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Backpacker Magazine – April 2009
Gear Guide 2009: Scarpa Kailash GTX Boot Review
This Gore-Tex hiking boot has only improved since we named it Editors' Choice last year.
Scarpa Kailash GTX (Julia Vandenoever)
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Tags:
- Gear |
- Hiking boots |
Gear Guide 2009: More Heavy-Duty Boots
Search through our extensive library for more reviews.
Search through our extensive library for more reviews.
Editors' Choice Update
This midweight emerged as our favorite boot last year (Editors' Choice Award, 4/08), and several subsequent months of testing only reinforced our high opinion of it. It's technically a spring-through-fall boot, but one Boulder editor even wore his while snowshoeing in the Rockies; the Gore-Tex membrane kept his feet warm and dry. Comfort is out-of-the-box excellent, thanks in part to suede uppers that soften and conform to feet on the first trip. With moderate stiffness, good armor, and cushion underfoot to protect against rocks and prevent foot fatigue–and enough rigidity for off-trail forays–even long days with 40-pound loads were a breeze. A sign of the times: The price has jumped 16 bucks in 2009. But it's still a good deal, as the excellent construction should last years. Best for medium-volume feet. $185; 2 lbs. 12 oz. Scarpa.net
FULL PRODUCT SPECS: Kailash GTX
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READERS COMMENTS
Owned them for 11 months and on my second multi day backpacking trip they couldnt keep up. Maybe too wet and rugged here in coastal BC? Both boots were falling apart - returned them and got a full refund. Good for light duty dayhikes but nothing more. My first and last experiment with light weight backpacking boots.
had em over a year, not regretted a step. feet stay dry 'cept when the water is deeper than it looks. good support, good fit, really good boot.
After all the positive reviews and receiving the editor's award, I really wanted a pair of these boots. Unfortunately, the boots are very narrow and did not come close to fitting the width of my 11.5 D size foot. I even tried the "wide" version of the boot, but it was also too narrow. I typically wear an 11.5 D shoe. I estimate the standard width boot is a B/C width and the wide version of the boot is a C/D width. Too bad, it is an awesome boot.
I just traded in my Kayland Zephyrs for the Scarpas. I got em for $163 at Endless.com with free 1 day shipping.
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