


Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.




Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.



Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.

Built like a standard Light Mountaineering class boot but lighter and more flexible. These are the Scarpa Escape GTX and they have become one of my favorite pair of boots.
One of the things that I have learned in this footwear evaluation process is that you don't always need what you think you need and once you realize that then like the song says, you can't always get what you want. From the beginning of my effort to identity, secure and evaluate the best boots and shoes for the things I like to do I have gravitated to the stout, sturdy and heavy duty Light Mountaineering class boots. The best in this class are made by Kenetrek, Lowa and Meindl (for Cabelas) but they are heavy, stiff and rigid. That is perfect for extreme terrain, heavy loads and long humps, however, as I have since learned, I prefer something that is just as tough and beefy but with more flexibility. I was beginning to think that what I wanted didn't exist. Enter the Scarpa Escape GTX.
Scarpa is another one of those long time, high end, high quality Italian boot makers. Here are the particulars.
Class-Light Mountaineering or Heavy Hiker, has the best of both
Height-mid plus, 7 inches, 7 loops/cleats
Materials-Crosta suede leather, Cordura, full heavy rubber rand
Insulation-none but the skin is thick, multi-layered and there is excellent padding around the ankle
Waterproofing-Gore Tex waterproof breathable liner
Cushion-stock foot beds are thin, Profiber midsole is firm and strong but provides good cushioning, the outsole is stiff enough to handle difficult terrain and rock but is very easy to walk in
Flexibility-excellent through out but they are not sloppy or soft
Tread-Vibram Jorasses is sticky and firm, could be more aggressive
Volume-full
Width Availability-nope
Weight-my 45s (11.5US) weigh 2 lbs 1 ozs per boot
Crampon Compatibility-yes, GSb automatic, semi-rigid
Quality-very high, made in Italy
Break In-not much required, they were comfortable out of the box
The upper rough out leather makes these more flexible than other boots in this class. Lace-ability is outstanding. An effective pinch cleat at the top of the foot allows for segmented tension. Note the GSb crampon compatible front welt.
These boots are not available in a wide version but the SL last that they are made on are big enough to accommodate my EE width feet even when wearing the Smartwool Heavy Trekking socks pictured.
The boots have a full wrap around rand which affords a great deal of protection against rocks and sharps. I like that a lot. Above that is the Crosta leather uppers that are certainly thick and heavy enough to protect me in all but the most extreme landscapes, like steep shale slopes. It is this leather that gives the boot it's superior flexibility which makes it tough and protective but very walkable and that is the nitche I have been looking to fill. They are outstanding in this respect. 
The Scarpa SL last is made for high volume feet. The collar does an exceptional job of wrapping the upper ankle without restricting movement too much. The tongue is fully gusseted and lays down better than any other model I have tried.
I can see myself wearing these boots for hunting, back packing and mountaineering. They are that versatile and they are that comfortable. My only complaint, if you can call it that is that the stock footbeds are pretty el cheapo for a boot of this caliber but it is easily remedied by using after market ones.
Again, these are great boots and I am looking forward to spending a lot more time in them. The Scarpa Liskam boot is built on the same SL last but it is has a heavier leather upper. I can't wait to see how they work for me.
Well done Scarpa. I don't know how they will work out for someone with a thin or low volume foot but they work beautifully for me.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
I wrote a blurb a couple of weeks ago promoting the Kowa Highlander Prominar binoculars based on the fact that they are being used by a number of people whose opinions I respect but I really needed to use them myself in the field before I could recommend them to you. I was also a little surprised at the strong response that I got to that piece which means there must be a fair amount of interest in big binoculars. Fortunately, I have friends in high places that could help me out. Floyd Green, one of the best lion hunters in the country and owner of The Outdoorsmans in Phoenix, set me up with a pair for a couple days. He even gave me something to compare them to.
From left to right-the Docter Optic Aspectem 30x80 High Power Binoculars on a Manfrotto 055XV tripod, the Kowa High Lander Prominar 32x82 binoculars also on a 055XV, Leica 10-15x50 Duovids on an Outdoorsmans Lightweight Tripod which is my favorite hunting set up, and a short WalkStool.
We headed North of town to do some glassing with these big binos. It was really nice to have the Docters along because our Zeiss and Leica 15s just weren't going to be able to hang with 30+ power for any kind of descent comparison.
As I said in the earlier piece, the Kowa (pronounced coe-ah) binoculars are big. In fact, both the Kowas and the Docters weigh about 14 lbs and incorporate a carrying handle into their design. They are best for using out of the truck or Ranger or maybe a pack horse rig if their protective suit cases are packed right. However you get them to where you want to use them, once you set them up, the power and ability to use it with both eyes is impressive.
As we went back and fourth between the Kowas and the Docters three things became obvious to me. 1) The Kowas are substantially better than the Docters. They are clearer, brighter, offer better contrast when you are looking into the shadows and they are easier to adjust and focus. 2) The Manfrotto 055XV is not substantial enough for these big glasses. They are just too top heavy and the view suffered from vibration in light and moderate wind. I don't know yet exactly which tripod would be best for them, maybe the 058B 3) Hunting Coues deer and sheep is not the only thing these would be good for. Astronomical observation, which is what they are actually made for, is obvious but with a good vantage point the amount of real estate that could be covered effectively with these glasses is truly awesome. In fact, you could make a good case for spending the $4500 it takes to buy the Kowas if you consider the potential reduction in fuel and manpower it takes to cover say a border area or security sector. What else? How about keeping track of alpine climbers from base camp, looking for lost ones from the command post, performing wildlife unit surveys and counts, or conducting long range surveillance and targeting.
One thing you need to think about. These Kowas were designed for looking up at the sky so they have a 45 degree bent tube configuration. It doesn't take long to get used to but looking down in front of you can be tricky.
A couple of other things to mention. The High Lander "Prominar" models have Fluorite crystal lenses. The eye pieces are focused individually, which I really liked, and can be swapped out easily for optional 21x and 50x power units. The housings are dry nitrogen filled, waterproof and made of die cast aluminum for durability. And they come with a lifetime warranty.
These are made for specialized applications that require high end, high power optics. If you need to look for and watch things at great distances for long periods of time, the Kowa High Lander Prominar is the best you can get.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.


Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.




Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Boots, boots, and...shoes. I admit it. I am the Imelda Marcos of outdoor footwear. For every one of my favorite outdoor activities there is a veritable cornucopia of specialized shoes or boots. Fact is, the market is over flowing with choices which makes it very difficult to zero in on what really works. Fortunately, for you, I enjoy the process of identifying, securing and evaluating the best boots and shoes available. Here is my recommended boot list which I guess should really be called the Recommended Footwear List since it includes trail shoes.
But first, some comments about this subject. 1) Feet are weird, continually changing and very specific to each person. The perfect boot for you may not work at all for me no matter how much I want it to. There is no one best boot or shoe; there is only the best boot or shoe for you and your funny, ugly feet. 2) Problems most likely come from poor fit and or poor quality socks. Most people wear their boots too short and too narrow. Find a master boot fitter or error on the big side. Go at least ½ size, maybe even a full size up from your street shoes and then get some top notch socks (yes, there is a corresponding sock list). According to the Docs, your feet may expand and contract up to a full size over the course of an outing. 4) The amount of extremely high quality products out there for your feet is stunning but the names, models and color offerings change constantly. That’s fashion for you. I blame the suits and the posers in the marketing departments of these companies. More formal schooling and fancy letters after their names then real time in the sticks sweating and humping big loads. Shameful. Anyway, here you go. These are what I like and what I use. Hope you get something out of it. See detailed evaluations of each in the "Feet" catagory.
Light Hiker/Trail Runners
Lowa Renegade GTX
Danner 453 GTX