December 15, 2000


Which boot works better in snow and cold conditions?

I'm deciding between the Montrail Verglas and La Sportiva Makalu. What are the primary differences between the two boots? Which works better in snow and cold conditions? Which is better for all-around versatility? Is the Verglas suitable for off-snow trail hiking and how does the Makalu fair in cold weather since it doesn't seem to have as much insulation as the Verglas?

— Chris Houston, Texas

You seem to be edging up to the distinction between the Verglas ($290) and the Makalu ($245). They're both fine boots, but have their differences. The Verglas is more of a pure ice-climbing/mountaineering boot. It's very stiff (I've always been fascinated by its beech wood midsole, which is both supportive and light) and well insulated. It's not so good for dry-trail hiking and approaches, although you could live with it. And it might be more than a little bit warm if you use them between April and October.

The Makalus are a classic all-around hiker/climber. They're plenty stuff and can accommodate strapless crampons, but have enough flex to make life somewhat tolerable when you're simply punching along a trail. They're the kind of boot that is ideal for, say, climbing in the Cascades here in Washington state, where a long approach may culminate in a mixed snow/ice/rock pitch or two, or for a July climb of Mount Rainier. The Verglases I'd pull out about now, for a winter of ice climbing, or for an early-season Rainier trip.

There are a few other boots you might take a look at. Scarpa's Cerro Torre ($319) is a very comfortable leather mountaineering boot. A little pricey, but I'd place them about in between the Verglas and Makalus in terms of application. And Tecnica's Altitude ($275) and Altitude Plus ($310) are another variation on the leather mountaineering theme, with the Plus an insulated version of the Altitude. Also top-notch boots.

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