Hiking vs Backpacking.....

Choosing the right hiking boots is a matchmaking process. Your dream hiking boots need to sync with how and where you hike.

Day hiking boots: These range from mid- to high-cut models and are intended for day hikes or short backpacking trips with light loads. They often flex easily and require little break-in time, but they lack the support and durability of stout backpacking boots.

Lowa Vantage



Backpacking boots: These are designed to carry heavier loads on multiday trips deep into the backcountry. Most have a high cut that wraps above the ankles for excellent support. Durable and supportive, with stiffer midsoles than lighter footwear, they are suitable for on- or off-trail travel.

Lowa Ticam



Mountaineering boots: Mountaineer boots are completely different from hiking shoes and boots. These boots are heavy and thick with stiff mid-soles that allow a person to carry heavy loads and accept crampons. Crampons are traction devices that can be added to the shoes when a person requires extra support to travel through icy places. These also allow a person to perform ice climbing. Mountaineer boots are tough, supportive and durable. These shoes can accept rough terrains and can easily alternate from straight paths to rocky ones. The boots were originally made of leather, but can now made of plastic or synthetic materials. Mountaineer boots are also insulated to keep the mountaineer’s feet warm and prevent frostbite.

Lowa Mountain Expert

But are now* made of plastic or synthetic materials.

Awesome read, thanks. Would you suggest backpacking boots for an average hike?

B

brian.j said:

But are now* made of plastic or synthetic materials.

Awesome read, thanks. Would you suggest backpacking boots for an average hike?

B

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I find my backpacking boots do real well off trail and in bush, scree, rock. But on long smooth, packed, flat trails or logging roads they tend to make my feet tired. If you mostly dayhike on maintained trails that aren't rough, day hikers will be more comfortable. If you spend a lot of time on rough ground with roots, rocks, or if you hike off trail over logs, stumps, fallen limbs etc. the extra stiffness of the backpacking boots will start to pay off. Your feet will be less tired and your footing will be more secure. They'll also protect your ankles and the sides of your feet better from rocks, branches etc.

Edit: just realized that OST carries Hanwag boots so I'll mention I currently hike in Alaska GTX boots. They are like the hunter GTX but shorter by one lace hook.

I bought a pair of high end asolo heavy hiking boots, paid damn near 500.00 for them. I used them on caving trips and were great support for heavy loads and transitioning from trails to rocky (ankle twisting crap) to scree slopes, they were all leather and very well made.....but the lace eyelets kept pulling out of the leather, had em fixed once...kept happening.
kinda pisses me off, cause when you drop half a k on a pair of boots, you EXPECT to get years of heavy use from them.....tired of companies selling junk for top dollar...as if 500+ bucks is just "pocket change" for the average joe...expecting you to just simply replace them...

If these boots will hold up to the use, and will last for years....im definitely in for a pair...and if they are as good as you say...ill buy for the family. We bought snowshoes for the family from you guys last year...and they were awesome products...

merry Christmas

But are now* made of plastic or synthetic materials.

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A lot are now, but most of Lowa, Hanwag, Aku are still leather.

*edit, just realized the spelling mistake hahaha

Would you suggest backpacking boots for an average hike?

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You can however you'll notice a difference in weight and stiffness. It will take it's toll though if you're doing it often.

brian.j said:

But are now* made of plastic or synthetic materials.

Awesome read, thanks. Would you suggest backpacking boots for an average hike?

B

Click to expand...

Normally the main difference is the stiffness of the sole, mountaineering boots are designed for toe-pointing with the use of crampons, which require a very stiff sole so your body weight is supported by only a small area of contact of the boot - the toe, backpacking boots will have a stiff sole as well, assuming you're also toe pointing, climbing up rooty areas, digging your toe in the snow etc, but will have much more flexibility than a mountaineering boot - hiking boots are essentially the softest - made for general walking with the most sole flexibility. - Imagine a pair of mountaineering boots with a non-flexible carbon fiber sole, ie: can't bend your foot much if at all (not good for hiking).

Imagine a pair of mountaineering boots with a non-flexible carbon fiber sole, ie: can't bend your foot much if at all (not good for hiking).

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Yup exactly, kinda like walking in ski boots but not as bad.

Theres a new trend of using light hikers or even trail shoes for backpacking. I agree, I started mountain treks in full leather boots but lately ive been getting into smaller and lighter footwear. My last trip up to Talus/Outlawpeak in Kananaskis, I only used some trail running shoes and had the same 45-50lb pack I always use. If you've ever done that trip you know it literally involves every single type of terrain. It was the best thing I ever did and I was the only one who didnt need to do any foot maintenance the entire trip and I felt much faster and more agile. My ankles didnt notice anything but my knees sure did in a good way.

http://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/ditch-boots


Now I imagine your reaction was the same as mine, it sounds ridiculous. But now you've heard it, just try it, and pay attention to those on the mountains and trails next time you're out. Its becoming more and more common to see trail shoes with people doing long mountain trips (in summer).

I've used shoes before when hiking/backpacking etc and much rather prefer my boots.

Protection to the bottom of my feet from pointed rocks and protection to my ankles when my foot can slide down beside a rock.

For those that use crampons as well, they again need the boots.

prefer boots also... shoes or light boots are fine on a trail, but in rocks or rooty deadfall or talus type terrain...you will be glad you wore heavy stiff soled hiking boots.
so I guess it depends where you like to go, if you want a nice easy valley hike down a trail...light boots are for you, but if you like to scramble up and conquer the summit, even on a trail..you will be glad you wore a stiff soled boot with heavy stiff sides. Also wear gators...nothing sucks more than scrambling scree and getting small sharp rocks down the top of your boots..especially when there is no where to sit down and dump out your boot with sure enough footing to dare do it standing up.

I find that too much ankle support is a lot more fatiguing when used outside of its intentions than too stiff a sole.

Too tall of a sole can be an issue on firmer uneven ground.

I wear a pair of Scarpa Triolet boots on a regular bases. I paid $485 for them, but have had them for several years already. I figure they will last a lifetime if I continue to take good care of them. If not, I will probably be too old and decrepit to need them anymore anyway. The initial cost was high, but time will tell, one of the smartest purchases that I've made. Another big plus, for reasons unknown, German Shepherds don't like the taste of them.

I find personally on rugged up and down terrain I do well with a thick soled boot. Seems to absorb a lot of the impact in places where me feet and shins get sore if my soles are thinner