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Merrell Outbound Mid Hiking Boot : For When the Going Gets Tough
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There's an old fire lookout at the end of a long ridge that's been calling me for several years.
The trail is notoriously a conga line of hikers in the snow-free months, so when a weather window presented itself I wanted to make a go of it before the crowd-deterring snow melted. Plus, testing Merrell's Outbound Mid hiking boots was an excellent excuse to take a day off and check a destination off my list.
From the get go the knobby tread on my new Merrill boots got great traction on the crumbly snow. There were a couple places in the shade and on steep sections where I had to step very deliberately to get a good bite, but it wasn't a problem. The stiff, lugged Vibram sole was a great help getting an edge in. Less aggressive footwear would have left me wanting traction devices.
As the day warmed the snow got softer and wetter. The route was in a low avalanche risk area, so the biggest threat of the changing conditions was wet feet because wet feet get cold. No worries. The Gore-Tex liner in this boot did a great job of keeping my feet dry and warm even after several hours tromping through increasingly slushy snow.
I know I've found a great boot when I don't have to think about it while I'm hiking. And now, what I remember most about the hike is the hike.
Finally, for such a hearty boot, I was impressed by it's light weight. The Outbound Mid Hiking Boot definitely fall into my category of snow capable footwear. Merrell keeps the weight down by using modern materials and thoughtful design so performance isn't compromised. All the features of this boot combine to make for a boot that keeps fatigue down and fun up.
Available in Bungee (gray) or Red
Bottom Line : In adverse conditions the right boot means comfort and safety. My Merrell Outbound Mid Hiking Boots did right by me. --A.S. (Apr 10)
BUY ONLINE : $185,
click to shop at REI
, click to shop at Campmor
Manufacturer's Site: www.merrell.com
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When hiking or camping, always carry the "10 Essentials": Extra clothing, extra food and water, lighter or water-proof matches and fire starter, map in waterproof envelope, compass, pocket knife, sunscreen and sunglasses, flashlight or headlamp, first aid kit, emergency shelter. Source: Seattle Mountain Rescue and Seattle Mountaineers. |
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