Backpacker Magazine – Fall Gear Guide 2009

Gear Review: Garmont Excursion Backcountry Touring Boot

This boot has the best of both worlds: The comfort of a Nordic boot, with the warmth of telemark boot.

by: Dana Allen, Berne Broudy, Jonathan Dorn, Alex Graham, Kristin Hostetter

Tags:
• Gear
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• Fitness
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• Technique
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• Adventures
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Get the best of both worlds: the comfort and lighter weight of a Nordic boot with the warmth, support, and control of a telemark boot. The plastic shell has bellows at the forefoot and ankle for flexibility when touring, yet the two buckles give good security and stability for making turns.

The insulated liner can be pulled out and dried–a huge benefit for multiday trips. One tester said, "I never had pressure points after a week of touring. On mellow descents, I stayed in control, even when skiing with a 45-pound pack." With a three-pin duckbill Vibram sole, these boots mate well with lightweight, waxless, metal-edge skis (like the Karhu Guides). Best for medium to wide feet. $420; 6 lbs. 2 oz. (size 27.5); unisex 25-30.5; garmont.com

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