San Gabriel Mountains Discussion Forum

hvydrt · Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 211 Location: IE

Anyone have any recommendations for winter mountaineering boots for use in the local mountains and fall/spring in the sierras? There is such a wide variety and prices. I think plastic is overkill for the local mountains, and 400+ $$$ on a synthetic boot seems crazy.

TacoDelRio · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject:

I use Scarpa Charmoz's, but I believe they're out of production.

I'm sure a few folks on here will echo how the La Sportiva Trango's are kinda the best for local stuff, and for most mountaineering in general.

If I had to get a new pair (soon... a year or two left), I'd get something with a front bail slot thingy. Mine only has a slot in the back for semi-auto crampons. I have my crampons set up to be rigid enough for mixed climbing without requiring a fully-rigid boot, but still... shouldn't be an issue if you don't intend to do much ice, harder alpine routes, and mixed climbing, I guess.

Zach · Joined: 04 Jan 2009 Posts: 237 Location: Ridgecicle

EnFuego · Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 10:05 pm Post subject:

I like La Sportiva. Sizes run true to size. You would need to go to a specialty shop, like REI or A16 and get your foot measured properly. I'm a 10.5, but in European size, this is 43.5 or 44. I bought the 44 and they were perfect.

I have the La Sportiva Karakoram. Not made anymore. I love them. But they are overkill for local mountains.

Here are a couple boots I like for local and Sierra conditions:

La Sportiva Glacier EVO
La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX
Scarpa Charmoz GTX
Garmont Epic Karbo
Lowa Mountain Expert GTX

I believe all these boots here are under $300. I think the Garmont is under $200.

There's many boots, and they all feel different. Find yourself a mail order place that will allow you to return the boots if they don't fit right.
_________________
There is no place for me in this world, Chanchito, I don't belong out there and I don't belong here. So I'm going into the wilderness, probably to die. I hope to see you again Chancho, maybe in the next life.

hvydrt · Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 211 Location: IE

I ended up getting the Lowa Cristallo X Pro on clearance at REI. I don't think they have them anymore though. I tried on about 6 different pairs, and these were the best fit and seemed to be the most durable. So far no complaints. Fit true to size.

Sewellymon · Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 40 Location: Sierra Madre, CA

I've also been looking at the line of Garmont Boots...

the Vetta Light, the Vetta Plus.. etc. . the Vetta (below) is a tad lighter than the La Sportiva Evo S.. a bit less of a technical boot, but still a good all-arounder for peak-aineering.... prob is nobody sells them locally, have to be by mail and all the sizing problems that entails..

simonov · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:41 pm Post subject:

Anyone have anything to say about the La Sportiva Makalu?

I am looking for a year-round boot to replace my old Vasques. I like a boot with a shank for summer hikes in the mountains, and wanted to see what folks thought about the La Sportiva Makalu during winter as well.

The La Sportiva Makalu isn't insulated. I've never used an insulated boot (except the rentals I used on Mt Rainier), but my feet can get cold. Is it really worth looking at an insulated boot for year-round use?
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I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher

TacoDelRio · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:52 pm Post subject:

Should be great in SoCal. Winter might be a stretch further north, or here while climbing DURING a storm.

simonov · Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 11:11 am Post subject:

I handled some of these at REI last night. They don't seem to be all that robust compared to what I am used to.

I'm sure they are great on snow and ice, but how about the snow-free approach on rocks and gravelly soil we have here in the San Gabes?
_________________
I'm aware that, for many people, a map holds neither meaning nor mystery. I can only hope, compassionately, that the rest of their existence isn't equally poverty-stricken.
- Colin Fletcher

TacoDelRio · Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 12:22 pm Post subject:

The Makalu?

My buddy uses them all the time. If it isn't super-stiff, should be OK on approach.