This summer I have been in the market for new hiking boots. My tried and true Salomon X Ultra 2 Mid GTX boots had taken me on many special hiking and landscape photography adventures, but the soles were worn smooth and it was time for something new. After much online research and trying on a variety of different boots in outdoor gear stores, I decided on a new pair of Scarpa boots. I hope you enjoy my gear review of the Scarpa Kailash GTX hiking boots.
These suede leather upper boots include a breathable, waterproof, Gore-Tex membrane and Gore Performance comfort liner to keep out the elements; a protective toe rand; and a lightweight PU midsole for durable impact absorption. While a little on the heavy side, the boots felt flexible and nimble out of the box and seemed to offer a good combination of support, stability, traction, and protection.
Other reviews described the Scarpa Kailash as comfortable right out of the box without any break-in period and I have to agree. As soon as I got them I wore them on a challenging 6 mile round trip hike with 3,000′ elevation gain to the summit of Buffalo Mountain (12,770′) in Summit County, Colorado (see trip report here). The trail was steep and rugged with a lengthy section of talus and boulders and the boots performed very well.
I was pleased with the boots’ solid ankle support and easily adjustable laces which kept my heal solidly in place. The aggressive Vibram outsole felt solid and sure-footed even on the sketchiest routes with a 25-30 lbs pack full of my photography gear. The suede leather upper seemed to hold up well to the rigors of the rocky and rugged trail. I finished the hike without any hot spots or blisters and overall was quite impressed with the comfort and performance of these boots. The Scarpa Kailash GTX should be on everyone’s list from day hikers to those completing longer, multi-day backpacking trips. I look forward to more backcountry landscape photography journeys in these boots.
