Backpacker Magazine – August 2008

Field Notes: North Face Propel Sleeping Bag, Asolo Power Matic Boot, Lanterns, and Vargo Titanium Sierra Pot

The latest word from our testers

by: Kelly Bastone, Berne Broudy, Kristin Hostetter, Dennis Lewon, Steven Roy, Charlie Wood

Tags:
• Boots
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• Gear
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• Sleeping bags
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• Gear essentials
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Boots
Asolo Power Matic 500 gv Go ahead and shoulder the heaviest pack on the roughest terrain: These boots can handle it. The Power Matic is one of the burliest hikers we've tested, with soles that are so protective and stiff you could walk on a bed of roofing nails and not feel a thing. Underfoot, Asolo uses three layers of polyurethane: a full-length bed for protection, an underheel cup to absorb shock, and a two-thirds-length shank to support the arch. After a big-load trek on Vermont's Long Trail, our tester said, "These full-grain leather hikers provided more ankle support and sole stiffness than I've ever experienced in a hiking-specific boot." Soft leather between the upper and lower tongue panels and at the ankle laces enhances forward flex, and the high ankle cuff is made from a supple leather that never chafes. Pulley-style laces cinch tightly, a Gore-Tex liner kept out all moisture, and the Vibram sole gripped well in wet and dry terrain. High rubber toe and heel rands protect the leather from off-trail bashing. These bomber boots take time to break in–give them at least a week of dayhikes–but after that you'll be set for years. Best for hikers who weigh more than 200 pounds and who have medium-volume to medium-width feet. $280; 4 lbs. (pair of men's 8.5); men's sizes 7-12, 13, 14. (877) 888-8533; asolo.com. Reader service #108

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