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Q:
What's the best boot for a Himalayan trek?
Your Gearness, what boot do you think I would need for a four-month trek across the Indian Himalaya? I have a pair of Montrail Torre GTXs, but will these suffice? Tony Baltimore, Maryland
Your Gearness, what boot do you think I would need for a four-month trek across the Indian Himalaya? I have a pair of Montrail Torre GTXs, but will these suffice? Tony Baltimore, Maryland
A: Depends on what you're carrying. If it's a supported trek, and you're basically lugging a day pack, then the Torre GTX ($150) will be adequateBbarely, in my estimation. But, if you're carrying quite a bit yourself, doing some off-trail hiking and scrambling, wearing crampons at any point, that sort of thing, then I'd really recommend something heavier. Not a full mountain boot, but a heavyweight backpacking boot at the very least. In Montrail's line, the classic boot of this type has long been the Moraine ($235; www.montrail.com). It's a hefty boot, but not so heavy as to really wear you out. And the money is all in the boot, not in a $25 Gore-Tex bootie as is the case with the Torre (Gore-Tex booties "work," but it's not clear to me what problem they're solving).
Lots of other candidates also come to mind, depending on what fits best. Merrell's Wilderness ($250; www.merrellboot.com) is a fine boot with classic all-leather looks and construction and a rugged, stitched-down sole. Tecnica's Bio-Flex GTX ($200; www.tecnicausa.com) will be a little lighter and more comfortable, and includes a Gore-Tex liner. I'm also a big fan of Boreal's Bulnes ($215; www.borealusa.com), a boot that has the heft for a big trip but feels a lot like a big day-hiker.
Be darn sure you get a pair that fit well, and that you get at least 50 miles on them before you head out. Then, get out there and have fun!
Lots of other candidates also come to mind, depending on what fits best. Merrell's Wilderness ($250; www.merrellboot.com) is a fine boot with classic all-leather looks and construction and a rugged, stitched-down sole. Tecnica's Bio-Flex GTX ($200; www.tecnicausa.com) will be a little lighter and more comfortable, and includes a Gore-Tex liner. I'm also a big fan of Boreal's Bulnes ($215; www.borealusa.com), a boot that has the heft for a big trip but feels a lot like a big day-hiker.
Be darn sure you get a pair that fit well, and that you get at least 50 miles on them before you head out. Then, get out there and have fun!