Training for the upcoming backcountry ski season is a joy when you hike through high alpine fields full of wildflowers.
When I moved to Colorado in the 1980’s to be with Lou, the first thing he did was buy me a stout pair of hiking boots. Full leather and steel shank made them heavy but I comfortably hiked in them for 25 years. I had them resoled twice, but finally the shoemaker said they were done — melting the soles down to the leather while tending a campfire did them in.
I planned to replace the boots with a similar pair, such as La Sportiva Pamir, 24.8 oz.
La Sportiva Omega GTX was suggested as an alternative. Not as heavy but featuring the stiff sole I like. I was skeptical, knowing I’d be hiking steep terrain and didn’t want to risk a twisted ankle with a flimsy boot.
La Sportiva Omega GTX proved worthy. I’m thrilled to report that they are adequately stiff and at 18.32 oz, much lighter than my former boots. Gore-Tex lining makes them water resistant and breathable. I’ve been able to puddle jump through streams with much drier socks than before.
La Sportiva Omega GTX hiking boots. A plastic shank saves weight and still provides a rigid sole. That combined with an aggressive lug pattern makes this boot excellent for rock scrambling and steep terrain.
Along the trail, you may be lucky to find a patch of wild raspberries. They’re tiny but pack more flavor than a pound of the grocery store variety.
One feature I especially like are the friction lugs. They keep the laces tight without the need of exotic lace tying techniques.
I’ve hiked extensively on technical terrain in Colorado, Canada and the Pacific Northwest and the Omegas have not given me a single blister. After almost two years of punishing use, a threaded seam in an abrasion area on the side of the boot is getting rubbed away. I’ll dab some Seam Grip on the seam to prevent further wear.
MSRP $240 Available here. Highly recommended.
Recap of last week’s posts:
Jordan’s Gear Pile — SkiTheBig3, Alaska Details about gear choices for Alaska Range ski mountaineering, tips and information about skis, solar power, tents, clothing and more.
Lisa’s Review of DPS Wailer 112 vs Yvette DPS Wailer 112RP compared to Yvette, in our opinion essentially the same skis, and excellent.
Trab TR2 Backcountry Skiing Binding — Stage 2 Evaluation Mechanical evaluation of Ski Trab TR2 ski binding for touring and backcountry, appears to behave like an alpine binding, very solid.
Git Sum Stoke — Pow-ho Trailer 2014-15 Released Human powered skiing, with plenty of going down as well, all sorts of locations and adventure. Andrew McLean’s new avalanche airbag pack is revolutionary!
Backcountry Skiing Photography Tips – Michael Kennedy Photography tips for backcountry skiing in Colorado and elsewhere, Panasonic and Canon cameras used for touring and mountaineering.
Refugio Frey – The Return Sklyer Mavor, Jonathan Cooper and Louie Dawson ski wind scoured couloirs at Refugio Frey, a backcountry hut near Bariloche, Argentina.
WildSnow Girl, Lisa Dawson, is the luckiest girl in the world. Also known as Mrs. WildSnow.com, she tests whatever gear she wants. She gives the WildSnow family of websites the feminine voice.
