Montrail Moraine's

[mdjeeper]

anybody wear these? just looking for some input for a new boot, I tend to go "heavy" and we are planning to start our thru in January ('06) and will probably have about 45lbs so wanted more than just a light boot and something that my tubbs will clip onto pretty solidly as well :)

thanks

[highway]

anybody wear these? just looking for some input for a new boot, I tend to go "heavy" and we are planning to start our thru in January ('06) and will probably have about 45lbs so wanted more than just a light boot and something that my tubbs will clip onto pretty solidly as well :)

thanks

I have a pair in my closet, worn twice on two week trips on the CDT, like new that I'll sell cheap. Size 13, weighs 5.12 pounds. Note that 5.12 pounds is the key thought here. I doubt I'll never wear them again unless I want to walk across some glacier somewhere, which isn't likely for this Southern boy. There are far lighter choices available for general backpacking.

As far as quality, though, you will never wear them out. It is what was generally considered the cadillac of footwear years ago for backpacking, before we wised up. :sun

[JimSproul]

I have a pair with about 200 miles on them. Most of that at high altitude. I am prone to blisters, even in street shoes, but have not had any with this pair of boots. I would not replace my pair but would have them resoled if need it.

I am 51, about 190 lbs, generally carry about 45 lbs, stick to trails and do very little rock climbing. I do hike on a rail road beds for training which is harder on boots than most trails.

[poison_ivy]

I use Montrail Morraines as my winter boot and I really like them. They keep my feet very warm and dry and I use them with both snowshoes and crampons without a problem. I found I had some problems with blisters on my heel due to their design, but I've resolved that by wearing pretty thick smartwools. They are very heavy though so I don't use them for any three-season hiking.

-Ivy

[mdjeeper]

thanks for the input everybody.. i do appreciate it!

[Rambler]

As said above these are excellent boots. The stiff soles act like a lever as you step on rock. Though I would rather use a double lined boot for extended winter hiking, the Morraine has the same feel as a plastic boot. A thicker sock will give you a snugger fit, since there is not much give in the boot. It is hard to get a snug closure at the top, so gaiters might be in order. I have met thru-hikers wearing the boot. As you train for your hike, however, work on lightening your load, starting with your footwear, especially in the summer months. Because the Montrail last fits me, I switched to a low cut, Montrail Vitesse. What a joy to hike in. They were the third brand of that type of shoe I tried. (Adidas and New Balance were the others) Try a lighter pack, too. There are many threads and links at this site to help you. When I first started going light, I was still carrying too much, I shed 6 more pounds in first aid gear and extra food. What a difference that made. Fuel is another item I always carried too much of so now I try to acurately estimate how much to carry. I do carry a little extra to allow for spillage or other emergencies, but I have cut way back. There are many ways to cut weight without sacrificing safety or comfort. (eg. stoves) Keep working on it. Another example, switch to silnylon stuff sacks. I cary gear in alot of different colored stuff sacks. What a difference in weight savings going from the avearage denier pack cloth of stuff sacks to the waterproof silnylon. I no llonger need a pack cover! Apologies for the diversion.