Backpacking Boots Reviews

Gear Review: Vasque St. Elias GTX Boots

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Vasque St. Elias GTX
Vasque St. Elias GTX

Boots
Vasque St. Elias GTX
$190, 3 lbs. 1 oz. (men’s 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-12, 13, 14 medium width, 9-12, 13 narrow, 8-12, 13 wide; women’s 6-11 medium, 7-10 narrow and wide
vasque.com

I typically prefer a lightweight shoe or boot for backpacking with a load of 35 pounds or less. But when I’m carrying well over 40 pounds—as I did on a recent six-day family hike in Sequoia National Park—I want a boot with big support and stability, both to help me avoid a twisted ankle (or worst), and to prevent my feet from feeling badly beat up every day from the pounding of so much weight landing on them. The St. Elias GTX delivered on both counts.

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Gear Review: Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX Boots

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Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX
Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX

Boots
Aku SL Sintesi Mid GTX
$250, 2 lbs. 14 oz. (men’s Euro 42.5/US 9)
Sizes: men’s 7-13
aku.it/us

When I need a sturdier boot for carrying a heavy backpack, I prefer one that incorporates some climbing-oriented features that improve traction, fit, and durability. I wore the SL Sintesi Mid GTX on a five-day, roughly 44-mile family backpacking trip in Washington’s Glacier Peak Wilderness, starting out with more than 50 pounds in my pack (including family food and gear), and found it does all of that, providing excellent support while feeling like a lighter, more nimble boot.

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Gunsight Pass Trail, Glacier National Park.

Ask Me: Advice on Buying Lightweight Boots

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Hi Michael,

I hope all is well with you. I talked to you a couple of months ago about winter packs and you were extremely helpful.

I need new boots for hiking/light backpacking, and I have a very high-arched foot and wear after-market insoles. My last pair of boots were Kaylands and they were incredible, but off course they stopped shipping to the USA.

I’m wondering which boot you think is better Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR or La Sportiva Hyper Mid GTX?

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Jotunheimen National Park, Norway.

Ask Me: How ‘Waterproof’ Are Waterproof-Breathable Apparel and Boots?

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Can I sound off for a moment about Gore-Tex and other supposedly waterproof/breathable membranes? I’ve owned four pairs of boots, a running suit and a pair of gloves that have been Gore-Tex lined, and got wet in all of them. Not wet from sweat or water going over the boots, but wet from rain (soaking through) and in the case of the boots, even wet grass. I think Gore-Tex should change its slogan to Guaranteed to Keep You Dry—If It Doesn’t Rain. How can manufacturers make these waterproof claims? People’s lives can depend on their gear.

Thanks,

Dave
Worcester, Mass.

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Gear Review: Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR

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Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR

Lightweight Boots
Zamberlan 230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR
$170, 2 lbs. (men’s US 9/Euro 43)
Sizes: US men’s 8-12, 13, 14, women’s 6-11
zamberlanusa.com

Having hiked and backpacked all over America and the world, I’m convinced few places test a pair of boots—especially lightweight boots—like New Hampshire’s White Mountains. So to put these new mid-cuts through the ringer, I wore them on a recent 25-mile, overnight hut trip from Crawford Notch to Franconia Notch in the Whites—including one of the most rugged sections of the Appalachian Trail. And the Crosser Plus impressed me as highly supportive and tough for its weight.

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