Winter boot for the Cascades

[thin_air_aaron]

I'm looking to get a used pair of boots that will basically act as an all weather boot for the Cascades. I'm considering looking at plastic but want something that climbs well and isn't overkill for the Cascades. I'm looking at the La Sportiva Trango Extremes and or maybe even the Nepal Extremes. Does anyone know the real differences and capabiliites between these boots? Would either of them be able to handle the most extreme case in the Cascades (say a winter attempt of Rainier)? Does anyone have any other suggestions besides these La Sportiva models? Discuss... thanks

[Cobra_Commander]

I can say the Nepal Extremes are excellent boots, and good enough for essentially any conditions you will encounter in the Cascades, year-round. Mine have kept me fairly comfortable in some truly horrible winter storms. The Italian craftsmanship is outstanding and they fit my foot like bedroom slippers. They cost a ton at retail price, but they are handmade in Italy and it shows. I have slogged cinder and climbed WI5 in them and they have been perfect in either scenario. Damn, they should sponsor me. Gear review complete.

[thin_air_aaron]

Thanks Cobra... assuming I can find some that will work for me those I'll probably lean towards those. Any more recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

[John Frieh]

Whatever fits.

 

Rainier in winter might be a bit cold for leathers depending on how many days/nights you take (leathers freeze after a few nights out) and your circulation. Yes it has been done but I would venture a guess that most people wear plastic. Have you climbed Rainier in the early spring before? What did you wear then?

 

With that said leather will be warm enough for just about everything else in the cascades in winter. Maybe buy the leathers (what ever fits) and rent plastics if you try for rainier.

[Alpinfox]

Trano'll climb more gooder than the Nepals. Nepals'll be warmer.

 

For winter attempts on Cascade Volcanos, I'd probably go with plastics.

[thin_air_aaron]

Sounds like a good plan... thanks for the advice fellas

[bigwalling]

My leather boots have froze in the summer. That is when you are fucked!

[magellan]

Holy crap! I just spotted the trango's at 1/3 off.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.72197/dept_id./qx/product.htm

[Alpinfox]

Holy crap! I just spotted the trango's at 1/3 off.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.72197/dept_id./qx/product.htm

 

HERE they are for $189 if you wear sz 41, 44.5, or 47.5

[jordop]

Trano'll climb more gooder than the Nepals. Nepals'll be warmer.

 

New Nepal Evos look like the sweeet answer to this problem. Way liter

[thin_air_aaron]

Ya, that looks like the ticket there... doubt I'll be able to find a used pair anytime soon but will definitely be on the look. Thanks for all the advice peoples

[sean_beanntan]

I climb in a pair of Lowa Civetta's and they are a great fitting plastic boot. The toe is low profile unlike most other plastics. Warm, climbs great ice and good on the approch. When the ice gets tough, i usually change to some montrail verglas leathers.

 

S

[Nick]

Scarpa Alpha Ice boots. Climb very well for plastic, warm, light, and you can hike in them.