cliff Posted August 27, 2001 Posted August 27, 2001 I'm a veteran backpacker, but I'm still pretty new to mountaineering, so I was hoping I could get some advice on a good mountaineering boot. I'm looking for leather uppers - not a plastic boot. I'm looking really close at the Vasque Apex boots. I have a pair of Sundowners that I've been using for hiking for a couple of years now and I like them. I went for the Vasque boots because they come in widths, but even then I had to have Dave Page stretch them a little in the toebox. ANyway, what do you folks think of the Vasque Apex boot for general mountaineering? These are pretty stout looking boots and are crampon compatible. Thanks in advance. Cliff Quote
Beck Posted August 27, 2001 Posted August 27, 2001 Look for leather lining- Montrail Mazama is a stout, GENERAL PURPOSE mtn boot. For technical leathers, Kayland looks like the SHEET for great boots, also Scarpa leathers. Quote
therock Posted August 27, 2001 Posted August 27, 2001 check out scarpa. i sure like my SL3's. i also have a pair of saloman super mtn. 8's that are a bit better for alot of snow, although they're stiffer and not as comfy to walk far in. i think it boils down to fit more than anything. [This message has been edited by therock (edited 08-27-2001).] [This message has been edited by therock (edited 08-27-2001).] Quote
Jman Posted August 27, 2001 Posted August 27, 2001 Fit, fit, fit. That's what it's all about, my friend. If the boots don't fit right then your feet aren't happy and the boots are worthless, regardless of all their fancy colors, bells, whistles, or claims to greatness. Happy climbing! Quote
mtnrgr Posted August 28, 2001 Posted August 28, 2001 I LOVE Montrails. The Integrafit system is wonderful. The Moraine AT are made to fit the new mixed crampon (step-in the rear, strap-on the front). Had a pair for years, comfortable as hell. Waterproofed one piece leather uppers and insulated enough for most lower peaks (12,000 ft and below). It has quite a bit of flex in the shank, but great for snowfields and general mountaineering. I wore mine all over the Wasatch. Just got a pair of Verglasses too. The fully rigid and beefed upversion of the Moraine. I haven't got a chance to use them in the mtns yet, but fit just as well as my Moraines. Best part I bought them new for $100 off of www.rockandice/gearswap.com  Quote
Wopper Posted August 28, 2001 Posted August 28, 2001 I have a pair of Mazamas that are about two years old and really like them. They are very stout and need some break in time. I have yet to wear crampons with them but have climbed 5.4-5.5 rock in them without any problems. Before that I had a pair of LaSportiva Makalus and though they were comfortable, they seemed to soak up water like a sponge. And yes I tried all the waterproofer/sealers out there. As stated above fit, fit, fit! Quote
cliff Posted August 28, 2001 Author Posted August 28, 2001 Thanks guys. I appreciate your comments. Because of my wide feet (and getting wider) I have to stick with boots that run large or come in widths. This means Vasque or Montrail Moraines (which run pretty large in the toe box). As far as these Vasque Apex boots I was asking about, I went and tried them on last night and they are just too small in the toe box for me. I've spoken with the folks at Dave Page and they told me they can stretch them a bit, but not another complete size. So these boot are out for me. Other than the toes, they were really nice. If any of you in Seattle are interested in brand new Vasque Apex boots for $100.00 (closeout cost) they are available at the Red Wing Shoe Store on 65th & Roosevelt Way. That's a great price. These boots are 8.5 Wide. Now, I'll take a second look at the Montrail Moraines and Mazamas. Thanks. Cliff Quote
Matt Posted August 28, 2001 Posted August 28, 2001 Raichles are nice boots too. I have wide feet and these fit me perfectly. I went up to MEC in Vancouver to buy them and it was well worth the trip. Quote
Matt Posted August 28, 2001 Posted August 28, 2001 Raichles are nice boots too. I have wide feet and these fit me perfectly. I went up to MEC in Vancouver to buy them and it was well worth the trip. Quote
hikerwa Posted August 28, 2001 Posted August 28, 2001 I had a pair of montrail coulior's, and montrails are usually pretty wide. I got fat feet and they fit very well. Quote
cliff Posted August 29, 2001 Author Posted August 29, 2001 Thanks again for the advice on the Raichle & Scarpa boots. I had thought Montrail & Vasque were the only ones that came in widths. I'll check them out, too. Cliff Quote
David_Parker Posted August 29, 2001 Posted August 29, 2001 I was just at the Garmont rep's house and saw the full line of shoes/boots. In micro increments, they have everything between running shoes to light hikers to leather ice boots. I got a pair of very sturdy approach shoes and I love 'em. I would definitely check out Garmonts!!! Quote
therock Posted August 29, 2001 Posted August 29, 2001 There are so many good boots now, it's like trying to buy a car. You can't go wrong with any big name brand. All important thing like someone said before is features and fit, fit, fit. Good hunting. Quote
Nick Posted September 1, 2001 Posted September 1, 2001 Try on some Technica Bio Flex boots. They are crampon compatible heavy duty hiking boots which I use for general mountaineering. They are great, great, great. Quote
Mike_Palmer Posted September 10, 2001 Posted September 10, 2001 Our top selling boot is the Technica Ascend Bio Flex. It is a light mountaineering/ heavy duty backpacking boot and will take a "new-matic" style step in crampon. They will do a lot of miles on the trail, but are still beefy enough to do 60+ degree ice, and are very light. They also have a waterproof/breathable membrane so they are great for extended trips on the snow. They are priced at $215. Cascade Crags. Quote
Nick Posted September 13, 2001 Posted September 13, 2001 Yeah, the Technica Ascende is the boot I have. I got mine from Pro Mountain Sports in Seattle. They are truly comfortable and light on the trail, but still seem stiffer and more supportive than other comfortable boots. It is easy to over-tighten the laces on these boots. If they hurt your feet, just loosen the lower half of the laces a bit and they will feel good again. Quote
Beck Posted September 13, 2001 Posted September 13, 2001 I bought a pair of LaSportiva Makalu Kevlars this summer (on sale!)and have been extremely happy with them- it is the lightest, totally supportive and stiff-fur-edging-n-kickin-step kind of climbing, used them on snow, no problem, I'll be wearing them on a SAR action on Mazama glacier of Adams this weekend, wearing cramps and searching in crevasses, I've found these boots to ROCK on the approach and KICK IT in the mountains. They're not going to be the most durable boot, though, or perform well in unconsolidated snow or heavy rains, but it's a great 2 1/2 season mountain boot and hella lite! Quote
Dru Posted September 13, 2001 Posted September 13, 2001 quote: Originally posted by Beck: I'll be wearing them on a SAR action on Mazama glacier of Adams this weekend, wearing cramps and searching in crevasses, ! that was convenient of the victims that they pre-scheduled their rescue ?! Â Quote
Beck Posted September 13, 2001 Posted September 13, 2001 Body recovery SAR, Dru- kind of macabre, actually, but all part of the gig. Quote
Dru Posted September 13, 2001 Posted September 13, 2001 Do you use AVA-POO brand avalanche poodles to sniff out the bodies? Quote
EddieE Posted September 13, 2001 Posted September 13, 2001 Hey Beck...whats the story with the SAR? Was there an accident? Quote
philfort Posted September 14, 2001 Posted September 14, 2001 Yes, but it happened 20 years ago. There's hope the bodies may surface in this low snow year. Quote
imorris Posted September 14, 2001 Posted September 14, 2001 If it is for the accident 20 years ago, it would be the second time out there this year for this particular mission is it not? I hope you find them and bring some closure for their family. I know how hard it is to leave a search unfinished. Good luck, -Iain Quote
Beck Posted September 14, 2001 Posted September 14, 2001 For the family's sake, yes I hope we find them... I'm not too optimistic, Glacial creep isn't a very gentle process. Philfort, are you going to be there this weekend? Quote
texplorer Posted September 14, 2001 Posted September 14, 2001 I would recommend the tallest doc martins you can find. They may seem clunky but when you see those gothic girls on the trail you'll be the s#$%t mountain boy. Quote
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