Anyone ever use mountaineering boots for hunting the rough stuff?

[Armadillo]

Im going to be in the market for new boots after this season and Im always floored by the high prices of the boots out there and the *censored*ty quality you get after forking out any less then a couple hundred bucks. So Im walking right now in cabelas outfitter series boots, they're comfy but they've only lasted me one previous season so far and the sole is coming apart and the leather is cracking. I hunt extremely steep rocky terrain where good support is needed. Has anyone ever used non plastic mountaineering boots for hunting? they aren't as expensive as kenetreks but I would like to think they are as durable as anything you can buy on the retail market and the weight is lighter yet they remain stiff enough to use with crampons. Should I just quit worrying and buy meindles or kenetrek? 

[follow maggie]

I wore One Sport mountain hiking boots for years.  Got them at REI.  They were made in Italy then.  Now they're Montrail, don't know if their boots are still made in Italy, or not- they were bought by Columbia Sportswear about 4 years ago.  Theywere great boots- lasted almost 10 years of 1500-2200 miles a year, hiking or hunting over 40 weekends each year.

[follow maggie]

Never mind.  I just looked them up on REI.com and they're not the same as they used to be.  $140, and they were $250 when I wore them in the 90s.  Looks like another brand gone to crap.  Look at Asolo.  They make good boots.  I generally won't consider a boot that costs less the $200 or from China.  Kenetrek is probably the safest bet.

[huntindoc]

Check out Lathrop and Sons.  I ordered a set after similar frusturation you are talking about- one Danner per season....  Anyway, love them.  Great support and great fit.  I was freaked a bit about buying boots on line, but it's worked out great for me.

[sisu]

If you want crampon ready boots you're going to drop $$$. You get what you pay for. First thing I'd do is go to a shop tell the fitter you want a semi flex boot that will accept crampons. If all you want the crampons for is walking up and down an ice or neve' field then those boots will serve you fine, but you need to spend the better part of a day trying on boots. Different models, manufactures, AND several pairs in the same size & model as upper end boots usually are hand made meaning the sizing varies slightly.

I tell the fitter off the get go that they are in for he'll, because I am picky. I used to be the manager of the very first MSR retail store on 11th Ave & Pike in Seattle, so I know mountaineering boots from the get go. The country of origin on these upper end boots also dictate fit. For instance my feet really like Scarpa, but not everyone can wear them.
Good luck

[Armadillo]

Thanks for the feedback!! I know what you mean about dropping $$ but if its going to be for something that'll last for years to come then its worth it, I dont suspect that i'll use crampons alot, i might when im out winter hiking or doing an early season "enchantments" jaunt. Do mountaineering boots ever soften up or are they going to be rigid the whole life of the boot? semi flex is what I want to aim for. I tried several on at REI I really like the scarpa Liskamm because its a bit taller and still weighs under three pounds but i cant find anywhere local that has the boot

http://www.scarpa.com/scarpa/products/MOUNTAIN/MOUNTAIN_MOUNTAINEERING

[sisu]

I have tried this Scarpa on, Scarpa Charmoz. A buddy has them and I really liked the way they felt. I've got double boots made by a Asolo and a set of all old school leather Scarpa rigid mountaineering boots that I am slowly breaking in, but it is hard. I wear silk liners to stop blisters and then a wool sock over the silk.

I'd try to get a set of the Charmoz to try on and compare to the Liskamm as I believe you will find the Charmoz a better choice. BUT make sure you are 100% satisfied with the fit and performance. I take 2-5 hours in the store and then I go home and walk all over the house, up and down stairs, toe raises on the stairs feeling for slippage, etc. I'll probably put 10 hours in the boots inside the house before I make up my mind. If I am not satisfied then I bring them back.
Picky? Yes, but I get a good fit and I am usually 100% satisfied.

The crampon issue is simple if you are not going technical. Go buy a set of aluminum crampons. I like the old fashioned strap ons for walking about that way you don't have to worry about step ins not fitting a particular boot.

Ray and I did a climb several years ago with a glacier approach that did not require a big mountaineering boot but it did require crampons, so my strap ons worked will on a low cut hiking shoe. I would not recommend everyone doing this but it kept weight down and that is what we were concerned about.

Good luck and be picky!

[Armadillo]

Awsome info! I am milking this right up! Ive got the "picky" mindset so that works in my favor, as for the crampons that strap on, that seems a much better route for what I would ever need them for. Im not going to be ascending any top 100 peaks in the near future but you never know. Thanks Sisu!

[ribka]

I have used these boots for climbing:

Not a bad boot for the money. Not as nice as a Scarpa  but worked ok for me:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,75878_Asolo-Titan-Gore-Tex-Mountaineering-Boots-Waterproof-For-Men.html

[sisu]

I have used these boots for climbing:

Not a bad boot for the money. Not as nice as a Scarpa  but worked ok for me:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,75878_Asolo-Titan-Gore-Tex-Mountaineering-Boots-Waterproof-For-Men.html

Asolo, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Lowa etc, etc. all make high quality boots and footwear, but the important thing to remember EVERY manufacturer makes THEIR boot according to their last. For example French last has narrow toe box and heel, German has a wider toe box and heel, the Italians make a roomier toe box than the French but have a narrow heel. I can't remember the ins and outs of the Swiss, Austrians etc. any more too many years our of the industry, but the important thing to remember go to a store try on the different companies boots and different models. Take notes if you have to and then if you are going to go with Sierra Trading Post your decision is not a mystery, but based on a firm, concrete decision.

[sisu]

CRAMPONS

Here is the design I was talking about. I have a slew of crampons over the years of climbing. some very technical and some for just plain old walking across the glaicer to get tot he rock or to a hill. The link below is for a light weight aluminum set of strap ons. This is a simple set of light weight crampons that will keep you happy on moderate angle ice.

12 point Al crampon

[ribka]

I have used these boots for climbing:

Not a bad boot for the money. Not as nice as a Scarpa  but worked ok for me:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,75878_Asolo-Titan-Gore-Tex-Mountaineering-Boots-Waterproof-For-Men.html

Asolo, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Lowa etc, etc. all make high quality boots and footwear, but the important thing to remember EVERY manufacturer makes THEIR boot according to their last. For example French last has narrow toe box and heel, German has a wider toe box and heel, the Italians make a roomier toe box than the French but have a narrow heel. I can't remember the ins and outs of the Swiss, Austrians etc. any more too many years our of the industry, but the important thing to remember go to a store try on the different companies boots and different models. Take notes if you have to and then if you are going to go with Sierra Trading Post your decision is not a mystery, but based on a firm, concrete decision.

Good advice. :tup:Try on the boot first before purchasing. I have a few pairs of Asolo and know how they fit. Scarpa are a completely different fit   

[Smokepole]

Ditto what Sisu said.  I hunted for years in Raichle mountaineering boots.  Dang things were like hooves, and I could go anywhere.  Later, they quit making the old Montagna model, or else I just couldn't find a supplier.  But they were a damn good hunting boot you could go anywhere in, from the trailhead to the top of peaks.  I jumped a big mulie on top of 3 a.m. Mountain near Twisp in my old Montagnas.

Now I have a pair of leather semi-flexible Merrills, and my boy is wearing my old LaSportiva leather mountaineering boots.  We get around the hills like goats in them.  Like Sisu says, look for the more flexible models.  I prefer leather.  When they start beefing the boot up with plastics, the boots are stiffer, and more suitable for ice climbing.  I've yet to need crampons while hunting, but you might if your out for goats.  Unless you plan on doing vertical ice, a good, stiff leather boot with Vibrams should do fine.  Then buy a good set of insoles and your good to go.   

[Smokepole]

Here's the old boots I use to love to hunt in...

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?p=257472

[Armadillo]

Those are some nice crampons! I know what my next gear purchase will be after the boots! While trying on the REI models I didnt add the insole into the equation! this came up before with my danner mountain lights that I hike in, the toe box is too small for aftermarket insoles and squishes the toes I never bothered to try the insoles in them before purchasing  I need to be fitting the mountaineering boots with the insoles, oh well Ill just go back, going to REI is like going to an overpriced candy store anyway 

[CountryslickR]

Check out Lathrop and Sons.  I ordered a set after similar frusturation you are talking about- one Danner per season....  Anyway, love them.  Great support and great fit.  I was freaked a bit about buying boots on line, but it's worked out great for me.

 Check out the Alaska GTX's!!! They are by far the best boot ive ever worn...no break in period!

[sisu]

Check out Lathrop and Sons.  I ordered a set after similar frustration you are talking about- one Danner per season....  Anyway, love them.  Great support and great fit.  I was freaked a bit about buying boots on line, but it's worked out great for me.

 Check out the Alaska GTX's!!! They are by far the best boot I've ever worn...no break in period!

I'd like to have a set of these in hand. Looks like a real well made boot from the on line description, but I would never order a set without trying them on or at least have free shipping back if there was a problem. This description is not entirely accurate: European lasts are known for their ability to accommodate an array of feet. This specific last features a generous amount of volume in the forefoot and a very narrow heel. What it tells me is the boot is made on an Italian last even though they are a German company. Each country has different lasting forms as I said earlier in the thread. Traditionally German and Austrian boots have a large toe box and a medium heel.

From what I am reading this is a VERY high quality boot and the price reflects that. Too bad there is not a retailer in west of the Mississippi so you could try the different models on.

Here are a couple of real good links to footwear guides.
This first one is specific for hiking to mountaineering boots hiking-mountaineering boot

And this one is a real surprise. Apparently there is a school school in Pt. Townsend, WA. The first link is all about what the man can do for you in regards to a last. Once you have the last all you need to do is find a real cobbler and get a pair of custom boots made or shoes.
shoe school

This second link shows all the different lasts. If you have hard to fit feet and can afford custom footwear this is the route I would go. shoe lasts

[CountryslickR]

When you order from Lathrop and Sons they have the option of sending in measurements of your feet, photos, and an outline..kinda like Whites or Nicks.....they ask you what sizes of your other boots, shoes, ect....then, if they dont fit right, they have great constomer service and are more than willing to work with you...just my experience...but yes it is not the funnest waiting on a boot that you have not tried on when buying online....

[sisu]

Thank you for posting the information about this company. Finding well made boots with quality is hard now a days, so getting feed back from folks that have used the product & experienced the customer service is great.

[Special T]

I have a pair of La Sportiva i summit-ed Rainer in... not really good hiking boot but good climbing boots.... Was a really big fan of Raichly boots when they had Vibram soles.... don't know if they ever went back to them or not... I really like the Vibram soles.. worth the extra $$$$ they are the Pinochle of ANY  tread on a boot. 

[alecvg]

I go with Lowa Mountain Expert GTX.  Love them.

http://www.rei.com/product/780836?preferredSku=7808360072&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7808360072&mr:trackingCode=EE97071B-81F9-DE11-BAE3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA

[Vek]

I wouldn't mess with plastic.  Lots of guys up here insist on them for hunting sheep - they really have only one redeeming feature and that is if you find yourself having to cross a slide that's super hard underneath and slick.  Otherwise, you can do everything else the same or better in the right flavor of leather. 

I've not yet met a molded-sole boot that I like.  I liked the fit and lightness of the La Sportiva Trango S, but it would get chewed up pretty bad where I hunt sheep.  Might be a good option down there where you're not on rock or moraine the whole hunt. 

I've used the same pair of Alico Guide from sierratradingpost for the last three sheep hunts, and they are currently in Seattle getting resoled at Page's.  The leather upper is none the worse for wear.  Mine are slightly different looking than the ones offered on the website now - they are smooth leather up the back and have an additional eyelet above the ankle.  They basically suck for just walking around, but are like gold for when you're loaded heavy on steep stuff.  MEC up in Vancouver sells a similar boot from Gronell.  Old norwegian welt boots are hard to come by these days. 

[Ray]

I agree with you Vek. The Trango S and boots like it could get chewed up real bad in the rocks. Although they are supposed to accomodate rock climbing and I have a pair which I used to climb on some mountains (Forbidden Peak twice and Mount Stuart), they are simply not an extremely durable boot.

Everyone likes a different feel, fit and has good reasons for choosing their particular boot. I would recommend a leather boot and would avoid a plastic boot at all costs. Other than that I have nothing more specific on recommendations.

I have always preferred the fit of an ASOLO hiking boot. Similar to this. But that's not a recommendation - except for me...

[Yeti]

I recently bought the Meidl Perfekt and I was not impressed with them.  I had the 7" instead of the 10".  The traction was good but the fit was less than desireable for a $220 shoe. There was plenty of time for break in period and the roughly 34 mi of hunting.  I am on the hunt again for a good shoe.

[swanny]

The Scarpa Inverno's are VERY popular for many hunters in Canada and Alaska, I have fielded tons of calls from them on this particular boot and plastic boots in general. They are relatively inexpensive and have the removable liner so you can throw it in your sleeping at night and they are nice and warm when you wake up in the morning.
http://www.rei.com/product/780182

Fit is definitely the hardest thing to figure out with mountaineering boots. A lot of companies are starting to have two or three fits in their line now as well, so just because one boot does not fit well, a different boot from the same company may be wider in the toe box or heel, etc. My current boot is the La Sportiva Karakorum, climbs well, hikes well, stays dry, and it isn't quite as stiff. It also does not have the typical skinny foot fit that La Sportiva is known for. The one thing I really like about this boot is the lacing system, the last eyelet before the hooks actually locks the lace in place so the bottom doesn't loosen up when you try and tighten the upper part of the boot.
http://www.rei.com/product/793828

For sure get in and try on as many of these boots as you can. They do all fit different as mentioned and it really can't be done just shopping online. Also, make sure you break them in well, couldn't tell you how many phone calls I have taken of people coming in from Florida to climb Mt. Rainier next week and they are just now buying their boots.

[Armadillo]

Alot of the mountaineering boots ive tried have too tight of a fit in the toe box, I might end up trying Meindles Alaska hunters