Hiking or Mountaineering Boots for New Hampshire Mountains?

Hi Folks, I'm an avid winter hiker with aspirations to climb higher peaks and possible get into some ice climbing. I currently hike in Vasque SnowBurban boots wich are semi-rigid with a TPU shank and offer 400 grams of insulation.

I mainly hike mountains in the north east and currently working on my winter 48, 4000 footers of New Hampshire.

My question: I find myself often wishing i had a stiffer sole for proper crampon support during steep sections and scrambles on trails. I've been eyeballing boots like the Scarpa Mont Blanc, and the Phantom Guides but I'm afraid they may be overkill for what I'm doing.

In my experience I've seen just about every variation of boot while out hiking. I've seen people on franconia ridge in full plastic boots, double insulated boots like the Spantik, and a fair amount walking in Sportiva Nepal Evo's and Mont Blancs... Are these boots overkill for hiking on trails?

I see a lot of mention online of people saying "these boots are great for general mountaineering". But when does a winter hike become a mountaineering trip!?!? Generally most people attempt Mount Washington in NH with mountaineering boots. But the trail to the top seems no more difficult than others in NH that I've done in hikers.

I have eventual aspirations to climb taller mountains such as Rainier. I know I'll need a mountaineering boot for that. I'm just trying to decide if its worth investing in now or if I should wait.

I appreciate any advice and any first hand experience in the White Mountains of NH. I'm curious what boots people reach for when hiking below/above tree line.

Nepal Evos or something similar are a great mountaineering boot that I've enjoyed using on many hikes in the Whites. Swing through IME and talk with those guys. Try everything on and see how they fit. Fit is everything, but something about the weight of the Evo's is adequet.

Dave,

For me its Nepal Evo's - whether I'm ice climbing which is most of the winter or just going on a winter hike.

I think what it comes down to for most is what keeps your feet warm - and how do they fit. I have one climbing partner who wears Spantik's whether its to climb or hike (feet got cold with Nepal Evo's, tried Baruntse's) and another partner with Baruntse's (feet got cold with Nepal Evo's, got great deal on Baruntse's and loves them).

If you've aspirations to do bigger and higher - I'd get what you think you'll need as they're a big investment. Probably the most important one as a climber!

Mark

Thanks for the input guys. I've done quite a few 4000 footers in NH wearing my winter hiking boots with no problem in the warmth department. Even on Mt. Liberty -20F with high winds. I'm really buying for the solid support, kicking steps, better crampon attachment... etc...

Just seems like a gray area. When does hiking become Mountaineering? The definition of "Mountaineering" is "the sport of climbing mountains". The only time I hike is to climb mountains? So does that make me a mountaineer in need of mountaineering boots!? Or will I hate my life when I'm 10 miles into the Pemigawasset wilderness and my feet are killing me from wearing tanks?

Thanks for your input. I currently have two pairs of Scarpa Mont Blancs and Two Pairs of Phantom Guides in different sizes to try on and decide which direction to go.

Dave Dillon wrote:Or will I hate my life when I'm 10 miles into the Pemigawasset wilderness and my feet are killing me from wearing tanks?

It's all relative. I hiked until I was 23 in work boots. Then I finally got a pair of Merrell hiking boots, and I would never go back to before. Nowadays all my winter hiking is done in double plastics, because that's what I own and I know my feet will NEVER be cold or wet. I'm sure a mountaineering leather boot would be more comfortable, but I don't own one. And while I would take off on a 30 mile hike in double-plastics, I'm sure you'll find guys on here that will scream that's a sin and wouldn't be caught dead doing it.

AKA if you get a good fitting boot that fits your needs, you're not going to be held back by "wearing tanks", it's all relative. And modern boots aren't tanks anyway.

Are those Men's Salewa Rapace on your feet? That's a mountain boot. Just on the light end. So if somehow your feet have never been cold in them. Get a leather from one of these top MFG's and you won't have too much clunkity on your feet and you'll get full crampon compatibility. And also will already have a boot when you decide to begin ice climbing.

EDIT: I reread your post, but I'm also sure those are Salewa in your photo and not the Vasque Snowburban.

From Salewa site:
Salewa Rapace
The lightweight, agile upper, and high-tech materials make it the perfect boot for light mountaineering on technical routes. The perfect choice for mountain guides and rescue groups.

Those are crampon compatible, I know because I bought my girlfriend the woman's version and she ice climbed in them for one year. When you buy crampons, it's usually the 'clip' version that you have to look out for. But yeah upgrade you boot and you'll get more warmth and stiffer sole for sure. Rapace soles flex like crazy.

Tom Sherman wrote:Are those Men's Salewa Rapace on your feet? That's a mountain boot. Just on the light end. So if somehow your feet have never been cold in them. Get a leather from one of these top MFG's and you won't have too much clunkity on your feet and you'll get full crampon compatibility. And also will already have a boot when you decide to begin ice climbing.

They're actually Salewa Snow Trainers (light goretex duratherm insulated, Not crampon compatible). I ended up returning them after that hike on account of getting frost nip on my toes. Salewa happily offered my money back, and told me they do not make a warmer boot (including the pro gaiter) which i found odd. As you can see I've been in the quest for the perfect boot for some time!

Thanks for your help!

Yeah man, you need a mountaineering boot. Those semi-mountain boots might keep you warm if you're on a packed trail and you have naturally warm feet and are in the right temps. But you start post-holing, don't drink enough fluids one day, or the temps drop and you're screwed. Double plastics are clunkiest, but also cheap. Leather's I here are more forgiving on the long hauls/ feel more natural on your foot. Idk find something that fits and is in your price range, but I don't have the exp. for suggestions as to which.