Pac8541 Report post Posted February 20, 2014 I know this has been discussed numerous times and believe me, I've searched and read quite a bit from previous threads, including the one pinned at the top of this forum. I have yet to find real answers regarding what exactly to look for in early season boots in hot climates. The areas I expect to hunt in will be probably in the 5000' el neighborhood. I'm confused as to how stiff/supportive a boot needs to be balanced against weight and comfort (non oven like). If I'm planning a 5-7 day backpack style hunt should I be looking at heavy duty, stiff-soled backpacking boots? Or would a lighter weight but robust hiker be more appropriate? Where is the balance between the 2 and if I err, should it be to the more supportive side or the lighter weight. How much is too much?I get a good deal on Scarpa products so I've been looking at their line up more closely. There are several "backpacking" boots that range from 1lb 9ozs to 1lb 14ozs. They look pretty stiff and while I'm tempted to pull the trigger on them, I'm concerned about their ability to be quiet or soft on the ground when I need them to be. The Himavan model looks good and is slightly lighter weight (1lb 6ozs) but will something like that not work well with a heavy load?I've posted this on other websites and not getting a lot of info but I swear, I've searched and read and googled the shoot outta this. Need help folks, looking forward to you responses. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elpepe25 Report post Posted February 20, 2014 I love the Scarpa Terra GTX for anything from 2500-11000 ft., Early season elk to late season desert mule deer. Plenty robust in rocky condiontions, yet still light weight and quiet. I've worn them with rediculous loads on my back in uneven terrain with zero issues. They're even comfy right out of the box with litte/break in time. I also have ewxperience with the "fuego" "kinesis" and "wrangell" boots from scarpa, and they too are awesome. Quite a bit heavier, stiffer, and warm for most hunts in the south west. They are great boots though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pac8541 Report post Posted February 21, 2014 Elpepe, I appreciate your insight. The Kinesis and Zanskar are 2 of the boots I'm considering specifically because of the ankle support and stiff soles. On the other hand, I need them to be comfortable enough for easy walking/hiking without 80lbs on my back also. What's your experience with break in period for boots like that? When you've used them, are they too cumbersome for the hunt out of camp for the day? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elpepe25 Report post Posted February 21, 2014 They are stiff, but break in is a relative term. They do not ever really lose their stiffness, but I like that for the support. With good socks I've never had a blister or hot spot in 6 years of various scarpa boots right out of the box. I think day hunting out of them is fine, I usually do. I hike around the hills for a living and I consider them the "Air Jordans" of hiking boots. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pac8541 Report post Posted February 26, 2014 Got the Kinesis boots in today and I've been wearing them around the house all afternoon. Extremely comfortable and surprisingly easy to walk in. I was afraid of the soles being so stiff they wouldn't even bend/flex. They're about the same weight as my everyday work boots but I'm not humping a pack for miles everyday either so, we'll see. I can already tell they're gonna be warm which might be the deciding factor later in the year over anything else. They sure feel great though! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pwrguy Report post Posted February 26, 2014 Thanks for the feedback, I have been looking at warm season boots for about a year and just can't decide. This may help me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
