Showing posts with label gtx. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gtx. Show all posts
Monday, August 5, 2013
Meindl Dovre Extreme GTX
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| My Meindl Dovre Exteme GTX |
These boots are original Meindls made to Meindls specifications and not the Cabelas labeled Meindls. Who the hell would ever want a Cabelas label on their feet? I absolutely hate Cabelas. From what I have been told Cabela Meindls are made to Cabelas specifications and that is why they can meet certain price points. Whether that is true or not I wouldnt be caught dead with a Cabelas logo anywhere on my body. Cabelas is the Walmart of sporting goods. They destroy small business particularly specialized businesses like fly fishing and hunting/gun stores. Screw them. I never really liked Cabelas but my hatred for them has grown more after reading this. Also Cabelas and these other big box sporting goods stores (like Bass Pro and Gander Mountain) selling high end guns and fly fishing is like McDonalds selling haute cuisine. Stick to what you know or youll just embarrass yourself. I recall going into the BPS here in Rancho Cucamonga and entering the high end gun department, what a joke. The salesman had no clue what the guns were that were in the display cases. They even had a Bertuzzi gullwing once and it was hilarious to hear the salesman bumble through trying to explain the gun. It was clear he had no clue what was in front of him. Dont get me started when he tried to explain the Cosmi shotgun. At least BPS got a clue and for the most part abandoned the high end market and I believe those guns are now sold in one location only and maybe through the Internet only.
Back on topic, these boots are designed as a high mountain hunting boot. As such they are 11 inches tall and made with Nubuck leather. They are comfortable and after more than 3 seasons now I can tell you these boots feel great on the feet. I have yet to get any blisters even after hunting 3, or 4, and even 5 days in a row wearing the same boot. These hunts are not flat prairie hunts either, these are high Sierra Mountain chukar, and mountain quail terrains. These are Gore-Tex lined so hunting in weather is no problem. The soles are Original Meindl Multigriff® profile by Vibram® which have provided me great grip on all the various mountainous terrain of California from rocky boulders to scree slopes to the less strenuous terrain and everything in between.
Unlike my Meindl Perfekt, the soles on the Dovre are not stitched but like most modern boots are glued and then reinforced with a high rubber rand. This was always a concern for me, as on most boots, particularly on cheap export boots, this is a weakness as glue eventually weakens and separates from the boot. Ive seen it happen. On these German made boots though Ive yet to see or read about that happening, although that doesnt mean it wont. Only time will tell. I bought these boots in British Columbia a few years ago at AJ Brooks. They owner had told me that as long as you keep them clean and protect them with cream you should have years of service. Obviously from the pictures I havent been keeping these boots clean as I should.
I keep my Dovres in a Barbour boot bag which I had to buy from a store in the UK. For whatever reason boot bags do not sell in the US and so no one makes them or even imports them here. I do not know why that is, I absolutely love boot bags since I remove my boots after the hunt. I find it hard to drive in big boots.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Lowa Desert Elite and Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
My first real hiking boot ever was a Lowa. I have always been a fan because every pair Ive ever worn have been very comfortable. It has always seemed to me that they require little to no break in period. Ive never had a blister or hot spot with their boots.
I have acquired two new pair of Lowa boots. My father picked a pair of Desert Elites for me. These boots retail here in the states for over $300 and Ive seen them go for over $400. But for some reason, these boots in the UK are going for far less, around $200 USD. I have read that the British SAS and other Special Forces wear these boots. Perhaps there was a contract that was not fulfilled and now the UK has an overrun of these and thus the cheaper price there. My father picked these up from a UK dealer and bought a pair for himself and a pair me for roughly the price of one set that could be bought here.
Other than trying them on, I have not tested the boot. Although on our last hunt my father wore his and said they were very comfortable. One great thing about these Elites are that they are still made in Germany. They are water repellent and breathable and are 8 inches tall. Although these are desert boots they are more than capable for mountainous chukar terrain. Afterall the Brits are wearing these in Afghanistan. One thing I have to get used to is that these boots have closed eyelets. This is because these are designed for paratroopers and open eyelets can get caught or cut up cords. For me this takes some getting used to as all my boots have open eyelets. These boots will be my early season mountain quail boots or hot weather boots.
The boot is a combination of cordura and leather. Tongue is well padded and mountaineer styled.
Eyelets are closed throughout. The tongue is attached to a nice soft leather.
Threads are Vibram and have good grip.
Early models had problems with the toes peeling off. Apparently the knife that cut the rubber had a silicon compound that affected the glue. That has since been rectified. Ive read that even with the toe peeling slightly, soldiers were reluctant to turn them in.
These pair are still made in Germany. The quality is excellent. Stitching is nice and tight.
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid
Not knowing that my father picked me up those boots, I picked up another pair of Lowa boots for everyday use or camping. I have a pair or Timberlands I bought years ago because I read that Ed Viesturs wore them. Those were Chinese made junk. I couldnt believe Ed would ever wear a boots like that. I guess he gets them free but since he makes a living mountaineering I would expect that he would go with a more reputable boot company. Maybe he just wears those while in camp and not when hiking to the base camp. Most recreational boots found at outdoors stores are now made in China. Just go to REI and look for yourself. That is just sad. I, for one, will not purchase any of those.
These Lowa Renegade GTX Mids are not German made but at least they are not made in China. It is my understanding that these are Lowas most popular boot selling more units worldwide than some boot companies sell in one year. I can see why. These are some of the most attractive boots on the market.
Like every Lowa Ive owned, this pair is out of the box comfortable. The monowrap comes up and wraps to the middle part of the boot which not only provides stability and durability but lessens weight as well.
These boots have trekking style lace ups which wrap around the contours of the foot. These are open eyelets.
There is a stabilizer in the sole that works like a shank. The soles are Vibram.
Made in Slovakia. Ill take that to China any day.
So far Ive only worn these around town so I can not yet comment how they will do in the field. These boots will be for everyday wear, hiking, fly fishing, camping, off roading and other. Since Ill likely be hunting in the following months, its unlikely these boots will see any "real" use until the hunting season is over. I will however be bringing these to Texas while I take a CSAT Rifle course with Paul Howe in February.
When I get more "real" use out of these two boots I will make a new entry to report.
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