And every boot has a unique fit and it can take some work to dial it in. SCARPA Sl Active Hiking Boots - Brown. Below we outline our experiences with the Zodiac Tech GTX. Scarpa | Ribelle Tech 2.0 Hd 1 color. 270.00. Also, the "sock" makes for a much snugger fit than almost any other boot I've owned. or Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX below ($629, 3 lbs. $229. Outsole lacks some control on slimy surfaces like wet roots and rocks. Scarpa. $250 - $299 . Category: Lightweight mountaineeringBody design: Single leatherWeight per pair: 2 lbs. To achieve this with the Zodiac Tech, I had to double-thread the laces through one of the grommets, which wasnt a major hindrance but still felt less secure than a locking design (I had a similar experience with the trimmed-down Zodiac Plus). Looking at the Scarpa Zodiac Plus for a lightweight, do it all boot for everything until the weather demands a more serious boot. We took the hybrid (both the men's and women's versions) on an expedition into the Alaska Range From our campsite, the green valley rises, steepens, and becomes rocky and cold. It needs to be durable (able to stand up to abrasion from rocks, crampons, and skis), and also must keep out snow, water, and mountain grit. You dont get quite as much warmth and stiffness as a dedicated 4-season boot like the Nepal Cube or Mont Blanc Pro above. Plastic double boots largely have fallen out of favor over the last five years, but you cant beat them for durabilityyour feet will wear out before the boot does. Like the Zodiac, the Trango boasts a streamlined build with quality Gore-Tex waterproofing, a heel welt for semi-automatic crampon compatibility, and a very tacky Vibram outsole. Interestingly, the Zodiac Tech has a very good fit, but not quite as snug and secure and has notably more heel lift for me, even with some surgical knots to try to lock the heel down. The Scarpa proved to be impressively well-suited for the job with a tacky Vibram outsole, protective rubber rand, tough leather build, and stalwart waterproofingall wrapped up in a competitive sub-3-pound package. Having shaken up the market, Scarpa has now released the Ribelle Lite, with a slightly more conventional ankle cuff and a . We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. And although the wraparound zipper concept can feel weird at first, we appreciate the fact that this design almost entirely protects the zipper from being scuffed by the passing point of a crampon. Answering the call for mountaineers is the Scarpa Ribelle HD, a design that offers the stable platform of a leather mountain boot alongside the easy-moving feel of a running shoe. 1 color. But with the recent release of the Aequilibrium ST, the Trango Tech is at risk of becoming obsolete. If all-around mountaineering is your main objective (including routes that involve a combination of hiking, snow travel, and maybe some moderate ice or mixed climbing), youll get noticeably more ankle support and durability from a leather boot like the La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX or Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX. View details. And with insulation almost on par with the Everest-ready Oly Mons Cube above, it certainly doesnt make any compromises in terms of warmth either. ZODIAC TECH GTX Mountain elite line, summer alpinism (4) Read the reviews . Every double boot on this list is compatible with an automatic crampon. In order to be compatible with this style of crampon, a boot must have toe and heel welts and a fairly stiff build that provides a stable structure for the crampon. For each boot, weve specified whether or not it is compatible with an automatic crampon. I had just the right amount of space at the front of my foot to descend steep pitches without losing a toenail, and the toe box was roomy enough to accommodate my relatively wide feet without feeling overly sloppy. Combined with medium-thickness wool hiking socks, my feet stayed perfectly cozy and comfortable in the frigid conditions but didnt overheat when things warmed up later in the day. Someone mentioned it to me when I was considering the early Ribelle: very similar in weight, warmth and capability, but in a more classic boot style and substantially cheaper. The womens Zodiac Tech GTX is a little lighter at 2 pounds 5.4 ounces per pair and comes in a greenish blue colorway compared to the mens orange design, but you can expect similar all-around performance between the two. And now, mountaineers approaching on skis have a whole new option in the La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube, which features tech fittings at the toe for compatibility with pin bindings (standard on most backcountry skis). With a recent update to the Evo, the G5 now features a thin layer of Gore-Tex Infinium Thermium insulation for added warmth, an internal gusset for better water resistance, and an ultrasonic welded upper (read: no stitching) that makes it more durable and protective than its predecessor. Category: Lightweight mountaineeringBody design: Single syntheticWeight per pair: 2 lbs. Compared to the Scarpa Phantom 6000 above, the G2 Evo is a bit heavier and $50 pricier, but some will appreciate the added tech you get with the Boa closures. 10 oz.Crampon: AutomaticWhat we like: A premium and time-tested high-altitude boot that is like an oven for your feet.What we dont: Wildly expensive. Double boots like the La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube and Scarpa Phantom 8000 are the warmest models on the market, with features like thickly insulated inner boots and thermo-reflective liners on the outer boot. . Boot selection is not always a cut and dry choice, and depends as much on your objective and style of ascent as it does on conditions. The ability to remove the liner and dry it out at night is imperative on big mountainsnothing is worse than shoving your feet into frozen boots in the frigid, pre-dawn darkness of an alpine start. Category: Lightweight mountaineering/4-season technical alpineBody design: Single leatherWeight per pair: 3 lbs. Nothing is more frustrating or potentially dangerous than cold feet, and toes can go from cold to numb to frostbitten in a matter of minutes. Its worth noting that my feet did slide around a bit when wearing thinner hiking socks, but paired with thicker wool varieties, the fit was spot-on (plus, the socks added some comfy padding underfoot to offset some of the firmness and rigidity). SCARPA Casual boots for Men | Online Sale up to 67% off | Lyst $460 - $649 (3) Lowa Weisshorn GTX. $328.95 (7) Scarpa. The lesson here is: make sure your boot can accommodate the type of crampon you need, and dont forget to check compatibility and fit before any big trip. La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX ($649) Category: 4-season technical alpine Body design: Single leather Weight per pair: 3 lbs. As a result, its a reliable choice for a wide range of activities and a great quiver-of-one option for those looking to save money. Weight (42.5): The Ribelle HD 2.0 is far lighter than the Aequilibrium Top GTX, about 7oz (200g) for the pair. Scarpa Ribelle Tech 2.0 HD Mountaineering Shoes - OpticsPlanet The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. Incredibly versatile, this boot's a fantastic option for summers in the mountains. The Zodiac Tech GTXs weight reflects its hybrid intent: At 2 pounds 11.7 ounces for a mens pair, the boots are considerably lighter than many true mountaineering designs but outweigh most standard hiking boots. Underfoot padding is relatively thin and firm, giving the boot a noticeably stiff and unforgiving feel (although adding an insole helped considerably with overall comfort). 14 oz.). That said, if you dont anticipate needing the mountaineering boot-like protection or semi-automatic crampon compatibility, you can shave considerable heft with a lighter-weight hiking boot like the Zodiac Plus or an even nimbler option like Salomon's running-inspired X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (1 lb. Category: Extreme cold/high-altitudeBody design: Double syntheticWeight per pair: 5 lbs. . For the highest and coldest mountains in the world7,000 and 8,000-meter Himalayan peaks, Denali, and Antarcticawarmth is the utmost consideration. Many companies have moved away from standard laces because they are hard to tie and untie in extreme weather. Scarpa Ribelle HD waterproofness? : r/Mountaineering - Reddit They just lack that integrated gaiter (which is my favorite thing about the tech version). A Vibram toecap protects the front of the boot when kicking up rocky flanks, and the full-shank sole pairs securely with automatic crampons (for semi-automatic crampon compatibility, check out the similar Karakorum). $599.00 USD. But to be fair, this issue is fairly common among stiffer hiking designs and would require sacrificing a lot of stability and support to mitigate (the soft rubber on trail runners is particularly adept on this type of terrain). Many of their boots now come with quality insoles that not only offer support and comfort, but a bit of additional warmth as well. For more committing ice and glacier travel, the Zodiac Tech also boasts a TPU heel insert to accommodate semi-automatic crampons, although I didnt need anything more than basic microspikes on our trek in Nepal. On the other end of the spectrum, you can go with a lightweight single boot like the La Sportiva Aequilibrium STGTX for just 2 pounds 7 ounces total. 25% off (5) Mammut. 5.1 oz.Crampon: AutomaticWhat we like: Classic design for general mountaineering, no frills, extremely durable, cheap.What we dont: Limited to basic mountaineering and heavier than similar boots. How are they with a 40 lb pack? Weight 655g - Taglia/Size 42. Gore-Tex build breathes decently well, but expect it to run warm in true summer conditions and at lower elevations. Mountaineering involves long days (often back to back for a week or more) carrying heavy packs and using your feet in dynamic ways. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. In the end, you cant go wrong with either boot (it doesnt hurt that the Scarpa is $300 cheaper), and your final decision likely will come down to fit. UKC Forums - Ribelle Light Vs Tech - UKClimbing A single size 46 Rebel Ultra weighs 925 grams. The Inverno is far less technical in nature than an option like the G2 Evo or Phantom series, but it will outlast them all. And with a strong SuperFabric upper and the exceptional workmanship weve come to expect from Arcteryx, the LT is incredibly durable for its weight. Some find the La Sportiva to be a warmer boot, but we havent noticed a difference. As we covered above, Scarpa offers a trimmed-down version of the Tech in their Zodiac Plus GTX. For giant ice routes in the Canadian Rockies, alpine-style ascents of lower mountains in the Alaska Range, and even mid-season climbs of Denali, a 4-season technical alpine boot may be your best bet. They do have limited technical performance, however, as they do not secure as tightly to the boot as a step-in or semi-automatic crampon. A durable, all-mountain version of our revolutionary Ribelle Tech, the Ribelle HD takes inspiration from both running footwear and mountain boots, and features a rugged suede leather upper. $208.95. Wrangell GTX Boot. Their single leather upper designs are durable without adding too much bulk, and welts on the toe and heel offer secure automatic crampon attachment (unlike a boot like the Scarpa Charmoz above). With a relatively lightweight build, the Lowa gets the job done on the trail, but automatic crampon compatibility and ample stiffness underfoot means it also can tackle steep ice and precision footwork on hairy mixed leads. If youre looking for more comfort for covering a lot of miles on trail, check out Scarpas Ribelle HD above Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX See the Women's Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX. Scarpa. RIBELLE TECH 2.0 HD . At $400 it's a good bit pricer than the La Sportiva, and falls between the two designs in terms of weight. For example, during an austral summer in Patagonia, one of our testers attempted Cerro Torre in single boots but found that werent adequate for the icy flanks of that impressive tower. Best Mountaineering Boots of 2023 | Switchback Travel But the Makalu is built to withstand years of abuse on scree slopes and in alpine environments. Category: 4-season technical alpineBody design: Single synthetic w/ insulated gaiterWeight per pair: 3 lbs. And a final note: The Ribelle HD has a fairly roomy toe box, which is great news for those with wide or finicky feet. Scarpa. Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX vs - Rokslide However, I can't find a Scarpa country-specific site that has both the Ribelle lite and the Zodiac tech on it, and they look very similar . Because these liners cant be removed, they feature thin constructions that wick moisture, whether your boot is on or off your foot. Strap-On Crampons And I definitely appreciated the tough, burly build when clambering down steep shale and sliding into boulders. Of all the technical double boots on this list, the Scarpa Phantom 6000 offers the best performance, construction, and feel. SCARPA Boreas Gtx - Black. Single boots, on the other hand, feature a built-in liner, which often is made up of a waterproof membrane and a layer of insulation (as we learned in the warmth section above, some single boots do not have insulation). In some ways, mountaineering boots need to do their best impersonation of a quiver of one type of footwear. If covering miles and vertical versatility are what you are looking for, the Charmoz HD is a nice synthetic boot with a great track record. Leading models in this category include the Scarpa Phantom 6000and La Sportiva G5 Evo.Lightweight Mountaineering Its more steep walking and basic ice/rock moves, so shaving ounces is not as important as warmth. Different companies use different lasts for their mountaineering boots. No piece of gear is more critical to summiting high peaks than footwear. Scarpa Ribelle Tech 2.0 HD - experience : r/alpinism - Reddit At only 4 pounds 6 ounces for the pair (size 42), the Phantom 6000 is the lightest in its class, and notably 2 ounces lighter per boot than the premium Sportiva G2 Evo below. $388.95. Scarpa. First Look Review: Scarpa Zodiac Tech GTX - Black Sheep Adventure Sports For reference, Scarpas own Zodiac Plus GTX checks in at 2 pounds 6.4 ounces, although it lacks the Techs shank, approach shoe-like rand, and technical focus (its built for demanding backpacking objectives). On top of it all, a durable, wraparound zipper and Velcro strap seal off your feet from the frozen elements of the worlds biggest mountains. Scarpa - Boots, Shoes, & Climbing Footwear - Backcountry $388.95. $398.95. Tightening your boots down doesnt just involve basic laces anymore. She wanted to link up a series of North Cascades high routes on foot Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma,Washington. For $20 less than the Zodiac Tech, the Aequilibrium boasts a very competitive feature set, including a respectable 2-pound-12.4-ounce weight (less than an ounce heavier than the Zodiac Tech), heel welt for pairing with semi-automatic crampons, proven Gore-Tex waterproofing, and a grippy Vibram rubber sole. What we don't: Noticeably stiffer and less padded than most standard hiking boots. Lightweight and streamlined, the Trango Tech stands out as the most affordable mountaineering boot on this list. Model: Ribelle Tech OD. The last type of crampon is a full strap-on crampon (plastic loops in front and back with webbing to tighten). Our picks for the best mountaineering boots of 2023 below are broken down into three categories: extreme cold/high-altitude boots for the worlds tallest mountains, 4-season technical alpine boots for keeping your feet warm while moving fast and light, and lightweight mountaineering boots for less technical and lower-elevation routes. Sitting at the convergence of a trail runner and mountaineering boot, the Ribelle gets the edge for covering long mileage on smooth trail with a nimbler, rockered sole and similar sock-like construction inside to limit pressure points and ensure a snug all-around fit. . Ricerca prodotti: ribelle - Scarpa 4-Season Technical Alpine 16 models Scarpa Crux Approach Shoes - Men's . In particular, the Trango Tech has a narrower profile that feels slightly more technical, while those with wider feet will appreciate the Zodiac Techs roomier build. In 2023, however, you will see very few plastic boots, and the leather and synthetic alternatives are far superior. The old adage that ounces makes pounds and pounds are heavy is especially true in regard to your feet. And in terms of durability, after just 10 days in the Alaska Range our Techs are almost ready to retire, with sizable abrasions in the upper where moisture can now seep in. Theres an old adage in the outdoor gear world: between light, durable, and cheap, you can pick two of the three. Over the last decade or so, mountaineering boots have seen a tremendous jump in precision and technical design while also cutting some weight. But for spring-to-fall weekend missions into the Cascades, Bugaboos, Rockies, or Sierra, it is an excellent choice. Its also highly recommended that you add a Forty Below Purple Haze neoprene overboot if climbing a cold mountain like Denali. Backcountry. Keep in mind that with the Alpine Experts jack-of-all-trades design, it verges on being master of none. The Aequilibrium comes in three versions: the synthetic ST here, the leather LT, and the premium Top, which includes an integrated gaiter and Boa lacing system. Both boots are ideal one-quiver options for low-altitude mountaineering and technical winter climbing: they walk well, climb ice confidently, and are warm enough to trust for all-season endeavors. From the ground up, Scarpa designed a serious boot here, and a recent upgrade means its now warmer, lighter, and cheaper, too. And in the end, if you plan on doing a wide range of climbing from winter or high-altitude ascents to technical summer scrambling, youll ultimately want to invest in at least two pairs of boots. The features and construction are nearly identical between the two boots, including a Gore-Tex liner, leather upper, EVA and PU midsole, semi-automatic crampon compatibility, and Vibram outsole (the womens utilizes their Mulaz S compound). That said, its important to know your end use before opting for a boot with such a technical skill set. The good news is that for those who prize durability above all else, theres always trusted workhorses like the leather Nepal Evo or plastic Scarpa Inverno.Back to OurMountaineering Boot Picks Back to OurBoot Comparison Table. OUTSOLE DESIGN Propulsion area braking area Maximum grip area . 11.6 oz.) We were at first skeptical of the Ribelle HD, but all signs point to it being a comfortable and relatively uncompromised boot for 3-season mountaineering and backpacking alike.