Loren Posted January 23, 2008 Posted January 23, 2008 Up until this point, I have been using a two boot system. Light hikers for the approach and plastics once I get to the white stuff. Or on something like rainier, just wearing the plastics the whole time. I am looking to simplify and pare down on weight by switching to using a single, soft sided boot that will allow a little easier time on the approach, but be stiff and warm enough to climb three seasons. I would appreciate any feedback on what you like - or don't like about boots you used, have used or could recommend. Thanks in advance. Quote
JayB Posted January 23, 2008 Posted January 23, 2008 LaSportiva K4S boots might be worth a look if you can find a pair. Insulated, crampon compatible, with synthetic material below the cuff, leather above the cuff. Quote
Maxtrax Posted January 23, 2008 Posted January 23, 2008 For 3-season climbing La sportiva Trango, Scarpa Charmoz or Triolet, Garmont Tower, Kayland Apex Rock. My favorite of those is the Triolet but go with whatever fits your foot the best. For a boot that is lighter than your plastics but warm enough for 4-season or ice climbing use check out the La Sportiva Nepal Evo, possibly one of the all-time best single leather boots, including all its previous iterations. Quote
Loren Posted January 23, 2008 Author Posted January 23, 2008 hard to find, eh? are they discontinued? i didn't see them on the Sportiva website. I'll keep looking. Thanks. still itersted in hearing other opinons as well. Quote
Loren Posted January 24, 2008 Author Posted January 24, 2008 Thanks for the suggestions. Max, those Scarpas are nice boots. The Charmoz fit well, but couldn't find the Triolet. They said that with more leather, they would say truly waterproof longer than the Charmoz. I think I'll try to get the Triolet online... unless anyone is aware of anyplace in Seattle that carries them (didn't see them at REI or pro mountain) Quote
woodchips Posted January 24, 2008 Posted January 24, 2008 I think that Feathered Friends has them. Quote
cheamclimber Posted January 25, 2008 Posted January 25, 2008 Get the Charmoz if they fit you well thay are light, not clunky, and have a rock shoe feel when climbing, I can lead 5.9 when wearing them at the bluffs and thay dont feel akward. Quote
Jeff W Posted January 25, 2008 Posted January 25, 2008 Check out the Asolo Expert GV. They are Gore-Tex, can be used with semi-automatic crampons and pair weight is 3-lb 10-oz. I have a pair and they are great. Mountain Gear in Spokane have them. Quote
Loren Posted January 25, 2008 Author Posted January 25, 2008 Cheam... how are they on a glacier? Still waterproof after extended wear? I just ask b/c I was told that after a while they don't hold water out so well... but that was just by one person, so, I woudl be initerested in hearing your take as well. I'll take a look at the Asolos and try Feathered friends too. Thanks All! Quote
paramagic Posted January 26, 2008 Posted January 26, 2008 Mountain Gear has the K4S on sale. Lowa Mtn Expert is also insulated, goretex and stiff enough for glacier work. Quote
Jeff W Posted January 28, 2008 Posted January 28, 2008 Just another data point as you try to figure out what boots to buy. I spent the day snowshoeing at Bumping Lake area yesterday and wore the Asolo's I previously mentioned. Feet were warm and dry all day. It was snowing heavily, the temperature was around 12-degrees so there wasn't any water, but I was very happy that my feet never got cold at all. Getting cold is my main concern with this style of mountaineering boot, but these performed great. Quote
Noodle Posted January 28, 2008 Posted January 28, 2008 I'll second JeffW's recommendation for the Asolo Expert GVs. They fit like a glove, and they're light weight, warm, and dry. Quote
cheamclimber Posted January 28, 2008 Posted January 28, 2008 I haven't used them on a glacier or really wet stuff. I used them on rock and dry approaches and they are superb Quote
Hampton Posted January 28, 2008 Posted January 28, 2008 I'll give third props to the Asolo Expert GV. They've been very comfortable and capable for me on both dry and snow/ice outings. By the way, I have a wide foot and the Asolo's were the only boots that I tried on that fit comfortably. Quote
Loren Posted January 28, 2008 Author Posted January 28, 2008 (edited) A note from the weekend shopping... Although not the cheapest for other gear, nor a large amount of boots stocked and available at the store, Feathered Friends is definitely the place to go to get some really good input from guys that area out there actually doing it. Also, apparently its climbing boot season, because wherever I checked was out of the boots / sizes to compare side by side. So with a bit of mix and match, I had to order a few and will do my comparison at home next weekend (I hope the wife doesn't see the visa bill this week). Thanks to all for your input. I think between the Trangos, the Chomoz or the Asolo Expert, I am sure to find a good boot. BTW - Not that it is a huge deal at this price range, but REI online has the LS Trangos $20 cheaper than anywhere else right now. Edited January 28, 2008 by Loren Quote
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