| Archive for San Gabriel Mountains Discussion Forum Open discussion board for activities in the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California |
| hvydrt |
Winter BootsAnyone 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. |
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| TacoDelRio |
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. |
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| Zach |
Re: Winter Boots
Need help finding a good boot with basically the same criteria as hvydrt, looking for a bit more warmth though as I'm planning on doing some winter ascents at the higher elevations, I have a 10.5 foot size, was wondering if ordering a size larger or smaller was better. |
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| EnFuego |
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. |
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| hvydrt |
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 |
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.. 
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| simonov |
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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| TacoDelRio |
Should be great in SoCal. Winter might be a stretch further north, or here while climbing DURING a storm. | ||
| simonov |
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? |
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| TacoDelRio |
The Makalu?
My buddy uses them all the time. If it isn't super-stiff, should be OK on approach. |
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| edenooch |
Merrell
Got another pair of chameleons....Saw a bunch of these at the merrell outlet in camarillo last friday....... Way cheaper than the website too |
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| He219 |
Got some new Scarpa Ivernos with Cordura Liners for -- $139.96 lol | ||
| TacoDelRio |
Holy crap! | ||
| edenooch |
any recommendations on snowshoes | ||
| EnFuego |
Get Canadian snowshoes hand made by Huron Indians. Make sure they use Northern Ash for the frames not that synthetic crap. 
Else, try MSR Lightning Ascent or the MSR Denali Evo Ascent |
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| edenooch |
I just ducktape some tennis rackets to my shoes!!!!
Do you have those MSR's? Are they heavy? |
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| EnFuego |
I dont have the MSR's, but a friend had them and I borrowed the EVO's a couple times and they were pretty awesome. For deep/soft snow, the EVO's have a 6" or 8" extension. As far as weight between the Lightning and EVo's, there is only a couple ounces in favor of the Lightning. You're buffed legs can handle'em. |
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| Socalhiker |
Now I know what to do with those old tennis rackets.
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| TacoDelRio |
COUGHlearntoskiorsplitboardCOUGH | ||
| EnFuego |
Real men post hole anyway. | ||
| TacoDelRio |
Smart men save up and buy splitboards, so they can have fun when there's no more "up" left on a mountain. 
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| norma r |
LOVE IT! snow, snow, can't wait for SNOW! 
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