January 20, 2001


What's a good boot for backpacking and light mountaineering?

I'm trying to find some boots to replace my eight-year-old Asolo 520s. I want a bit more heavy-duty boot than I have now, one great for general backpacking, and suitable for say, a summer climb out west (with crampons). I've been considering the Vasque Alpine GTX (a bit heavy), a new pair of 520s or some Sundowners (both seem a bit light) and possibly the Merrel Wilderness (pricey for not having Gore-Tex). Can you help me decide on these or possible other "dual purpose" boots? Also, how important is Gore-Tex for light mountaineering? Thanks,

— Ken Worstell Otsego, Michigan

In an answer to a boot question a while back, my take on the Gore-Tex issue was this: For a lot of people, Gore-Tex in a boot is really not that necessary. And in a good-quality boot, it may even be superfluous.

Certainly, for the activities you plan, a Gore-Tex-lined boot isn't necessary. In fact, most of the better ones don't even have Gore-Tex — their construction alone makes them sufficiently watertight so long as you don't plan to spend your time standing in the shallow end of a lake. With that in mind, here's my short list for a "dualie" boot:

Boreal Bulnes ($215): A beautifully made boot that's lighter than most in this category but still tough enough for rugged backpacking and the occasional crampon foray. One-piece leather uppers keep out water. Montrail Moraine AT ($225): A little heavier then the Bulnes, but still suitable for all sorts of hiking. A classic heavy-duty backpacking boot. Take a look as well at the Montrail Vercors ($190), a slightly de-tuned version of the Moraine that is my current favorite backpacking boot. Salomon Super Mountain 8 ($245): Tipping over into a true mountaineering boot here, with a stiff sole that works well with crampons but that some may find slightly uncomfortable when on trails.

I might add the Merrell Wilderness to this list, although I agree that at $235 it seems a bit expensive, given that it's a relatively light boot. But it's certainly designed for the uses to which you intend to put a boot.

Of course, the most important thing is that the boot you buy fit properly. So start shopping with a range of boots in mind, but don't fixate on any one until you KNOW it's right for you foot.