In my search for a Stratos successor, I wore these on the Northern Arans backpack, a good route for a first test involving a mixture of rocky terrain, steep descents, edging on steep rough tussocky slopes and a section of road walking at the end.
Although they felt slightly stiffer than the Stratos in the house, they flexed very well on the hill and on the road walk while the extra transverse stiffness made them excellent for edging rough tussocky slopes. The lowish height of the mid cuff was just right to prevent the excessive foot-roll that plagues low cut shoes in these scenarios, and the snug lacing system felt very secure while maintaining plenty of room at the toes.
I get a satisfying glow from these in that there is no redundancy here: they have a sleek economy of line, no unnecessary thick padding to add weight and a general simplicity about them. They performed very well indeed on this first backpack and I think I’ve found the Stratos replacement.
I’ve updated the Footwear subsection on the main site with some more detailed notes.
5 Comments
Hi Geoff - very interesting reading your views on these Berghaus boots, I’ve never been any great lover of Berghaus for footwear for several years, I think my view was tainted when I had three pairs of the same boot (replaced twice by the manufacturer) and the sole kept coming off in a matter of weeks! I’ve always used Scarpa Salomon boots ever since. My latest pair are the Salomon Revo’s using the seamless technology, I will put a little bit of a right up on my blog about them, it will give me an excuse for another post!
Gary …
Interesting suggestion. I spotted them for £50 at M&M Direct (catalog site, not outdoor one) http://www.mandmdirect.com/ProductDetail.asp?LID=FR1&ProductCatalogue=BE304. At that price you can carry a spare in case the sole comes off
–Adam
Gary,
I’ve never tried Berghaus at all for any gear, so it should be interesting to see how these turn out. I have found Salomon stuff very variable over the years: they are not afraid to innovate and try radical new ideas, some work out very well and some not. I look forward to your report.
Adam,
Great price. For most old-model cheap gear, usually by the time I’ve given them a good trial the stock has disappeared. Hmmm, I’m tempted by that M&M offer now!.
1 really want a low weight , cheap yet spriing / summer sleeping bag - and light weight rucksack for 2/3 trips - any suggestions ?
Without doubt the stand out pair of shoes I have from a lightweight perspective. They are very comfortable and it has to be a really seriously gnarly day in the hill before I dig my Meindl’s out now.