SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
Full Name:
City:
Address 1:
State:
Zip Code:
Address 2:
Email: (required)

If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.


Offer valid in US only.
Canadian Subscriptions | International Subscriptions

CLOSE WINDOW

Also on Backpacker.com


Enter Zip Code
Editors Choice

EDITORS' CHOICE AWARDS 2011: THE BEST NEW GEAR




Flash Map

OVER 3,000 GPS-ENABLED TRIPS!



Daily Dirt

DAILY DIRT BLOG: THE LATEST OUTDOOR NEWS



Ask Kristin

GEAR PRO: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED



Ask Buck

MEDICINE MAN: ESSENTIAL SKILLS REVEALED



Backpacking 101

BACKPACKING 101: GET STARTED NOW!



Videos

VIDEOS: FEND OFF A BEAR, PACK RIGHT, AND MORE.



Photos

PHOTOS: FEAST YOUR EYES WITH THESE SHOTS



Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more. Get Started

Backpacker Magazine – April 2009

Gear Guide 2009: Patagonia Karakoram Boot Review

Use and abuse this tough, low-cut, and lightweight boot by Patagonia.

by: Michael Lanza

Patagonia Karakoram (Julia Vandenoever)
Patagonia Karakoram (Julia Vandenoever)

Gear Guide 2009: More Light-Duty Boots
Search through our extensive library for more reviews.

Tough and Versatile
Thrashing through thorny desert vegetation and abrasive rock on rough scrambles at Nevada's Red Rock Canyon can quickly trash shoes. But not these tough low-cuts: After three days of battling gnarly approach routes to the climbing crags, our tester reported, "My shoes still look new–except for being very, very dusty." Credit the tough, polyurethane-coated suede uppers and a rubber rand extending past the arch.

Quite supportive for its weight, the Karakoram held up when a tester lugged a 40-pound climbing pack, yet was very comfortable when he was striding on the trail. To-the-toes lacing and an outsole that's flush with the uppers give the shoe good sensitivity for edging and smearing. But choose it for cooler climates: The upper is only moderately breathable. Best for medium-volume, slightly wide feet. $110; 1 lb. 15 oz. Patagonia.com

gear finder



Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter
Reader Rating: -

READERS COMMENTS

MY left sole is cracked too :(.
Patagonia- uber piece of sh.t,
never never again !
Posted: Oct 04, 2010 Krum

Just step in a 1 centimeter deep puddle and my feet already wet,the moisture come from the sole !
Posted: Jan 06, 2010 Krum

Bought before a month Patagonia Karakoram Inca Gold from local store in Sofia,Bulgaria-120 euros.The store was not Patagonia dedicated-just a sport and hiking store with items from different brands.
I'm not pleased at all from Patagonia Karakoram- after walking a 50 meters in a thin snow- about 5 sm [2 inches] my feet are wet. The shoes got wet inside without digin them in the snow-just walking at path in the thin snow,the snow hasn't contact with upper leather-only sole and side rubber,I have no idea how the moisture come inside ,but it's a fact,big disappointment !
Ex me for my bad english.

Posted: Jan 06, 2010 Krum

I bought these shoe after reading the recommendatons. These shoes fit and feel great, but after exploring parks in London, the soles wore out and cracked. I have never had a shoe go so fast. They may need to do some work on them. Other than that I hate to through them in the bin.
Posted: Jun 15, 2009 John

ADD A COMMENT

Your Name:

Comment:

My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

The Political Arena
What is Wrong with Arizona?
Posted On: Feb 09, 2012
Submitted By: Montanalonewolf
Trailhead Register
When is Pickle Gulch next year?
Posted On: Feb 09, 2012
Submitted By: Reminiscence
Go
View all Gear
Find a retailer

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.

Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.

BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.

Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.

Follow BackpackerMag on Twitter Follow Backpacker on Facebook
Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip:
(required) Email:

If I like BACKPACKER, I'll pay just $12.00 and receive a
full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings
off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.

SUBMIT MY ORDER Offer valid in US only.
Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions

Pay Now