BOOTS GEAR CHALLENGE
Montrail Torre vs. Asolo Flame GTX
Avid hiker Jason Collier never thought he would let go of his Montrail Torres. For the past five years the classic rugged boot has been his favorite porter on trails across the country. But we here at BRO think a little change is good. So we decided to give Collier a taste of something new and make him test the brand new Asolo Flame GTX. Like any lasting relationship, it wasn’t easy to let go.
Hard to Say Goodbye
“My Torres and I, well, we’ve had some wonderful times. The classic, supple leather construction was oh-so supportive through pristine, waterfall-laden hikes in the Southern Appalachians. I will never forget how they helped me keep my balance on slippery, mossy stream crossings. From the RipRap Trail in Shenandoah to pounding my way up The Priest, my Torres have always treated me right. I don’t know how I can ever stray.”
CHANGE OF HEART
“’Dizzamn, these are light!’ were the first words out of my mouth when I cracked open the box of brand new Asolo Flame GTXs. Not only did they feel surprisingly light on my feet, but they were also extremely comfortable and stable. My initial reaction was confirmed when I tested the Asolos on varying degrees of terrain: from muddy, rooty descents into streambeds to blistering uphill climbs over loose rock and debris. The soles were just as rugged as the reliable Torre, but with the mix of leather and synthetic materials, these boots were much more aerobically inclined. I could definitely feel a new spring in my step. I was also amazed at the lack of a break-in period, as the Flames were immediately more comfy than any other hiking footwear I’ve ever worn.”
THE BREAK-UP
“Sorry Torres. It’s going to be very sad to let you go, and I’ll cherish the memories we’ve shared. I’ll keep you in my closet for a rainy day, like an old love letter. And I’ll reminisce about you from time to time, and maybe even take you for quick jaunts on the A.T. for old times’ sake. But for now this hiker is moving on.”
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Boots
MILLET BOUTHAN GTX
For the classic, all-leather boot lover, the Bouthan is the Cadillac of heavy-duty hikers. Made for longer jaunts that require a lot of pack weight, our tester loved the ample toe space and the comfort of the soft leather collar on an extended trek in Joyce Kilmer. The waterproof breathable lining was up to task, but moisture was also kept at bay by the lower rubber coating. $299.
VASQUE BREEZE
When your objective is to pack a lot of miles in a single day, the Breeze is an aerobic boot that is designed to keep feet feeling fresh, equipped with ultra-airy breathable mesh uppers. It’s definitely made to go the distance, but because of its soft tendencies up top, it’s best with lighter loads—perfect for the ultra-hiker. $145.
LOWA AL-T REX XCR LO
For that after-work scramble up Humpback Rocks, Lowa’s AL-T Rex XCR Lo is a lightweight, breathable low-cut trail shoe for aerobic hikes. It was a great choice on a recent ramble filled with creek crossings, as the Gore-Tex® laminate lining kept moisture in line like promised. $150.
THE NORTH FACE DHAULAGIRI GTX
Named after the world’s seventh highest peak, the Dhaulagiri is the boot for technical packing over rocky terrain. It features The North Face’s new X-frame technology, which our tester happily reported provided increased ankle support, while the Vibram sole was sticky enough for supreme traction on rock scrambles. $160.
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THE WIND AT YOUR BACKPACKS
Helping sweaty backs dry seems to be the new trend in ‘08.
KELTY LOCUS
While the Locus looks like a classic no-frills top-loader, Kelty’s four-way ventilated Aero Fly™ suspension proved to provide a breath of fresh air on a Ramsey’s Draft overnight.
Volume: 2500 cu. in.
Weight: 3 lbs. 5 oz.
Price: $150
OSPREY ARGON 70
Osprey’s popular Crescent line gets a facelift for 2008. Improvements to this big load hauler that’s right for thru-hiking or other extended excursions include lighter pack weight and a central air chimney in the back panel that improves circulation when the long miles have you sweating. Another new perk is the hydration system in the removable hood, so your favorite fluid can come with you on quick side trips. Go with the Argon 85 or 100 for even bigger loads.
Volume: 4300 cu. in.
Weight: 5 lbs. 9 oz.
Price: $339
LOWE ALPINE AIRZONE CENTRO 45 + 10
Heavy-sweating hikers will find supreme favor with the AirZone Centro. The Lowe Alpine pack has a newly designed ventilation system of mesh that ultimately minimizes direct contact with your back so air can flow through freely. It also comes equipped with a convenient gender-specific adjustable back system for extra comfort and detachable extra storage for more volume when you’re trying to manage your backcountry load.
Volume: 2700 + 600 cu. in.
Weight: 3 lbs. 14oz.
Price: $180
GREGORY Z55
The Z55 is ultra-durable yet weighs in at just over three pounds. But the big news is Gregory’s ventilated Jet Stream™ Suspension system that allows air to flow across your back, so you stay fresh on long weekenders. More relief also comes from the comfortable weight distribution and moisture wicking harness and waistbelt system, as well as the weight reducing molded fit.
Volume: 3350 cu. in.
Price: $189
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TENTS – THE BIGGEST LOSERS
Meet four new tents that are maximizing space while still managing to shed the weight.
BIG AGNES COPPER SPUR ULTRALIGHT
Made to redefine the space to weight ratio in ultra-light tents, the new Copper Spur introduces the lightest nylon Big Agnes has ever used. Tipping the scales at just 3 lbs. 13 oz., the two-person model has almost 30 square feet of floor space plus another 22 square feet of vestibule room for the dirty stuff that needs to stay out. Other perks include an amazingly simple two-pole set up. $399.95.
GOLITE UTOPIA 2
For those more concerned with lightweight convenience than cushy backcountry comfort, the Utopia is a tent/tarp hybrid (essentially a floorless tent) that is perfect for high-paced, ultra-light packing. Our testers were pleased that it popped up without hassle and effectively blocked the wind on a gusty fall overnight. Oh yeah, the weight? 1 lb. 9 oz.! $275.
SIERRA DESIGNS ULTRALIGHT VELOX 3
Sierra Designs sheds the pounds, while still providing spacious, comfort—a result of a new savvy design and ever-so-convenient stake-out loops. The three-person model has two nine-square-foot vestibules for even more room at a total weight of just five pounds. $349.
Manute Bol could sit up straight and play cards in this new tent from MSR. The radical new pole geometry makes the walls almost vertical and provides for two vestibules—one that extends into a huge hooped roof. A tester favorite was the mesh skylight-style roof, which enabled some killer stargazing. The additional bells and whistles still only amounted to 6 lbs. 12 oz. $400.
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LAFUMA WARM’N LIGHT 800
If down bags are your deal, Lafuma’s lofty 800-fill is uber-comfortable. This bag passed an early winter test, as the insulated draft collar kept out unwanted chilly air and the mummy design kept feet warm and snug at the bag base. Another key feature: the stuff sack compressed this one down smaller than a football. $150.
REI WOMEN’S NOOK SACK
If you’re not one to sleep in extreme conditions, the Nook is an ultralight bag that will save you a Benjamin or more. The 30-degree women’s bag is just right for average nights in the Blue Ridge backcountry. Best of all, the synthetic sack has a superior warmth-to-weight ratio—tipping the scales at just over a pound. $179.
GOLITE ADRENALINE 20
Could the Adrenaline be man’s new best friend? The bag’s centrally located half-zipper was made for middle-of-the-night rollover relief during winter camping—a plus for the brahs that love their post-hike brews. It’s ingenuity on top of a durable nylon shell and 20-degree warmth in a sack that weighs in at an uncanny one pound. $325.
BIG AGNES SKINNY FISH
Big Agnes updates its classic bags with a model that uses 99 percent recycled synthetic materials. The roomy, rectangular design and 20-degree rating made it a perfect choice for sleeping with a clear conscience under the Southern Appalachian stars. $180.
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PADS
BIG AGNES DIVERSION SLEEPING PAD
Props to Big Agnes for introducing a handful of new green lines this year. The Diversion is made from 100 percent recycled polyester and synthetic insulation, while still providing the ultra-comfortable I-Beam core construction and compact storage. Bonus: the aluminum valve is also recycled. $90.
THERM-A-REST TOUGHSKIN PAD
The ToughSkin was made for hearty backcountry sleepers who don’t have the patience to look for smooth surfaces. An offspring of Therm-a-Rest’s revolutionary self-inflating mattress, it’s beefed up with an abrasion-resistant exterior. While not as light as some other pads out there, it’s rugged peace of mind against rocks or thorns that could leave you face to face with cold hard mountain ground. $100.
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APPAREL
SMARTWOOL ADRENALINE LIGHT CREW
A perennial favorite, SmartWool socks are the gift that keeps on giving. They last forever. They freakishly never smell, even after 15-mile days. And they keep feet cool, even on the steamiest Southern summit ascents. $17.
ROYAL ROBBINS BIVY SHORTS
For those all-day slogs, the Bivy is made of a durable nylon that won’t rip or tear. It also passed our moisture test, as we made an excessive sweater hit the trail for a long afternoon in the heat. $40.
SMARTWOOL LIGHTWEIGHT NTS WOMEN’S TEE
Wearing wool on a warm weather hike sounds counterintuitive, but SmartWool’s merino actually keeps you cool on extended journeys. Our editor prefers it to other synthetic moisture-wicking shirts, because it’s softer on the skin. A big perk is the odor resistance, which held up even after a 40-mile, one-day slog on the entire Maryland portion of the Appalachian Trail. $55.
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR TYPHOON JACKET
For unexpected downpours, the Typhoon is the best kind of backcountry hardshell. It’s waterproof but also light and breathable—weighing in at just over a pound and packing down to the size of soda can. $199.
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ACCESSORIES
KLEAN KANTEEN
Looking for the safest water bottle on the planet? Nothing beats old-fashioned stainless steel. Klean Kanteen’s line of stainless steel water bottles are durable, lightweight, and 100 percent recyclable. Best of all, they are completely non-leaching and toxin-free. Even more eco than SIGG, Klean Kanteen is the greenest and cleanest choice for water. $17.
PETZL TIKKA XP HEADLAMP
Powerful white light that can be adjusted with 120 hours of burn time—if only all outdoor gadgets were this simple and reliable. Petzl also makes the most comfortable headlamps on the market. $50.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN MOUNTAINS EXPLORER 3D
The newest software from NG combines the functionality and ease-of-use of their TOPO! Trail software with the accuracy, added information, and beauty of Trails Illustrated maps. It combines 14 Trails Illustrated maps and enables you to plan and print spectacular maps, visualize your hikes with one-click trail profiles, and get birds-eye-views of your trail in 3D. You can also generate GPS waypoints using this software. Get the lay of the land before you step foot on the trail. $50.
GSI COOKSET SM
A welcome relief for backcountry grubbing—GSI’s Cookset SM set kept up its end of the no-stick bargain. The aluminum pots pack together for easy lightweight (1 lb. 11.5 oz.) mobility, while the three layers of non-stick coating terminated the often annoying camping clean-up process. $64.95.
SEA TO SUMMIT POCKET SOAP
Just add water and each strip of pure soap turns into a handful of frothy shampoo, body wash, or dish soap. $4.99.
PRIMUS ETAEXPRESS STOVE
Fuel efficiency now extends to your camping stove—as the EtaExpress has an amazingly fast boiling time with less fuel use than your average camping stove. A specifically positioned coil focuses heat where it needs to be to increase efficiency by almost double that of other stoves. $90.
MOUNTAINSMITH LUMBAR DAY RECYCLED
Mountainsmith’s classic lumbar day packs are perfect for short hikes when you don’t need to carry a full load. The waistbelt system proved to be comfortable on a fast afternoon jaunt, while one of the best attributes was the quick access to two mid-size water bottles without hassle. Best of all: these stalwart hip-packs are now made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. $80.
SEA TO SUMMIT IPOOD!
This pocket trowel could finally get all backpackers to clean up after themselves. The 3.5-ounce mini-shovel collapses into itself, taking up no space in your pack, and is so easy to use, there’s no reason not to dig a cat hole. $16.95.