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Mountaineering boots for Bozeman area

Original Post
Alex Palombitch · · Moose Pass, AK · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 56

Hey guys, i'm moving to Bozeman in august and want to get into ice climbing and more technical mountaineering. i was wondering what boot people who live/climb there typically use. i had in mind the sportiva nepal evo gtx, but i just wanted to see what you all had to say. also i was curious how warm they are and what the typical temp range is for these boots. i'm trying to amass gear now so i can be ready by the time fall rolls around. Thanks in advance!

AThomas · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25

Alex, go to a MEC over the border (or someplace comparable) and try on a lot of boots -- assuming you haven't done so already. If you have wide feet, La Sportiva may not work for you.

If you're leaning more toward ice climbing and less toward mountaineering, which I would out there, you might want a lighter, more dexterous boot: Scarpa Rebel, La Sportiva Trango, etc.

If your budget is limited, you should be able to find something used. If it's unlimited, get a light boot and a warm boot! And some fruit boots!

Alex Palombitch · · Moose Pass, AK · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 56

Sorry what is a MEC? and thanks for the advice guys, so i basically just want to go try on a bunch of them and see what works best? would it be possible to get boots second hand in bozeman? i'll be doing a bit of traveling around colorado climbing and what not before i move to bozeman so i'll be on the lookout when i'm traveling around.

Jason Todd · · Cody, WY · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 1,114

Tons of second hand gear in Bozeman. Second Wind Sports has a large selection of consignment boots.

AThomas · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25

MEC is an outdoor chain in Canada. Much closer than the Mountaineer, for example. Saw you were in Amherst.

Alex Palombitch · · Moose Pass, AK · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 56

Ah gotcha. Thanks man! The mountaineer is such a sick shop tho, might make it a trip to go climb some peaks and try on some boots 😀

Alex Palombitch · · Moose Pass, AK · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 56

Also do you guys have axe recommendations? I figure they'll be used in hyalite canyon and some mountaineering on snow slopes etc. are the cobra and other such technical tools acceptable for lower angle snow slopes and soft ice?

AThomas · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25
Alex Palombitch wrote:Ah gotcha. Thanks man! The mountaineer is such a sick shop tho, might make it a trip to go climb some peaks and try on some boots 😀
Not a bad plan at all.
AThomas · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2011 · Points: 25
Alex Palombitch wrote:Also do you guys have axe recommendations? I figure they'll be used in hyalite canyon and some mountaineering on snow slopes etc. are the cobra and other such technical tools acceptable for lower angle snow slopes and soft ice?
Hopefully Seth will chime in again, but I think a used ice axe would be a good thing to pick up for general mountaineering or ski mountaineering until you know for yourself what you want in your kit. Chances are, you'll want a different length or model after getting some mileage. I know in the Adks, folks seem to skip the ice axe for a technical tool or two or even poles, but it's a different world. Technical tools aren't built for self arrest.
Dobson · · Butte, MT · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 215

I can pretty confidently say that I have never wanted a mountaineering axe in Hyalite. We just don't get that summer mountaineering sort of snow. Any pair of good technical leashless tools will serve you well. My Vipers have gotten me up the majority of ice lines in Bozeman, but for the steeper mixed stuff, I prefer an offset handle like the Nomic.

As far as boots, get something comfortable that climbs ice. The approaches a short and steep and the climbs themselves tend to be short and steep. I tend to prefer a lighter boot as it makes the walking and climbing more fun. If this winter is an indication it may never get cold again. Even if we do get back to nice cold weather, I prefer to stay inside when it's -25 as the climbing really isn't that good anyway. I've worn out a pair of plastics, followed by a pair of Nepal Evos, now I've replaced those with Batura 2s and a pair of fruit boots. I've used the Rebel Pro a bit and love them in Hyalite. Notice that my boots just keep getting lighter and more fun as I go.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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