a dormant volcano with close-up views of its larger and more-famous neighbor, Arenal Volcano, in Costa Rica’s tropical Northern Lowlands. And yet, I wanted waterproof-breathable boots for Costa Rican trails notorious for slick mud. The crazy-steep path up Cerro Chato would not only challenge us physically, it would challenge the breathability of The North Face Gore-Tex Surround Mid boots. It would also help me assess whether these very lightweight mid-cuts are the answer to chronically wet hikes in persistently hot, humid conditions—which you don’t have to go to Central America to find, as any hiker in the Eastern U.S. can confirm.

Although waterproof-breathable membranes have long been a big selling point for hiking footwear, avid hikers who have logged enough miles in waterproof boots understand the conundrum of them: The “breathable” half of that hyphenated adjective often seems to be defined very generously. Truth is, if you regularly hike in a humid, wet climate, where temperatures can vary widely from cool to steamy, waterproof footwear is a curse as often as it’s a blessing. If you live in a climate that’s dry, at least during the prime hiking season, you might logically question why you’d need waterproof footwear, even on multi-day backcountry hikes—especially given how quickly a pair of highly breathable, non-waterproof, low-cut shoes with synthetic or mesh uppers will dry out if they get wet. (See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots.”)

The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid boots address that conundrum. I wore them in some of the most extreme and challenging conditions for which they were designed: on both Cerro Chato and hiking along Costa Rica’s Rio Celeste, in humid weather with temps in the 70s and 80s. They passed the breathability test with flying colors: My feet got only slightly sweaty. And no moisture penetrated the boots even when I splashed through puddles, shallow streams, and mud—not even when I sprayed the boots with a garden hose at the Rio Celeste trailhead post-hike to wash off mud caked on them.

Surround is the most breathable Gore-Tex membrane, and TNF places mesh of different densities in the uppers for enhanced breathability where you need it, in the boot’s tongue and above the toes, while putting more-durable mesh in the sides. Plus, TNF’s FlashDry fabric in the collar helps release heat and moisture. But Surround is better suited to hikes where your feet are only exposed to incidental wet conditions like that, not sustained wet conditions. For trips where you expect rain, wet trails, including wet trailside vegetation constantly weeping onto your feet and legs—especially in cooler temperatures—you’re better off with backpacking boots with the standard Gore-Tex membrane (and perhaps low or high gaiters), which is much more reliably waterproof in severe conditions.

The boot’s comfortably close, medium-volume fit cradled my feet evenly, with a firm and supportive heel cup, preventing my heel and midfoot from slipping at all, even on steep descents, while giving my toes plenty of wiggle room without the boot freely boxy. Abundant flexibility allows for easy striding and hiking in them without any break-in time; I could hop nimbly over rocks and roots. The mid-cut height protects the ankle from bashing against rocks and provides support against a rolled ankle that you can’t get from comparably lightweight, low-cut shoes. The Ultra effectively offers advantages over low-cuts while cancelling out the usual edge that low-cuts have in lower weight and keeping feet cooler.

There’s one potential fit problem: The positioning of a metal lace hook directly above the seam stitching the tongue to the interior side wall could create a pressure point on some people’s feet (as a few people have commented on at TNF’s website). It did not bother me while hiking, even on the steep Cerro Chato trail; but I was also hiking at an easy pace with my family. Apparently, not all commenters at TNF’s website had the problem, either. I did reach out to The North Face asking about that, and got this response from the company’s footwear product coordinator: “Through our own fit testing program, we did not experience that issue or receive that feedback, so we think that problem is isolated to one or two individuals on the forum. Therefore, we do not have any plans to address the concern by making changes to the current model.”

Try the boots on, lace them up snugly, and walk around in them, including up and down, before buying (or make sure the retailer has a good return policy).

The dual-density midsole has a soft cushion to it, but very little rigidity or torsional support; I’d reserve these boots for dayhiking or ultralight backpacking, because carrying a heavy pack in boots with a light, soft midsole can leave all but the strongest feet sore. PU-coated leather overlays in high-abuse areas of the uppers—at the toes and along the sidewalls—lend greater durability than you find in many shoes and boots this light. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole combines smaller, shallower lugs with wider and slightly deeper lugs, a smoother surface under the toes for scrambling steep rock, and a slight edge under the heel to enhance downhill braking, for good, all-around traction in a variety of terrain. It delivered good traction when I scrambled up steep, wet, slick roots and muck on Cerro Chato.

For dayhikers and ultralight backpackers who regularly head out in warm, humid conditions on trails that are occasionally wet, The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid boots will keep your feet drier than most waterproof-breathable boots.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase The North Face Ultra Gore-Tex Surround Mid men’s boots at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com, or the women’s boots at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com.

 

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Hiking Boots.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

The Big Outside is proud to partner with sponsors Backcountry.com and Visit North Carolina, who support the stories you read at this blog. Find out more about them and how to sponsor my blog at my sponsors page at The Big Outside. Click on the backcountry.com ad below for the best prices on great gear.

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-the-north-face-ultra-gore-tex-surround-mid-hiking-boots/feed/ 4 23999 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-thyrus-gv-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-thyrus-gv-boots/#comments Wed, 29 Mar 2017 09:00:13 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=22757 Read on

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Backpacking Boots
Asolo Thyrus Gv
$235, 2 lbs. 5 oz. (US men’s 8.5)
Sizes: US men’s 8-14, women’s 6-11
moosejaw.com

I need a reason to wear leather boots, because they usually involve tradeoffs for their benefits: They tend to be too hot and heavy, especially for summer backpacking, when I often wear lightweight, synthetic mid-cut boots or low-cut shoes (depending on how much weight I’m carrying). But the Thyrus Gv felt so shockingly light for a leather boot, with a design that seemed to promise better breathability than is typical, that I decided to take them out on a five-day, 80-mile backpacking trip in the North Cascades National Park Complex in September—slogging long, sunny days through wet terrain, the best test of any leather boot. And these boots delivered on the promise in their design.

I carried over 35 pounds at times, in mostly dry weather—but it was the North Cascades, so we were often hiking through vegetation overhanging the trail that was wet and shedding water on the boots as effectively as a steady rainstorm. Those conditions spotlight the benefits of leather boots, particularly a model with few seams for water to penetrate, like the Thyrus. I stood in creeks and the boots never leaked, thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane. The water-resistant Perwanger leather uppers are just 1.6-1.8mm thick, to help make the boots lighter and a little cooler. They also shed water and dried fairly quickly for leather—which, of course, dries more slowly than lightweight, synthetic uppers, but is also more durable—and broke in on my first day of hiking.

 

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The Thyrus achieves a very comfortable fit because of a few design features. The gender-specific lasts accommodate the natural shape and flex of men’s and women’s feet; my feet felt nicely cradled in these boots, with no pressure points, yet good support, no slipping in the heel or midfoot when I hiked uphill or down, and wiggle room for my toes. Schoeller soft-shell fabric in the upper part of the tongue and the padded collar give the boots a soft, very breathable wrap around the ankle and helped keep my feet from overheating, even on hours-long uphill climbs. The metal lacing eyelets are super smooth—when I pulled them tight, the uppers wrapped like a little blanket around my feet. The boots run a little big; I consistently wear a US men’s 9 in boots, but the Thyrus Gv men’s 8.5 fit me well.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

 

At under two-and-a-half pounds, this boot’s very light for the amount of boot structure and support you get—plus it’s $80 cheaper and only slightly more than half the weight of Asolo’s popular TPS 520 boots. The molded EVA midsole has two different densities, with a high level of shock absorption in the heel, and a thermoplastic urethane plate for stability and underfoot protection for carrying 35 pounds or more. The deep, widely spaced lugs of the Vibram Megagrip outsole delivered excellent traction in packed dirt, wet and dry rocks, mud, and scree.

Following a pedigree of high quality at Asolo, the well-built Thyrus Gv gives you the benefits of leather boots, while improving greatly on two major drawbacks of leather by making them much lighter and more breathable. For wet trips in all but really hot temperatures, I’ll take them over lightweight synthetic boots that don’t have comparably good fit, comfort, and waterproofing.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Asolo Thyrus Gv boots at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-thyrus-gv-boots/feed/ 7 22757 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-keen-aphlex-mid-wp-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-keen-aphlex-mid-wp-boots/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2016 10:00:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=21054 Read on

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Lightweight Boots
Keen Aphlex Mid WP
$160, 2 lbs. 3 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 6-15, women’s 6-11
moosejaw.com

Lightweight, mid-cut boots at this price make up a competitive category of hiking footwear, and quality varies significantly. Many models are, frankly, made for first-time boot buyers and bargain shoppers who make a choice based on a couple of simple criteria: Whether the boots feel good (often achieved with plenty of foam padding, which doesn’t necessarily translate to good performance) and have any kind of waterproof-breathable membrane (a high-demand feature for hikers). To see whether Keen’s Aphlex Mid WP rose above all that mediocre chatter, I wore them on a two-day, 34-mile backpacking trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in mid-October, hiking long days with plenty of elevation gain and loss.

A dual-density EVA midsole, with a partial shank, creates a soft cushion and stable platform that provided adequate support for carrying 25 to 30 pounds (including photography gear); my feet were a little tired but not sore or achy after 17-mile days with some 3,500 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss (as they have been on similar days in other shoes). Foam padding around the boot’s collar—which is tall enough to protect the ankles—and in the tongue enhance comfort. But there’s not a lot of torsional rigidity (lateral support) to these boots, and EVA, although widely used in lightweight footwear, wears out quickly. I suspect that a heavy pack (or a really big hiker), or frequent, hard use in really rugged terrain (Great Smokies trails aren’t terribly rocky or bony), would wear down the midsole’s cushioning quickly.

 

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The somewhat higher-volume fit cradled my midfoot comfortably and gave my toes plenty of space, but had a little too much space for my heels on my feet, which fit in US men’s 9 boots from most brands. I wore thicker socks to fill up much of that excess volume. The Keen Dry proprietary waterproof-breathable membrane kept water out even when I stood in streams to test it, and breathed well enough to prevent my feet from sweating much in the moderate temperatures I encountered: sunny days with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, and generally dry trails. The synthetic and mesh uppers help keep my feet cooler, and are reinforced with a molded TPU exoskeleton and molded TPU at the toe and heel to protect them from the usual banging and abrading.

 

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Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Shallow, multi-direction lugs on the proprietary outsole grip well on a variety of surfaces that many hikers encounter—dry or wet rocks, scree, dirt—but aren’t deep enough to shed thick mud or snow well, and lack the kind of smooth “climbing tread” under the toes for smearing on steep slabs and scrambling, found in approach-style shoes.

While it’s not designed for extremely wet conditions, rugged terrain, or routine, hard use, the Keen Aphlex Mid WP offers a good value in a basic, comfortable boot for dayhiking or light backpacking on trails.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase the men’s or women’s Keen Aphlex Mid WP boots or low-cut shoes at moosejaw.com or rei.com.

See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

See also my stories:

“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting Outside More”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”
“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

The Big Outside helps you find the best adventures. Subscribe now to read ALL stories and get a free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-keen-aphlex-mid-wp-boots/feed/ 2 21054 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-garmont-trail-guide-2-0-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-garmont-trail-guide-2-0-gtx-boots/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2016 10:00:20 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20730 Read on

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Backpacking Boots
Garmont Trail Guide 2.0 GTX
$220, 2 lbs. 7 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-13.5
moosejaw.com

Most boots designed for backpacking aren’t flashy in their design or technology—making it a challenge to distinguish them from one another. But some stand out for subtle reasons, a fact I was reminded of while wearing the Trail Guide 2.0 GTX on a three-day, roughly 23-mile, mid-August backpacking trip with my teenage son in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, carrying up to about 40 pounds in my pack. They delivered all that I usually look for in a backpacking boot, with a nice fit and a midweight package that doesn’t compromise on support or durability.

From the first step on the trail every morning through wearing them untied and open around camp every evening, the medium-volume fit cradled my feet from midfoot to the firm, supportive heel cup, while leaving wiggle room for my toes—a fit that achieves a delicate balance between preventing feet from feeling cramped and from slipping forward (and banging toes) on steep descents. The 1.6 mm, water-repellent, suede leather uppers are durable and have a nice, supple feel that embraced my feet; and the well-padded, mesh tongue and collar offer a little more breathability and are soft on the ankles after long miles. The asymmetric collar has a slight notch on the lateral side (outside) for more comfort, and rises a bit higher on the medial side (inside) for better stability.

Those design elements combined with ample forward flex meant the boots felt light on my feet, allowed a natural, unencumbered gait that you don’t get with stiffer boots, and required virtually no break-in time. The dual-density EVA midsole and G-Benefit PU insoles blend enough cushion for carrying loads of 35 to 40 pounds with stiffness pads that enhance heel support.

The boot is armored for hard use, beginning with a rubber bumper that wraps completely around the toes. Durable, metal lacing eyelets enable smooth lacing in the forefoot, while a webbing loop acts as a simple lace lock at midfoot, allowing you to adjust the laces more loosely around the ankle than below it (for uphills); metal lace hooks secure the top of the boot.

I splashed through and stood in creeks for minutes at a time without the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort membrane leaking; and it breathed well enough that my feet got somewhat sweaty but never overheated on August days of warm sunshine and highs in the 70s Fahrenheit. The Vibram Q 664 outsole has a variable pattern that includes deep, widely spaced lugs to shed mud and snow, a less-aggressive tread under the toes for purchase on rock, and a pronounced heel for downhill traction and braking. The boots gripped well in terrain from packed dirt to scree and granite slabs.

Garmont’s Trail Guide 2.0 GTX delivers the performance you might look for in a heavier, stiffer boot, but in a lighter, softer package. It’s a good choice for many backpackers or dayhikers who seek supportive boots for carrying light to moderate loads, and for backpackers with strong feet and legs who want good support and protection for carrying heavy packs, without the weight and confining feel of burlier boots.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Garmont Trail Guide 2.0 GTX boots at moosejaw.com.

See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

See also my stories:

“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”

“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”

“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”

“Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Do you like The Big Outside? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by a USA Today Readers Choice poll and others. Subscribe for updates about new stories and free gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of this story, at the top of the left sidebar, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-garmont-trail-guide-2-0-gtx-boots/feed/ 0 20730 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-scapegoat-mid-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-scapegoat-mid-boots/#respond Wed, 15 Jun 2016 10:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=19423 Read on

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Lightweight Boots
Oboz Scapegoat Mid
$145, 2 lbs. 2 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-14
moosejaw.com

Like all categories of outdoor gear, footwear has grown increasingly specialized, with models designed to fill just about every imaginable user niche—except perhaps one. While there are plenty of options in non-waterproof, low-cut hiking and scrambling shoes built to maximize breathability, when you move up the continuum of mid-cut boots into models with the support for backpacking, most have some kind of waterproof-breathable membrane. With the Scapegoat Mid, Oboz is treading into somewhat unexplored terrain by offering a non-waterproof, lightweight boot designed for multi-day hikes. Because I like the concept behind this approach, I took the Scapegoat Mid on a three-day, entirely off-trail backpacking trip in the Panamint Range of Death Valley National Park to see how they perform.

One of my companions on that trip was testing out the Oboz women’s model that most closely mirrors the Scapegoat Mid—except, interestingly, that it is waterproof-breathable: the Phoenix Mid BDry ($150, 1 lb. 15 oz., sizes 6-11). I was in Death Valley to backpack, dayhike, and test gear with folks from Big Agnes, Osprey Packs, and Oboz Footwear. (I’m also posting reviews of gear from those brands that we tested in Death Valley.) I carried up to about 30 pounds while backpacking off-trail up and down Surprise Canyon to the mining ghost town of Panamint City, and a much lighter pack dayhiking from our campsite. Terrain ranged from a narrow canyon where we had to navigate our way up and down smooth, water-scoured slabs, to scree, loose desert turf, and scrambling a craggy ridge, and the Scapegoat Mid and Phoenix Mid BDry handled it all ably.

 

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Readers of The Big Outside have written to me in the past asking whether I knew of a boot with the support for backpacking, but that’s not waterproof, because they want maximum breathability. (Non-waterproof boots breathe better than any boot with a waterproof-breathable membrane.) It makes sense, especially for anyone whose feet sweat a lot and/or who typically backpacks in relatively dry conditions. The Scapegoat Mid kept my feet comfortable while I carried up to 30 pounds on my back, thanks to a compression-molded EVA midsole with a forefoot protection plate and a partial nylon shank, plus polyurethane in the heel for cushioning and greater durability than EVA. But the boot, which comes up to just above the anklebones, also has moderate torsional rigidity—meaning it doesn’t easily twist side to side—and the forefoot flex of a lightweight hiking shoe, allowing for a natural, fast stride.

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter, or enter your email address in the box in the left sidebar or at the bottom of this story. Click here to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

 

The more unique half of the Scapegoat’s story is the lack of a membrane. Sporting mesh uppers, the boots are very breathable: Even hiking on afternoons in the 70s Fahrenheit under a hot desert sun, my socks got barely damp with sweat. That breathability means the boots also dry faster than waterproof models: After accidentally dunking both boots in creek crossings, they dried within an hour while I wore them hiking. Synthetic leather overlays on the uppers anchor the lacing system, helping the boot conform to the shape of your foot and protecting the mesh from damage.

The fit is medium volume, whereas previous Oboz models I’ve worn have been for higher-volume feet; I think the Scapegoat marks an improvement in fit for Oboz. The elasticized collar hugs my ankles and kept stones and debris out through many hours of off-trail hiking. The toe, heel, and sides are reinforced with rubber for durability. The proprietary outsole’s deep lugs and sharply defined, in-cut heel delivered good traction in loose scree and mud. They also did fine on smooth rock, wet and dry, though that’s not their strength.

Bonus: These boots come with Oboz’s BFit Deluxe footbed inserts, a value of $30 to $50 that definitely improves comfort, especially on longer days and in rougher terrain.

Given the Scapegoat’s lightweight materials, I expect its durability to compare with many lightweight, low-cut hiking shoes that have partly mesh uppers and an EVA midsole (as opposed to more-durable PU in the midsole)—that is, roughly 400 to 500 trail miles, depending on how hard you use them and where (drier environments take less of a toll on boots).

Final analysis: I’d recommend the Scapegoat Mid for dayhiking and lightweight backpacking with up to 25 to 30 pounds on your back, especially in relatively dry weather, or for anyone who wants highly breathable boots. The comparable low-cut models from Oboz are the men’s Scapegoat Low ($130) and women’s Pika Low ($120).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking one of these links to purchase the Oboz men’s Scapegoat Mid at moosejaw.com or rei.com, or the Oboz women’s Phoenix Mid BDry at moosejaw.com.

 

Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my Gear Reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there. Subscribe now and a get free e-guide!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-scapegoat-mid-boots/feed/ 0 19423 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/buying-gear-read-this-first/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/buying-gear-read-this-first/#comments Sun, 01 May 2016 10:00:46 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=12289 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

Are you in the market for a new pack or boots for hiking or backpacking, or a new tent or sleeping bag? How do you find something that’s just right for you? What should you be looking for? How much should you spend? These are questions I’ve heard from many friends and readers over the years as they’ve waded through the myriad choices that are out there. Here are my five top tips for buying gear that’s right for you, gleaned from lessons I’ve learned from two decades of testing and reviewing gear and helping people find gear they love.

No matter what you’re shopping for—boots, pack, tent, bag, other gear or some major piece of apparel like a jacket—consumers grapple with largely the same, general questions that I wrote above. They’re trying to narrow the daunting array of choices out there, but they’re not quite sure how to do that.

I’ve listed below five steps to follow in the decision-making process for buying gear. At the bottom, I’ve provided links to my stories offering specific tips on buying a new pack, boots, tent, and bag.

 

No. 1 Decide What It’s For

A friend asked me once to recommend boots he could buy for backpacking that would also work well for climbing glaciated peaks (in the Pacific Northwest); I told him that was a little like shopping for a dump truck that would also give him good mileage as a commuting vehicle. If you set out in search of a pack or boots for every dayhike or backpacking trip you ever take, then you may wind up with just that—which may serve your needs in a general way, but not be quite right for anything. Focus on how you intend to use that item most of the time, and buy something that’s good for that purpose.

 

 

 

No. 2 Decide What You Need

Do you need solid ankle support, or do you prefer really lightweight, nimble footwear? Are you a big guy who needs a roomy tent, or a parent backpacking with a young child with a top priority of minimizing gear weight? Do you want the lightest bag you can afford, or do you get cold easily and need a bag that’s a little fatter and warmer than the average person uses?

The reason for the almost infinite number of choices in gear is the infinite variability in the wants and needs of consumers. That can seem confusing but it’s ultimately good for you. Your first step in the buying may simply be writing down your customized answers to numbers one and two in this list of tips and using that as a guide as you begin winnowing your short list.

 

 

No. 3 Get the Fit Right

Especially with footwear, packs, and performance apparel, fit and personal satisfaction go together like chips and salsa. You can be happy with boots or a pack that are not quite what you wanted, but are what you could afford; but you’ll never be happy with the top-of-the-line, expensive boots or pack that don’t fit you well. A poorly fitting pack can make you miserable, while poorly fitting boots can end a trip. With those gear items for which fit becomes critical, boots and packs, narrow your list to at least three options, and perhaps up to six or seven, based on steps one and two (above). Then go try them on and you will find the model you like.

 

 

No. 4 Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

The best way to spend more than you want or need to spend, and be forced to settle for something that’s not quite what you wanted, is to wait until the last day or two before a trip and rush out to buy something.

You wouldn’t buy a car or a house that way, because you want to take the time to find something that feels just right for you. Treat buying boots, a pack, tent, bag, or other major gear or outdoor-apparel item the same way—those aren’t like batteries or stove fuel that you dash out to pick up at the last minute. Plus, shopping around weeks or even months in advance gives you time to wait for sale prices.

 

Do you like The Big Outside? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by a USA Today Readers Choice poll and others. Subscribe for updates about new stories and free gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box at the bottom of this story, at the top of the left sidebar, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

No. 5 Spend What You Can Afford

This last nugget of advice goes both ways: If you can only afford an entry-level pack or other piece of gear, look for the best-quality item that’s within your budget and get it. (Tip: Pick a brand name known for high quality, because they will usually bring the same dedication to quality to their affordable gear as they do to their pricier gear.) Maybe it won’t be as comfortable or last as long as the high-end gear you coveted, but it will enable you to get out there and have fun and may last you until you can afford something better. (See my “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear.”)

By the same token, I always tell friends or readers seeking advice: If you can afford the best, why settle for something that will be less comfortable, or heavier, or not fit or perform as well as pricier pieces of gear or apparel that are within your budget? Measure the value in terms of your enjoyment and comfort as well as the cost per mile or day of use, because higher-quality gear, while pricier, often proves much more durable than cheaper stuff. It’s money well spent.

 

 

See a categorized menu of all of my reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, daypacks, backpacks, hiking shoes, backpacking boots, backpacking tents, sleeping bags, and kids’ outdoor gear and these stories at The Big Outside:

“5 Tips For Buying the Right Backpack”

“Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots”

“5 Tips For How to Buy a Backpacking Tent”

“Pro Tips: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag”

See also my stories “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” “Why and When to Spend More on Outdoor Gear” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews.

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/buying-gear-read-this-first/feed/ 4 12289 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-quest-4d-2-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-quest-4d-2-gtx-boots/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2016 21:30:30 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=17778 Read on

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Backpacking Boots
Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX
$240, 2 lbs. 11 oz. (men’s 7)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-12
backcountry.com

On a five-day, family backpacking trip down Paria Canyon on the Utah-Arizona border, these boots helped my teenage son safely negotiate a riverbed of shifting mud, ankle-turning stones, and the occasional plunge into quicksand (where, to be honest, your boots don’t matter); and when we weren’t in the river, he nimbly hiked the trail over rocky, loose ground, with occasional boulder scrambling. Salomon’s Quest 4D GTX stands out for having better-than-average support and protection from the earth and the elements for a midweight.

While my son (who weighs about 100 pounds) carried a pack weighing up to about 20 pounds, the Quest is a boot for hauling loads of 30-40 pounds. Salomon’s 4D Advanced Chassis provides a solid foundation for carrying a moderately heavy pack over rugged terrain, with a high cut, a molded EVA and urethane midsole for soft cushioning paired with substantial stability against turning an ankle outward or inward. Ample padding and breathable mesh fabric in the collar and the tongue soften the impact of high-cut uppers, which rise high enough to prevent laces from slipping over the tops.

The fit, good for medium-volume feet, delivers plenty of toe space, and locking laces at the midfoot allow you to loosen the upper boot—to cool your feet and get better flex on long uphills—while keeping the lower boot snugly tight, to avoid blisters. The uppers blend nubuck leather overlays on abrasion-resistant nylon mesh, and rubber caps at the toe and heel, for super durability. The Gore-Tex membrane kept water out when my son wasn’t more than ankle-deep in the river; but these midweight boots are warm, so they’re a better choice for cooler and wetter hikes. Salomon’s Contagrip outsole sports deep, widely spaced lugs to maximize traction on wet, muddy trail and loose scree.

 

Final analysis: This is a solidly built, sturdy, midweight backpacking boot for backpackers and dayhikers who want better-than-average support and reliable waterproofing for carrying 30-40 pounds—without bumping up to a heavyweight boot.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots at backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, plus all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

See also my stories:

“Why and When to Spend More on Gear: Part 1, Packs and Tents, and Part 2, Rain Jackets, Boots, and Sleeping Bags”
“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”
“Buying Gear? Read This First”
“My 10 Most-Read Gear Reviews”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my Gear Reviews at The Big Outside.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-quest-4d-2-gtx-boots/feed/ 4 17778 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/looking-for-reviews-of-the-best-gear-look-here/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/looking-for-reviews-of-the-best-gear-look-here/#respond Sat, 21 Nov 2015 11:00:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14566 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

I take a bit of a different approach to testing and reviewing outdoor gear at The Big Outside. I don’t try to blanket my readers with reviews of every new piece of gear hitting the market—I can’t do it, but frankly, a lot of it is average and not worth recommending. Instead, I find the best backpacks and daypacks, backcountry tents, shoes and boots, bags, outdoor apparel, and other gear that I actually want to use and would recommend to friends. Then I take it on my backcountry trips and see if it works in real situations. After two decades of testing and reviewing gear, including many years as a field editor and lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine, I think I have a pretty good eye for what outdoor gear and apparel performs well and delivers value and what’s not worth your money.

That’s what you’ll find at my Gear Reviews page—only reviews of products I would recommend to my closest friends.

If you’re looking for gear for hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, or another outdoor activity, that page organizes all of my reviews by category, so that you can quickly find what you’re looking for among the hundreds of reviews at The Big Outside.

Besides listing the various categories of outdoor gear and apparel reviews you can find at The Big Outside, such as backpack reviews and backpacking tent reviews, that page has links to several of my most helpful stories about gear, including my expert tips on buying gear, my favorite new gear of the year, and my popular ultralight backpacking tips.

Tell me what you think of that page by commenting in this story or at my About page.

My blog can help you find the right gear for your style of adventure. Good luck and have fun out there.

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

 

 

 

Do you like my blog? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, and I appreciate connecting with my readers. I invite you to subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box at the top of the left sidebar or below, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/looking-for-reviews-of-the-best-gear-look-here/feed/ 0 14566 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-alp-flow-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-alp-flow-mid-gtx-boots/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2015 10:00:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=15149 Read on

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Backpacking Boots
Salewa Alp Flow Mid GTX
$239, 2 lbs. 9 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-13, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

In a continuing quest to find boots that handle any kind of terrain and conditions without baking my feet, I took the Alp Flow Mid GTX—which sport Gore’s newest, most-breathable technology, Surround—on a pair of hikes that push footwear to extremes: a mostly off-trail, two-day backpacking trip in early October in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains, and a late-May dayhike up Garnet Canyon in Grand Teton National Park, slogging through a lot of soft, wet snow.

The Alp Flow Mid proved excellent for my trip in the White Clouds, carrying up to about 35 pounds hiking over wet, shifting talus, loose scree, through mud and puddles, and bushwhacking. The boots could handle 40 pounds or more comfortably, thanks to an EVA midsole with a partial, plastic shank that delivers a nice balance of cushion, underfoot protection, and torsional rigidity. Plus, walking in them feels almost like walking in lighter shoes because of the substantial, natural flex the boot has below the ball of the foot. The medium-volume fit cradled my heel and held my midfoot in place, preventing my feet from sliding (and causing blisters). To-the-toes lacing and a locking lace hook at mid-foot—the latter allows you to adjust the tightness of the forefoot separately from the ankle—help dial in what feels like a customized fit. The roomy toe box keeps toes cooler and prevents them from banging against the front of the boot.

Even though the uppers were visibly wet in the White Clouds and Tetons, my socks stayed dry—which was particularly impressive when I was kicking steps for a few hours through soft, wet snow and occasionally postholing to my knees in Garnet Canyon. (I wore gaiters.) The Gore-Tex Surround not only keeps moisture out, it features 360° of breathability—as you walk, air gets pumped through the perforated inserts and midsole and the mesh sides of the uppers. My feet did get a bit hot by the end of that Tetons hike, when the temp rose to around 70° F (at lower elevation). My verdict: They’re more breathable than many midweight, mid-cut boots; but any boot in that category, especially one with leather uppers, will be warmer than any low-cut or lighter, mid-cut footwear.

The uppers made of nubuck leather and ballistic mesh, reinforced with rubber in the toe bumper and exoskeleton along the sides, make the Alp Flow Mid almost bulletproof; the weak link in durability looks like the soft EVA foam around the heel, which will suffer the abuse of rocks least well. Still, that’s not a part of a boot that tends to get banged up much. I expect these boots will last for several hundred miles, and you’ll eventually replace them because of normal wear on the outsole or the EVA midsole has gotten compacted and lost its cushion. Lastly, the Vibram Hike Approach outsole’s aggressive tread, with deep, widely spaced lugs, gave me good traction in snow and all kinds of off-trail ground, but isn’t made for smearing on steep slabs.

All in all, Salewa’s Alp Flow Mid GTX is a sturdy and comfortable all-around boot for backpacking or rugged, wet dayhiking.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy the men’s or women’s Salewa Alp Flow Mid GTX boots at backcountry.com.

See my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” and all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes, plus all of my reviews of backpacking gear and hiking gear.

See also my stories “Why and When to Spend More on Gear, Part 1: Packs and Tents, and Part 2: Rain Jackets, Boots, and Sleeping Bags,” “My 10 Most-Read Gear Reviews,” “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” “Buying Gear? Read This First,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

 

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-alp-flow-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 5 15149 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-r-evolution-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-r-evolution-gtx-boots/#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2015 10:00:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=13407 Read on

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Backpacking Boots
Scarpa R-evolution GTX
$239, 2 lb. 14 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 40-47, 48, women’s 37-42
backcountry.com

Boot makers are trying harder to design footwear that bridges the divide between lightweight, nimble shoes and heavier boots that have traditionally delivered more support and protection, but have also been stiffer and less sensitive. I personally applaud that trend, and based on what I hear from readers, I suspect consumers will like it, too. Scarpa’s new R-evolution GTX represents a step in this direction. Curious about how well they achieve this lofty goal, I wore them on a four-day, 86-mile backpacking trip in northern Yosemite National Park last September, and for three days on the 37-mile Kepler Track in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park in March.

Scarpa’s Sock Fit Technology distinguishes the R-evolution from similar, midweight models. Scarpa replaces a traditional tongue made of synthetic fabric or (often in a boot like this) leather or suede with a single piece of stretchy, Schoeller soft-shell fabric. What I noticed immediately is how it helps the upper conform nicely to the shape of my foot. My sense is that Scarpa’s correct that the Schoeller also improves breathability precisely where your foot is releasing the most heat. Still, I don’t recommend these boots for warm, summer hikes, like I had in Yosemite, where my feet got uncomfortably hot—they just weren’t right for a hot-weather trip cranking 20+ miles a day.

While I only carried a max of about 25 pounds in my pack on both treks, the R-evolution has the support and cushion for 40- and 50-pound loads, with a high-density EVA midsole, an internal stiffening plate for underfoot support, and a solidly firm, unbending heel cup. The boot strides more like lighter footwear, with a fairly aggressive forefoot flex—unusual in a model that’s nearly three pounds (per pair men’s Euro 42/US 9)—and a smart swatch of fabric replacing suede at the front of the ankle, creating a flex point exactly where you want it. And yet the midsole’s substantial torsional rigidity protects against rolling ankles. The fit embraces my midfoot and arch, gives my toes adequate wiggle room, and allows a bit of extra space for hikers with wider heels.

The R-evolution is better suited to a trip like New Zealand’s Kepler Track, where I encountered plenty of rain, wet trailside vegetation, some mud, and moderate to cool temperatures—my feet did not overheat in temps from the 50s to maybe 60° F. A TPU toe cap wraps around the toe for enhanced protection and durability. (The R-evolution Plus GTX, $279, has a full, wrap-around rand and nubuck leather uppers with fewer seams.) The widely spaced lug pattern in the Vibram outsole bites into sloppy ground like mud, gravel, dirt, or snow. The Gore-Tex membrane kept water out and breathed well enough in moderate temps, but contributed to my feet getting hot in Yosemite. The boot has superior construction, down to the stitching and metal lacing hardware, which helps the upper conform more precisely to your foot: The laces slide smoothly through the forefoot lace rings, but lock in the midfoot lace hooks, allowing you to adjust the upper lacing independent of the lower lacing.

Overall, the R-evolution is a solidly built and supportive, yet comfortable boot for backpacking in cool, wet places with a pack of moderate to heavy weight.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy the men’s or women’s Scarpa R-evolution GTX boots at backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of backpacking boots, my reviews of other Scarpa boots, and my reviews of backpacking gear at The Big Outside. See also my stories “Buying Gear? Read This First,” “5 Tips For Spending Less on Hiking and Backpacking Gear,” “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun,” and “Ask Me: How Do We Begin Lightening Up Our Backpacking Gear?”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

 

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-r-evolution-gtx-boots/feed/ 2 13407 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-core-high-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-core-high-gtx-boots/#respond Fri, 08 May 2015 11:00:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=12389 Read on

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Lightweight Hiking Boots
La Sportiva Core High GTX
$200, 1 lb. 13 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: Euro men’s 38-47.5, women’s 36-43
sportiva.com

Whenever a new boot comes along that’s mid-cut and under two pounds per pair, I want to try it out—that’s my preferred type of footwear for many hikes, from dayhikes of any distance, including ultra-hiking, to light backpacking. So I took Sportiva’s new Core High GTX on a very rugged, 20-mile dayhike in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and backpacking for three days in Idaho’s Sawtooths, and found them ideal for light hiking and super breathable.

I carried just a 12-pound daypack in the Whites, and up to about 30 pounds backpacking in the Sawtooths with my daughter. A friend of mine also borrowed these synthetic boots carrying up to about 25 pounds on our three-day, 41-mile backpacking trip on the Timberline Trail around Oregon’s Mount Hood. The Core High GTX feel very light and have plenty of forefoot flex, like a trail-running shoe, while providing moderate support and ankle protection. I could stride fast on trails. But one tradeoff for the low weight is that I could feel the rocks in the trail through the soft, EVA midsole, especially when carrying a pack weighing over 20 pounds.

 

On a 19-mile, 13-hour, seven-summit traverse of rocky and steep trails on Wildcat Mountain and the Carter-Moriah Range in the Whites, on a very hot and humid day, my feet only got slightly sweaty. Credit the breathability of the mesh uppers and the new Gore-Tex Surround technology, which delivers reliable waterproofing for splashing through puddles and mud, plus 360 degrees of breathability, thanks to a spacer in the sole that pumps air upward through vents in the sidewalls of the boot’s upper with each step. The Nano-Cell overlay wraps the foot in a polyurethane grid, protecting both your feet and the mesh uppers from abuse. The Vibram outsole’s widely spaced, deep lugs bite into mud, dirt, and gravel and gripped well enough when I scrambled steep, rocky terrain in the Whites. The fit is snug, best for low-volume feet, with comfortable padding in the tongue and ankle.

Exclusive for The Big Outside readers: Take 15% off any purchase at Outdoorplay.com using code Big15. Some restrictions apply.

If you prioritize low weight in a mid-cut boot, you’re carrying 20 pounds or less, and your feet and legs are strong enough to not need much support from your footwear, then the Core High GTX is a good choice.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy the La Sportiva Core High GTX boots at backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots that I like, all of my reviews of hiking gear and ultralight backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.” See also my story “The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun.”

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

I invite you to subscribe to this blog by entering your email address in the box at the top of the left sidebar, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-core-high-gtx-boots/feed/ 0 12389 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-triumph-gv-gtx-and-tacoma-gv-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-triumph-gv-gtx-and-tacoma-gv-boots/#respond Fri, 10 Apr 2015 11:00:02 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=11991 Read on

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Boots
Asolo Triumph Gv GTX and Tacoma Gv
$230, 2 lbs. 6 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 39-47/US 6.5-13, women’s Euro 36-43/US 5-11
backcountry.com

You want to test boots, take them on a trek in New Zealand. You want to really test boots, take them on the Dusky Track in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, quite possibly the wettest, muddiest, most arduous footpath in a country known for its wet, rugged mountain tracks. I wore the Triumph Gv GTX in March on a four-day, hut-to-hut hike on the Dusky, from Lake Roe to Wilmot Pass Road, in a typical mix of Fiordland conditions—rain, wind, impressively deep mud, and occasional, brief flirtations with sunshine—and the boots shined much more brightly than the meteorological conditions.

The key ingredient in the midweight, mid-cut men’s Triumph Gv GTX and women’s Tacoma Gv sits under the hood: The AsoloFlex lasting board allows Asolo to vary the boot’s stiffness across a range of boot sizes, which means that no matter your size, the boot will have a comfortable flex pattern and torsional support. Asolo says that AsoloFlex does not deform over time, meaning it always protects your feet from stones and roots. I carried up to about 25 pounds on the Dusky (no tents or camping gear, we slept in huts), but these boots clearly have the support for carrying 35 to 40 pounds. I wore them out of the box comfortably, thanks to moderate forefoot flex, but I expect them to soften up a little over time. Metal lacing eyelets ensure good durability, and a nylon lace loop at midfoot help lock the laces in place there so that you can loosen the upper boot at times to allow more flex at the ankle.

The Triumph and Tacoma also offer features and performance you’d normally pay upwards of $300 for in a high-end leather boot, but at a lower price and weight. For starters, all-leather uppers and Gore-Tex lining kept my feet dry in extremely wet conditions, slopping for hours through mud and boggy earth in steady rain. (Detailed explanation: Combined with gaiters, the boots kept my feet dry through the first day in precisely those conditions. My feet were wet for the next three days of the trek because there were numerous fords of streams and flooded areas or mud bogs where the water or mud was more than calf-deep, so water kept coming in over the boot tops.) The Vibram outsole’s widely spaced lugs and smoother tread beneath the toes shed the gloppiest mud and gripped wet rocks and tree roots well, and the rubber toe cap armors the boot against the abuse of rocky trails and hiking off-trail.

Bonus: You can always resole Asolo boots without affecting the fit (which is medium- to high-volume, with plenty of wiggle room for toes; I wore thicker socks in them than I wear in many other boot brands).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a pair of Asolo Triumph Gv GTX men’s boots at backcountry.com or the women’s Tacoma Gv at backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of backpacking boots and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

 

Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today and others. I invite you to get email updates about new stories and gear giveaways by entering your email address in the box in the left sidebar, at the bottom of this post, or on my About page, and follow my adventures on Facebook and Twitter.

 

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-triumph-gv-gtx-and-tacoma-gv-boots/feed/ 0 11991 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-which-boots-cross-over-well-from-dayhiking-to-backpacking/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-which-boots-cross-over-well-from-dayhiking-to-backpacking/#respond Thu, 19 Feb 2015 12:00:31 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=11419 Read on

]]> Hi Michael,

I was wondering if you would recommend these Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX boots for an average day of hiking as well as backpacking. I’m about to retire a pair of Merrells I’ve had for six years and my biggest complaint was that they were one dimensional, I took them backpacking, but they weren’t really sturdy enough. I am looking for a good, all-around boot that I could wear in intense, mountainous/snowy conditions or on a casual day of hiking with the family. I think I’ve narrowed down to these: Salomon Quest 4D GTX, Vasque St. Elias, and the Oboz Bridgers that you also reviewed. Any suggestions?

Andrew
Poland, OH

(Originally posted as a comment at “Gear Review: Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX Boots.”)

Hi Andrew,

That’s a good question that I get occasionally, from readers and friends, and my first response is always cautioning against trying to buy one boot for everything from light dayhikes to heavy-duty backpacking. It’s not that you can’t wear one pair of boots for all forms of hiking, it’s simply that it’s hard to find one pair that does everything well for you. You might wind up with one pair of boots that you don’t love for either dayhiking or backpacking. One pair may save you money in the short term, but possibly not in the long term if you wear them out faster than if you have one pair of shoes for dayhikes and one pair of boots for backpacking.

But I’ll try to answer your question. Yes, you could wear any of the boots you asked about for both dayhiking and backpacking. The Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX, Salomon Quest 4D GTX, and the Vasque St. Elias GTX are intended more for heavy-duty backpacking, so they’re heavier, stiffer, and hotter than I prefer when dayhiking. The Salomon Conquest GTX and the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry are a bit lighter and more flexible as a crossover boot, as are the Scarpa Tech Ascent GTX, while still giving you the support and protection for backpacking in wet or snowy conditions. You may also want to consider a boot that’s even lighter and more flexible but has support for backpacking with a moderate load, the La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX.

Everyone’s feet are different, so I don’t know how much support you need for backpacking or how much you prefer for dayhiking. You might get lucky and discover that one of these models, or a model I haven’t mentioned, is the perfect, all-around boot for you. But as I suggested above, you should consider whether your goal of finding just one pair of boots (and if you have economic reasons, so be it) is important enough that you’re willing to accept one pair of footwear that isn’t perfect for either dayhiking or backpacking.

You may want to read the relevant advice I offered in this post answering another reader’s question about choosing between heavier and lighter boots.

Good luck.

Best,
Michael

Michael,

Thanks for everything.

Andrew

Note: In Ask Me, I share and respond to a reader question. Got a question about hiking, backpacking, gear, or any topic or trip I write about at The Big Outside? Send it to me at mlanza@thebigoutside.com, message me at facebook.com/TheBigOutside, or tweet it to @MichaelALanza. I will answer the ones I can in a post, using only your first name and city, with your permission. I’m receiving an increasing volume of questions, so I cannot always respond quickly.

I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for more than 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-which-boots-cross-over-well-from-dayhiking-to-backpacking/feed/ 0 11419 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-do-i-find-waterproof-boots-that-wont-leak-on-rugged-wet-hikes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-do-i-find-waterproof-boots-that-wont-leak-on-rugged-wet-hikes/#respond Tue, 10 Feb 2015 12:00:21 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=11296 Read on

]]> Michael,

I am an active backpacker and trekker. I have become disappointed in the use of Gore-Tex in hiking boots. I know you test many boots, but I wonder if you use many of those you test to experience the durability of the Gore-Tex and other waterproof-breathable linings. In addition to the extra warmth and the longer drying time of Gore-Tex-lined boots, my experience in the past year has me thinking I will be better off going back to a heavier, quality leather boot such as a La Sportiva Karakoram (the non-Gore-Tex version).

Roughly a year ago I updated and “down weighted” my backpacking gear. My first boots were a pair of Zamberlan Sport Hiker SH230. Within a few weeks I noticed leaking in the forefoot area. I live near Vancouver, British Columbia, thus rain and wetness is a frequent companion. REI, where I bought the boots, replaced them. I used the new boots, after probably less than 150 km of hiking around home and on a five-week trip to South America that included the Inca Trail and the backcountry route of Torre del Paine National Park, where we were extremely lucky to only have rain on the first and ninth days of the trek. The second pair was leaking on that last day.

I switched to La Sportiva Hyper Mid boots, which are also Gore-Tex lined, and after wearing out one pair of soles and well on the way of a second pair I have yet to experience leakage. My theory is the Hyper Mid boots use mostly a suede leather that I regularly treat, which provides superior protection. The Zamberlans are mostly fabric, thus the Gore-Tex is the primary waterproof protection. The leather is also less flexible, which reduces the creasing and likelihood of damage to the Gore-Tex.

My third boot is the Salewa Firetail EVO. I unexpectedly had to replace my Hyper Mids after walking the Walkers Haute Route between Chamonix, France, and Zermatt, Switzerland. The Firetail EVO were the closest boot to the Hyper Mids I could find in Zermatt prior to walking the Camino de Santiago with my fiancée. Within 200 km, I noticed a moist spot on the left boot approximately at the base of my big toe. There was a crease in the nylon fabric where the boot was flexing. The moisture was perspiration as we were walking in afternoon temperatures in the low to mid-30s C (High 80s to 90 F). The first rainfall confirmed the Gore-Tex had failed.

Our tour leader on the Haute Route spends half his time working, leading and training in Scotland. He and most of his compatriots find that 10 working days (8-10 hours of walking or working in a pair of Gore-Tex-lined boots) is about the limit for the waterproofness. I heard a similar refrain from my mountain guide.

What is your experience? I rarely if ever read of boot reviews where boots were used more than a few days. Have boot manufacturers started using lighter-weight Gore-Tex? Is it a technology that is used to address consumer desire to have lighter footwear and easy waterproofing (since there is virtually no treatment required), but does not really work? Cost-wise, I have spent nearly more on boots that leak than on my Karakorams, which are just getting broken in and I am sure will last me several years. The extra two pounds is the penalty.

Can you recommend some lighter, but good-quality leather boots that do not have Gore-Tex or another waterproof liner, that will work as all-around boots for hiking on the rugged and often wet Pacific Northwest trails, backpacking (regularly 10-15 kg and up to 25+ kg) in the Andes, Alps, Sierras, Rockies and into K2 Basecamp? I am planning two overseas treks in 2015. The first, in July, is to K2 Basecamp with an opportunity to climb (not a technical climb) the Kharut Pyramid, a subsidiary peak with great view of K2 and Broad Peak. Then in October I am going to do the Snowman Trek in Bhutan.

The rest of my time is hiking/training mainly in the Vancouver area—everything I need except elevation.

Thank you.

John
Maple Ridge, B.C. (near Vancouver)

 

Hi John,

I’ve had similar experiences with boots for many years, with all brands of waterproof-breathable membranes—although I think Gore-Tex and eVent are superior to others (with the price usually reflecting that). I’ve seen boots wet through completely, overwhelming the membrane and rendering it unable to dry out overnight, in sustained, wet conditions like days of heavy rain on Vermont’s Long Trail, and even in just hours of kicking steps through summer snow in the mountains—snow that’s firm underneath but soft on the surface from the sun. I made the mistake a couple of summers ago of taking lightweight, supposedly waterproof-breathable boots with fabric uppers on a weeklong trek in Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park, where we had several days of rain and hiked through a lot of snow. My feet were wet for hours every day. I noticed all the Norwegians on the trail wore midweight or heavy-duty, leather boots.

But I’ve also found greatly varying performance between boot models, and I think it simply boils down to quality of construction. And I have hiked in wet conditions and snow in places like Iceland (lead photo, above) in leather boots that had no waterproof-breathable membrane, and water quickly penetrated the boot seams.

You’re correct that boot manufacturers rarely make models that lack a waterproof-breathable membrane because of consumer demand for waterproofing in boots—especially mid-weight and heavier boots for backpacking.

Lightweight, fabric boots tend to have a lot of seams, all of which are potential points of entry for moisture. In wet conditions, your feet are constantly bombarded with moisture penetrating those seams, and boots take a lot of abuse and are constantly folding where your foot flexes, so fabric boots may eventually develop a compromised spot in the membrane that becomes a leak. With a waterproof-breathable rain jacket, your body creates a lot of heat to force moisture outward, and a jacket doesn’t have the same level of constant contact with moisture that boots have (puddles, mud, wet vegetation, snow, etc.), not to mention that your feet don’t produce nearly as much heat (to push moisture out through the membrane) as your torso. I have used lightweight boots that are better at repelling water, but I still think it comes down to the quality of construction, and lighter boots generally are more susceptible to leaking in really wet conditions. They are also made to be priced competitively, and a low price does not usually equate with top-quality construction.

Leather and suede are more water repellent than fabric, especially when you treat the leather to keep it supple and prevent it from drying out. The fewer the seams in the uppers, the fewer the places for moisture to get through, which is why one-piece leather uppers are usually the best for that (and more expensive). High-end leather boots also sell for a higher price, which enables the boot manufacturer to invest more in the quality of construction of those models.

I’ll suggest some models you might consider, bearing in mind that fit is the top priority when picking boots, as I’m sure you know, so any of these may or may not work well for you. But I think they all have high-quality construction and waterproofing, and they are examples of the type of boot I suggest for really rugged, consistently wet conditions:

Scarpa Zanskar GTX

La Sportiva Thunder III GTX

Vasque St. Elias GTX

Those are all fairly heavy, though not the heaviest boots out there. If you want mid-weight boots, a model I really liked when it first came out (Backpacker gave it an Editors Choice Award based on my recommendation) was the Kayland Vertigo Light. I was really impressed with how well the eVent membrane allowed the boots to dry quickly when the uppers got wet on the outside, yet still kept my feet dry inside, even hiking through a lot of snow. They’re hard to find in the U.S. these days (they’re available in Europe), but you might score a pair in good condition through a closeouts site like Sierra Trading Post.

 

 

If you haven’t already, take a look at my boots reviews at The Big Outside.

Some very experienced hikers and backpackers eschew waterproof-breathable membranes in boots altogether and instead wear shoes or boots with highly-breathable (usually fabric and mesh) uppers that will dry very quickly, and wear them with waterproof-breathable socks like SealSkinz to keep feet warm and dry. I use that system when hiking or backpacking canyons that involve miles of river wading, when there’s no way to keep water out of boots.

One final thought regarding boots like the La Sportiva Karakoram: Besides weight, boots in that category are very stiff, and I prefer a lighter, more flexible boot when I’m just hiking and not getting into any technical mountaineering.

I hope that’s helpful. Let me know if you have further questions.

Best,

Michael

Michael,

Thank you for the response, it was as thorough and thoughtful as your Big Outside and Backpacker articles and reviews.

The Karakorams are heavy and stiff, although La Sportiva seems to have done better at designing in walkability than some of the other manufacturers. At least for me. Still. 25-30 days trekking at 3-5000+ meters with them, even with only a 10 kg pack, could get tiring.

I will check out your suggestions.

I find people who do more rugged and adventurous walking, backpacking and trekking have similar experience. Dayhikers seem to be happier with the lighter, fabric boots. Finally, your comment about seams and stitching is bang on. I have often thought fewer seams would reduce production costs and make better boots, but I may be missing something.

Thank you again.

John

Note: In Ask Me, I share and respond to a reader question. Got a question about hiking, backpacking, gear, or any topic or trip I write about at The Big Outside? Send it to me at mlanza@thebigoutside.com, message me at facebook.com/TheBigOutside, or tweet it to @MichaelALanza. I will answer the ones I can in a post, using only your first name and city, with your permission. I’m receiving an increasing volume of questions, so I cannot always respond quickly.

—Michael Lanza

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors. Please help support my blog by liking and following my sponsors on Facebook and other social media and telling them you appreciate their support for The Big Outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-do-i-find-waterproof-boots-that-wont-leak-on-rugged-wet-hikes/feed/ 0 11296 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-breeze-2-0-kids-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-breeze-2-0-kids-boots/#respond Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:00:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=9632 Read on

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Kids Boots
Vasque Breeze 2.0
$80, 1 lb. 10 oz. (youth 6)
Sizes: kids 10-13, youth 1-6
vasque.com

Finding boots for kids that not only look like adult boots, but are also really built like high-quality adults boots, can be like looking for an honest man in our nation’s capitol. So I was especially pleased with how well the kids’ Breeze 2.0 performed when my 13-year-old son wore them for more than a week of trekking hut to hut through Italy’s rugged Dolomite Mountains, encountering a full range of conditions: rain, mud, puddles, and snow.

While he only carried a daypack weighing eight to 10 pounds, we hiked for several hours every day in terrain with significant vertical elevation gain and loss daily. I’m confident the EVA midsole provides enough support and cushioning for his usual backpacking load of about 18 pounds. Yet, the boot also has enough forefoot flex to it to feel fairly light and nimble to him—a big comfort factor for kids.

The proprietary waterproof-breathable lining kept his feet dry through many wet days (helped at times by him wearing low gaiters). The suede leather and nylon uppers deliver a good balance of durability and breathability, so his feet didn’t overheat, and the boots showed no wear after more than 50 hard trail miles and a lot of bashing against rocks. That’s thanks in part to a sturdy, rubber toe bumper. The widely spaced, deep outsole lugs and in-cut heel bite well in a variety of trail conditions, including packed dirt, mud, loose stones, and even snow, and the rubber gloms onto smooth rock respectably well—although these aren’t sticky scrambling shoes. Even details like the lacing demonstrate the boots’ quality and durability, with metal lace hooks at the top and nylon lace loops below that keep the laces from slipping across the midfoot.

 

 

The fit was good for my son: His heels didn’t slip when he walked, his toes never got slammed into the front of the boots, and he developed no blisters. He readily wore them in towns off the trail without complaint. I’m glad whenever my kids’ gear does its job; but of course, no one was happier about these boots than my son. If you want kids to like hiking and backpacking, outfit them with gear that’s as good as what you’re using—especially boots. The Vasque Breeze 2.0 for kids clear that bar.

See all of my reviews of kids outdoor gear and apparel.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

   

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-breeze-2-0-kids-boots/feed/ 0 9632 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zanskar-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zanskar-gtx-boots/#respond Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:00:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=9380 Read on

]]>

Backpacking Boots
Scarpa Zanskar GTX
$259, 3 lbs. 3 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 40-47, 48
scarpa.com

I’m a big fan of lightweight gear, including footwear. But sometimes you need boots that can handle anything: steady rain, mud, snow, scree, rocky trail, and the abuse of off-trail scrambling, plus deliver the support and protection for any circumstance, carrying any amount of weight. The best heavy-duty boots do all these things without actually feeling heavy or clunky. On an early-summer backpacking trip in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains and nine days of trekking hut-to-hut on the rugged Alta Via 2 through Italy’s Dolomites in July, the Zanskar GTX did all of that for me.

The all-leather uppers, padded ankles and tongue, memory foam, and flexible collar gave me out-of-the-box comfort on my first trip in them, in the Sawtooths. That convinced me to take them to the Dolomites, where I knew we’d encounter a lot of snow and steep, rocky trail. The fit was perfect for my medium-volume feet: cradling my heel and midfoot to prevent slipping and giving my toes enough wiggle room. The over-the-ankle height saved me countless times from rolling an ankle. With a partial, plastic shank and dual-density, polyurethane midsole, the Zanskar offers a super stable, cushioned platform that left my feet feeling fresh even after seven-hour days of hammering up and down steep Dolomite paths and Sawtooths trails, where I carried about 35 pounds (including food and gear for my son). I’m sure these boots have the support for carrying 50 pounds or more. Yet, the boot’s narrow platform—the outsole is flush with the upper—and moderate forefoot flex lend it a nimble, agile feel when rock hopping or scrambling.

A one-piece, nubuck leather upper and Gore-Tex membrane allowed me to splash through shallow streams, puddles, and mud, and kick steps in wet, summer snow for hours without a drop of moisture penetrating the boots. Try doing that with many lightweight, synthetic boots and you will have wet feet. Those models are great for relatively dry trails and occasional mud and water; but in my experience, only high-quality leather construction with few seams—as you get with the Zanskar—gives virtually infallible waterproofing. As is common with leather and Gore-Tex construction, my feet got hot on sunny afternoons that pushed 70° F.

 

 

A rubber bumper wraps around the toe for protection against rocks. Micro-pulleys make for silky smooth lacing, and the locking eyelets at midfoot never slipped, so I could fine-tune the forefoot fit independent of lacing the upper boot. The outsole, with its in-cut boot heel and deep, widely spaced lugs, gave me excellent traction in every conceivable condition: mud, wet snow, trail littered with loose rocks, scree, side-hilling on steep, off-trail terrain—even on dry and rain-slicked slabs, thanks to a patch of smoother rubber under the toes. The boot’s heft let me stomp out a firm track for my family to follow on steep snow traverses.

The Zanskar GTX is not for lightweight backpackers. But if your tick list includes carrying a heavy pack in hard terrain or very sloppy conditions, and you want a heavy-duty boot that doesn’t feel heavy, try on a pair of these beautifully constructed Scarpas. Bonus: They will deliver years of top comfort and performance.

See all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes I like, and all of my reviews of backpacking gear.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

   

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zanskar-gtx-boots/feed/ 0 9380 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-which-boots-do-you-recommend-for-backpacking-heavier-or-lighter/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-which-boots-do-you-recommend-for-backpacking-heavier-or-lighter/#comments Thu, 22 May 2014 22:00:06 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=8785 Read on

]]> Michael,

This is a great, straightforward review [of the La Sportiva Thunder III GTX boots]. I was just looking at these boots and I am strongly considering them based on your review. I am torn between these Thunder III GTX and the La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX. Perhaps you can provide some insight or guidance based on your experience with both boots. My primary activity will be backpacking, carrying 30 to 40 lbs., 10 to 15 miles per day in south-central Alaska. The terrain is just about as mixed as you can get: sharp rocks, sand, mud, roots, tundra, steep alpine, scree, creeks, etc.

I’m really leaning towards the Thunder III because it sounds like it has a thicker, more padded midsole, which should be better for moderate loads, whereas the Hyper Mid seems to have a fairly thin midsole. I’m all for getting the lightest boot possible, but I’ll take a slightly heavier boot for added forefoot protection.

I know there’s never a magic, single answer to advise seekers such as myself, but any advice or guidance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Kyle

(Submitted as a comment at thebigoutside.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-thunder-iii-gtx-boots)

Hi Kyle,

Good question. Besides weight, the major differences between La Sportiva’s Thunder III GTX and the Hyper Mid GTX is significantly more support, rigidity, and underfoot protection in the Thunders, while the Hyper Mids feel more nimble, including more forefoot flex.

Some people who are accustomed to lightweight boots (including me) would carry 30 to 40 pounds in the Hyper Mids without a problem, especially on trails that aren’t as abusive on your feet—that aren’t severely rocky or steep, but rather, have a fairly smooth tread (packed dirt, smooth granite, slickrock, etc.).

But I think your intuition is correct: For where you’re hiking, I would choose the Thunders—not least because beefier boots are also often more waterproof than lightweight boots, which I think is simply a matter of better construction.

As a general rule, I prefer wearing as light a hiking shoe or boot as possible, as long as it provides enough support and protection. I test out several models of new shoes and boots a year, and I dayhike and backpack enough that my feet are strong and accustomed to the abuse they receive on the trail or off-trail.

Still, I look for boots with more support depending on two factors: how much weight I’ll carry and how rugged the terrain will be where I’m hiking. Ramp up both of those factors and I definitely want boots with more support, rigidity, and underfoot protection. Example: I wore the Thunder III GTX on a trip in a place with very rugged terrain, the Grand Canyon, while backpacking with my 10-year-old daughter, when I’d be carrying most of our food, gear, and extra water. Doing that trip by myself, with a much lighter pack, I may have been content with a boot more like the Hyper Mid GTX.

I hope that’s helpful. Good luck!

Michael

Thank you Michael! I’ve been scouring your site and I have learned a lot of useful info that I will take with me into the backcountry. Thank you for your sharing your wisdom and experience!

Cheers,
Kyle

 

 

Note: In Ask Me, I share and respond to a reader question. Got a question about hiking, backpacking, gear, or any topic or trip I write about at The Big Outside? Send it to me at mlanza@thebigoutside.com, message me at facebook.com/TheBigOutside, or tweet it to @MichaelALanza. I will answer the ones I can in a post, using only your first name and city, with your permission. I’m receiving an increasing volume of questions, so I cannot always respond quickly.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu. See all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes I like.

—Michael Lanza

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-which-boots-do-you-recommend-for-backpacking-heavier-or-lighter/feed/ 1 8785 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-bridger-mid-bdry-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-bridger-mid-bdry-boots/#comments Thu, 15 May 2014 22:00:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=8713 Read on

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Boots
Oboz Bridger Mid BDry
$160, 2 lbs. 8 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-12, 13, 14, women’s 6-11
obozfootwear.com

How much should you expect from boots that weigh just two-and-a-half pounds and cost just $160? I wondered that as I set out in these boots on an overnight backpacking trip in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in late March. Carrying up to about 50 pounds—including gear and food for my two kids and me plus, at one point, 13 liters of water—I honestly was ready for my feet to feel a bit sore and beat up by day’s end. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of support and performance delivered by boots at this weight and price.

What’s in the secret sauce? Basically, Oboz built only what feet really need into the Bridger Mid. With a board-lasted construction that’s designed for heavier loads, and a dual-density EVA midsole with a ¾-length nylon shank, these boots punch above their weight and price point when it comes to support. Then there’s Oboz’s deluxe footbed, which provides much more cushion and arch support than most standard inserts, in part thanks to PU patches beneath the heel and forefoot. You’d pay at least $35 for after-market insoles of this quality.

There’s enough forefoot flex to the boot for easy, natural striding on trail, yet the torsional rigidity is excellent—the boot feels very stable, even in rugged terrain with a big pack on. The large, 5mm-deep lugs in the carbon rubber outsole gripped well whether hiking gravelly and sandy trail, crossing sections of mud, or scrambling on steep slickrock with a heavy pack.

The boot is armored for abuse, from the all-leather uppers to the rubber toe cap and heel counter. Metal hardware allows smooth movement of laces on the upper foot and ankle, while webbing eyelets at the forefoot prevent the laces from slipping there. The fit will accommodate a wide range of foot shapes because of the wide toe box, yet snug midfoot and heel. The proprietary BDry waterproof-breathable membrane didn’t leak when I stood in a creek to test it, and my feet never got overheated even when backpacking on desert afternoons in the 60s. Construction appears to be excellent, too: I expect you’d wear out the outsole before any other part of these boots, which translates to hundreds of miles of use.

All in all, the Bridger Mid BDry is a great value in a boot for backpacking with moderate to heavy loads.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Oboz Bridger Mid BDry boots at backcountry.com.

See all of my reviews of backpacking boots and hiking shoes I like.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-bridger-mid-bdry-boots/feed/ 10 8713 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-thunder-iii-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-thunder-iii-gtx-boots/#comments Mon, 24 Mar 2014 12:30:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=8267 Read on

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Boots
La Sportiva Thunder III GTX
$195, 2 lbs. 15 oz. (men’s US 9/Euro 42)
Sizes: Euro men’s 38-47.5, women’s 36-43
sportiva.com

Very few backpacking trips put boots to the test like a multi-day hike in the Grand Canyon. On a three-day backpacking trip with my 10-year-old daughter in the Grand Canyon, carrying up to 50 pounds—including, at one point, 17 pounds of water—down and up very steep, rugged trails, the Thunder III GTX boots delivered an impressive combination of support and protection balanced with a surprisingly nimble feel.

Any hike down into the Big Ditch is hard, but the New Hance Trail has a well-earned reputation as one of the toughest coming off the South Rim. We descended a brutal 5,000 feet in five miles the first day en route to a campsite beside the Colorado River. Then, over the next two days, we climbed steadily up to Horseshoe Mesa and ascended the steep Grandview Trail. In terrain like that, you want boots that protect your feet from the pounding of endless descents and all the rocks—but that also deliver adequate ankle support and don’t feel big and clumsy.

The Thunder’s dual-density, compression-molded EVA midsole acts like a fat cushion, while a half TPU shank inside allows the forefoot only slight flex, which translates to the boot, rather than your foot, absorbing much of the abuse of the trail. But thanks to a close fit and narrow platform—unlike with some boots, the outsole is not significantly wider than the uppers—that stiffness was counterbalanced by sensitivity more typical of a lighter boot. That combination resulted in much-appreciated stability when walking down a steep trail carpeted with baseball-size rocks and loose gravel, or when stepping from one large rock to another with a heavy pack. The over-the-ankle collar helped catch me several times when I started to roll an ankle. The widely spaced, moderately deep outsole lugs gripped well in loose gravel and sand.

The leather uppers are well-armored, with a rubber toe bumper, metal hardwear, and tough, nylon mesh in the tongue and around the lace eyelets; after that very abusive hike, the boots show only a few tiny nicks in the leather and the outer edge of the midsole. The Gore-Tex membrane made my feet a little sweaty on afternoons that got up to 60°F, but my socks never got very wet. All in all, this is a well-priced, solid boot for carrying a heavy pack in rugged terrain when you want burly-boot support without the burly-boot feel.

See my reviews of other favorite, heavy-duty backpacking boots, including the Vasque St. Elias GTX, Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX, and Scarpa Tech Ascent GTX.

 

 

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-thunder-iii-gtx-boots/feed/ 12 8267 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-what-do-you-suggest-for-heavy-duty-backpacking-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-what-do-you-suggest-for-heavy-duty-backpacking-boots/#comments Tue, 18 Mar 2014 12:30:54 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=8192 Read on

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(Via Twitter from @Keeping_Secrets, aka Grant, St. Louis, MO)

@Keeping_Secrets: Hey Mike! I’m looking at new hiking boots. We pack heavy. Looking at Vasque Breeze 2.0. Thoughts? Recommendations?

@MichaelALanza: Hi Grant. How heavy do you pack? What boots do or did you use now or last and did they work for you with a heavy pack?

@Keeping_Secrets: my pack prob maxes out around 60 lbs. Had a pair of Asolos (from Sierra Trading Post) that were decent but I’m looking for an upgrade.

@MichaelALanza: Do you know what Asolo model, or can you tell me what the pair weigh (and your size), leather vs. fabric, stiffness?

@Keeping_Secrets: they are an older model. Don’t remember the name.

@MichaelALanza: Definitely a pretty lightweight boot, right? Do you want something similar to that for big loads?

@Keeping_Secrets: I’d prefer lightweight but would go heavier than old pair. Those developed holes in mesh. One reason I need to replace them.

@MichaelALanza: See my reviews of the @Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX (a tough lightweight boot) & @ScarpaNA Tech Ascent GTX at thebigoutside.com/tag/backpacking-boots-reviews/

@MichaelALanza: Or the @VasqueFootwear St. Elias GTX and Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX, both heavier and somewhat stiffer.

@MichaelALanza: Click on Older Posts to view 2nd page. You’re deciding between low weight vs. more support & durability, …

@MichaelALanza: … although the Scarpa boots hit right in the middle between lightweight and beefier, plus durable.

@MichaelALanza: The @VasqueFootwear Breeze 2.0 is nice, too, probably between the @Sportiva & @ScarpaNA for support, stiffness, durability.

@MichaelALanza: Important: Find what fits best and gives the support you want.

@KeepingSecrets: Called all local retailers & none carry the Hyper Mid. I ordered them off of Zappos though, because they have an easy return policy.

@MichaelALanza: Sounds like a smart move. Good luck with them.

Note: In Ask Me, I share and respond to a reader question. Got a question about hiking, backpacking, gear, or any topic or trip I write about at The Big Outside? Send it to me at mlanza@thebigoutside.com or tweet it to @MichaelALanza. I will answer the ones I can in a post, using only your first name and city, with your permission.

I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

 

 

 

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-what-do-you-suggest-for-heavy-duty-backpacking-boots/feed/ 2 8192 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-conquest-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-conquest-gtx-boots/#comments Mon, 16 Sep 2013 13:00:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=6768 Read on

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Boots
Salomon Conquest GTX
$180, 2 lbs. 7 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-12, 13, women’s 5-10
salomon.com

Recovering from a deep bone bruise on the top of my left foot (suffered in a leader fall rock climbing a month earlier), I was hiking again for the first time when I wore these boots on a three-day backpacking trip to the Big Boulder Lakes in Idaho’s White Clouds Mountains. Hiking with my 12-year-old son, I carried up to 35 pounds for about 22 miles, with nearly 5,000 feet of uphill and downhill and significant sections of the route off-trail or on rough, user trails. I wanted a boot with a little more support and rigidity than most competitors in this midweight category, and the Conquest GTX delivered on that count.

The reasons: greater torsional rigidity than many models of similar weight, a firm heel cup with ample cushioning under the heel, and an above-the-ankle cut. The molded EVA midsole also felt very soft underfoot, and there’s abundant padding in the tongue and encasing the ankle. The fit is close in the heel through the midfoot for medium-volume feet, with plenty of wiggle room for toes—probably not for people with narrow feet. The split-suede uppers, a rubber toecap, and a perimeter mudguard armor the boots against abuse—they show no wear from miles of off-trail hiking, including steep scree. The Gore-Tex membrane never leaked, even when I stood in shallow creeks to test it, and it breathes well enough to prevent my feet from overheating on warm afternoons; they’re basically as breathable as many Gore-Tex boots in this category.

My one complaint: While the deep, widely spaced outsole lugs give good traction on most surfaces—including packed dirt, mud, and side-hilling steep, vegetated, off-trail slopes—they do not stick very well when scrambling rocky terrain.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy this product at campsaver.com.

See all of my reviews of backpacking boots and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

This blog and website is my full-time job and I rely on the support of readers. If you like what you see here, please help me continue producing The Big Outside by making a donation using the Support button at the top of the left sidebar or below. Thank you for your support.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-conquest-gtx-boots/feed/ 5 6768 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-st-elias-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-st-elias-gtx-boots/#comments Tue, 27 Aug 2013 13:25:49 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=6613 Read on

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Boots
Vasque St. Elias GTX
$190, 3 lbs. 1 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-12, 13, 14 medium width, 9-12, 13 narrow, 8-12, 13 wide; women’s 6-11 medium, 7-10 narrow and wide
vasque.com

I typically prefer a lightweight shoe or boot for backpacking with a load of 35 pounds or less. But when I’m carrying well over 40 pounds—as I did on a recent six-day family hike in Sequoia National Park—I want a boot with big support and stability, both to help me avoid a twisted ankle (or worst), and to prevent my feet from feeling badly beat up every day from the pounding of so much weight landing on them. The St. Elias GTX delivered on both counts.

The midsole, which incorporates soft EVA cushioning pods, absorbed most of the shock of landing with all that extra weight on my back. A TPU shank, for support and protection against sharp rocks, and stiff torsional rigidity provide a solid platform when a heavy pack makes you unsteady. And yet, there’s more forefoot flex than in many boots in this category, so it doesn’t feel stiff.

Other details are impressive. The all-leather uppers conform to your foot; combined with the midsole cushion, the boot has a soft feel for its weight. The locking lace hooks at the midfoot let me loosen or tighten the fit around the upper foot depending on whether I was headed uphill or down. The metal hardware allows laces to slide smoothly and ensure years of durability. The tongue and ankle are nicely padded for protection, and the Gore-Tex membrane kept water out when I splashed through shallow creeks. One caveat: these boots are warm, so they’re best for cooler climes. (My feet got hot on warm August afternoons in the High Sierra.) Fit is medium volume, comfortably snug in the heel and midfoot with a little extra width in the toes.

See all of my reviews of backpacking boots, including two midweight models I like that are not quite as burly as the St. Elias GTX, the Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX and the Scarpa Tech Ascent GTX.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-st-elias-gtx-boots/feed/ 6 6613 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-aku-sl-sintesi-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-aku-sl-sintesi-mid-gtx-boots/#comments Thu, 22 Aug 2013 13:53:28 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=6584 Read on

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Boots
Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX
$250, 2 lbs. 14 oz. (men’s Euro 42.5/US 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-13
aku.it/us

When I need a sturdier boot for carrying a heavy backpack, I prefer one that incorporates some climbing-oriented features that improve traction, fit, and durability. I wore the SL Sintesi Mid GTX on a five-day, roughly 44-mile family backpacking trip in Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness, starting out with more than 50 pounds in my pack (including family food and gear), and found it does all of that, providing excellent support while feeling like a lighter, more nimble boot.

A superior boot begins and ends with superior fit, and the Sintesi clears that bar, cradling the heel to prevent any slipping that can lead to blisters, supporting the midfoot and arch, and leaving wiggle room for toes without allowing my foot to slide forward and hammer my toes on descents. The close lacing, extending nearly to the toes (like shoes and boots designed for climbing), helped dial in a more precise fit that gives this burly boot a more nimble feel. The relatively stiff, triple-density EVA midsole delivers enough support and cushion for hauling 50 pounds in rugged terrain, while the slightly narrow platform and smooth, sticky portion of the outsole beneath the toes let me scramble off-trail on steep slabs. While weighing nearly three pounds, the boots didn’t feel heavy and clunky when I dayhiked one evening from our camp west of Suiattle Pass about 6.4 miles round-trip to Image Lake.

The suede uppers conform to the shape of my feet, and a protective rubber rand stretches all the way around the forefoot and wraps the heel. The above-the-ankle height and ample padding in the collar and tongue offer plenty of protection from bashing into rocks. A Gore-Tex membrane kept moisture out when I walked through shallow creeks and kicked steps in wet snow crossing Spider Gap. Deep, well-spaced outsole lugs gripped well in mud and snow and on rocky trails. Lastly, construction is superb, and the Sintesi comes with a footbed that gives a little more support than standard footbeds found in most boots. The fit is best for medium-volume feet.

See all of my reviews of backpacking boots, including a model comparable to the SL Sintesi Mid GTX, the Scarpa Tech Ascent GTX.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-aku-sl-sintesi-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 4 6584 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-advice-on-buying-lightweight-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-advice-on-buying-lightweight-boots/#comments Tue, 09 Jul 2013 13:00:56 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=6220 Read on

]]> Hi Michael,

I hope all is well with you. I talked to you a couple of months ago about winter packs and you were extremely helpful.

I need new boots for hiking/light backpacking, and I have a very high-arched foot and wear after-market insoles. My last pair of boots were Kaylands and they were incredible, but off course they stopped shipping to the USA.

I’m wondering which boot you think is better Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR or La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX?

I also was wondering if you had any experience with the Aku Transalpina boot? Backpacker rated them the best for high-arched feet, but I only can get them through Amazon, through a company in Germany.

Thank you in advance, I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Mike
Boston

Hi Mike,

Nice to hear from you again. I’ve also been a longtime fan of Kayland boots, which fit like few other boots, in my opinion. I was the Backpacker editor who convinced my colleagues to give the Vertigo High, a great boot, an Editor’s Choice Award several years ago. I hope Kayland starts selling in the U.S. again.

Your question doesn’t really invite a black-and-white answer for various reasons that depend on what you need for boots. First and foremost, no boots are the best boots for you unless they fit you well. You should get your foot size measured by someone who knows how to do that (in a good outdoor retailer) and try on boots before buying. Try on several models and do it later in the day, when your feet are typically slightly swollen from a normal day’s activity, and walk around in them. I would not just take a chance ordering online sight-unseen.

That said, the Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR and La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX are both great boots and very comparable. I don’t see much difference in arch support between them; both deliver moderate support there, and your after-market insoles will improve them both and probably negate any slight difference between them in that department. I’d say the Zamberlans have slightly better torsional rigidity (the support that helps prevent, for instance, rolling your ankles), while the Sportiva’s materials and construction will, I believe, make them more durable. The Zamberlans have a slightly wider platform, which means they may feel more stable (reassuring if you’re the type of hiker who gets very cautious descending a steep, rough trail); while the Sportivas feel more nimble for quick scrambling, and have an incredibly sticky outsole that grips well in a huge range of conditions.

If you want a lightweight boot, they’re both excellent choices. I honestly don’t think they differ as much in arch support as in the other attributes I mentioned above.

I have not worn the Aku Transalpina, but based on the Backpacker review of them, and their weight and description, I would confidently speculate that they are more supportive than either the Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR or the La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX. I’m not sure that either will have the kind of arch support you’re looking for, which your after-market insoles may provide for you better than any boots, anyway. In general, I’ve hiked in other Aku models and always considered them high-quality, good-fitting, supportive boots. I will likely backpack in the Aku SL Sintesi Mid GT soon and probably review them at The Big Outside, as well as provide feedback if Backpacker wants to publish a review.

But again, most importantly, you should try on boots before buying.

Did I answer your question?

Best,
Michael

Michael,

Thank you. The Vertigo High is the Kayland boot that I had. I agree I always like to try on boots because they’re all different, (but) I’ve had a hard time finding any of the three boots in New England area. I used get my boots at Evans on the common in Townsend, Mass., but they no longer have Kayland or Aku and don’t have either the Zamberlan or the La Sportiva. Any suggestions?

Mike,

What brands can you find within driving distance? Have you tried the REI stores in Framingham or Reading, Mass.?

Michael

Hi Michael,

REI carries the Zamberlan, but only online, and Moosejaw, which is near me, carries the La Sportiva, but only online! Guess I’ll just order, because both have great return policies.

Mike

[In Ask Me, I share and respond to a reader question. Got a question about hiking, backpacking, gear, or any topic or trip I write about at The Big Outside? Send it to me at mlanza@thebigoutside.com or tweet it to @MichaelALanza. I will answer the ones I can in a post, using only your first name and city, with your permission.]

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-advice-on-buying-lightweight-boots/feed/ 2 6220 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-waterproof-are-waterproof-breathable-apparel-and-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-waterproof-are-waterproof-breathable-apparel-and-boots/#respond Wed, 26 Jun 2013 13:00:14 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=6088 Read on

]]> Can I sound off for a moment about Gore-Tex and other supposedly waterproof/breathable membranes? I’ve owned four pairs of boots, a running suit and a pair of gloves that have been Gore-Tex lined, and got wet in all of them. Not wet from sweat or water going over the boots, but wet from rain (soaking through) and in the case of the boots, even wet grass. I think Gore-Tex should change its slogan to Guaranteed to Keep You Dry—If It Doesn’t Rain. How can manufacturers make these waterproof claims? People’s lives can depend on their gear.

Thanks,

Dave
Worcester, Mass.

Dave,

Many hard-core backpackers would agree with your observation about waterproof-breathable membranes in boots. I’ve field-tested scores of shoes and boots over the years. In my experience, lightweight “waterproof” shoes and boots will eventually wet through in really wet conditions, such as hiking for an extended period on wet snow, brushing through wet trailside vegetation for a long distance, or even persistent, heavy rain. Heavy-duty, waterproof-breathable boots, synthetic or leather, will keep your feet dry longer than a lightweight, low- or mid-cut shoe or boot, but may also eventually wet through. Waterproof-breathable rain jackets can also eventually soak through in prolonged, heavy rain.

The membranes aren’t totally impermeable; that’s why they ostensibly breathe. Some backpacking pros, like ultra-hiker Andrew Skurka, maintain that it’s futile to depend on footwear to really keep your feet dry, and instead you should employ any of a variety of strategies, such as wearing low-cut, non-waterproof but highly breathable shoes, which will dry out faster because they don’t have a membrane. You can also dry your feet during breaks (something I always do, even on sunny days so they don’t get too sweaty) and apply a waxy balm to your feet at night to help partially seal your skin against moisture.

Still, waterproof-breathable footwear will keep your feet dry in moderately wet conditions, which can make a difference in how warm and comfortable your feet remain, not to mention that moisture (plus heat and friction) breeds blisters. So I don’t entirely dismiss the value of waterproof-breathable shoes and boots for many hikers and backpackers in mildly to moderately wet conditions.

Michael

Michael,

Thanks for the advice.

Besides whining to you about Gore-Tex, I emailed the company, and a consumer rep called me two days later. He asked that I send Gore-Tex my boots so the lab could check how they were manufactured. I declined, telling him that I needed the boots and liked them, except for the lack of waterproofing.

So Gore-Tex ordered a pair of the Garmont model I have, tested them and found they leaked right out of the box. The rep called me back with the results and suggested I steer clear of Garmont until they figure out what’s wrong. However, he told me to pick out any other boots—carte blanche, as he put it—and Gore-Tex will buy them, test them and send them to me.

I’m blown away by this; I wasn’t expecting anything when I complained. Gore-Tex obviously takes its product—and reputation—very seriously.

Dave

Dave,

I’m not surprised by Gore’s response. They’re a successful company and recognize that their most likely customer is a past customer who was happy with the product; they also recognize the impact of word-of-mouth publicity, good or bad. I hope you’re happy with your replacement boots.

Nonetheless, as I wrote above, I think you will find that no footwear is infallibly waterproof in the most extreme wet conditions. If you aren’t comfortable with the idea of hiking in a wet environment in non-waterproof footwear, then help keep your feet dry longer by wearing full or short gaiters, and follow other strategies like those I mentioned above.

Michael

[In Ask Me, I share and respond to a reader question. Got a question about hiking, backpacking, gear, or any topic or trip I write about at The Big Outside? Send it to me at mlanza@thebigoutside.com or tweet it to @MichaelALanza. I will answer the ones I can in a post, using only your first name and city, with your permission.]

 

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Lightweight Boots
Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
$170, 2 lbs. (men’s US 9/Euro 43)
Sizes: US men’s 8-12, 13, 14, women’s 6-11
zamberlanusa.com

Having hiked and backpacked all over America and the world, I’m convinced few places test a pair of boots—especially lightweight boots—like New Hampshire’s White Mountains. So to put these new mid-cuts through the ringer, I wore them on a recent 25-mile, overnight hut trip from Crawford Notch to Franconia Notch in the Whites—including one of the most rugged sections of the Appalachian Trail. And the Crosser Plus impressed me as highly supportive and tough for its weight.

Although it’s as light as most low-cut hiking shoes, the Crosser Plus is heavily armored to protect your feet against bashing on rocks and roots, with a sturdy toe cap and full wrap-around Kevlar rand, a TPU plate under the arch, and an ankle-covering, slightly higher cut than many lightweight mids. The firm heel cup helped deliver plenty of protection and stability for walking on very rocky, uneven ground (where the ankle support from that higher cut also came in handy). The Gore-Tex membrane passed the standing-in-a-shallow-stream test without leaking, and yet breathed well—in part thanks to synthetic uppers: My feet never got very sweaty even on long, uphill slogs when I perspired heavily. The widely spaced, shallow lugs in the Vibram outsole, designed to minimize weight, shed mud easily and gripped well going up and down steep, granite slabs and rock-hopping boulders. I carried only a daypack weighing up to about 15 pounds on this hut trip, but confidently feel the boots can handle backpacking loads of up to around 35 pounds: For most hikers, unless you have exceptionally strong feet, a dual-density EVA midsole this light doesn’t have the cushioning for a heavier pack.

See my reviews of other favorite backpacking boots and hiking shoes, including another favorite new model that’s similar in weight, the La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

 

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Boots
La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX
$180, 2 lbs. 1 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 38-47.5
sportiva.com

A boot hits a rare trifecta when it excels for traction in any situation, delivers enough support and comfort for backpacking, and weighs only as much as the lightest hiking shoes. The mid-cut, leather Hyper Mid GTX does all of those things. I wore them on a pair of backpacking trips that would put even a much beefier boot to the test: carrying up to 40 pounds on a four-day, roughly 40-mile September hike in the Olympic Mountains, including 10-plus miles off-trail with very steep scrambling in the Bailey Range and two days of wind, rain, hail, and snow and temperatures in the 30s; and a three-day, 17-mile, mostly off-trail hike in early spring through the rugged canyons of Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park. These boots shined by all measures.

Most distinctively, the outsole stuck to all terrain, wet or dry: mud, packed dirt, slick roots, loose talus, very steep rock, even slippery heather. Credit the outsole’s hybrid design of a smoother zone of sticky rubber under the toes, widely spaced and moderately deep lugs under the mid-foot, and a pronounced in-cut and deep lugs beneath the heel for braking. The low weight, to-the-toes lacing, flexible forefoot, and slightly narrow platform give the Hyper Mid the nimble feel of an approach shoe. The mostly leather uppers conform nicely to the shape of your foot, and the padded tongue feels soft. The Gore-Tex membrane repelled water in all but extremely wet conditions: Not surprisingly, the boots got soaked through the top while hiking for hours through pine boughs and knee-high brush that poured buckets of water onto our legs. (I didn’t have gaiters, and I haven’t seen lightweight boots that can keep feet dry through that kind of deluge.) But impressively, after freezing overnight, the Hyper Mids dried out while I hiked in them in sunshine but cool temps, a testament to their breathability. Lastly, for a little more than the price of most lightweight footwear, you’ll get many more miles of use out of these superbly constructed boots. Fit is best for narrow to medium-volume feet; people with wide feet may find the toe box cramped.

See my reviews of other favorite backpacking boots and hiking shoes, including another favorite new model that’s similar but somewhat heavier and more supportive, the Scarpa Tech Ascent GTX.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

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Boots
Scarpa Tech Ascent GTX
$239, 2 lb. 7 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 36-46.5, 47, 48, women’s 36-43
scarpa.com

Some boots are not all they’re cut out to be; others deliver even more than you expect. The Tech Ascent GTX falls into that second category. Billed as an approach-backpacking boot that’s supportive enough for carrying a full pack, yet nimble for climbing, these midweight, suede mid-cuts are an outstanding boot for backpacking with up to 45 pounds, as I discovered on a five-day, 40-mile family backpacking trip in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Two design features deserve most of the credit for this boot’s versatility. The dual-density polyurethane midsole provides substantial shock absorption, but still retains sensitivity for scrambling or easy five-class climbing. (Still, it’s much closer to boot-quality stiffness than rock-shoe softness, so don’t expect to dash up moderate to hard rock routes in them.) The midsole’s support is bolstered by a full-length insole board called C-Flex and a nylon shank under the heel and arch area. And the sticky Vibram Vertical Approach rubber on the outsole gripped securely when I scrambled off-trail up and down granite slabs above our campsite at Little Frazier Lake in the Eagle Cap, aided by a smooth “climbing” zone under the toes and instep. Meanwhile, deep, widely spaced lugs under the rest of the forefoot and the heel bite into dirt, scree, steep gravelly trail, and mud.

Even beyond those standout features, though, the Tech Ascent shines for a fit that cradles the heel, suede uppers that wrap close around the foot, and asymmetrical lacing to the toe that translates to a closer fit and enhanced control when climbing. The Gore-Tex membrane kept my feet dry through a 90-minute downpour and breathed reasonably well, remaining comfortable even on hot days as long as several hours and 12 miles. Plus, construction is impeccable, from the reinforced rubber toe rand to the way the padded tongue doesn’t slip at all to either side. You get a lot of performance for a boot that’s under two-and-a-half pounds. Fit is best for medium- to high-volume feet.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy the Scarpa Tech Ascent at backcountry.com.

See my reviews of other favorite backpacking boots and hiking shoes and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots.”

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

 

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Lightweight Trail Shoes
Salomon Synapse Mid
$140, 1 lb. 11 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: Men’s 7.5-12, women’s 6.5-10
salomon.com

I wanted a pair of lightweight mid-cut boots for a grueling, very rugged, 19-mile dayhike the length of the Carter Range in New Hampshire’s White Mountains—tagging a half dozen summits and climbing and descending some 7,000 feet, a traverse with some absurdly steep sections that is arguably harder than a one-day, 20-mile “death march” of the full Presidential Range. So I looked for mid-cut instead of low-cut shoes to protect my ankles on those notoriously rocky trails. I needed a shoe with enough cushion and support underfoot for a hike that guaranteed a lot of pounding. I prefer non-waterproof footwear for hot dayhikes where breathability is paramount. And I wanted all of that in a boot that’s light and allows me to move fast. The Synapse Mid delivered on all counts. Surprisingly, given the nature of the hike, I finished that day without my feet feeling very fatigued.

The well-cushioned EVA midsole provides a wide base, and a plastic rib cage integrated with the laces snugs the shoe smoothly around your foot. Aggressive flex, a pronounced rocker, and a springy toe-off give it the feel of a trail-running shoe. I also wore these boots on other dayhikes and trail runs in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve—they’re certainly not made primarily for trail running, but they are light and nimble enough for the task in a pinch. Breathability is better than any boot with a waterproof-breathable membrane, but not on par with the airiest low-cuts because the uppers aren’t all mesh, and the ample ankle padding naturally traps heat more than a low-cut. The one-hand lacing system is fast and convenient but doesn’t allow much leeway for varying tightness between the forefoot and ankle. The only demerit: The outsoles are a bit slippery on wet rock. Still, they’re a great choice for dayhiking, ultralight backpacking, and thru-hiking.

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots I like.

NOTE: I’ve been testing gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See all of my reviews by clicking on the Gear Reviews category at left or in the main menu.

—Michael Lanza

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