Thread: Hiking boots/mountaineering boots/ crampons...

I need new hiking boots...

Would I hate myself if I instead got non insulated mountaineering boots?

Besides being heavier and burlier, what is the difference besides more support?

I have always bought the common asolo... something like this....

http://www.rei.com/product/693986/as...g-boots-womens

I like a sturdy, supportive boot, and since I have been touring so much this spring, and walking a lot in AT boots, I am thinking that the added weight wont bother me much...?

I also want to do more mountaineering/glacier travel/scrambling/off trail type stuff, and my regular hiking boots got really torn up by talus/scree the last couple seasons..

The other thing is crampons and crampon compatibility... At some point, I should buy crampons that fit my ski boots for touring... if I were to buy crampon compatible mountaineering boots would the same crampons fit both boots???? Can you put non step in crampons on a ski boot?

I would say get the step in crampons for your ski boots. Just making a quick search it may be hard to find a step in compatible mountaineering boot that is non insulated. If a step in mountaineering boot is going to be over $400 and insulated you may be better off going with a cheaper mountaineering hiking boot and a second pair of crampons. Seems like the ski boots do the job for the cold temps. good luck get after it.

La sportiva gtx is a great boot, you can use it ice climbing and backpacking.

A mountaineering boot will have better Vibram and last a lot longer. I looked at all the heavier backpacking boots at REI yesterday and they all had crappy, unreplaceable Vibram soles. (I just returned my Asolo 520's to REI because the sole at the toe was worn down to the toe cap at less than 50 miles). The sole will be much stiffer and they will not be fun to walk in for any distance. They will not be fun to rock scramble or backpack off trail with--clumsy. A crampon compatible backpacking boot should be fine for glacier travel and for cramponing with 10 points but not for front pointing. They won't kick steps as well as a mountaineering boot but that's why you're carrying crampons. As far as support I've always tended towards heavier boots because I've had a lot of ankle sprains, but I think the difference is more psychological. The big difference, besides the weight, which matters more than you think, is the stiffness of the soles, and that can make long distance hiking quite unpleasant on your feet. Over the years I've learned that you buy gear for what you are going to do--as in an actual scheduled trip, not what you think you'd like to do. (Unfortunately I ignore my own wisdom frequently, but now my excuse is that if I don't use it I'll give it to my kids.)

Everyone is different in what they will put up with. I know some people that are just fine backpacking in mountaineering boots, while others will bring along an extra pair of shoes.

Would I hate myself if I instead got non insulated mountaineering boots?

Besides being heavier and burlier, what is the difference besides more support?

They have a heel welt for crampons and might give you heel blisters.

The other thing is crampons and crampon compatibility... At some point, I should buy crampons that fit my ski boots for touring... if I were to buy crampon compatible mountaineering boots would the same crampons fit both boots???? Can you put non step in crampons on a ski boot?

Strap on crampons will work on a ski boot, or if you get mountaineering boots you can get step in crampons. You would probably want a 12 point crampon, something like the G12, which you can get in strap on or step in. I've heard good things about the La Sportiva Nepal as a great everything boot - from scrambling to mixed climbing. If you decide a mountaineering boot is over the top you can certainly use strap on crampons on a stiff hiking boot. I've front pointed up hard 50 degree snow in hiking boots w/ crampons no problem - just need a full shank boot.

J,

1. Do not get insulated boots. You will regret it. Prime PNW mountaineering season is July through early October. You'll be ski touring the rest of the year, right?

2. Get a light mountaineering boot (e.g., Scarpa Charmoz, LaSportiva Trango) or a general mid-weight mountaineering boot (e.g., LaSportiva Makalu) that properly fits your foot. Those Asolos do not have enough torsional rigidity for mountaineering.

3. If you get into mountaineering, you'll be surprised how seldom you'll actually use crampons. They will spend most of the time on your pack. Get Al alloy crampons. The Grivel Air Tech Light and the lightweight Camps are great for general mountaineering, and you can make them work on AT boots (Anita does). Step-ins will not fit most light mountaineering boots; OTOH, some step ins will fit some Makalu class boots.

4. Get anti-bot plates for your crampons!

I got these yesterday...

http://www.sportiva.com/products/foo...o-s-evo-womens

I think they are really, really ugly! I hope they get dirty and less shiny and bright fast!

I actually ALMOST bought the same model a few years ago when I bought the asolos....

They will take a hybrid crampon, and according the guy at Backcountry Essentials in Bham, I can make a hybrid crampon work on an AT boot.

I am pretty sure they are lighter than the asolos, even. I am a little apprehensiveness about a synthetic boot, but they are really limited in women's models, and men's boots do not fit my feet.

We will see how the work in Gothic Basin next weekend.

Those should work great! Been meaning to buy my mom a pair. I wouldn't worry about the synthetic at all. And personally, I'd add a light trail runner for backpacking where a mountaineering boot is overkill. I use my old sportiva slingshots, but I'm looking at the x-country or skylight 2.0. I'm much more comfortable in shoes than boots since I've made the switch.

I get really sore arches and ankles if I carry any kind of weight in running shoes for some reason...

Even really short, flat, easy stuff... just a mile or so into Ancient Lakes near Quincy once in running shoes and my feet were hurting... I did have a pretty ridiculous pack with beer and a chair and all sorts of other unnecessary stuff..

J, those are a great choice if they fit you.

Enjoy Gothic Basin. Do you plan to scramble up Gothic and Del Campo?

um, beer? Unnecessary? Careful here...

Originally Posted by Big Steve

J, those are a great choice if they fit you.

Enjoy Gothic Basin. Do you plan to scramble up Gothic and Del Campo?

I am going up there just for a dayhike with a girl/woman I have never met before from NWHers, so we will probably keep it on the mellow side...

I keep wanting to go backpacking and end up skiing instead, but I think the snow is finally starting to melt out enough to become unappealing, even to me.

I have leather scarpa's for BPacking the carrying of a load but I been trying out a mountain runner for fast & light hiking on a neutral shoe which is working out even tho I have been in motion control for 10+ yrs

Because of the stretchy uppers these are THE best fitting chicken-ankle foot shoe I have ever used, probably because of the stretchy top they don't work with my orthotic BUT it doesn't seem to matter, because of the GTX I can step in puddles and stay dry even tho these look way holy

http://www.sportiva.com/products/foo...cat-gtx-womens

Mtn girl I sometimes use my BD flicklock ski poles while hiking especaily with a load, you might find they take some stress off your feet and help with stability on sketchy ground

I am not sure what others will say,

I bought my Lowa all leather boots 18 years ago. I still use them on occasion.

They seem to have more (Other material) mixed in now.
But based on history I would check these out
http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/Sho...egory=1&Type=W

anyone know where to find info on the 1000 different kinds of Vibram that seem to be out there? I'm not sure I've ever seen two boots with the same kind of Vibram/ Vibram's web site wasn't much help. What was wrong with the original stuff (I think they call it Montagna Block)--I've got a pair of vasques with over 1000 miles on them and not close to wearing out the sole.