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.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

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.

Let The Big Outside help you find the best adventures.
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/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/#comments Wed, 28 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14007 Read on

]]> By Michael Lanza

So you’re planning to thru-hike the John Muir Trail and making all of the necessary preparations, and now you’re wondering: What’s the best gear for a JMT hike? Having thru-hiked the JMT as well as taken numerous other backpacking trips all over the High Sierra—mostly between late August and late September, which I consider that the best time to walk the Sierra, to avoid snow and the voracious mosquitoes and blazing hot afternoons of mid-summer—I offer the following picks for the best ultralight and lightweight backpacking gear and apparel for a JMT thru-hike.

Indisputably one of the best backpacking trips in America—and among the very best I’ve taken over three decades of backpacking, including the 10 years I spent as Northwest Editor and lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine and even longer running this blog—the JMT meanders for 211 miles through the magnificent High Sierra, from Yosemite Valley to the summit of the highest peak in the Lower 48, 14,505-foot Mount Whitney (where backpackers must then descend another 11 miles to finish the trip at Whitney Portal trailhead). See my story about thru-hiking the JMT in seven days.

---

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.

---

With few opportunities to resupply along the trail—and given the generally dry weather in the Sierra in summer—you can easily and should hike the JMT with the lightest gear that works for you (or that you can afford). Maximum pack weight will depend on how many days you spend on the trail and your food weight, but it’s quite feasible to keep your base pack weight (everything but food and water) within 15 pounds or less—and certainly no more than 20 pounds—without compromising safety or comfort in camp.

See my stories “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: What You Need to Know,” “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: The Ultimate, 10-Day, Ultralight Plan,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking,” my Custom Trip Planning page to learn how I can help you plan your JMT thru-hike and any trip you read about at The Big Outside, and my expert e-books to backpacking trips in Yosemite and other parks.

The following suggestions for major gear items would also be solid picks for almost any backpacker who wants to go lighter and hike more comfortably in many mid-latitude mountain ranges in summer—although items like your tent and footwear would depend on the typical weather and bugs (and time of year).

Most recommendations below have a link to my full review of each. Click on the name of any product to buy it; those are affiliate links, meaning you can support my work on this blog by purchasing through them, at no cost to you.

Please share your thoughts on these gear suggestions for the JMT, or your own suggested gear, in the comments section at the bottom of this story. I try to respond to all comments.

Planning to hike the John Muir Trail?
Click here for expert, detailed advice you won’t get elsewhere.

Backpack

For a backpack, I like a few models that weigh under three pounds: two top-loaders with traditional features like lots of external pockets, the Osprey men’s Exos 58 or 48 ($260, 2 lbs. 11 oz. for the Exos 58) and women’s Osprey Eja 58 or 48 (read my review) and the Deuter Aircontact Ultra 50+5 and Aircontact Ultra 45+5 SL ($250, 2 lbs. 11 oz. for the 50+5, read my review); and two mimimalist, utralight packs, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider ($349, 55L, 1 lb. 15 oz., read my review) and Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315, 60L/3,661 c.i., 1 lb. 14 oz., read my review).

See my picks for the best ultralight backpacks.

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter!

Tent

In late summer, outside the buggy season in the High Sierra, I prefer using a backpacking tarp shelter like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 ($699, 1 lb. 2 oz., read my review), Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp ($229-$249, 10.5-15.5 oz., two sizes), and Slingfin SplitWing Shelter Bundle ($355, 1 lb. 5 oz., read my review). I often sleep under the stars on a clear night, but a tarp, besides protecting you from rain and some wind, can trap a surprising amount of warmth underneath it on a calm night.

If you want a two-person tent, get one that weighs under three pounds, like the MSR Freelite 2 ($465, 2 lbs., read my review), the Nemo Hornet Osmo 2p ($430, 2 lbs. 1 oz., read my review), the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 ($480, 2 lbs. 3 oz., read my review), the Slingfin 2Lite, which can pitch with trekking poles ($505, 2 lbs. 10 oz. or 2 lbs. 6 oz, read my review), or if you’ll accept higher weight for more space, the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($550, 2 lbs. 11 oz., read my review).

My top picks for a solo ultralight are two that pitch with trekking poles, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Mid-1 ($599, 16.8 oz., read my review) and the Gossamer Gear The One ($255, 1 lb. 2 oz., read my review). For a solo ultralight tent that’s semi-freestanding, check out the Nemo Hornet Osmo 1p ($400, 1 lb. 13 oz., read my review).

See “The 10 Best Backpacking Tents,” all backpacking tent reviews at The Big Outside, plus “5 Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent For You.”

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

Sleeping Bag

For backpacking the JMT in late summer, I carry a down sleeping bag rated around 30 degrees F, with a high down fill rating (800 or above), because it’s warmer, lighter, and more packable than a synthetic bag or down bag with lower fill quality (if also more expensive), and well suited to the dry Sierra summers, where there’s little risk of getting a bag wet.

People who get cold more easily may want a bag rated 20 to 25 degrees, although you can wear layers to supplement the bag’s warmth.

My favorites are the Feathered Friends men’s Hummingbird and women’s Egret UL (30-degree, $609, 1 lb. 6 oz., read my review), the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion (32-degree, $490, 1 lb. 1 oz., read my review), the Mountain Hardwear Phantom 30 ($480, 1 lb. 6 oz. , read my review); and the Marmot Hydrogen 30 ($399, 1 lb. 9.4 oz., read my review).

Looking for an affordable down bag? I recommend the men’s or women’s Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30 ($245, 1 lb. 12 oz., read my review).

See “Pro Tips for Buying Sleeping Bags,” “10 Pro Tips For Staying Warm in a Sleeping Bag” and all sleeping bag reviews at The Big Outside.

Want to tackle the JMT?
See “Thru-Hiking the John Muir Trail: What You Need to Know.”

Insulation

When nighttime lows will generally remain above freezing, as is usually the case on the JMT at least into mid-September, take an ultralight puffy jacket like the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer  2 Down Hoody ($360, 8.8 oz., read my review), the Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody ($360, 10 oz., read my review), the Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody ($329, 9 oz., read my review), or the warmer Feathered Friends Eos Down Jacket ($389, 11 oz. , read my review) or Himali Accelerator Down Jacket ($330, 12.5 oz., read my review).

See “The 12 Best Down Jackets,” “How You Can Tell How Warm a Down Jacket Is” and all puffy jacket reviews at The Big Outside.

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

Rain Shell

On the John Muir Trail—or anywhere in the High Sierra—in summer, where rain occurs only rarely and most often as a passing (although possibly quite intense) thunderstorm, you don’t need the kind of super-technical (and heavier) rain shell you might use in, say, in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast. In fact, if you generally head out in warm, dry weather—common in many Western mountain ranges in summer—you may only need a less-expensive and ideally lightweight shell, like the Black Diamond Fineline Rain Shell ($189, 10 oz./283.5g, read my review), an impressive value in part because it has an adjustable, full-coverage hood, a feature sometimes lacking in moderately priced rain jackets, and solid rain protection even for wet environments.

Another option for backpackers who rarely see rain is an ultralight, waterproof-breathable rain jacket, like the Rab Downpour Light Waterproof Jacket ($165, 7.7 oz., read my review) or the Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket ($170-$180, 6 oz., read my review).

See all reviews of rain jackets and outdoor apparel at The Big Outside, “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” and my “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Rain Jacket for Hiking.”

See “10 Great John Muir Trail Section Hikes.”

Shoes and Boots

If all of your gear is light, on a well-constructed trail like the JMT that’s often dry in summer, get lightweight, highly breathable, non-waterproof boots or low-cut shoes like the PCT-inspired Danner Trail 2650 ($170, 1 lb. 7.5 oz., read my review), the La Sportiva TX3 ($159, 1 lb. 9 oz., read my review), or trail runners like the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 ($155, 1 lb. 3 oz.), also available in a very light mid-cut, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX ($180, 1 lb. 9 oz., read my review).

If you prefer more supportive footwear that’s still relatively light, I recommend two shoes that are a super value and come in waterproof-breathable and non-waterproof, mid-cut and low-cut models: the Hoka One One Anacapa series shoes ($155-$185, 1 lb. 10.5 oz.-2 lbs., read my review), and the Oboz Katabatic series ($145-$190, 1 lb. 9 oz. to 2 lbs., read my review).

See all reviews of hiking shoes at The Big Outside.

Get my expert help planning your backpacking trip and 33% off a one-year subscription.
Click here now to buy a premium subscription to The Big Outside!

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles should be essential gear on any backpacking trip, but for the JMT—if you’re going lightweight or ultralight, as you should be—get very light poles that are ideally adjustable and very packable. Among the best are the folding and adjustable Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ ($220, 12 oz./pair, 105-125cm, read my review), the collapsible and adjustable Gossamer Gear LT5 ($195, 10 oz./pair, read my review), and the folding, adjustable MSR Dynalock Ascent Poles ($190, 1 lb. 1  oz./pair, read my review).

If you want to use a tent that pitches with trekking poles—eliminating the significant weight of tent poles from your pack—make sure your poles are sufficiently sturdy and telescope out to the needed length for pitching your tent; those poles are also usually collapsible (rather than folding or fixed).

See “The Best Trekking Poles” and my stories “How to Choose Trekking Poles” and “10 Best Expert Tips for Hiking With Trekking Poles.”

Get the gear that’s right for you. See my specific tips on buying a pack, tent, boots, and sleeping bag and all reviews of backpacking gear, ultralight backpacking gear, and hiking gear and all stories about backpacking the John Muir Trail 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 my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned backpacker, you’ll learn new tricks for making all of your trips go better in my stories “How to Know How Hard a Hike Will Be,” “How to Plan a Backpacking Trip—12 Expert Tips,” and “A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking.” 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.”

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/the-best-backpacking-gear-for-the-john-muir-trail/feed/ 16 14007 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.

---

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.

---

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.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

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.)

---

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.

---

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.)

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

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.

Read all of this story and ALL stories at The Big Outside,
plus get a FREE e-book! Join now!

 

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.”

You live for the outdoors. The Big Outside helps you get out there.
Join now to read ALL stories and get a free e-book!

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-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-6-trail-running-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-6-trail-running-shoes/#comments Thu, 31 Oct 2024 17:07:24 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=65380 Read on

]]> Trail Running/Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 6
$155, 1 lb. 3 oz./539g (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
roadrunnersports.com

Hoka’s popular trail-running shoe, the Speedgoat, has passed through several updates since it first emerged on the scene in 2015, named for the American phenom ultrarunner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer. The latest, the Speedgoat 6, builds upon that legacy again, with a more durable, breathable woven upper, a more responsive midsole, and even better traction—maintaining the Speedgoat’s standing amid an expanding field of copycats and its stature as a solid performer for trail ultra-runs and ultra-hikes, lightweight dayhiking, and ultralight backpacking.

I’ve worn the Speedgoat 6 on trail runs of up to about 10 miles in my local foothills—and previous generations of the Speedgoat trail running and hiking on many different adventures, including lightweight backpacking trips and one-day outings as long as running and hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim (42 miles and over 21,000 feet). While other trail-running shoes have beat up my feet and left them sore on runs of 15 miles or more, my feet emerge from the Speedgoat after huge days feeling and looking surprisingly good.

---

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 expert e-books to classic backpacking trips. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

---

As ever, the strongest suit of the Speedgoat 6 remains that it delivers excellent stability on the trail, thanks to solid torsional rigidity,giving runners confidence to push themselves on dirt and even more-rugged footpaths. And for hikers and ultralight backpackers who prefer very light, nimble, and breathable footwear, that stability and support, along with Hoka’s trademark enhanced cushioning underfoot, delivers the kind of performance desired for carrying a pack for many hard miles through mountains or desert canyon country.

The neutral-stability Speedgoat combines an aggressive late-stage rocker profile—moving the outsole’s curve closer to the toes and turbo-charging the shoe’s push-off—with a stack height (the combined thickness of the insole, midsole, and outsole, or the distance between your foot and the ground) of 40 to 35 mm (heel to forefoot) in the men’s shoe and 38 to 33 mm in the women’s. That’s a one-millimeter reduction in the stack height compared to the Speedgoat 5, the most significant impact of which is a somewhat lighter feel.

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

With the Speedgoat 6, Hoka made its signature thick, compression-molded EVA foam midsole more durable, potentially extending the life of these shoes (which will vary depending on how and where you use them), as well as more responsive, probably most noticeable for runners and fast hikers. This while keeping the Speedgoat 6 the same weight as the Speedgoat 5, at one pound three ounces/539 grams per pair (US men’s 9, which was about an ounce/28 grams lighter per pair than the Speedgoat 4). That’s very light in the trail-running category of footwear and ultralight in the hiking and backpacking category.

The gusseted tongue and dynamic vamp contribute to a secure, slipper-like fit and good comfort; although, if I have one complaint in that department, it’s that the toe box may feel snug to some users, who may want to look at the wide sizes (particularly hikers who use relatively thicker socks). Still, the shoe provides incrementally more volume than other trail-running and even hiking shoes I’ve worn: As someone who uses custom insoles, which are thicker than stock insoles, in my trail-running and hiking footwear, I like that my Speedgoat 6 shoes fit well with my insoles inside. Hoka also resurrected a heel loop for more easily pulling the shoe on, very useful particularly when they’re sloppy with mud.

The comfortable, matrix-like, woven mesh upper constitutes one of the most visible improvements in the Speedgoat 6, improving its durability (although they are still very light trail-running shoes and not as beefy as heavier hiking shoes) and seeming to have remedied the tendency of the uppers on the Speedgoat 5 to stretch after 100 miles or less, thus compromising the fit—all while still providing the excellent breathability that’s always been characteristic of this shoe. The minimalist toe bumper and overlays around the forefoot help protect your feet and the shoes on the trail.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

Superior traction has long been a Speedgoat hallmark and generation 6 improves upon the Vibram Megagrip outsole with a more aggressive pattern (compared to the Speedgoat 5) in the multi-directional and multi-shaped, 5 mm lugs, designed to grip quite well in a variety of conditions and terrain. On trails I run regularly, which mostly consist of packed dirt, sand, and occasional small, loose stones, exposed bedrock, and very steep descents, I find the Speedgoat 6 gives me the confidence to run almost as if on smooth, packed dirt.

If you use them for hiking or ultralight backpacking, recognize that they lack the durability of beefier—and heavier—hiking shoes. The biggest weak point—as with many shoes in this category—is the exposed soft foam of the midsole outside the little toe; that’s where I’ve always seen the Speedgoat wear first and get chewed up more easily on rocky trails.

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

 

Still, depending on how you use them—how much weight you’re carrying, the condition of trails (how rocky and wet), and other factors—they will last as long as similar shoes in this category. I expect to log 400 or more miles in my Speedgoat 6 before wear and tear in the outsoles and midsoles demand retiring them.

The Speedgoat 6 shoes are not waterproof, making them far more breathable than any shoe with a membrane and enabling them to dry out far more quickly when they get wet. For dayhiking and ultralight backpacking, stick to generally dry trails that are well-constructed and not littered with big rocks.

Hoka also offers these shoes in men’s and women’s waterproof-breathable low and mid-cut models, the Speedgoat 6 GTX ($170) and Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX ($180). Notably, Hoka has kept the Speedgoat 6 pricing the same as the Speedgoat 5.

Reach new heights as a hiker. See “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes”
and “Extreme Hiking: America’s Best Hard Dayhikes.”

The Verdict

With improved traction, performance and durability in the midsole and uppers, and its trademark excellent stability and cushion, comfort, and breathability, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 remains a top shoe for trail running any distances, dayhiking, and ultralight and lightweight backpacking, especially for users who prefer very light, airy, and stable footwear.

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 Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 shoes at backcountry.com or rei.com, or the women’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 6 shoes at roadrunnersports.com, backcountry.com or rei.com, or other men’s or women’s Speedgoat 6 models at backcountry.com or rei.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” at The Big Outside.

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 reviews of hiking gear 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 my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-6-trail-running-shoes/feed/ 2 65380 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.

---

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.

---

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.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

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.

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

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-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-5-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-5-shoes/#respond Wed, 21 Jun 2023 17:07:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=59274 Read on

]]> Trail Running/Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 5
$155, 1 lb. 3 oz./539g (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
backcountry.com

Improving on a great piece of gear is hard. But Hoka nailed it again with the Speedgoat 5, the newest update of the brand’s workhorse trail-running and light hiking shoes. Wearing them on trail runs up to 10 miles in my local foothills, I found my favorite trail runners retain the same cushion, comfort, and breathability I’m accustomed to, but now have a welcome traction upgrade, a sweeter fit, and have even dropped a little weight.

Hoka One One kept many features from previous Speedgoat models in the low-cut Speedgoat 5, including the shoe’s neutral stability and late-stage rocker profile. The stack height (the combined thickness of the midsole and outsole) still goes from 33mm at the heel to 29mm at the forefoot, a minimal, 4mm drop that has always been kind to my feet, even on days as big as running and hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim (42 miles and over 21,000 feet), while other trail-running shoes have beat up my feet and left them sore on runs of 15 miles or more.

---

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.

---

The wide platform and solid torsional rigidity give these shoes exceptional stability for footwear this light. And, of course,the Speedgoat 5 sportsHoka’s signature oversized, lightweight, compression-molded EVA foam midsole, which delivers balanced cushioning for trail runs or lightweight hiking—but now has a lighter midsole compound that still feels like the same cushioning to me while helping to make the shoes about an ounce (28 grams) lighter per pair than the Speedgoat 4.

Like previous Speedgoat iterations, I find these shoes perfectly fine for running some pavement en route to the trails. I even wore them running the Eugene, Oregon, half-marathon, mostly on streets, in late April, finishing it with my feet, knees, and body overall feeling fatigued but good.

The fit feels better, with a more stretchy, open-mesh (read: more breathable), gusseted tongue that makes slipping feet inside a breeze while keeping the shoe comfortably locked-in from the midfoot through the flexible but supportive heel, and giving it a little boost in the toe box space, which many runners will appreciate when feet swell a bit on the trail. The printed overlays on the uppers help stabilize and lock down the midfoot: My feet never slip inside these shoes. Plus, the newly extended heel tab makes pulling them on pleasantly easier. The Speedgoat 5, like previous versions of the shoe, has enough space for my custom insoles while fitting my feet very well with their stock insoles, too.

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

 

The new Vibram Megagrip outsole, with multi-directional, 5mm lugs that feature tiny dots on their forward and rear edges, give the Speedgoat 5 noticeably better traction on trails I run regularly, which mostly consist of packed dirt, sand, and occasionally small, loose stones and exposed bedrock.

The new jacquard mesh uppers breathe supremely well—my feet never got sweaty, even on trail runs in temps pushing 80° F under a hot sun.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

A small rubber toe bumper offers some protection, as do the overlays on the uppers, lending the Speedgoat 5 good durability for trail-running shoes in this weight class. If you use them for hiking or ultralight backpacking, recognize that they lack the durability of beefier—and heavier—hiking shoes. The biggest weak point—as with many shoes in this category—is the exposed soft foam of the midsole outside the little toe; that’s where I’ve always seen the Speedgoat wear first and get chewed up more easily on rocky trails.

Still, depending on how you use them—how much weight you’re carrying, the condition of trails (how rocky and wet), and other factors—they will last as long as similar shoes in this category. I expect to log 400 to 500 miles in my Speedgoat 5 before wear and tear in the outsoles and midsoles demand retiring them.

The Speedgoat 5 shoes are not waterproof, but the benefit of that is they dry out quickly because of the airy uppers, making them good footwear for dayhiking and ultralight backpacking on generally dry trails that are well-constructed and not littered with big rocks.

Hoka also offers these shoes in men’s and women’s waterproof-breathable low and mid-cut models, the Speedgoat 5 GTX ($170) and Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX ($180).

The Verdict

Better than ever with a nicer fit, improved traction, and lower weight, while retaining their exceptional cushion, comfort, and breathability, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 remain arguably the best shoes out there for trail runners, dayhikers, and ultralight and lightweight backpackers who prefer very light and airy footwear.

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 Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 shoes at backcountry.com, the women’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 shoes at backcountry.com, or other men’s or women’s Speedgoat models at backcountry.com.

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.”

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 reviews of hiking gear 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 my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-5-shoes/feed/ 0 59274 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-anacapa-lowgtx-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-anacapa-lowgtx-hiking-shoes/#respond Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:30:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=56775 Read on

]]> Hoka Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Anacapa Low GTX
$170, 1 lb. 10.5 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-11, all gender M3.5/W5-M14/W15.5
backcountry.com

Sometimes it’s the subtle details that make a hiking shoe stand out. From June and October days of hiking 10 or more miles with about 6,000 cumulative feet of elevation gain and loss each day in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range—including hiking up the hardest trail in the White Mountains, Huntington Ravine—with very rocky and sometimes muddy trail and wet snow; to an 18-mile, 7,300-foot, 13-hour, four-summit, partly off-trail dayhike in Utah’s Wasatch Range in early October; and hikes in my local foothills on trails consisting mostly of dry, packed dirt with occasional rocky sections, the Hoka One One Anacapa LowGTX proved to be one of the most comfortable and supportive hiking shoes I’ve come across in a while.

These shoes are so light and comfortable I’ve even worn them on trail run-hikes and for gym workouts.

---

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.

---

Like other Hoka One One footwear, the neutral-stability, low-cut Anacapa Low GTX features Hoka’s signature oversized, lightweight, compression-molded EVA foam midsole and extended heel geometry, which delivers substantial, balanced cushioning for dayhikes of any distance as well as lightweight backpacking. Hoka’s mid-cut Anacapa Mid GTX ($185)sports the very same chassis, uppers, and materials, but with a higher cut that provides much better protection for ankles while remaining light and nimble on the trail.

The Anacapa models feature a host of design elements that contribute to their superior comfort and easy yet supportive striding on the trail: enhanced Achilles padding, a supportive heel cup, a 6mm heel-to-toe drop (from 28mm at the heel to 22mm at the forefoot) that’s neither minimalist nor excessive, substantial heel-to-toe rocker, and solid torsional rigidity. The Anacapa Low feel like a trail-running shoe when you slip them on and perform like a light, agile hiking shoe on the trail.

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

 

I found that the lightweight and waterproof nubuck leather and mesh uppers, with recycled polymer in the collar, mesh, and laces, help the shoe conform to your foot, providing a comfortable, all-day fit. Overlays and a toe bumper protect the uppers—and your feet—from the usual scraping and bashing against rocks. The lacing creates a smooth and secure wrap around feet. The laces are very durable for hard use on rocky trails; but they’re also stiffer than some hiking shoelaces, causing them to loosen easily, a problem solved by simply double-knotting them.

The Gore-Tex membrane prevented water penetrating the shoes when I had to kick steps in wet snow up Mount Washington’s Huntington Ravine and walked through deep, sloppy mud on other trails in the Presidential Range. Plus, mesh in the uppers and the shoe’s low cut help ventilate heat and moisture from the shoes, keeping my feet from getting sweaty in temps in the high 70s F with high humidity.

The Vibram MegaGrip outsole with widely spaced, multi-directional, 5mm lugs and enhanced grip under the toes for smooth rock, deliver good traction on trails ranging from packed dirt and mud to rock and even scrambling up the steep slabs in Huntington Ravine—but I noticed the wide platform felt tippy at times when trying to get good purchase on the inside or outside edge of a shoe while hiking very rocky trails in the White Mountains. And their cushion, forefoot flex, and width were okay but not ideal for the sometimes steep, third- and fourth-class scrambling I did on the South Ridge of Mount Superior in the Wasatch. These shoes are better on trails of packed dirt or smaller rocks and scree than large rocks and boulders.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

The Hoka Anacapa Low Verdict

With subtle but very effective design features that simply create an exceptional hiking shoe, the Hoka One One Anacapa Low GTX has great comfort, support, traction, and cushioning dayhiking and ultralight and lightweight backpacking.

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 any version of the Hoka One One Anacapa Low GTX or the Anacapa Mid GTX at backcountry.com.

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,” plus all reviews of hiking gear, backpacking gear, and ultralight backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

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 reviews of hiking gear 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

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!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-anacapa-lowgtx-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 56775 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).

---

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.

---

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.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

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.
Want my help with yours? Click here now.

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-black-diamond-technician-hiking-approach-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-technician-hiking-approach-shoes/#respond Thu, 30 Jun 2022 11:35:34 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=53907 Read on

]]> Hiking/Approach Shoes
Black Diamond Technician
$135, 1 lb. 4 oz. (US men’s 10/Euro 43)
Sizes: US men’s 6-14, women’s 5.5-11
backcountry.com

My summer goal was to bag all the 11ers in my home range, Utah’s Wasatch, and the Technicians accompanied me on almost every summit—including technical climbing up the North Ridge of the Pfeifferhorn, a mixed day of scrambling and hiking over 17 miles and 7,000 feet of vertical on the Thunder Traverse, and various moderate rock climbs at the crag (up to 5.10a). In these situations, the Technicians performed exceptionally on rock, but left some things to be desired on long days of hiking.

When designing so-called “approach shoes,” brands must choose whether to prioritize climbing or hiking performance. With the Technician, Black Diamond prioritized scrambling and climbing.

---

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.

---

The Technician’s emphasis on climbing starts in the outsoles, with BlackLabel-Mountain rubber providing climbing shoe-like grip on any type of rock. The outsoles also look much more like a climbing shoe than a hiking shoe, with a sticky, smooth area under the toes that gives the Technician smearing performance on par with some rock-climbing shoes, and shallow, dot- and diamond-pattern lugs best suited to gripping on rock, if not delivering quite as much traction as deeper lugs when descending loose scree. 

Reach new heights as a hiker. See “Extreme Hiking: America’s Best Hard Dayhikes.”

 

The toe box is narrow and features a thinner outsole and midsole than most approach shoes, which gives the shoe a surprising amount of responsiveness when rock climbing: The Technicians allowed me to use smears and footholds which would be too small for most approach shoes. However, wide-footed people take note: Due to the narrow toe box, BD recommends sizing up by a half size if you have wide feet. 

BD smartly protected the sides and top of the toe with a stiff rubber rand, for hiking rocky terrain and allowing the Technician to jam effectively in cracks. I found that my men’s size 8.5 shoes jam securely in thin hands to fist-size cracks, although not quite as comfortably as a stiff rock shoe.

All of these outstanding climbing features are brought together by the shoe’s graduated-fit lockdown lacing system, most uniquely featuring a molded TPU midfoot strap and lace lock and lacing that extends to the base of the toes. I found the Technicians to be the most secure of any hiking shoe I’ve worn and the lacing system held the shoe firmly in place for technical climbing.

Unfortunately, many of the features that make the Technicians great for climbing hinder their hiking performance. I’ll start with the upsides. The breathable EnduroKnit uppers provide excellent ventilation, keeping my feet and socks as dry as could be expected on long, hot days. Furthermore, the tight climbing fit keeps the shoe from slipping while hiking, preventing blisters. I never developed a single blister while logging at least 100 trail miles in the Technicians. Finally, they’re light, weighing just over a pound per pair.

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter!

 

For the downsides, there are a few. The biggest is the thin outsole and EVA midsole. While good for climbing, it fails to provide much support or cushion when hiking. Small pebbles, sticks, and other objects can be felt through the shoe, leading to sore feet after a long day of hiking as well as more soreness in knees and quads than I would get with a more supportive shoe. (And worth pointing out: I’m 21 years old and hike a lot.) Moreover, the thin upper provides less overall arch and foot support than most hiking shoes I’ve used.

After more than 100 miles and close to 100,000 feet of vertical hiking in these shoes, they’re a bit beat up: a hole in one toe, the outsoles beginning to delaminate. But that’s only after a significant amount of hard use, much of it off-trail in very rugged terrain. Durability compares with many models of lightweight shoes.

The Verdict

While not suited to very long days of hiking, the Black Diamond Technician shoe stands out for mid-length hikes on rugged trails, scrambling off-trail, and even moderate rock climbing.

BUY IT NOW

You can support this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking any of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Black Diamond Technician shoes at backcountry.com, moosejaw.com, or blackdiamondequipment.com.

—Nate Lanza

Note from Michael Lanza: Nate Lanza has many years of experience as a backpacker, dayhiker, rock climber, whitewater kayaker, and skier, and as my son, he has experience beyond his years on wilderness adventures.

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!

 

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

See also “The Best Trekking Poles” and “The 10 Best Hiking Daypacks,” “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” and “The Best Running Hydration Vests.”

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 gear reviews and expert buying tips.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-black-diamond-technician-hiking-approach-shoes/feed/ 0 53907 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.

---

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.

---

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).

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

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.

---

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.

---

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.

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

 

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.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

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 

You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase the men’s or women’s Hoka One One TenNine Hike Gore-Tex boots at backcountry.com.

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.”

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

 

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.

If you found this review helpful, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom. I’d really appreciate it.

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-tennine-hike-gore-tex-boots/feed/ 8 48690 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-danner-trail-2650-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-danner-trail-2650-hiking-shoes/#respond Fri, 09 Jul 2021 15:42:27 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=46915 Read on

]]> Hiking Shoes
Danner Trail 2650 Mesh
$190, 1 lb. 7.5 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s S-XL, women’s XS-XL
backcountry.com

Want one pair of hiking shoes that do it all? Join the club. And maybe also check out Danner’s Trail 2650. Having knocked off some trail miles in the mesh version of these very light hikers, from brutal desert heat (which can do terrible things to feet) to a trail strewn with wet, slippery, large rocks (which can demand terrible things of shoes), I’m convinced that many dayhikers and lightweight backpackers would find quite a lot to admire about these shoes.

I tested the Trail 2650 carrying a daypack weighing 10 to 12 pounds on a 10-mile, 3,600-vertical-foot October dayhike of 4,700-foot Mount Carrigain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, on a trail strewn with wet, slippery rocks and occasional mud. I also wore them on summer hikes of up to 10 miles in my local foothills—including two laps up and down one very steep trail that rises more than 2,000 vertical feet in just 2.2 miles—and on hikes during a six-day, June rafting and kayaking trip on the Green River in southern Utah, on trails varying from packed dirt to rocky and sandy, in temps ranging from the 50s to 90s Fahrenheit.

Named for the length of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, the shoe represents Danner’s bid to create light, comfortable footwear that spans the performance spectrum from dayhiking to lightweight and long-distance backpacking.

---

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.

---

While Danner offers the Trail 2650 in several versions, including waterproof-breathable and mid-cut, I deliberately chose the low-cut, more-breathable Trail 2650 Mesh for three-season dayhikes and multi-day trips in the dry climate of the West, where I do most of my hiking and where breathability often takes priority over waterproofing. Whether we’re talking about PCT thru-hikers or the many backpackers and dayhikers who generally hit the trail in dry conditions, the major source of wet feet (and blisters) is not rain but sweat. Plus, in the event of rain or a wet trail, the airy uppers allow the shoes to dry out very quickly.

These shoes passed that performance test. With mesh throughout the perforated uppers, lining, and tongue, they ventilated quite well and kept my feet dry even in the searing heat of June in the Southwest desert. Granted, all of those tiny holes in the uppers allow more dust inside than a model with textile or leather uppers would. But it’s not as bad as some shoes I’ve used and a small tradeoff for the amplified breathability.

The comfortably snug medium-volume fit kept my heel and midfoot from slipping, even on steeper ascents and descents, while providing a roomy toe box. The 2650 have a cushioning EVA midsole, a moderate 8mm toe-to-heel drop, and the forefoot flex of trail-running shoes combined with the lateral stability and torsional rigidity of high-quality hiking shoes, thanks in part to a TPU mid-foot shank.

Danner’s unique EXO heel counter moves the rigid heel piece that’s traditionally built inside the shoe’s upper to the shoe’s exterior, maintaining the protection and locked-in stability of a heel counter while softening the contact between heel and shoe.

I’m fully confident that I could carry a multi-day backpack weighing 30 pounds or more hiking in these shoes without a problem.

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

 

The 2650’s Vibram 460 outsole with Megagrip compound and multi-directional lugs gripped well on dirt, sand, and rock, performing as well as the many low-cut, lightweight shoes that have a very similar outsole design.

An ample rubber bumper wraps around the shoe’s toe. The durability of the mesh won’t match that of leather or textile uppers; but on PCT-like trails where you generally encounter packed dirt more than a rocky treadway, the midsole and outsole will probably wear out before the uppers suffer terminal damage. Choose the leather-textile of the standard Trail 2650 or the Trail 2650 Full Grain model if you frequent rocky trails; but in all likelihood, as with many low-cut, lightweight hiking shoes, you’ll probably get 300 to 500 miles in the Trail 2650 before needing to replace them.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

As with many shoes in this category, the major weak point is likely the exposed strip of soft midsole foam on the sidewalls from the midfoot to the heel, which tends to get chewed up more easily on rocky trails. But on these shoes, the outsole platform projects outward very slightly wider than the midsole on each side, potentially offering that soft layer a bit more protection.

Besides the Trail 2650 Mesh, Danner offers the standard Trail 2650 with leather and textile uppers ($190), the Trail 2650 Campo for warm temps ($170), the Trail 2650 Campo GTX ($200), and the waterproof-breathable Trail 2650 GTX low-cut ($190) and Trail 2650 GTX Mid ($210).

The Verdict

At just a pound-and-a-half per pair (US men’s 9), the Danner Trail 2650 Mesh shoes keep feet cool and, like all versions of the Trail 2650, deliver very good comfort, support and traction for dayhikers and ultralight and lightweight backpackers—or thru-hikers.

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 any version of the men’s or women’s Danner 2650 hiking shoes at backcountry.com.

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.”

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.

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

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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-danner-trail-2650-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 46915 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-4-and-speedgoat-mid-2-gtx/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-4-and-speedgoat-mid-2-gtx/#comments Thu, 06 May 2021 16:42:41 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=45638 Read on

]]> Trail Running/Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
$145, 1 lb. 4 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX
$170, 1 lb. 10 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-15, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

Comfort can prove an elusive quarry with footwear, especially for dayhikers and trail runners who pile on the miles and backpackers seeking the conflicting qualities of support and low weight in boots. After numerous trail runs, dayhikes, and backpacking trips in these two shoe models, I’ve reached a point where I’m usually reaching for either my Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 or my Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX when hitting the trails.

I’ve worn the Speedgoat 4 on numerous trail runs of up to 10 miles in my local foothills, on trails generally of packed dirt with occasional rocks, including a local peak where the trail ascends a steep 2,000 vertical feet in just over two miles.

---

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.

---

Similarly, I’ve found the Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX comfortable and supportive hiking and running local trails in a variety of conditions, as well as on a three-day, 19-mile backpacking trip on the Idaho Snake River National Recreation Trail in Hells Canyon, carrying up to 25 pounds while backpacking three days in the Wind River Range, and with up to 35 pounds on my back on a five-day, 78-mile backpacking trip on the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier. I also wore them on a late-October dayhike of Grandeur Peak in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, on a trail that climbs 3,300 feet in 2.2 miles, with muddy trail and some wet snow on the upper section of the trail. My feet stayed dry and felt very good on the hard, pounding descent, my toes never getting jammed at the front of the boots.

Like other Hoka One One footwear, the neutral-stability, low-cut Speedgoat 4 and mid-cut Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX both feature Hoka’s signature oversized, lightweight foam midsole, which delivers balanced cushioning for trail runs or lightweight hiking for any distance.

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

 

With both shoes, the wide midsole and forefoot kept my feet comfortable even on longer runs, when feet can swell slightly, while the fit was running-shoe-snug in the heel and midfoot: My feet never slipped in these shoes. And the wide platform and good torsional rigidity give both shoes exceptional stability for footwear this light.

The minimal, 4mm drop of both shoes works great for me. The stack height, or thickness of the midsole and outsole (i.e., the distance between the soles of your feet and the ground), goes from 33mm at the heel to 29mm at the forefoot. That thick cushion and the supportive heel cup also improve comfort.

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter!

 

The 3D printed overlays on the uppers of the Speedgoat 4 and Speedboat Mid 2 GTXstabilize and lock down the midfoot, similar to the support and protection found in many hiking shoes that are several ounces heavier. The Speedgoat 4’s mesh uppers, updated over the Speedgoat 3, breathe supremely well, while cutouts in the gusseted tongue help the shoe ventilate—my feet never got sweaty, even on trail runs in temps pushing 80° F under a hot sun.

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

A small rubber toe bumper in both shoes offers some protection, as do the 3D overlays on the mesh uppers, lending them good durability for trail-running shoes in this weight class. But neither model has the durability of beefier—and heavier—hiking shoes, if you use them for hiking or ultralight backpacking. The biggest weak point—as with many shoes in this category—is likely the exposed soft foam of the midsole outside the little toe; that spot will get chewed up more easily on rocky trails.

In both shoes, the Vibram MegaGrip outsole with multi-directional 5mm lugs and zonal rubber placements provide excellent traction and stability on trails ranging from packed dirt to solid rock. Even going down very steeply on loose dirt and pea gravel, the outsoles never slipped once.

Hiking in the Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX in steady rain, through shallow puddles, and even through heavily falling, wet snow that was several inches deep on the trail (I wore soft-shell low gaiters), the Gore-Tex membrane kept my feet dry. But on a day backpacking nine miles in steady, wind-driven rain in the Winds, these light shoes were overwhelmed and my feet got a bit damp.

 

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

The Speedgoat 4 shoes are not waterproof, but dry out quickly because of the airy uppers, so they would be good shoes for typically dry dayhiking and ultralight backpacking on trails that are generally well-constructed and not littered with big rocks. There’s also a waterproof-breathable version, the Speedgoat 4 GTX ($160).

I’ve been very impressed with the Speedgoat line. As I wrote in my review of the Speedgoat 3, wearing them running rim-to-rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon in a day—42 miles and over 21,000 vertical feet, which I’d done a couple of times before, in different shoes each time—I fully expected to beat up my feet again. But in those shoes, my feet actually felt good (just very fatigued) at the end of that long day.

The Verdict

The impressive comfort and support for their low weight, very good traction, and unparalleled cushion of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 and Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX—which adds ankle support and Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable protection—arguably make them the best shoes out there for hikers, trail runners, and ultralight and lightweight backpackers who prefer the lightest footwear.

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 or women’s Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 or Speedgoat Mid 5 GTX at backcountry.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?

Please also consider sharing it using one of the buttons at right and leaving a comment or question at the bottom. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

 

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.”

You may also be interested in my picks for “The Best Running Hydration Vests,” “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Running Jackets,” “The Best Trekking Poles,” and “The 10 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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-4-and-speedgoat-mid-2-gtx/feed/ 6 45638 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.

---

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.

---

 

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.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

Was this story 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 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

 

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

]]> 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.  

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for The Big Outside’s FREE email newsletter!

 

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.

---

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.

---

 

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.]

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

 

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.

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

 

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

 

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

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/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-3-trail-running-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-3-trail-running-shoes/#comments Wed, 23 Oct 2019 09:16:53 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=35972 Read on

]]> Trail Running/Hiking Shoes
Hoka One One Speedgoat 3
$140, 1 lb. 4 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-14, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

Note: See my newer review of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4.

Trail running and hiking can be hard on feet. Beyond the possibility of blisters, miles of pounding can sometimes leave your feet feeling beat up and sore—and longer distances magnify the effects of all that impact. As someone who enjoys long trail runs and dayhikes, I’ve suffered my share of foot pain. And after numerous trail runs of anywhere from five to 20 miles in my local foothills—and a one-day, 42-mile, 22,000-vertical-foot run-hike across the Grand Canyon and back—I believe that I’ve discovered the best trail-running shoes I’ve ever used, for numerous reasons, and a model that crosses over to hiking: the Hoka Speedgoat 3.

Going rim-to-rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon—a journey I’d done a couple of times before, in different shoes each time—I fully expected it to beat up my feet again, simply because it always has. But my feet actually felt good (just very fatigued, of course) when I finished this time, wearing these shoes. The low-cut, super light, neutral-stability Speedgoat 3 features Hoka’s signature oversized CMEVA foam midsole, which delivers luxurious cushioning for trail runs or lightweight hiking for any distance.

---

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. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

---

 

The wider midsole and toe box kept my feet comfortable even on longer days, when feet tend to swell a bit, while the fit was running-shoe-snug in the heel and midfoot, where you want that; my feet never slipped in these shoes. And the overall wider platform and good torsional rigidity, especially for a shoe this light—you can’t easily twist one of these shoes (like wringing a towel)—give the Speedgoat 3 very stable footing, even on rugged trails with a huge amount of vertical gain and loss, as when crossing the Grand Canyon. These shoes do not feel too “high,” an impression some consumers might get before trying them. On the many miles I’ve logged in these shoes, with ankles that have suffered their share of abuse, I recall rolling them maybe twice, and never badly enough to end a run.

Although I’ve never personally found zero-drop shoes comfortable for my feet, the minimal, 4mm drop of the Speedgoat 3 hits a balance that works great for me (and based on the shoe’s popularity, apparently also for a lot of other runners). The stack height, or thickness of the midsole and outsole (i.e., the distance between the soles of your feet and the ground), goes from 33mm at the heel to 29mm at the forefoot. That thick cushion and the supportive heel cup certainly help improve comfort, of course.

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter!

 

TPU overlays creating a cage construction on the uppers help stabilize and lock down the midfoot, mimicking the support and protection of many hiking shoes that are several ounces heavier. The mesh uppers breathe supremely well—my feet never got sweaty, even during the hottest stretch of our early-October Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim, running and hiking uphill with the temp pushing toward 80° F under an intense desert sun.

The Vibram MegaGrip outsole with multi-directional 5mm lugs provides impressive grip and traction on trails ranging from packed dirt to solid rock and loose gravel and scree.

For hikes or high-speed workouts in windy, damp weather, get a breathable, ultralight shell. See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking Jackets.”

 

A small rubber toe bumper offers some protection, as do the TPU overlays on the sidewalls and the mesh uppers around the forefoot, giving this shoe good durability for trail-running shoes in this weight class. But they will not have the durability of beefier—and heavier—hiking shoes, if you use them for hiking or ultralight backpacking, especially in wet conditions. The biggest weak point—as with many shoes in this category—is likely the exposed soft foam of the midsole outside the little toe; that spot will get chewed up more easily on rocky trails.

They’re not waterproof, but dry out fast because of the airy uppers, so they would be good shoes for typically dry dayhiking and ultralight backpacking on trails that are generally well-constructed and not littered with big rocks. The Speedgoat 3 is also 100 percent vegan.

There’s also a Speedgoat 3 Waterproof version ($150).

The Verdict

With incredibly low weight, superior cushion, and the traction of an ATV, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 just may be the best trail-running shoe for any distance and terrain on the market today—and it crosses over quite competently to lightweight dayhiking and even ultralight backpacking (although ideally in mostly dry conditions).

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 Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 (which replaced the Speedgoat 3) 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, 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.

 

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

 

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

HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 3

Comfort/Support

Fit

Breathability

Traction

Value

Summary

With incredibly low weight, superior cushion, and the traction of an ATV, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 just may be the best trail-running shoe for any distance and terrain—and it crosses over quite competently to lightweight dayhiking and even ultralight backpacking.

4.5

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/review-hoka-one-one-speedgoat-3-trail-running-shoes/feed/ 3 35972 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-tecnica-plasma-s-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-tecnica-plasma-s-hiking-shoes/#comments Tue, 20 Aug 2019 09:00:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=34969 Read on

]]> Hiking Shoes
Tecnica Plasma S
$150, 1 lb. 14 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14.5, women’s 5.5-10.5
rei.com

The notion of a hiking shoe that can be heat-molded to your feet like the liners of ski boots seemed too good to pass up. So I took the Tecnica Plasma S shoes on what struck me as two perfect tests: dayhiking 12,662-foot Borah Peak, highest in Idaho, which entails an almost relentlessly steep, 5,200 vertical feet of ascent and descent in seven miles round-trip, mostly on trail, but also includes a few hundred feet of third-class scrambling; plus backpacking the Teton Crest Trail. The Plasma S delivered on the promise of a customized fit—but it’s important to understand the limits of this technology. Read on.

I also wore these shoes on several dayhikes of up to nine miles along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River during a six-day rafting and kayaking trip in mid-July, where I had more moderate hiking and hotter temps than on Borah.

The non-waterproof Plasma S (there’s also a Gore-Tex version, see below) uses the same technology as the brand’s Forge GTX boots. The shoe’s removable footbed—which by design is noticeably more supportive than the flimsy footbeds that come with many low-cut hiking shoes—and part of its upper can be custom heat-molded to your feet using a special machine, similar to heat-molding a ski boot liner, although the two processes differ significantly. 

I got the shoes heat-molded at a local retailer that carries the Plasma S, a free service provided to anyone buying the shoes and which takes 20 to 30 minutes. The two-step molding process basically shapes the heel, insole, and to some extent the arch area to those parts of your foot. It affects only the area of the shoe demarcated by the orange spotted pattern on the upper, so it isn’t identical to heat-molding a ski boot liner, which wraps completely around and conforms to your entire foot.

---

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.

---

 

I’m told by employees who do the custom molding that it gives satisfactory results for most purchasers of the shoes—but it will not correct a fit that was poor prior to the molding. In my case, these medium-volume shoes fit pretty well before the custom molding, but afterward, the fit was as good as I’ve ever found in low-cut hiking shoes—a performance aspect particularly noticeable on the steep descent of more than 5,000 vertical feet in 3.5 miles off Borah, when my feet might have taken a beating in shoes with a less-than-perfect fit. In the Plasma S, my feet never slipped or developed any hot or sore spots; and after I removed the shoes at my car, my feet genuinely felt like I’d done a much shorter hike.

The shoe’s locking laces and overlap tongue design helped secure the fit and allowed virtually no small stones or dirt inside the shoes.

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter!

 

A dual-density EVA midsole with a small TPU shank at the arch provide good stability and protection underfoot, even when carrying up to about 35 pounds on the Teton Crest Trail. Weighing a couple of ounces shy of two pounds for a pair (US men’s 9), the Plasma S deliver solid support and torsional rigidity for a shoe that light; there are competitors that are lighter still, and some are as well armored against trail abuse as the Plasma S, but their fit varies and isn’t customizable as with these shoes. Although primarily for dayhiking, these shoes have adequate support for lightweight or ultralight backpacking.

The uppers are made of a synthetic polyamide fabric with TPU laminated reinforcements to guard them against bashing against rocks and other abuse. Combined with a mesh lining, the shoes proved reasonably breathable—my feet got a little sweaty on hot and dry July hikes along the Middle Fork of the Salmon, but remained comfortably dry even under the hot afternoon sun while descending the lower stretch of the Borah Peak Trail. (A side note: Offering shoes that are non-waterproof, and designed for good breathability, in black doesn’t make a whole lot of sense; but color is driven by consumer demand, of course.)

The Vibram Plasma Megagrip outsole design is aggressive for a shoe in this category, with relatively deep and widely space lugs (compared to other low-cut hiking shoes, not with backpacking boots) that bit securely into Borah’s steep, sandy trail and loose, small scree. A patch of smoother outsole under the toes gave me confident purchase when smearing and scrambling the exposed, third-class sections of Borah’s infamous Chickenout Ridge. But oddly, the lugs at the forward edge of the outsole’s in-cut heel—which provide the braking power going downhill—are so pronounced that a few times I caught them on a rock or even on my lower pant leg and nearly tripped.

There’s also a waterproof-breathable version which can be heat-molded, the Plasma S GTX ($180).

The Verdict 

The unique heat-molding available with the Tecnica Plasma S noticeably improves the fit of this low-cut shoe, which also provides good support and grip for dayhiking and lightweight or ultralight backpacking.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the men’s or women’s Tecnica Plasma S or Plasma S GTX at 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.

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

 

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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-tecnica-plasma-s-hiking-shoes/feed/ 2 34969 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). 

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter!

 

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. 

---

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.

---

 

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

 

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

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.

 

---

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.

---

 

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.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

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.

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

 

Not sure you’re ready to join, but want to support my blog?

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.)

 

---

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.

---

 

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.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

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-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.

---

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.

---

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.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

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.”

 

---

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.

---

 

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.

 

Want to read any story linked here? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside, plus a FREE e-guide. Subscribe now!

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.)

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

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-salewa-wildfire-hiking-approach-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-wildfire-hiking-approach-shoes/#respond Thu, 07 Jun 2018 09:00:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=28240 Read on

]]> Hiking/Approach Shoes
Salewa Wildfire
$129, 1 lb. 11 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 6-12, women’s 3-9
moosejaw.com

The term “approach shoes” can misleadingly imply that those shoes aren’t made for dayhikers who largely stick to trails, perhaps only occasionally wandering off-trail, when actually, that couldn’t be further from the truth. For years, I’ve found that shoes lumped into this category are my favorite picks for typical dayhikes of any distance, on trails ranging from packed dirt to rocky, and I’ve liked them for performance aspects that should appeal to most hikers: good fit and breathability, protective uppers, and outstanding traction. Hit those targets while making the shoe lighter and it’s even more attractive. That’s why I tried out the low-cut Salewa Wildfire on hikes ranging from a nine-mile, roughly 2,500-foot jaunt to Observation Point and Hidden Canyon in Zion National Park to hiking and scrambling on spring days at Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

The most conspicuous quality of the Wildfires are the mesh uppers, which are impressively armored with an Exa shell overlay on an injected 3D cage, protecting the mesh fabric while keeping the shoe relatively lightweight, as well as a reinforced toe and rand that extends from toe to heel. The uppers kept debris out while providing excellent breathability, keeping my feet dry even hiking in temperatures around 80° F. The only conceivable weak spot for durability appears to be the exterior mesh at the shoe’s collar, but that shows no damage from my use so far.

 

---

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.

---

 

Not following the traditional definition of “approach shoe,” the Wildfires are designed more for hiking and scrambling any terrain than easy rock climbing (as with some other approach shoes, although that seems to be growing less common). The smoother “climbing zone” patch of outsole under the inside edge of the toes smears well on steep rock, thanks in part to a special rubber compound that provides stickiness on dry and wet rock; it’s not the stickiest of outsoles among the many approach shoes I’ve reviewed, rather falling somewhere in the middle of the field in that aspect. The aggressive, moderately deep, diamond-shaped lugs and braking edge on the heel grip best on loose ground like dirt, scree, and mud. So the Wildfire are fully capable of transitioning from trails to scrambling steep, rocky, off-trail terrain.

The medium-volume fit cradled my heel and midfoot securely while allowing for good toe space. The lacing extends to the toes and integrates with the 3D cage and wires reaching to the heel and sidewalls, wrapping the flexible uppers like a sock around the foot. Even the tongue—which never slips out of place—feels like part of an entire sheath enclosing my foot. One result of this close fit is that slipping into these shoes isn’t quite as effortless as with many shoes—you must loosen the top laces a bit, but not so much that it’s a hindrance. Although these low-cuts do not cover the ankle bones, soft padding at the shoe’s collar cushions the foot just below the ankle.

The Wildfire’s EVA midsole has adequate support for hiking on or off-trail with a daypack, but not as much torsional rigidity as some of the best shoes in this category (like the La Sportiva TX3 and the Scarpa Epic Lite). With generous forefoot flex, the shoe strides as well as any lightweight low-cut.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

Salewa has been making high-quality, durable hiking, backpacking, and technical footwear for a number of years. Among the lighter and more nimble models of approach-style hiking shoes, the Wildfire is a good shoe for dayhikes of any distance on any terrain, as well as off-trail peak scrambling and ultra-hikes with a light daypack. These shoes come in at a competitive price, too—they’re worth trying on. They’re also available in Gore-Tex versions.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase any version of the men’s or women’s Salewa Wildfire shoes 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, approach shoes, and backpacking boots, 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-salewa-wildfire-hiking-approach-shoes/feed/ 0 28240 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-brooks-cascadia-12-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-brooks-cascadia-12-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/#respond Tue, 24 Oct 2017 09:00:33 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=25328 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
Brooks Cascadia 12
$130, 1 lb. 10 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-15, women’s 5-12
moosejaw.com

Lightweight, low-cut, trail-running shoes that cross over well to dayhiking and ultralight backpacking can look similar, but many share the same three shortcomings: inadequate support and cushioning for rugged trails; not enough toe space, especially for longer outings; and uppers that lack the durability for the abuse of rocky trails. Wearing the Brooks Cascadia 12 on fall trail runs of up to 10 miles, and on a 16-mile, roughly 5,000-vertical-foot dayhike of Utah’s 11,749-foot Mount Timpanogos, I found these shoes excel where other models fail at all three of those performance metrics—while still weighing in lighter than many competitors. Here’s why.

With this latest iteration of the popular Cascadia—a neutral-support shoe with a traditional, 10mm drop—Brooks has ramped up the cushioning. For me, the shoes delivered a soft ride that never caused soreness or fatigue even on longer runs or the 5,000-foot descent off Timpanogos. Brooks says that its BioMoGo DNA midsole foam, featuring the company’s proprietary polymer, reacts to a runner’s stride, weight, and speed to provide a degree of cushioning customized to the impact forces created by a runner with each step. A ballistic rock shield—a thermoplastic EVA sheath between the outsole and midsole from the midfoot forward—protects the forefoot by dissipating the impact of sharp objects like rocks.

The shoes also feature what Brooks calls a segmented crash pad, a caterpillar-shaped system of shock absorbers that boost the cushioning and smooth out heel-to-toe transitions. Lastly, the chassis gains stabilization from a wide platform and outsole pivot posts on both sides of the heel and forefoot.

The medium-volume fit has a distinctively spacious forefoot that gave my toes plenty of room and never felt confining, even on longer runs when feet can expand slightly, sometimes making toes hot. The heel cup feels very solid and supportive; and while, as with any low-cut, it doesn’t cover the ankle bones, triangular plastic plates on each side protect the heel and lower Achilles.

 

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.

 

The mesh uppers are super breathable—ideal for mild to hot temps, but my feet felt a little chilly when running trails with temps in the low 40s Fahrenheit. They also have strips of TPU overlays to protect the mesh and provide a bit more stability for the foot. Durability is further enhanced by a rubber toe bumper and reinforced fabric that extends to the side walls—farther on the lateral (outer) side on the foot, which typically suffers more abuse.

The widely spaced, multi-directional lugs on the outsole bite well on dry ground (packed dirt, scree, rock), brake securely going downhill, and even performed fine in granular, loose, early-season snow on the upper sections of the trail up Timpanogos (although the shoes clearly are not designed for snow). But the one fault I found was that they were more prone to slipping on wet rock than other shoes I’ve worn. I’d say they’re best for running on trails that are generally dry, which makes sense with the non-waterproof uppers. (Note: My feet didn’t really get wet in the snow, but it was cold and dry and had very low water content.)

The Brooks Cascadia 12 have jumped to the top of my list of favorite low-cut shoes for trail runs of any distance and dayhiking in mostly dry conditions; and they’re a solid shoe for ultralight backpacking, as long as you’re not heading out regularly in wet conditions.

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 Brooks Cascadia 12 shoes at moosejaw.com, summithut.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, trail-running 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 my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—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-brooks-cascadia-12-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 25328 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-akyra-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-akyra-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/#respond Wed, 06 Sep 2017 09:00:10 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24794 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
La Sportiva Akyra
$140, 1 lb. 11 oz. (US men’s 9.5)
Sizes: men’s Euro 38-47.5/US 6-14, women’s Euro 36-43/US 5-12
moosejaw.com

Build a shoe for running and hiking mountain trails, and it’s hard to keep that footwear from putting on weight—shoes intended for that level of hard use simply need more support and stability under the hood than your average, wafer-light shoes for running asphalt, or no-drop shoes with minimal underfoot cushion and support. So when I saw Sportiva’s Akyra weighing in lighter than many models in this category—and having owned and liked previous Sportiva mountain-running shoes that crossed over smoothly between running and dayhiking—I pounded the Akyra on a variety of trails, discovering much to like about them and one minor complaint.

I wore the non-waterproof Akyra shoes on a dayhike of almost 12 miles and more than 3,000 feet up Cannon Mountain and North Kinsman Mountain in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, a dayhike of eight miles on the forested trails on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge, and on trail runs of up to 10 miles in the Boise Foothills. Each outing featured mostly dry trails and weather, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

A stable trail-running shoe with a more traditional 9mm drop, the Akyra have good support, thanks to a soft, dual-layer EVA midsole, a firm heel cup, and a thick heel for a cushioned strike when running. Enhancing stability are narrow, horizontal strips of plastic over the midsole exterior (below the uppers), extending from heel to midfoot on each side. The medium-volume fit cradles the heel and midfoot well, preventing any slippage, but the toe box feels a little cramped; I had to loosen up the lower laces, especially when running (as opposed to hiking), to give my toes some space so they wouldn’t get hot. The shoes run a bit small: I normally wear a U.S. men’s 9, but the Akyra fit me well in size 9.5.

The AirMesh uppers breathe fairly well, generally keeping my feet from overheating, even on a hot, humid day and a sweaty hike on steep trails in the White Mountains. Flexible TPU Microlite Skeleton overlays on the uppers protect the mesh and provide added support over the top of the foot. But despite cutouts in the overlays, that protection comes at the price of some breathability. Still, though, we’re talking about breathability on a scale of non-waterproof shoes, which as a group are far more breathable than any waterproof footwear.

 

---

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.

---

 

The Akyra’s outsole is built for rugged terrain. Sticky Frixion rubber with an aggressively in-cut heel for braking, and relatively deep, well-spaced lugs for a shoe in this category, deliver all-around good traction for hiking and running on a variety of trail surfaces: packed dirt, loose dirt or sand and pebbles, and mud. But I slipped at times on steep rock slabs, especially if they were at all wet or covered with a thin layer of dirt or debris—not a surprise when the outsole design favors aggressive lugs over the kind of smoother outsole found on approach/scrambling shoes. (The latter feels “stickier” in part simply because more of the outsole’s surface area makes contact on smooth rock). Sportiva’s Trail Rocker2 outsole shape also gives a sharp upward curve to the forefoot, for a supportive and smooth transition from outer heel to inner toe when running.

For trail runners and hikers who frequent rugged, up-and-down trails, the Akyra is a light, breathable shoe with impressively good support for weighing barely north of a pound-and-a-half per pair.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s La Sportiva Akyra shoes at moosejaw.com or rei.com, or the women’s La Sportiva Akyra shoes at rei.com, or the women’s La Sportiva Akyra GTX shoes at moosejaw.com.

If you’re a fan of this shoe category and La Sportiva, I recommend also looking at two of my all-time favorite crossover shoes, the La Sportiva TX3 for hiking and scrambling (read my review), and the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor for trail running and hiking (read my review).

 

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, trail-running shoes, and backpacking boots, my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” plus all of my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear 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 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-la-sportiva-akyra-trail-running-and-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 24794 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.

—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/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

]]>

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-oboz-crest-low-bdry-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-crest-low-bdry-hiking-shoes/#respond Wed, 19 Jul 2017 09:00:14 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=24178 Read on

]]>

Hiking Shoes
Oboz Crest Low BDry
$150, 2 lbs. 5 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s US 8-14
moosejaw.com

Finding one ideal shoe or boot to cover your feet for dayhikes in any conditions, and crossover to light backpacking, poses a real challenge. Finding one that achieves those lofty objectives at a relatively affordable price can feel like winning a lottery. Encouraged by its design and price—and having plenty of experience with other Oboz models—I wore the new Crest Low BDry on outings ranging from dayhikes in humid, hot Costa Rican rainforest to a three-day, 40-mile backpacking trip in May in Utah’s Dark Canyon Wilderness. I found much to recommend them and a couple of minor nitpicks.

They have the support for carrying over 30 pounds—as I did in Dark Canyon—at least for people accustomed to backpacking in low-cut shoes, who don’t need the greater ankle support and protection of midweight, mid-cut boots. That’s because of the compression-molded EVA midsole, plus a polyurethane heel plug that gives the heel more rigidity and support, a partial nylon shank positioned only beneath the mid-foot, and a 1mm plate under the forefoot. The plate provides slightly enhanced stiffness and protection from rocks, and means the shoe doesn’t have quite as soft a flex as many lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners—which is a good thing if those lighter shoes aren’t supportive enough for you. The Crest Low is a bit heavier and feels somewhat beefier than many lightweight low-cuts precisely because there’s more under the hood here to lend them greater support.

We backpacked that 40-mile loop in the Dark Canyon Wilderness in three fairly long days, under a warm sun for many hours of the trip; and by the second day, I felt hot spots just beginning to form on the balls of my feet simply because the medium- to high-volume fit of the Crest Low has a little too much space for my midfoot and toes, allowing my feet to slip slightly when walking at a strong pace on flatter terrain. That might have created blisters if I hadn’t taped the balls of my feet as a preventive measure (one recommendation in my “7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters When Hiking”). With any footwear, a good fit is critical, and these shoes may be best for people with slightly wider-than-average feet.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

The boa-style lacing system, where you pull the shoelace through a locking drawcord and tuck the excess lace into a stretch fabric pocket at the top of the tongue, is simple and fast; but I prefer the greater control of traditional laces, which allow micro-adjusting the tightness differently between the forefoot and upper foot (and may have allowed me to compensate for the slightly loose fit). Plus, one of the pull tabs on my pair of shoes broke off—a minor failure that didn’t prevent me wearing the shoes. The shoes also come with standard laces.

Oboz’s proprietary B-Dry waterproof-breathable membrane kept water out when I stood in shallow creeks to test them, and easily repulsed a light rain while dayhiking a coastal trail on the edge of Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. They also proved moderately breathable: Even under a hot desert sun with temperatures around 70° F in Dark Canyon, and in extremely humid and warm weather in Costa Rica, my feet got only a bit sweaty.

 

---

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.

---

 

They’re built to withstand more abuse than many lighter low-cuts, with uppers made from a blend of synthetic leather and an abrasion-resistant synthetic textile. The nicely padded, flexible, close-fitting collar didn’t let in much trail debris, even when I hiked miles of sandy trail in Dark Canyon. The outsole features relatively deep, multi-directional lugs that deliver good traction on a variety of loose surfaces—sandy and pebbly trails, mud, and dry dirt. Bonus: Oboz insoles are much higher quality than those found in most hiking shoes and boots, with a shaped heel cup, good arch support, and EVA foam padding in a range of densities to balance cushioning and support.

The Oboz Crest Low BDry offer one of the best values in a low-cut, waterproof-breathable shoe for dayhiking and lightweight backpacking. There’s also the Oboz Crest Mid BDry ($165).

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the Oboz Crest Low BDry shoes at moosejaw.com, or rei.com, or the Oboz Crest 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 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

 

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-oboz-crest-low-bdry-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 24178 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

]]>

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-scarpa-epic-lite-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-epic-lite-shoes/#comments Wed, 03 May 2017 12:11:38 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=23138 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Approach Shoes
Scarpa Epic Lite
$135, 1 lb. 14 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 39-47/US 6-13, women’s Euro 36-42/US 5-10
moosejaw.com

The hardest footpath to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi, North Carolina’s 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell, runs you through a gauntlet of character-building trail conditions lurking in those rough Appalachian Mountains. Hiking the Black Mountain Crest Trail entails climbing a cumulative 3,500 vertical feet over 12 miles on an earthen rollercoaster that traverses 13 summits above 6,000 feet, over ground littered with wet, slick leaves, while hopping the occasional small pond of mud and carefully treading over slippery roots and granite slabs. I could hardly have thought up a better place to try out Scarpa’s new Epic Lites. And I’ve worn very few models of shoes over the years that handle all kinds of terrain as nimbly as these.

I also tested out the Epic Lite on other dayhikes in the mountains of western North Carolina, while carrying a pack filled with at least 30 pounds of climbing gear, water, and food at Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park, and on many gym workouts. Among low-cut hiking-approach shoes, they stand out for design features that depart from traditional approach shoes—stepping out ahead in a recent trend toward lighter, more breathable and comfortable designs that makes this category of shoes more practical for everyday hikers.

In the Epic Lites, that begins with board-lasted construction—fairly unique among lightweight shoes, which usually have a less-supportive strobel last or a slip last. Board-lasted shoes are made with a firm board that provides a platform, boosting underfoot support and protection. And yet, the Epic Lite’s forefoot has plenty of flex for easy, fast striding, so they don’t feel stiff, and they’re as light as many low-cut shoes that don’t offer as much support.

 

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 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. And follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

Scarpa’s proprietary Sock-Fit DV construction uses a stretchy, soft-shell material in the tongue, creating a close fit that wraps around the top of your foot, while delivering better breathability than leather or synthetic nylon and reducing bulk. Even on the sweatiest gym workouts, my feet stayed dry; but they also never felt cold even in chilly October temps and nearly constant, strong wind on the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Mesh uppers help make them more breathable, while synthetic leather along the side walls and wrapping the heel, a stout rubber toe bumper, and welded TPU reinforcements over the mesh ensure against these shoes getting shredded when you venture off trail.

 

The medium-volume fit gave me enough wiggle room for toes without my heel or midfoot ever slipping, while the shoe’s heel provides abundant support and cushion for long miles in rugged terrain, thanks in part to the rubber rand wrapping completely around it. Likewise, the EVA midsole felt soft carrying upwards of 20 pounds (about half of it photography gear) throughout my multi-hour outing on the Black Mountain Crest Trail.

The Vibram MegaGrip outsole—with a smooth “climbing” tread under the toes, widely spaced, moderately deep lugs, and a pronounced heel brake—gripped well on all of the Black Mountain Crest Trail’s terrain. As with other shoes in this category, lacing extends to the toes to let you fine tune the fit as needed over the course of a long day.

Scarpa describes the Epic Lite as a crossover hiking-approach shoe with a running influence; I’d say it performs best for hiking and scrambling, and I’d run short distances at any easy pace in them, but I wouldn’t recommend them primarily for running.

They’re not designed for hiking in persistently wet, cold conditions, or for hikers who need the greater support of mid-cut boots with a little more rigidity. But whether you like scrambling off-trail to rocky summits on days that involve a lot of miles and vertical feet on and off-trail, or you’re a hiker who rarely ventures very far off trail, or even an ultralight backpacker seeking shoes that are highly breathable, the Epic Lite shoes excel for their excellent traction, breathability, and durability.

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 Epic Lite shoes 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. Don’t miss any stories. Subscribe now!

 

Do you like my blog? You can help me continue producing the stories you read at The Big Outside by making a donation in any amount—$5, $10, $25, $50, $100 or more—using this Support button. Thank you for supporting The Big Outside.

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-epic-lite-shoes/feed/ 2 23138 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

]]>

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.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

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.

 

---

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.

---

 

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-five-ten-access-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-five-ten-access-hiking-shoes/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:00:06 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20561 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Approach Shoes
Five Ten Access
$140, 1 lb. 10 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 4-14
moosejaw.com

Five Ten bills the Access as a go-anywhere, do-anything shoe, so I thought I’d test the authenticity of that claim on an 8.5-hour, 20-mile, 4,500-foot, mid-September trail run-hike of the Alice Lake-Toxaway Lake Loop in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains—including, midway through our day, a 1,400-foot, third-class scramble up 10,651-foot Snowyside Peak. I was honestly a little nervous about committing my feet to these shoes for such a long day, mostly out of concern that they’re not really designed primarily as a trail-running shoe. As it turned out, my feet were as comfortable as they’ve ever been on an ultra-hike or long trail run. Here’s why.

Prior to that big day, I also wore the Access on dayhikes of up to about five miles on a four-day, mid-July, whitewater rafting and kayaking trip on the Green River through Lodore Canyon in Dinosaur National Monument. These shoes have a split personality: a hiking/approach shoe built on a trail-running last. Slipping my feet into them, they fit like trail-running shoes (other than the leather uppers; but there is a mesh version, too)—light, comfortably snug, wiggle room for toes. The simple lacing system mimics running shoes rather than the to-the-toes style of approach shoes, but Five Ten has integrated the laces into the sidewalls to wrap the uppers more closely to the contours of your feet.

The shoes delivered more cushioning than I expected, given the approach-shoe pedigree. Credit the thick EVA midsole with high rubber content. There’s more torsional rigidity built into this midsole than found in many shoes this light, to protect against rolling ankles. The wide heel platform also mimics the cushioning of running and light hiking shoes.

Sporting Five Ten’s sticky Stealth S1 rubber outsole with shallow, dot-pattern lugs and a smooth “climbing zone” under the toes for smearing on rock, the Access, not surprisingly, gave excellent grip scrambling several hundred feet of steep, third-class rock on Snowyside Peak. The shoe also has good sensitivity for edging and smearing on rock, despite the ample midsole. The outsole also provided good traction when I descended talus and crossed steep, loose scree gullies. The only time I slipped was descending a steep mountainside of heather—not what smooth soles are designed for, but then, I’ve slipped on heather in just about every shoe and boot I’ve ever worn while hiking down over heather. But this relatively smooth, high-friction outsole won’t shed thick mud or snow as well as a boot with deep lugs.

With a rubber toe cap and perforated nubuck leather uppers, the Access is well armored for rough, off-trail terrain; and the collar hugged my foot just below the ankle nicely, allowing in very few little stones. With the temperature in the low 40s for most of our 8.5 hours on that Sawtooths run-hike, reaching around 50 in the afternoon, my feet stayed mostly dry, although my toes got a bit warm and my feet sweaty toward the end. This leather version has a mesh tongue and perforated leather to improve breathability, but there’s also an all-mesh version, the (aptly named) Access Mesh ($130), that’s much more breathable and cooler for hot-weather use—though it doesn’t offer the protection of leather.

No, I wouldn’t recommend them primarily as a trail-running shoe; that’s not what they’re made for. But if you like heading into rugged mountains and canyons, sometimes off-trail, scrambling peaks, perhaps throwing in some easy running or even low-grade rock climbing, try on a pair of the Five Ten Access.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Five Ten Access shoes 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.”

See also my stories:

“10 Tips For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”
“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”
“Buying Gear? Read This First”

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 or in 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-five-ten-access-hiking-shoes/feed/ 4 20561 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-tx3-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-tx3-hiking-shoes/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2016 10:00:40 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=20485 Read on

]]> La Sportiva TX3
$159, 1 lb. 9 oz. (men’s Euro42/US 9)
Sizes: Euro men’s 38-47.5, women’s 36-43
backcountry.com

If a shoe manufacturer asked me to design my ideal, low-cut hiking shoe, I’d say it should be lightweight, with good flex yet enough cushion and support for rugged dayhikes and ultralight backpacking. I’d want it supremely breathable, reasonably armored against abusive terrain, and to have an outsole that grips any surface. I’m still waiting for a shoe manufacturer to ask me. But La Sportiva seems to have read my mind with the TX3. That shoe jumped to the top of my list after several dayhikes, including a 16-hour, August ultra-hike of the 32-mile, 10,000-vertical-foot, nine-summit Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s rocky and wet White Mountains, and a 27-mile, 16-hour traverse of western Maine’s Mahoosuc Range.

I also wore these shoes on various dayhikes from Wachusett Mountain in central Massachusetts to Idaho’s City of Rocks and on a 14-mile, 3,000-foot dayhike of 11,049-foot Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park. Why do I like these shoes so much? In short, the TX3 hits every bullet on that wish list I just laid out.

---

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.

---

In a striking departure from traditional approach-style shoes with leather uppers, the TX3’s quick-drying, polyester mesh uppers and lining breathe so well that, despite me perspiring enough that my T-shirt was soaked on the Pemi Loop (where the weather ranged from fog and light rain showers to sunshine, warm temps, and high humidity), my socks hardly got damp. (I had brought a second pair of socks in case the first got too sweaty on such a long day, but I never used them.) Even though we hiked Telescope Peak at a strong pace—up seven miles and 3,000 feet in under three hours, and down in a bit over two hours—my feet stayed dry. And when we hung out on the summit for an hour, I didn’t even think to remove my shoes to cool my feet, as I’d normally do, because my feet felt fine. Nor are they “cold” shoes: On Telescope Peak in May, we started out in temps below freezing, and my feet never felt cold.

An air-injected rubber rand that wraps completely around the shoe guards the mesh from damage; it suffered none. And while the uppers obviously are not waterproof—thus making them very breathable—light showers never made them wet faster than they dried out as I walked. The compression-molded EVA midsole provides an excellent balance between cushioning and good flex for a nimble feel that allows a fast, natural stride: My feet felt great even at the end of long hikes (I did use a supportive, custom insole on our 32-mile dayhike, the Enertor Performance Insoles, which I like.)

Like what you’re reading? Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter!

 

The Vibram Mega-Grip outsole—with round lugs, a smooth area of sticky rubber under the toes for smearing on rock, and an in-cut heel for downhill braking on loose surfaces like scree and dirt—blew me away with its grip on rocky trails and dirt whether the granite was wet or dry. Not until the last few hours of that 32-mile dayhike, on rocky trails that were slick from rain for hours, did I actually slip on loose stones and land (softly) on my butt. It was noticeable for the fact that I hadn’t done it all day.

The low-profile lacing system is simple and secure, never loosening up, and gives a fit and sensitivity I like for hiking and scrambling in rugged terrain. The fit is comfortably snug in the heel and midfoot, with extra room in the toes without feeling boxy. The shoe wrapped my foot so well that on the Pemi Loop—a distance for which I normally resort to preventive measures like pre-taping my heels to avoid blisters (and I’m not surprised if I get one nonetheless, given the mileage)—I didn’t use tape until about halfway through the hike. I suffered no more than one hot spot and one blister on the side of a toe that I think had nothing to do with the shoe’s fit. Lastly, Ortholite insoles provide odor control.

Once in a while, a gear maker comes out with a product designed exactly the way I’d do it. La Sportiva’s TX3 is that kind of shoe, ideal for dayhiking in any terrain, ultralight backpacking, scrambling, and low-grade technical climbing. The line includes the lighter TX2 ($125, 1 lb. 4 oz.), with collapsible uppers for easy packing, and the TX4 ($135, 1 lb. 12 oz.), similar to the TX3 but with nubuck leather uppers for added durability.

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 La Sportiva TX3 shoes at backcountry.com.

See all reviews of hiking shoes and backpacking boots, plus all reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear 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 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-book!

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-tx3-hiking-shoes/feed/ 11 20485 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-aku-mio-surround-gtx-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-aku-mio-surround-gtx-hiking-shoes/#respond Wed, 22 Jun 2016 10:00:42 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=19476 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
Aku Mio Surround GTX
$200, 1 lb. 14 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: US men’s 7-13

The pivotal question you might ask yourself before buying trail footwear is: How much do I need? You’re probably thinking along the lines of how much support you need in a shoe or boot. But that question could also refer to the delicate balance between how much protection you need from wetness on the outside getting inside, versus breathability so moisture on the inside gets released. The new Gore-Tex Surround technology alters that equation, and Aku’s Mio Surround GTX leaps feet first into this debate as a lightweight, low-cut shoe that could serve the needs of a wide range of dayhikers and backpackers.

I wore them on dayhikes of up to nine miles in southeastern Utah’s Grand Gulch Plateau and Arizona’s Canyon de Chelly National Monument, plus numerous trail runs on the packed-dirt footpaths of the Boise Foothills and the rocky, leaf-strewn trails of central Massachusetts. The Mio breathed well enough that my feet were nearly dry even at the end of very sweaty trail runs. That’s due to Gore-Tex Surround technology, which features side vents in the shoe’s midsole to release moisture and heat, and a “spacer” layer between the outsole and the shoe’s inner lining, allowing airflow under your foot. Gore says Surround increases breathability by 30 percent over their standard waterproof-breathable membrane. As for waterproofing: I stood in a shallow creek and the shoes didn’t leak.

 

But a nice interior is worth little without a reliable chassis, and on that front I found the Mio’s thick midsole of molded EVA provides enough shock absorption for hiking rocky trails carrying up to 20 or 25 pounds on your back, or for trail running. And the shallow, multi-directional lugs of the Vibram Megagrip outsole bite well into dirt and scree and do a respectable job of sticking to rock slabs. Micro-suede overlays guard the mesh uppers that help maximize breathability. The uppers are also shielded by Liba Smart PU at the toe and heel—areas receiving hard abuse—which Gore-Tex says is 40 percent lighter than rubber, with more abrasion resistance. The medium-volume fit provides a little extra space in the forefeet and toe box.

So why get the low-cut Mio with Gore-Tex Surround? In many ways, it’s ideal for dayhikers who want waterproof footwear just in case, but need optimal breathability more often—because their feet will more likely sweat than get rained on or slog through miles of puddles and mud. The Mio isn’t designed for extremely wet conditions like constantly muddy trails, heavy rain, or summer snow. But it is light enough for trail running and supportive enough for ultralight backpacking.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the Aku Mio Surround GTX shoes at campsaver.com.

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

See also my stories:

“The Simple Equation of Ultralight Backpacking: Less Weight = More Fun”
“Buying Gear? Read This First”
“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 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-aku-mio-surround-gtx-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 19476 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

]]>

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.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

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/gear-review-scarpa-proton-gtx-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-proton-gtx-shoes/#respond Wed, 18 May 2016 10:00:31 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=17828 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
Scarpa Proton GTX
$169, 1 lb. 7 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 39-47, 48, women’s 37-41
moosejaw.com

Everyone wants ultralight footwear for all manner of outdoor adventures these days, from light hiking and ultra-hikes to trail running and ultralight backpacking. Bonus if you can scramble a peak in them. I feel the same way. But that kind of hybrid shoe can be a challenging find. I put some trail miles on Scarpa’s new Proton GTX, a low-cut, waterproof-breathable trail runner that crosses over to hiking, and found it packs a heap of performance and versatility into one of the lightest pieces of outdoor footwear you’ll find.

The Proton GTX (there’s also a non-waterproof version, the Proton, for $129) provides all the forefoot flex you’d want in a trail runner, with excellent stability and lateral support, thanks to a dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole with a high-density EVA trail plate, and a molded, external heel counter that’s rock solid around your heel but cushioned underneath.

Those features, plus the heel to forefoot drop of 21mm to 11mm for better cushioning, means these shoes behave like an ATV for running or hiking rugged trails—really not what you’d assume in a shoe that’s under a pound-and-a-half per pair. I pounded out numerous fall and winter trail runs of up to 10 miles—hiking at times in steeper, rockier terrain—from the Foothills above my Boise home to the rocky, rooted trails of New England, in dry, wet, muddy conditions and on snow, and these shoes have a very stable platform for all of those situations.

 

---

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.

---

 

I deliberately stood and splashed around in shallow water to test the Gore-Tex membrane, and my socks never got damp. I also put a low gaiter on over the shoes and ran on snow, in temperatures just below and above freezing, without my socks getting wet. The Airmesh uppers really enhance the breathability—I’d find my socks almost dry after long runs when I worked up a good sweat. Granted, I didn’t test the shoes on really hot days, but for drier, hotter conditions, I’d go with a non-waterproof shoe for even better ventilation, anyway.

A welded TPU external frame protects the uppers on rocky trails, while the Vibram Genesis outsole has widely spaced, relatively deep, 4mm lugs that bite into loose dirt and mud, but aren’t really designed for sticking to steep slabs, and did slip occasionally when descending on wet, slick rock and roots.

Final analysis: I’d recommend the Scarpa Proton GTX for rugged trail running in wet, cool conditions, dayhiking or ultra-hiking with a light daypack, and for hikers who are accustomed to wearing lightweight low-cuts for ultralight backpacking.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the men’s or women’s Scarpa Proton GTX shoes 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, trail-running shoes, and backpacking boots, plus all of my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear at The Big Outside.

See also 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

 

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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-proton-gtx-shoes/feed/ 0 17828 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-inhaler-ii-low-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-inhaler-ii-low-shoes/#comments Wed, 04 May 2016 10:00:35 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=18801 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Trail-Running Shoes
Vasque Inhaler II Low
$120, 1 lb. 12 oz. (men’s US 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 6-11
backcountry.com

For much of the trail mileage that most dayhikers, backpackers, and runners pound out, breathability is more important than waterproofing—our feet are hot more often than they face any prospect of getting wet. Since moisture and heat are two of the three elements that create blisters (the third is friction), unless you typically hike or run in a wet, cool environment, keeping your feet cool should really be your top concern when choosing footwear—and even more so the farther you hike in a day. On local trail runs of up to about 13 miles in the Boise Foothills, and southern Utah desert dayhikes in the San Rafael Swell and the Horseshoe Canyon District of Canyonlands National Park, the smart design of the Inhaler II Lows kept my feet dry and happy.

Lighter and more breathable than many low-cuts built for hiking, the Inhaler II Lows have airy, abrasion-resistant mesh uppers and ventilation ports at the toe and heel for excellent air flow throughout; I finished trail runs of more than two hours, with 2,500 feet of elevation gain and loss, in warm sunshine, with my socks only slightly damp. With such good breathability, the shoes dry out quickly, too: When I inadvertently got the toes of both shoes wet while crossing a creek on one trail run, they were almost dry by the time I reached my car 45 minutes later. The low- to medium-volume fit allows some wiggle room for toes (but may not fit people with wide feet well). The basic lacing system is quick to loosen and tighten, which is more convenient for hiking and trail-running shoes than the to-the-toes lacing found in technical/approach shoes.

But these aren’t flimsy trail runners. PU-coated leather overlays lend the uppers more structure and protect the sides, toe, and heel without compromising breathability. Vasque’s exclusive Vibram Pneumatic outsole with Megagrip rubber, and well-spaced, multi-directional lugs, provided good traction whether on slickrock or in loose dirt and scree. A molded EVA midsole with a TPU instep shank, plus dual-density EVA footbeds, protect your underfoot from rocks and deliver a nice balance of support, cushion, and flexibility: These shoes fit and feel like trail runners but have enough support for all-day hikes in the mountains, ultra-hiking, and even ultralight backpacking.

 

For hikers who need waterproofing, there’s also the Vasque Inhaler Low GTX ($160, 1 lb. 10 oz. for men’s US 7), which my teenage son wore on an overnight, lightweight, partly off-trail backpacking trip in Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains (when he realized he had forgotten his backpacking boots at home), and on an eight-mile, 2,300-foot dayhike on the Iceline Trail in Canada’s Yoho National Park. They kept his feet dry through rain showers, thunderstorms, and muddy trail, and delivered confident traction for scrambling up and down steep talus and scree. They are moderately breathable—not nearly as breathable as the non-Gore-Tex Inhaler II Lows, of course.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a pair of men’s Vasque Inhaler II Low shoes at backcountry.com or the women”s Inhaler II Low at moosejaw.com.

See all of my reviews of low-cut shoes and trail-running shoes, and my stories:
“Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”
“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”

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

Do you like The Big Outside? I’m Michael Lanza, the creator of The Big Outside, recognized as a top outdoors blog by USA Today, a Trip Advisor site, 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.

The Big Outside is proud to partner with these sponsors and supporters of national parks. 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.

 

 

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-vasque-inhaler-ii-low-shoes/feed/ 2 18801 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-oboz-teewinot-hiking-approach-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-teewinot-hiking-approach-shoes/#respond Wed, 02 Mar 2016 11:00:46 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=17834 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Approach Shoes
Oboz Teewinot
$120, 2 lbs. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-14, women’s 6-11
moosejaw.com

Tagging the top of 10,751-foot Thompson Peak, highest in Idaho’s Sawtooths, is a full day: 12 miles and 4,000 vertical feet, more than half the distance and elevation off-trail over big talus and loose scree, including scrambling steep, granite slabs and some exposed third-class onto the summit block. When I did it in July, there was still a bit of firm snow to cross in the morning. It’s a good test of any approach shoe, and the Teewinot handled it without flaw, just as the shoes performed well on dayhikes in a variety of terrain.

I also wore them on trail hikes, including a late-afternoon, a 6.4-mile, 1,400-foot walk up 10,243-foot Mount Washburn in Yellowstone National Park in September, and an approximately seven-mile dayhike up Taylor Creek Trail in the Kolob Canyons of Zion National Park in May.

The Teewinot is built for rough, off-trail terrain. The outsole’s combination of sticky rubber and aggressive, multi-directional, 4mm lugs makes the shoes stick well on wet and dry granite or sandstone slabs, in loose clay, and on packed dirt, and shed mud better than approach shoes with smoother outsoles (though not as well as boots with deeper lugs). The shoe is armored with suede leather uppers reinforced with overlays, tough textile fabric in the tongue and collar, and a molded rubber toe cap that protects against rock and kicks a firm step into consolidated snow. The perforated uppers kept my feet from getting sweaty in hot, alpine sunshine and temps well into the 70s Fahrenheit, but my feet certainly did get warmer than they would in lightweight, hiking shoes with mesh uppers (which would also offer less protection).

A compression-molded EVA midsole with a partial nylon shank (to the midfoot), and a firm heel cup, give plenty of underfoot support and cushion for carrying a 20-pound daypack—or a pack stuffed with 25 or more pounds of climbing gear—on a day as long and strenuous as Thompson Peak. But the forefoot flexes as easily as the lightest low-cut hiking shoes and even some trail runners, so these shoes remain comfortable logging big-mileage days. And that’s bolstered by Oboz’s BFit insole, which delivers the superior support and cushion for your feet that you’d normally pay extra for in an after-market insole. On my medium-volume feet, these shoes feel comfortably roomy in the toes and ideally snug in the midfoot, with a little more space than I need in the heel. While to-the-toes lacing and the suede uppers conform nicely to your foot’s dimensions, fit is probably best for medium- to high-volume, slightly wide feet. The cut is below the ankles, so don’t expect support or protection there.

Final analysis: The Teewinot is a light, nimble, sticky, and very tough shoe for dayhiking on- or off-trail and scrambling peaks.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s Oboz Teewinot shoes at moosejaw.com or the women’s Oboz Teewinot 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 review. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes, approach shoes, and backpacking boots that I like, all of my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” plus these stories at The Big Outside:

“Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites”
“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit”
“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”

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 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.

 

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-oboz-teewinot-hiking-approach-shoes/feed/ 0 17834 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-asolo-magix-hiking-approach-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-asolo-magix-hiking-approach-shoes/#respond Wed, 16 Sep 2015 10:00:46 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=14777 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Approach Shoes
Asolo Magix
$210, 2 lbs. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 41-47/US 8-12, 13, 14, women’s Euro 36-41/US 6-10.5
moosejaw.com

In their early days, approach-style shoes were basically rock-climbing shoes for easy routes that you could walk short distances in with marginal comfort. They have since evolved greatly into something designed more for hiking comfort and performance than for climbing. Much as I like climbing, that’s a smart evolution, in my opinion, because that turns them into all-mountain shoes ideal for hiking and scrambling long days in difficult, off-trail terrain—a task for which lightweight, low-cut hiking shoes can get trashed, and burlier boots are often too heavy and hot. (For skilled climbers, some approach models are also sticky and nimble enough for easy fifth-class routes.) But there’s still a tension between conflicting objectives with approach shoes: balancing walking comfort against design elements that protect your feet better, but can also make shoes heavier and hotter. With the low-cut Magix, Asolo seemed to take a shot at achieving that delicate balance, so I took them on several hikes, including a 12-hour, roughly 14-mile and 5,000-foot, mostly off-trail dayhike in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, to test whether they could deliver.

My Sawtooths hike involved bushwhacking, a long and steep, third-class scramble of 10,470-foot Horstman Peak, and many off-trail miles, on a sunny day with temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 70s Fahrenheit.  I also wore the Magix on a pair of family dayhikes: an eight-mile, 2,300-foot hike on the Iceline Trail in Canada’s Yoho National Park, and a late-afternoon, five-mile, 1,500-foot jaunt up Angels Landing in Zion National Park, the latter famously featuring scrambling on steep sandstone. On each outing, I carried a daypack weighing 10 to 15 pounds.

The Magix immediately stand out for a close, comfortable, medium-volume fit and high-quality, durable construction that goes far in justifying the price. Designed for sensitivity when scrambling, the toe box has decent wiggle room, but isn’t capacious; these shoes may not offer the best fit if you have wide feet or narrow heels. The water-resistant Schoeller K-Tech and suede uppers and perforated, velveeten lining make them more breathable and cooler than some approach-style shoes with leather or suede uppers: My toes certainly got warm by late afternoon under a hot, alpine sun, but not uncomfortably so, and my feet didn’t sweat excessively. The K-Tech along with the rubber toe bumper that wraps around to the sides also armor these shoes against rocks, protecting my feet in very abusive, off-trail terrain.

The PU midsole—more durable than EVA—has good rigidity to prevent side-to-side sloppiness, but also has ample forefoot flex at the toes, for comfort walking many miles. With lugs that are relatively deep and well spaced for hiking or approach shoes, and slightly less area of smooth, sticky rubber under the toes than comparable models, the Vibram Friction outsole handled a wide variety of ground well: biting into steep, loose scree and dirt, while still gripping confidently when hopping big granite boulders and smearing on sandstone slabs. The outsole platform extends only to the edge of the uppers—meaning the outsole isn’t wider than your foot, as found in many hiking shoes that are designed for better cushioning—which is smart in an approach shoe because it gives you better edging ability. Asymmetrical, to-the-toes lacing lets you dial in the fit. A nylon heel loop allows you to clip the shoes to a harness while climbing.

If you often hike in rugged, rocky terrain—whether on or off-trail—where traction and foot protection are priorities, but some approach shoes make your feet too hot, take a look at the Asolo Magix.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a pair of Asolo Magix shoes 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. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes, approach shoes, and backpacking boots that I like, and my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” and these stories at The Big Outside:

“Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites”
“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit”
“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”

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 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.

 

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-asolo-magix-hiking-approach-shoes/feed/ 0 14777 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-acrux2-fl-gtx-approach-shoe-and-acrux-fl-shoe/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-arcteryx-acrux2-fl-gtx-approach-shoe-and-acrux-fl-shoe/#respond Fri, 19 Jun 2015 11:00:00 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=13040 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Approach Shoes
Arc’teryx Acrux2 FL GTX Approach Shoe
$280, 2 lbs. 3 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s (Acrux FL GTX, $230) 5-12
moosejaw.com

Arc’teryx Acrux FL
$200, 1 lb. 14 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-12
moosejaw.com

Is it possible for a shoe to be everything you need in backcountry footwear—and if so, what’s that worth? Those are the questions raised by Arc’teryx’s new Acrux2 FL GTX Approach Shoe and Acrux FL—both very “Arc’teryx” in their shoot-for-the-moon design and price. In pursuit of answers to those questions, I took both out on hikes intended to put the claims about these shoes to the test: ultralight backpacking the very rugged Royal Arch Loop in the Grand Canyon in the Acrux2 FL GTX, and dayhiking 17 miles through New Hampshire’s Northern Presidential Range, and Zion’s steep and scrambly Angels Landing, in the Acrux FL.

Anytime Arc’teryx introduces a new product category to its line, it attracts attention, and the company’s first-time foray into shoes and boots is no different. (My “Preview of This Year’s Best New Gear” has been one of the most-read posts at my blog since it went up on Feb. 1, in part because the new Arc’teryx footwear models have ranked among the most popular gear in that article in search engines.) The series includes five low-cut, Acrux shoe models, three for men and two for women, and three mid-cut Bora boot models, two for men and one for women.

I wore the Acrux2 FL GTX Approach Shoe on a three-day, 34-mile backpacking trip in May on the Grand Canyon’s Royal Arch Loop, which has a lot of rough terrain and miles of essentially off-trail hiking and scrambling. I carried up to 20 to 25 pounds, including seven liters of water at times. The shoes are supportive for that amount of weight, leaving my feet feeling good after very hard, nine-hour days. The EVA midsole delivers good cushioning and support, and Arc’teryx says the “Y” groove in the heel allows the midsole and outsole to flex independently, enhancing cushioning in rough terrain.

The Gore-Tex membrane, built into the Acrux2’s removable, inner booty, kept water out when I deliberately stood in creeks and standing water as a test, and breathed pretty well: My feet stayed dry in moderate temps but did get a bit hot on the sun-blasted, 3,000-foot uphill slog on the South Bass Trail on our final day on the Royal Arch Loop; but my feet certainly would have been even hotter in almost any midweight, mid-cut boot with a waterproof-breathable membrane. Arc’teryx making the shoe in black obviously doesn’t help keep feet cooler, either.

The removable booty in the Acrux2 (also available in the men’s Bora2 Mid GTX boots, but not the Acrux FL or the other models) is washable and interchangeable and the liner doubles as a camp or hut booty. I wore the liners only in camp in the Grand Canyon, and their bottoms are firm and grippy enough that I could actually walk around easily without slipping or damaging the liners. An insulated liner for cold temperatures is sold separately.

 

---

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.

---

 

I wore the non-waterproof Acrux FL on a 17-mile dayhike over the four summits of the Northern Presidential Range in New Hampshire, with about 6,800 feet of cumulative elevation gain and loss, on a June day with temps in the 50s and 60s and some wind and warm sun; and on a fast-paced, afternoon hike up Angels Landing in Zion National Park on a mild afternoon in November. The shoes felt light and comfortable striding quickly, and confidently nimble and sticky on the steep, exposed scrambling on Angels Landing and the constant walking on uneven rocks in the Presidential Range. With a very nice, close fit for my medium-volume feet—true of both of these shoe models—I experienced no heel slipping or toe jamming, not even on the steep switchbacks descending off Angels Landing. There’s also adequate toe space.

With no membrane or tongue and the highly breathable, mesh booty and uppers, the Acrux FL breathes well enough that my socks got hardly damp over the course of that 17-mile day in the Northern Presidentials, which took over 15 hours (including rest breaks).

The shoes are built on the same platform. The tongue-less design, intended to reduce pressure points as well as heat and moisture build-up on top of the foot, employs a seamless, one-piece, thermo-laminated upper made from hydrophobic, PU-coated nylon and a stretch-mesh liner (only the Acrux2’s liner is removable). The intent is to improve breathability, drying time, and durability and allow the shoe to conform to the shape of your foot. The snug-fitting booty also keeps out virtually all trail debris like small stones. Enhanced durability seems assured partly by enclosing the EVA midsole within the upper, so that it’s not exposed to abrasion, and by a molded rubber toe and heel.

The approach-style Vibram outsole, the same in both shoes, features a sticky, Megagrip compound, round lugs under the forefoot, and an aggressive, angled lug pattern under the heel for braking in dirt or loose scree. A rounded heel improves surface contact for traction. The outsoles gripped well when I walked down or up steep sandstone, limestone, and granite slabs, and gave me confidence descending exposed ledges and crappy gullies, including one 20-foot cliff we had to hike down and backtrack up on the Royal Arch Loop, using narrow foot ledges, while carrying full backpacks.

The shoes certainly have design and performance qualities not found in many footwear, especially for people (and I hear from them occasionally) seeking a very specific kind of footwear: a cross between the support, durability, and water protection of a midweight boot and the breathability and nimble feel of a low-cut, lightweight shoe.

 

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

 

To my second question posed at the outset of this review—whether those attributes are worth the lofty price—I’d assess that in two ways: durability and performance.

As with most outdoor footwear, wear and tear on the midsole and outsole are likely to dictate the lifespan of the Arc’teryx shoes; and while these shoes may last longer than many models that are half the price, it’s hard to imagine them lasting twice as long with normal use. However, if you’re really hard on footwear—hiking very rugged terrain and/or in really wet conditions—you could blow out the uppers on less-expensive low-cuts much faster than you’ll trash the uppers on the Acrux2 or Acrux FL.

Then there’s performance—a more subjective measure that’s hard to place a value on. But if you’re hard on footwear, or don’t easily find shoes that fit you well, or are looking for a rare hybrid that pretty successfully achieves a marriage of the best qualities of midweight boots and low-cut shoes, then you may decide it’s worth dishing out for either the non-waterproof, more breathable Acrux FL, or the Gore-Tex version with the removable booty, the Acrux2 FL.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to buy the men’s Acrux FL2 GTX at moosejaw.com or rei.com; the women’s Acrux FL GTX at moosejaw.com or rei.com; the men’s Acrux FL shoes at moosejaw.com, or the women’s Acrux FL shoes 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. I’d really appreciate it.

 

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

 

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-arcteryx-acrux2-fl-gtx-approach-shoe-and-acrux-fl-shoe/feed/ 0 13040 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-switchback-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-switchback-hiking-shoes/#respond Fri, 12 Jun 2015 11:00:31 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=12971 Read on

]]>

Hiking Shoes
Oboz Switchback
$120, 2 lbs. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-14, women’s 6-11
obozfootwear.com

What should you look for in shoes for dayhiking? The answer may be more complicated than you think, which might help explain why some hikers struggle to find the right footwear. For most dayhikes, no matter the distance, I want lightweight, low-cut shoes that deliver moderate support, plenty of forefoot flex to allow a natural stride, and as much breathability as possible—to keep my feet cool and comfortable and help prevent blisters. On long dayhikes, those attributes—especially the breathability—become even more critical. On a 25-mile, 11-hour, roughly 4,000-foot dayhike in the Grand Canyon in May, the Switchback came through for me on all of those counts.

On that long, strenuous hike from Hermits Rest to the Bright Angel Trailhead, the Switchback remained comfortable for the entire distance for several reasons that make a big difference no matter how far you hike. Perhaps most critical, the Switchback’s platform provides an unusual degree of support for a low-cut, two-pound shoe. Board-lasted, with a TPU chassis built into the dual-density EVA midsole for torsional stability, and a molded TPU heel counter that feels rock-solid underfoot, the Switchback supported and protected my feet descending nearly 4,000 feet over some seven miles of steep, often-rocky terrain on the Hermit Trail at our hike’s outset.

At the same time, the shoe has good forefoot flex, so I could walk miles along the nearly flat Tonto Trail at a fast pace without my feet starting to feel fatigued. And the perforated mesh uppers, with synthetic leather overlays for abrasion-resistance, ventilate well; my socks only got slightly damp on a long day that ranged from mostly overcast, mild, and breezy to periods of hot sun. The Switchback lacks a waterproof-breathable membrane, which means they breathe better than any shoe with a membrane, and dry faster, but are not designed for cold, wet hikes. Lastly, the deep outsole lugs bit securely into ground that varied from loose scree and rocks to sand and packed dirt, as well as on steep rocks, mud, and old leaves covering trails at Wachusett Mountain in central Massachusetts. The fit, snug in the heel and midfoot with good toe space, is best for high-volume feet. Bonus: Oboz footwear come with a BFit Deluxe Insole that compares to custom insoles, at no extra cost.

The Oboz Switchback is a high-performing shoe for most typical dayhikes in relatively dry weather, ultralight backpacking, or thru-hiking on trails, at a good price.

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

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

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.

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/gear-review-oboz-switchback-hiking-shoes/feed/ 0 12971 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

]]>

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-scarpa-zen-pro-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zen-pro-mid-gtx-boots/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2015 11:00:37 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=11689 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Scrambling Boots
Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX
$199, 2 lb. 4 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 40-47, 48, women’s 36-42
backcountry.com

On an October hike and scramble up 9,860-foot McGown Peak in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, involving about 3,500 vertical feet and 11 miles round-trip, about half of it off-trail, I put these new boots through every test from scrambling third-class rock to hiking at a fast pace on forest trails. And the Zen Pro Mid GTX passed with flying colors, proving itself an outstanding, all-mountain boot.

As I wrote in my review last year of this boot’s progenitor, Scarpa’s Zen Pro, it’s the rare shoe or boot that crosses over nimbly between comfort for hiking many miles and performance for steep, off-trail scrambling. The Zen Pro Mid GTX has the same roomy toe box, allowing me to hike comfortable for miles on trail and up and down steep, off-trail terrain without so much as a hot spot or jammed toes. The injected-EVA midsole delivered plenty of torsional rigidity and support when I carried a 30-pound pack full of rock-climbing gear in Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park, while the forefoot flexes like a hiking shoe for easy, fast striding. A Gore-Tex membrane kept moisture out when I tramped through fresh, wet snow, and breathed well enough to keep my feet dry on a cool day, although the leather uppers could make these boots toasty on a hot day.

These boots are nimble and grippy, thanks to the sticky Vibram Spyder 2 outsole, which sports a flat tread under the toes for smearing on smooth slabs, plus widely spaced lugs that handled everything from packed-dirt trails to gravelly, sloping ledges and wet snow without slipping or getting gummed up with pebbles or muck. The to-the-toes lacing allows you to adjust the fit, which helps with sensitivity in difficult terrain. The in-cut heel acted as a good brake when I ran down steep scree on the descent off McGown. There’s a stout, wrap-around toe rand, and the suede uppers are reinforced with injected TPU along the sides for added durability.

The boot gets an A for comfort, with a fit that holds the heel firmly while allowing wiggle room for toes, and ample padding around the collar that covers the ankle bones. A soft-shell tongue improves comfort through a better fit and enhanced breathability.

 

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.

 

These boots proved burly enough for a big day in the mountains, and still comfortable for miles of hiking on trail or short walks between rock-climbing routes at Castle Rocks. When you need a light, high-performance boot for a full day in the mountains, the Zen Pro Mid GTX is a solid pick.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s Scarpa Zen Pro Mid GTX boots at backcountry.com, or the women’s Zen Pro Mid GTX boots 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, my “Pro Tips For Buying the Right Boots,” plus all of my reviews of hiking gear and backpacking gear 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 categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.

—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-scarpa-zen-pro-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 16 11689 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-five-ten-camp-four-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-five-ten-camp-four-hiking-shoes/#comments Thu, 13 Nov 2014 23:00:49 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=10106 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Scrambling Shoes
Five Ten Camp Four
$150, 1 lb. 13 oz. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 4-13, women’s 5-11
backcountry.com

Five Ten Camp Four Mid
$170, 2 lbs. (US men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 4-13
backcountry.com

Whether on rugged, rocky trails or off-trail, some hikes demand more from footwear. On a 13.5-hour, roughly 18-mile, mostly off-trail dayhike with about 7,000 feet of vertical gain and loss in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains in July, I needed shoes with sticky soles for scrambling steep rock, but also good traction on every possible mountain surface from sand and scree to snow. Plus, I wanted solid protection for my feet and comfort for walking many hours. The Camp Four Mid delivered on all counts that day, as did the low-cut version on similar terrain when hiking to climbing routes in Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park.

That big day in the Sawtooths was my first hike in the Camp Four Mid, and they were comfortable right out of the box, with the leather uppers conforming nicely to my feet. Unlike some approach shoes, the Camp Four has plenty of toe space for comfortably walking long miles. That toe comfort compromises sensitivity for standing on smaller edges; so these shoes are great for scrambling and smearing on slabs, but are a little too bulky in the toes for anything but very easy rock climbing (for most people).

True to their pedigree with a climbing-shoe company, these updated versions of the classic Camp Four—both the low-cut and the mid-cut—have super sticky, Stealth S1 rubber outsoles that gripped well when I smeared up or down steep slabs, rock-hopped big talus, and scrambled exposed third-class terrain like the short, final pitch to the summit of 10,751-foot Thompson Peak, the highest in the Sawtooths. But the deep outsole lugs and in-cut heel also gave good traction hiking up and down thousands of feet of loose scree. The hard, rubber toe rand protected my feet from endless bashing on rocks and helped me kick steps in firm snow.

Although there’s no waterproof-breathable membrane, the leather uppers kept my feet dry when I walked across wet snowfields and slopped through some mud and marshy areas; but I would expect the seams to leak when immersed in water or in sustained rain or a lot of wet vegetation. The leather also enhances durability, but makes them warmer than all-mesh, synthetic shoes. My one complaint about the Camp Four Mid is that the collar isn’t very soft and doesn’t close cleanly around my ankles, so it yawns open when I walk, allowing small stones and other trail debris inside; oddly enough, it was less of a problem with the low-cut version. Although it’s not a backpacking boot, just to experiment, I wore the Mids on a three-day, 41-mile backpacking trip on the Timberline Trail around Oregon’s Mount Hood; and sure enough, the midsole doesn’t have the support for hiking 12 to 17 miles a day carrying 25 to 30 pounds—my feet got sore. Whether you’re taking huge dayhikes or walking moderate distances, the Camp Four low and mid excel in rugged terrain while remaining impressively lightweight.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase the men’s Five Ten Camp Four low-cuts at backcountry.com, the women’s Camp Four low-cuts at moosejaw.com, the men’s Five Ten Camp Four Mid at backcountry.com, or the men’s Camp Four Mid GTX at 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. 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.”

See also my stories:

“Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites”
“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit”
“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”

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 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.

 

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-five-ten-camp-four-hiking-shoes/feed/ 2 10106 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-wildcat-3-0-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-wildcat-3-0-shoes/#comments Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:00:49 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=9185 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
La Sportiva Wildcat 3.0
$115, 1 lb. 8 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: Euro men’s 38-47.5, women’s 36-43
sportiva.com

There are trail-running shoes I can run in, and then there are shoes I can run and hike far in because they simply have greater support and cushion for handling the cumulative abuse that feet suffer on longer outings. On many trail runs of up to 12 miles in the Boise Foothills—plus one 20-mile, 3,600-foot run—the Wildcat 3.0 never caused me the hot toes, sore soles, or foot achiness that I get from some lightweight shoes on runs of more than eight or 10 miles. Even after that 20-miler in the Wildcats, my feet felt good.

A bit lighter and airier than another outstanding trail runner, Sportiva’s slightly more stable Ultra Raptor, the Wildcat 3.0 is kind of like a light tank: built for speed and minimal but adequate protection. A stiff heel cup and a partial TPU shank in the compression-molded EVA midsole provide superior lateral stability and protection underfoot for a shoe that weighs just one-and-a-half pounds per pair. Yet a pronounced rocker shape to the outsole and a very flexible forefoot give a natural toe-off feel when running or walking fast. The toe cap and sides are reinforced to survive rugged terrain; and yet the toe box is soft, and the fit from midfoot to the toes finds a good balance between decent roominess while cradling the foot securely, to avoid toes getting jammed.

 

 

Little details can make a big difference in foot comfort, too, especially on a long day. The highly breathable mesh uppers kept my feet cool and mostly dry, even when the rest of my body was perspiring heavily. The other advantage of really breathable uppers is how quickly they dry: After I accidentally dunked one shoe on a creek crossing, it dried completely before I finished the run an hour later. The Wildcat’s tongue is uniquely comfortable and well constructed for such a lightweight shoe—it never slipped to one side, which can cause rubbing and discomfort. The laces never untied or even loosened up. Lastly, the widely spaced, shallow lugs of the outsole, with a slightly in-cut heel that allows for more aggressive downhill braking, consistently bit well into dry trails of packed dirt with some steep, gravelly stretches.

The Wildcat 3.0 shoes are built for trail runs of any distance, but have the stability for dayhiking and even ultralight backpacking, for hikers accustomed to using very lightweight low-cuts.

See all of my reviews of 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-la-sportiva-wildcat-3-0-shoes/feed/ 4 9185 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-firetail-evo-gore-tex-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salewa-firetail-evo-gore-tex-shoes/#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:39:22 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=8856 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Scrambling Shoes
Salewa Firetail EVO Gore-Tex
$149, 1 lb. 11 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 6-13, women’s 3-9
moosejaw.com

You can find really tough, durable shoes, or really lightweight shoes, but rarely will you find a shoe that can legitimately make both claims. The Firetail breaks that rule. From hiking and scrambling around Utah’s Arches National Park and Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park to a 22-mile, 5,000-vertical-foot dayhike in the Columbia Gorge, I subjected these shoes to the kind of abuse that would begin shredding other lightweights. Yet other than being dirty and a bit scuffed on the rubber toe bumper, my Firetails still look and perform like new. And although sporting the pedigree of an “approach,” or scrambling shoe for climbers, this is actually the kind of versatile, comfortable, all-around low-cut that all dayhikers should give a serious look.

From hiking on or off-trail—including going straight up the use trail called the Rock of Ages in the Columbia Gorge, a section of which gains 2,000 feet in less than two miles—to sticking confidently on steep, granite and sandstone slabs, the shoes proved comfortable and sturdy. A plastic and wire support cage linking the heel and top lace rings to the midsole wrap the foot securely, to prevent the slipping that causes blisters, while leaving decent wiggle room for toes so they don’t get hammered on long, steep descents. Lacing extends to the toes, similar to rock-climbing shoes, helping dial in a close fit in the toe box when you want a little more sensitivity for scrambling steep rock. The Firetail rises a step above many low-cuts with a nylon-and-fiberglass plate in the EVA midsole, giving me support for carrying a 35-pound pack stuffed with climbing gear, and preventing my feet from feeling beat up even after that 22-mile day in the Gorge.

The abrasion-resistant, synthetic uppers, with a rubber toe bumper and wrap-around, Kevlar rand and PU framework grid, are armored for hard abuse—I bashed my toes repeatedly on rocks and roots in the Columbia Gorge without even feeling the impact. The Vibram outsole combines wide, shallow lugs for traction in dirt with smoother rubber under the toes and heel to stick on rock. Plus, a slightly in-cut heel aids in downhill braking. The forefoot sensitivity is good enough for easy fifth-class climbing—I climbed up to 5.6 in them—but the toe box is a little too bulky for sticking to small edges when rock climbing.

The Gore-Tex membrane kept my feet dry splashing through creeks and mud, but makes the shoes a little sweaty on warm days. The shoe comes with two sets of thinly padded insoles that nest together, allowing some customizing of the medium-volume fit. If you’re looking for a lightweight but exceptionally tough hiking shoe that can handle anything, you can hardly do better than the Firetail EVO.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to buy the Salewa Firetail EVO GTX low-cut version at moosejaw.com or the men’s or women’s Salewa Firetail EVO GTX Mid at 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. I’d really appreciate it.

 

See all of my reviews of approach/scrambling shoes and my reviews of shoes for dayhiking, trail running, and ultralight backpacking, and all of my hiking gear reviews at The Big Outside.

See also my stories:

“Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites”
“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit”
“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”

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 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.

 

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-salewa-firetail-evo-gore-tex-shoes/feed/ 8 8856 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

]]>

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-salomon-synapse-j-kids-hiking-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-synapse-j-kids-hiking-shoes/#comments Fri, 09 May 2014 22:00:03 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=8687 Read on

]]>

Kids Hiking Shoes
Salomon Synapse J
$75, 1 lb. 2 oz. (youth size 4.5)
Sizes: unisex kids 13 to youth 6
salomon.com

If there’s a dayhike that will beat up a flimsy pair of kids hiking shoes, it’s going up and down Mount St. Helens, a 10-mile, 4,500-vertical-foot slog over sharp-edged, volcanic rocks and highly abrasive, fine-grained pumice. But my 13-year-old son wore the Synapse J on that big day, and on dayhikes at Mount Rainier National Park, Arches and Canyonlands national parks, Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, and elsewhere. He’s also worn them to school and playing outside for most of the past year, and these low-cut hiking shoes not only have the support and protection for a hike as hard as St. Helens, but they’re still going strong.

Many low-cut shoes for kids are designed primarily to sell at a low price, which rarely results in the shoe delivering the level of performance you want for full dayhikes in rugged mountain terrain. The Synapse J measured up thanks to abrasion-resistant, synthetic uppers and a rubber toe cap that protect feet. The molded EVA midsole provides enough cushion that his feet never got sore on St. Helens or other hikes—though he never carried more than a sub-10-pound daypack; these shoes don’t have the rigidity or support for backpacking. The outsole sports a perimeter of smoother rubber for gripping on steep rock, and interior lugs that shed dirt and stones, giving the shoes good traction in a typical variety of hiking conditions.

My son’s strongest impressions of the shoes were that they’re very lightweight, flexible, and comfortable, and breathe well enough that his feet never got sweaty. He also likes the cordlock lace that tightens with a pull of one hand and requires no tying, just stuffing the lace into a tiny pocket. In fact, he told me that when he outgrows this pair, “You can just get me another pair of these.” After at least a couple hundred days of use, not surprisingly, the laces are showing wear.

If you’re looking for kids’ hiking shoes that can manage rugged terrain and hold up to a child’s regular, daily abuse, the Synapse J is a good find.

 

 

See all of my reviews of kids outdoor 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-salomon-synapse-j-kids-hiking-shoes/feed/ 1 8687 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zen-pro-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-zen-pro-shoes/#respond Thu, 01 May 2014 13:47:09 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=8629 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Scrambling Shoes
Scarpa Zen Pro
$169, 2 lb. 1 oz. (men’s Euro 42/US 9)
Sizes: men’s Euro 38-47, 48
backcountry.com

Even as shoes have gotten more technologically advanced, it’s still the rare breed that crosses over nimbly between comfort for hiking many miles and performance for steep, off-trail scrambling. But thanks to unique construction and materials, the Zen Pro proved itself that kind of unusual hybrid on dayhikes up to eight miles in Utah’s Canyonlands and Arches national parks and for approaching rock-climbing routes in Idaho’s Castle Rocks State Park.

The Zen Pro has that dual personality because, unlike many so-called “approach” or scrambling shoes, which have a narrow toe box (almost like a climbing shoe), the Zen Pro sports ample space up front, like a hiking shoe, so I could walk for miles in them without my piggies feeling like they’re jammed inside a sardine can. A surprising degree of torsional rigidity in the injected-EVA midsole delivers enough support for carrying a pack loaded with rock-climbing gear, and yet the forefoot has the flex of a lightweight shoe, for easy striding.

The sticky, Vibram Spyder2 outsole felt totally secure smearing on steep slabs, whether Castle Rocks granite or southern Utah sandstone, thanks to a flat tread under the toes that imitates a rock-climbing shoe, and to-the-toes lacing that gives the shoe a little more sensitivity. Yet wide lugs also bit into dirt and gravelly trails like a good hiking shoe. This made the shoe equally suited to dayhiking eight miles to Chesler Park in the Needles District of Utah’s Canyonlands, exploring off-trail to scale slabs in Devils Garden in Arches, and scrambling rugged terrain to reach the base of climbing routes in Castle Rocks.

Typical of Scarpa, the shoe’s construction is excellent—justifying the steeper price—evident in details that enhance durability, like suede leather uppers (which also grow more comfortable the more you wear them); a sturdy, rubber toe rand; over-injected TPU just above the midsole on the sides, which take a lot of abuse; and stitching built to sustain hard wear and tear. Besides the hiking-friendly fit, features improving comfort include a nicely padded, gusseted tongue (that keeps out dirt and small stones) made of Schoeller soft-shell fabric, and a Cocona lining to help wick moisture.

One tradeoff: The good toe space means the Zen Pro lacks the sensitivity for rock climbing anything harder than low fifth-class. But it’s an excellent choice for someone looking for a hiking shoe that makes a smooth transition from the trail to rugged, off-trail terrain.

BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase the men’s or women’s Scarpa Zen Pro shoes at 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. I’d really appreciate it.

See all of my reviews of shoes for hiking, scrambling, trail running, and ultralight backpacking.

See also my stories:

“Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites”
“My Top 10 Favorite Backpacking Trips”
“10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit”
“10 Tricks For Making Hiking and Backpacking Easier”
“7 Pro Tips For Avoiding Blisters”

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 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.

 

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-scarpa-zen-pro-shoes/feed/ 0 8629 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-update-la-sportiva-ultra-raptor-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-update-la-sportiva-ultra-raptor-shoes/#comments Mon, 15 Jul 2013 13:00:43 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=6263 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
$130, 1 lb. 10 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: Euro men’s 38-47.5, women’s 36-43
sportiva.com

For a recent 28-mile dayhike through Idaho’s spectacular White Clouds Mountains—partly off-trail, with a cumulative elevation gain and loss of nearly 8,000 feet, including a steep, very loose scramble of several hundred vertical feet over a pass—I wanted the lightest shoes possible, yet ones with plenty of support, comfort, and traction. It didn’t take me long to decide on the Ultra Raptor, which I had worn a lot and reviewed previously. Not only did they perform as I’d hoped they would throughout this long and rugged hike, but afterward, my feet felt fatigued but otherwise not like I’d just hiked 28 miles.

My original review covers these shoes in detail. But I had not taken a dayhike or trail run this long in them before, nor done a serious, off-trail scramble. I was impressed with how well they gripped steep slabs and loose dirt and scree; how they remained comfortable over the course of a very long day; how the mesh uppers breathed so well that my feet never got sweaty, and my left shoe dried quickly after an accidental dunking at one creek crossing; and how the close fit from the collar through the midfoot helped keep trail debris out of the shoes. While my companions on this hike were dumping stones from their shoes several times—especially after that steep scramble in sliding scree—I never had to empty my shoes out. No matter what distance your trail runs and dayhikes, the Ultra Raptor is an outstanding shoe.

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and my reviews of trail-running 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-update-la-sportiva-ultra-raptor-shoes/feed/ 2 6263 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-xt-wings-3-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-xt-wings-3-shoes/#respond Mon, 01 Jul 2013 14:00:26 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=6104 Read on

]]>

Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
Salomon XT Wings 3
$140, 1 lb. 9 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-14, women’s 5-12
salomon.com

For my regular trail runs, I like a shoe with plenty of stability and cushion, so that my feet don’t get beat up (and because I sometimes start and finish a trail run on pavement). If the shoe is surprisingly lightweight for the amount of support it delivers, that’s a bonus. So I got a bonus with the XT Wings 3, which I’ve worn on numerous, hilly trail runs of up to 12 miles, mostly in the Boise Foothills but also in Massachusetts. While not in the category of super-light, minimalist trail-running shoes, the XT Wings 3 have enough support to cross over nicely as light dayhiking or ultralight backpacking shoes.

This shoe delivers huge support and a stable landing because of a TPU-reinforced heel and midfoot, plus an outsole that flares outward, creating a wide base. The midsole’s triple-density EVA and an outsole thickness ranging from 20mm in the heel to 9.5mm in the forefoot gave me plenty of cushion. The highly breathable mesh uppers kept my feet cool even on long, hot runs (and keeping feet dry means avoiding blisters). For ultralight thru-hikers, that’s good news because the shoes dry very quickly: I slipped on an icy rock crossing a creek and dunked a shoe just a couple miles into a 9.5-mile trail run. But I just dumped the water out, wrung out my sock, and continued the run; the shoe remained comfortable and almost dried out by the time I finished, even though the air temperature on that early-spring morning never got more than several degrees above freezing. The cord-lock, wire lacing facilitates quick on and off, wrapped around my feet evenly and snugly, and always stayed tight. The shallow, widely spaced outsole lugs gripped well on trails of mostly packed dirt.

One minor nitpick: While a stretchy, mesh overlay on the tongue helped keep out most trail debris, the highly breathable mesh uppers let in a lot of dust, so my socks and feet got pretty dirty on longer runs. Fit is best for medium-volume feet.

See all of my reviews of hiking shoes and trail-running shoes that 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-salomon-xt-wings-3-shoes/feed/ 0 6104 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.]

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/ask-me-how-waterproof-are-waterproof-breathable-apparel-and-boots/feed/ 0 6088 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-traverse-low-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-oboz-traverse-low-shoes/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 13:30:14 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=4497 Read on

]]>

Hiking Shoes
Oboz Traverse Low
$125, 2 lbs. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 8-12, 13, 14
obozfootwear.com

Don’t be fooled by the fact that this shoe is as light and nimble as many low-cut hikers; the Traverse Low is like a Hummer that weighs no more than a Prius. Dayhiking in Utah’s Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, I found them as supportive and tough as models several ounces heavier—a significant amount of weight in footwear—and a standout for traction.

A dual-density EVA midsole with a partial nylon shank, as well as a molded rubber heel cup, deliver enough support for hiking with 20 pounds or more on your back (for hikers accustomed to wearing low-cuts while carrying that much weight). The welded synthetic overlays that anchor the metal lace hooks form a cage that wraps around the midfoot, enhancing support, especially lateral stability. Beyond support, the deep outsole lugs excelled for traction on all types of surfaces: hard-frozen ice, slippery wet snow, slick mud, gravel, packed dirt, and when I scrambled off-trail up and down steep slickrock in Capitol Reef. The synthetic leather and tightly woven mesh uppers proved resistant to abuse from coarse sandstone; they also breathe well (in part because they’re not waterproof), but still keep grit out. A side mudguard and toe cap protect your forefoot. Fit is good for medium- to high-volume feet. Bonus: The shoes come with Oboz’ BFit Deluxe footbeds, inserts that compare with good after-market insoles—about a $50 value. Overall, the Traverse Low is an excellent choice for dayhiking on or off-trail and ultralight backpacking. The women’s version is the Oboz Luna, $125.

See all of my reviews of 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-traverse-low-shoes/feed/ 2 4497 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-hyper-mid-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-hyper-mid-gtx-boots/#comments Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:50:07 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=4193 Read on

]]>

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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-hyper-mid-gtx-boots/feed/ 1 4193 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-tech-ascent-gtx-boots/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-tech-ascent-gtx-boots/#respond Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:00:22 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=3906 Read on

]]>

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

 

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-scarpa-tech-ascent-gtx-boots/feed/ 0 3906 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-ultra-raptor-shoes/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-ultra-raptor-shoes/#comments Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:57:16 +0000 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/?p=3837 Read on

]]> Hiking/Trail Running Shoes
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
$130, 1 lb. 10 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: Euro men’s 38-47.5, women’s 36-43
backcountry.com

This new-and-improved rendition of Sportiva’s Raptor, one of the best trail-running and low-cut, light hiking shoes I’ve worn, lives up to its heritage. On numerous trail runs in the Boise Foothills ranging from five to 10 miles, on typically dry trails of packed dirt with some steep, gravelly sections, these non-waterproof low-cuts shined by any measure, but especially for stability and traction. The EVA midsole with a nylon shank, plus a TPU harness on the uppers that’s integrated with the laces to wrap around the foot, deliver superior torsional rigidity for a shoe this light: It has the lateral stability of a lightweight boot. But the shoe still retains the forefoot flex and the rocker and toe-off of a nimble, ultralight hiking and trail-running shoe.

I’m often cautious on downhills because of a history of sprained ankles, but the Ultra Raptor gave me the confidence to open up my stride, thanks to opposing, slanted outsole lugs that grip on all surfaces. Sportiva claims the design reduces impact and increases traction both by 20 percent. As always, the Frixion outsole grabs aggressively onto rock.

---

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 to learn how I can help you plan your next trip.

---

Compared to the Raptor, the Ultra sports more protection from rocks in the toe, and is slightly more flattened out, with a drop of 8mm versus 12mm in the old Raptor. As with the Raptor, a stiff heel cup bolsters support and protection, and the mesh uppers breathe well enough to keep my feet from sweating profusely.

Fit is good for low- to medium-volume feet; with a medium-volume foot, I found the shoes comfortable even on longer outings.

It’s a great choice for light dayhiking, ultralight thru-hiking, and trail running on mountain paths.

See my later gear review update of the Ultra Raptor, following a 28-mile dayhike in them.

Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up now for my FREE email newsletter.

 

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 the men’s or women’s La Sportiva Ultra Raptor shoes at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com.

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’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 categorized menus of all of my reviews at my gear reviews page.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-ultra-raptor-shoes/feed/ 2 3837 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-velocity-2-0/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-vasque-velocity-2-0/#respond Tue, 07 Aug 2012 02:00:52 +0000 http://thebigoutside.net/?p=1267 Read on

]]>

Lightweight Trail Shoes
Vasque Velocity 2.0
$120, 1 lb. 9 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: Men’s 7-12, 13, 14 and wide 8-12, 13, women’s 6-11
vasque.com

Hot feet are the fastest route to blisters. Keep your feet dry and cool and you’ve eliminated two of the three factors necessary for developing blisters (the third being friction, caused by imperfect fit). Several trail runs of four to nine miles each in the non-waterproof Velocity 2.0 convinced me they may be the most breathable low-cut trail-running shoes I’ve worn, thanks to very airy uppers that are virtually all mesh. I ran on some days so hot that my synthetic T-shirt would be soaked—but my feet and socks completely dry when I finished.

The shoes fit low- to medium-volume feet very well, with good wiggle room for toes. These are not minimalist trail-running shoes—the midsole delivers solid cushioning (a thick layer of EVA foam) and torsional stability, which I like, especially on longer runs. In fact, the Velocity crosses over well into light hiking, offering more support than most low-cut hiking shoes, thanks to a rigid plastic plate under the arch, a firm heel cup, a toe guard, and multi-directional outsole lugs that grip well on a variety of surfaces. It’s ideal for trail running and light hiking in summer, or ultralight backpacking (for people accustomed to a very lightweight shoe) because the excellent breathability means the shoes dry fast when wet. The Gore-Tex version costs $150.

See all of my reviews of 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-vasque-velocity-2-0/feed/ 0 1267 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-synapse-mid/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-synapse-mid/#respond Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:58:04 +0000 http://thebigoutside.net/?p=1262 Read on

]]>

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

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-salomon-synapse-mid/feed/ 0 1262 https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-raptor/ https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-raptor/#respond Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:53:50 +0000 http://thebigoutside.net/?p=1257 Read on

]]>

Lightweight Trail Shoes
La Sportiva Raptor
$120, 1 lb. 9 oz. (men’s Euro 42)
Sizes: Euro men’s 36-47.5, women’s 36-43
sportiva.com

Is this a running or hiking shoe? You decide. Rare is the shoe that excels at trail running and crosses over to perform among the best light hikers, but the Raptor does exactly that. After several trail runs, the longest a 25.5-mile, seven-hour run-hike (running perhaps three-quarters of the distance, walking the rest) in the Boise Foothills, I fell in love with these non-waterproof low-cuts. I also wore them for gym workouts.

The explanation lies in the part you can’t see: Sportiva has dialed the EVA midsole to keep the shoe flexible and light enough for real running, while retaining superior support and cushion for hiking. My feet would normally feel very fatigued after a 25-mile outing, but remained pain-free in the Raptors right to the end of that day. A flexible TPU rib cage-like overlay on the uppers is integrated with the laces and the midsole, holding the heel and midfoot snugly, and TPU is used in the heel for increased stability. The front of the shoe has beaucoup toe space for when your feet expand on a long day, and mesh to keep toes cool. The temperature was in the 60s Fahrenheit when I started that 25-miler, but rose into the 80s; still, the uppers breathe so well my socks were almost dry when I pulled them off—even though I had taken the shoes off only once, briefly, during the run (to dump out a few tiny pebbles). A thick toe guard and stiff heel cup protect your feet, and Sportiva’s sticky FriXion rubber outsole grips well on rock and dirt. Also, unlike some mesh-top low-cuts I’ve worn, these don’t allow pounds of dust through the uppers to turn your feet black. If you want a shoe that walks the fine line between trail running and light hiking without compromising performance on either side of that line, you can hardly do better than the Raptor.

—Michael Lanza

]]> https://thebigoutsideblog.com/gear-review-la-sportiva-raptor/feed/ 0 1257