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