December 29, 2000


What's your opinion of LL Bean's Speed Guide Hikers?

What's your opinion of LL Bean's Speed Guide Hikers? How would they compare to a Tecnica Alta TCY? Which would be best for carrying a 50-pound pack for six days around Glacier National Park? Are there any similar boots coming in the spring that I should watch for? Thanks for you column and advice.

— Bill Barto Amanda, Ohio

Interesting question. Both the Speed Guide Hiker ($189) and Alta TCY 2 ($210) represent "new technology" boot making. Both make extensive use of Keptrotec, a Schoeller-created fabric that utilizes Kevlar threads ("used in bullet-proof vests by law-enforcement agencies around globe!") to create a light but very tough material. Improving on cowhide is a tall order, but Keptrotec makes a pretty good run at it. It's light, dries quickly, and is tough as nails.

Both boots are meant for just the sort of trip you envision: A fairly arduous backpacking trip with a moderately heavy pack and potentially rough terrain. Both also have waterproof liners -— the Bean boot's is Gore-Tex, while Tecnica uses Sympatex, a European-developed, polyester-based waterproof/breathable membrane. Both work well, but both will also make your feet a little sweatier than normal.

So which boot? Given their rough equivalency, let fit be the judge. Order in a pair of the Speed Guides, wear 'em around the house, and then take a look at the Alta in a store. Whatever fits best is the one to get. And these boots need to fit well right off the bat -— there's no real break-in involved with synthetic boots.

I'd suggest some other boots to consider. From my pile of boots, I'd put on a pair of Montrail Vercors ($190), a more traditional, all-leather boot that I think is just terrific. Another alternative is the Asolo MTF 650 ($210), another leather boot —- this one with a Gore-Tex bootie —- that is designed for hard backpacking and light mountaineering. Either of these latter two boots also would work well.

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