Hello and Alaska footwear question

In my opinion, you don’t need boots for the Alaska backcountry. Boots will be a detriment.

I always use trail runners (Montrail Vitesse and Hardrock are what I’ve used). One pair lasts 2 months continuous hikng for me (1 month for my husband). I sometimes have weights as heavy as you listed at the beginning of a long leg. And it’s worked for me for the past few thousand miles…

Others (maybe Roman Dial will chime in here), have used light shoes in the Alaska wilds for even longer, and sometimes with more weight (see the Arctic 1000 trip).

-Erin
http://www.aktrekking.com

>I use shoes for day hikes but would still feel more comfortable using boots with the above pack weights off trail – any thoughts on this?.

My choice for on- or off-trail hiking with a 40-60 pound pack are Montrail Kalahari trail shoes (2 pounds 6.6 oz per pair in size 12) with SuperFeet Green insoles. I found that they have sufficient support for at least that weight range, and your stated max load will be lighter than that. They don't make the Kalahari now, and I've replaced them with Montrail Hardrocks (1 pounds 15.5 oz per pair in size 12). I've only carried up to 25 pound loads with the Hardrocks so I can't tell you they'd work as well for a 40-pound load, but that's what I would use now. I found the Montrail Vitesse (1 pounds 13.4 oz per pair in size 12) to be a bit sloppy with 40+ pound loads, but I think the Hardrocks are more sturdy. Another possibility (which I haven't tried) is the Montrail Ventana; I think that's the replacement for the Kalahari.

Montrail has, for me, a really good fit which is why I stick with their shoes. If you're really worried about switching from boots, I'd try to find the Kalahari cheap or get the Ventana. If you find the extensive commentary here on BPL about using running shoes convincing enough to give some a try, then try the Hardrocks.

Jason,

My advice would be to find an ankle height shoe/boot that feels good on your foot. Then next year (2008?) on your next trip to the Greatland step down even lower, to a low cut shoe. Do it incrementally, if you are nervous about "going all the way".

I wear only low cut shoes (except when alpine skiing) and carry upwards of 100 pound loads (moose meat) off trail with them. Honestly, I have more trouble wearing high boots like Koflach in rough terrain than low cut shoes because they do not bend the way ankles are supposed to bend to give us balance and support.

Our bodies came with an amazing near-universal joint down there for the foot and taller shoes just reduce its ability to function, in my opinion, of course.

However, not everybody may be ready to put that universal joint to its full use. So I encourage you to buy a pair of low cut shoes and try them, over the next six months, out off-trail with varying pack weights so you can decide for yourself through the best education – your own experience.

Roman Dial

Jason, it is difficult to recommend a specific boot for you because companies use different 'lasts' around which to shape the boots. For me, Montrails fit perfectly, Danners (a world class boot) do not. You should try them on under loading and angles. Try edging and smearing, if applicable. And Im sure you know to check crampon compatibility before making your decision; My Montrail Torre work fine with Stubai Universals
http://www.montrail.com/Product.aspx?prod=46&cat=150&top=1
http://www.stubai-bergsport.com/stubai_light_universal_produkte_art_593.html
How exciting to be going to Alaska; I really envy your opportunity.

Thanks for all your replies – very much appreciated.

I will start looking at trail runners – its time to make the leap of faith. I will be training for the next four months so will have lots of time to evaluate them with different loads and terrain – for 10 days trips my pack weight should be around 35Ib with 2Ib of food a day. We have a supplier of Montrail here in the UK, also Salomon, Merrell, Inov8, Scarpa etc so plenty to try on.

Erin – Your website and travels with Hig make excellent reading, a real inspiration.

Douglas – The Ventana is available here so I will take a look.

Roman – For an ankle height boot the Montrail Comp looks like it might be worth a look at 2Ib 4oz a pair.

Brett, thanks for sharing your enthusiasm on the forthcoming Alaska trip, this will be my third summer up there – it really is addictive, for me I feel more at home in AK than I do in England, the people and connection with nature etc suits me well. The flip side to this passion is the sacrifices made to get there – giving up the job, raising the considerable amount of money, renting out the house, and all the effort involved but for me it really is worth it.

Cheers

Jason