View Full Version : mountaineering boots?
buff_jeff
10-31-2009, 22:31
Right now I have these boots (that I don't use hiking anymore because they're too bulky):
http://www.rei.com/product/721359
Are these a good bet for a trip that will involve hiking, snowshoeing, and crampon use? I don't really want to put out more money on a set of mountaineering boots, especially when I'm gonna be doing a lot of hiking. Thanks in advance for any advice.
RedneckRye
10-31-2009, 22:45
Vasque Wasatch's aren't mountaineering boots by any stretch of the imagination.
They aren't an especially stiff boot or really insulated at all, so I wouldn't use them for anything more than snowfield travel in not too cold climes or some light summertime mountaineering.
That being said, they would work fine with snowshoes or strap on crampons.
Have fun out there and be sure to come back with 10 toes.
Toolshed
10-31-2009, 22:58
You're feet would be cold very quickly... Absolutley not mountaineering boots. BTW most mountaineering boots and boots made for Western Peaks routes and such aren't good boots for winter in the NE..
One boot that would do it all for you would be a simple Pac boot (Like a Sorel or other similiar style boot) with a removable liner.
You can get crampons that are quickly removable such as the old style Grivel G-10's.
I understand the desire not to lay out big buck for plastic double boots.
RedneckRye
11-01-2009, 09:22
Where to / what season / what type of trip are you planning?
Depending where, renting some gear may be an option.
buff_jeff
11-01-2009, 10:20
I'm going for a winter ascent of Humphrey's Peak in Arizona and then doing a R2R2R of the Grand Canyon.
I'm probably gonna pick up a pair of mountaineering boots. I figure I may as well if I want to get into more serious mountaineering, and I'm already putting out enough money on ice axe, crampons, snowshoes, clothing, etc. It's not worth skimping on gear, I guess.
Puts the hurt-piece on the wallet, though. :D
Thanks again for the advice!
Toolshed
11-01-2009, 11:26
you always gotta ask yourself..."how much are my toes worth...":D
make sure your crampons will work with whatever boots you buy. its a good idea to take them with when you are boot shopping
buff_jeff
11-01-2009, 20:01
make sure your crampons will work with whatever boots you buy. its a good idea to take them with when you are boot shopping
Yeah, I'll probably buy them at the same time. I've heard of knuckleheads who brought all their gear to x mountain and found out their crampons were incompatible.
buff_jeff
11-03-2009, 19:52
Do you guys have any suggestions for a good set of boots that I could use (eventually) on a winter traverse of the Presidentials, or other cold weather mountaineering trips?
Snowleopard
11-03-2009, 20:40
Do you guys have any suggestions for a good set of boots that I could use (eventually) on a winter traverse of the Presidentials, or other cold weather mountaineering trips?
For a presidential traverse, a good warm double plastic mountaineering boot. Toolshed is mostly right, for most NE conditions these are not the most comfortable, but for the traverse if you need warmth or you need your crampons to really stay on, I'd say the mountaineering boot. If you use Sorel type boots for a traverse be sure your crampons work well with the boots. If you're going someplace really cold (e.g., Denali) check out equipment lists on some of the guide services.
Toolshed
11-03-2009, 22:16
Do you guys have any suggestions for a good set of boots that I could use (eventually) on a winter traverse of the Presidentials, or other cold weather mountaineering trips?
If you can find them - Koflach Degres (http://www.rei.com/product/711473), Lowa Civettas (http://alpenglowgear.com/gear/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1210), Asolos (http://www.rei.com/product/719716) (REI) Scarpas (http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3659979) and La Sportiva (http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3659864)(EMS).
The LEAST comfortable plastic boots I ever owned were a pair of Koflach VarioSofts in the mid-90's. The MORE comfortable were Koflach Degres thatI had about 5 years ago. The MOST comfortable were simple Pac boots.
TwoForty
11-03-2009, 22:46
I have a lighter weight version of those that I use year round. Great with snowshoes and I often use them with crampons on snowy slopes. Hoewver, they are not mountaineering boots. Not even close. Kicking steps or frontpointing in those will make you hate yourself.
take-a-knee
11-03-2009, 23:18
I have a lighter weight version of those that I use year round. Great with snowshoes and I often use them with crampons on snowy slopes. Hoewver, they are not mountaineering boots. Not even close. Kicking steps or frontpointing in those will make you hate yourself.
Why would you need to front point on a traverse of the Pres Range? French technique of sidehill zig-zagging, chopping steps with your ax is far more energy efficient. Denali has been climbed by people wearing GI Mickey Mouse boots, using those wide SMC crampons made for that boot. Those folks didn't loose any toes either.
canoehead
11-04-2009, 07:56
I use the Koflach Degres (http://www.rei.com/product/711473), and I have a pair of scarpas. don't be cheap with your feet they're going to get you in and out of where ever you go. Plan ahead and know what to expect for weather / travel conditions.
I do this for a living here in New England and do a bit of adventure travel, trust me you can get your butt handed to you if your not prepared..
Be Safe & Have Fun.
Slo-go'en
11-04-2009, 12:53
Plastic double boots are the standard footware for winter hiking in the Whites. The trails are steep towards the top and being able to kick in steps is a big help. Some years the trails are a solid ice flow and others hard packed snow. Sometimes snow shoes are needed on the approch, especially on lesser used trails or after a big storm. Above tree line the snow is hard packed from the wind and you won't go anywhere with out crampons.
Tempatures above tree line are often well below zero with gale force wind. You'd best not have ANY exposed skin up there! Goggles and neoprene face mask are a must.
buff_jeff
11-06-2009, 18:42
I'm leaning towards these two (Scarpa and Asolo AFS Evoluzione):
http://www.rei.com/product/719716
http://www.rei.com/product/780182
The Asolos seem to have gotten much better reviews around the web in terms of comfort, but both seem like they'll get the job done at a reasonable price.