Arc'teryx Bora 2 Mid

Layering

The Bora 2 Mid consists of a hard, weather-resistant outer shell (or upper) and interchangeable midlayers (liners) that you adjust according to conditions, which means you don’t need to clog your closet with multiple pairs of boots.

Upper

A single piece of polyurethane-coated nylon bolstered by two layers of thick TPU film creates a durable, water-resistant outer shell. Laminated construction eliminates seams (which add weight and can be weak points), and the upper’s nylon threads are dipped in polyurethane, increasing abrasion resistance. After a 100-mile, on- and off-trail hike in the Sierras, the uppers were unscathed. Gripe: Most of us found the boot hot.

Cold-weather liner

An insert (with Gore-Tex liner) boasts EVA insulation and a higher cut. We stayed warm during an unexpected Sierra snowstorm when temps dropped below 30°F. Bonus: Both liners have reinforced soles so they can double as camp shoes.

Regular liner

Use this one for warmer climates. The lightweight, snug-fitting Gore-Tex bootie conforms to the foot like neoprene. We like the elastic cuff, which kept debris from entering the top of the boot and kept our feet dry during quick river crossings that just barely submerged the boot.

Outsole

The Vibram outsole has a flat toe edge for climbing and sidehilling. “I appreciated the sharp heel brake and robust toe bumper when intermittent lightning during a ridgeline hike at Utah’s Snowbird forced us to book it down the wet, rocky mountainside,” a tester says.

Fit

We found them best for low- to mid-volume feet.

Downsides

Testers reported snow getting stuck between the layers, and some found the liners slipped around within the shell.