Boots! - hbbostonamc.org

Boots!
2012 AMC Winter Hiking Program
Session II: November 13th
Joe Danaher
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Agenda
• Goals
• What to avoid
• Best options
• Single Layer Insulated boots
• Why boot choice is important
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Boot Goals
• Warm
• Dry
• Comfort/Support
• Traction
• Attachment
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Common Themes
• High insulation
• Waterproof
• Low temperature rating (-20F or less)
• Crampon-compatible
• Stiff-soled
Tuesday, November 13, 12
What Not to Wear!
• “3-Season” boots
• Snowshoe or trail running
boots
• “Unrated” winter boots
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Soft or Pac Style Boot
Sorel Caribou (-40F)
• Waterproof rubber lower/
treated leather upper
• Removable thermal inner liner
• Cold temperature rated
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Pac Boots
• Pros:
–
–
–
–
–
Cost (~$100)
Comfort
Easy to fit
Removable liner
Home use too
• Cons:
– Comfort
– Flexible sole
– Limited attachment options
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Kamik Alborg (-58F)
Plastic Double Boots
Scarpa Inverno
•
•
•
Plastic outer shell
Removable closed-cell foam inner
liner
Vibram sole
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Plastic Double Boots
Koflach Degre
Koflach Arctis Expe
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Pros
• Best protection
from the elements
• Warm and dry
• Removable liner
• Rigid sole
• Secure crampon
attachment
Plastic Double Boots
Cons
Asolo AFS Evoluzione
•
•
•
•
•
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Comfort
Big & Heavy
Stiff (shin-bang)
Harder to walk in
Cost (~$300)
Leather Single Layer Insulated Boots
Pros
• Leather upper with
GTX liner
• Good protection from
the elements
• Less bulky than plastic
• Rigid sole
• Secure attachment
La Sportiva Nepal EVO GTX
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Leather Single Layer Insulated Boots
Cons
Scarpa Mont Blanc GTX (Wm)
Tuesday, November 13, 12
• Not highly insulated
• Not as warm as
plastic
• No removable liner
• Break-in period
• Cost (>$400)
Single Layer Insulated Boots
Salomon Toundra
•Waterproof liner
•Aerogels insulation (-40F)
•Molded EVA support
•Strap-on crampon compatible
Garmont Momentum GTX
•Gore-Tex XCR liner
•400gThinsulate insulation (-35F)
•Thermoplastic plate support
•Strap-on crampon compatible
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Single Layer Insulated Boots
Sorel Conquest
•Waterproof leather upper
•400g Thinsulate insulation (-60F)
•Steele shank support
•Strap-on crampon compatible
Tuesday, November 13, 12
SLI Boot Considerations
• Be cautious of listed temperature
ratings / disclaimers
• Open cell insulation
• No removable liner
• Lack of product performance history
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Why boots are so important?
• Being able to walk is important
• No substitutes in the field
• May be out longer than expected
• Required gear
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Final Comments
• Rent or borrow if possible
• Choose what makes sense for what
you will be doing
• Talk with leaders now if unsure
• Try them out on WHP trips
• LEADERS HAVE FINAL SAY!!!
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Don’t Forget!
***Boot Night: Thursday, November 15th
6:30p.m.***
Eastern Mountain Sports
1041 Commonwealth Ave Allston
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Appendix
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Boot Comparisons
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Examples and MSRP’s
Tuesday, November 13, 12
Single Layer Insulated Boots
Tuesday, November 13, 12