But this is a boot that is built to last, and it can pay off to not have to replace your hiking gear often. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. In parsing out the differences, the Lowa has a more traditional upright feel in contrast to the aggressive Salomons stance that resembles an over-the-ankle trail runner. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Comfortable collar, great support and stability, lightweight for its class, Not our favorite lacing system, lots of upper seams, pricey.
It is one the easiest ways to get outdoors for people of all experience levels, and simply put, any time spent on the trail has a way of soothing the Salomons Quest 4 has been one of the most capable backpacking boots on the market for years running, and the latest version carries the torch. As expected from the tough and burly design, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is a decidedly stable and supportive boot. alternative to the St. Elias mentioned above. The leather that covers the majority of the boots upper is thin enough that it doesnt turn it into a sauna, and the insole and lining do a decent job absorbing and dissipating moisture. On the flip side, the Renegade has a sturdier and more planted feel and comes in a wider variety of sizes and widths, which may be the deciding factor for those with hard-to-fit feet. Given the popularity of the boot, the larger Renegade collection also includes several other options, from low-top variations to insulated designs for winter hiking and leather-lined offerings for an even closer, foot-hugging fit. Lowa has been making boots since the early 1920s, and the Renegade is their current flagship model designed for covering serious ground over rough terrain with a full pack. The cost of the product is the same to you but this helps us continue to test and write about outdoor gear. I did slip once while hiking over marble-sized rocks, but any shoe likely would have suffered the same fate, and my brief slide was easily controlled and did not result in a rolled ankle. This product is relatively lightweight for having a completely leather upper. is a winning combination for demanding off-trail travel with a full pack. Compared to the womens version, the mens Renegade GTX Mid is a little heavier at 2 pounds 7.2 ounces per pair and sold in different colorways, but the overall construction and feature set are identical (for more, see our in-depth review of the mens Renegade). In the end, the Asolos stiff construction and thick build are a nice match for uses like light mountaineering and navigating tricky, off-trail terrain with a heavy pack, but the boot is overkill for most casual backpacking outings. Sizing up to a 9 did the trick, with just enough room both length- and widthwise when paired with midweight merino wool socks. This is a very classic style of hiking boot, with a full leather upper and a waterproof/breathable membrane. If youre thinking about buying gear that weve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. 4 oz.) This boot is comfortable and form-fitting out of the box. Hikers and backpackers fall on both ends of the spectrum: some prefer the unparalleled breathability of non-waterproof footwear, while others Lowa Renegade GTX Mid (Women's) Price Comparison, Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review, Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX Hiking Boot Review, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-7, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b. And while the upper materials are holding up well to abrasion and the tread hasnt chipped away like some rubber will on the unforgiving rock, there is a little separation developing between the toe rubber and the leather upper on the right boot.
Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down.
The waterproof build and modest insulation from the Gore-Tex liner also should make the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid good for snowshoeing in mild temperatures. 15.6 oz.) Womens models are available in the same variations, including the womens Renegade GTX Mid, but in different colorways and with slightly lower weights (see our in-depth review of the womens boot here). Interestingly, the only model that does away with the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane is Lowas LL (leather-lined) Mid, but we wish there were a more mesh-heavy option for warm and dry climates. 10 oz. Four lower eyelets, one central lock, and two upper hook eyelets comprise the lacing system. ), Vasque St. Elias GTX (2 lbs. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Alternatively, if you anticipate doing most of your hiking in fair and warm summer conditions, it may be worth opting for a non-waterproof boot or shoe instead. One area we havent tested the Renegades traction is mud, but we expect it to perform competitively there as well. At 2pound 2ounces for a womens pair, the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid wont be confused for a lightweight hiker, but its competitive within the larger backpacking boot market. It was hot on the trail and we had plenty of sun exposure, but I didnt sweat excessively or develop any hot spots or discomfort. Like the Renegade, the Vasque features a waterproof Gore-Tex lining and Vibram outsole. Theyre not the lightest or most agile option for well-maintained trails, but the tough leather build, stable feel, and well-cushioned midsole were a great match for our more demanding objectives. The polyurethane Monowrap Frame midsole design reduces weight, and combined with the full-length nylon shank, creates excellent torsional stability. But when worn as intended for hiking and backpacking, the boots were perfectly serviceable and didnt feel overly heavy or cumbersome underfoot. (mens size 9)Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)What we like: Reasonably light and comfortable without sacrificing support for heavy loads.What we dont: At this price point, build quality could be better.See the Men's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid See the Women's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid. The Renegade is accomplished for hauling a heavy loadIve worn the boot weighted down with a backpacking pack, as well as a few trips with 40 pounds worth of a hiking baby carrier, child, and assorted gear, and am yet to roll an ankle. However, in testing, we found that the Vasque had a fairly heavy and clunky feel on the trail, and the wider lugs didnt grip particularly well on softer surfaces. We suspect a big part of the Renegades popularity is its excellent fit. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best hiking boots. Although the leather rand absorbed water out of the box, water continued to bead off the rest of the upper throughout the entire testing period. 
In Patagonia, they continued to hold firm on the dusty and rocky trails to Laguna de los Tres and didnt falter under the weight of a heavy pack while navigating a tricky boulder field on an overnight backpacking trip in the Ro Elctrico valley. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal Salomons hiking boot lineup is undeniably extensive, and their Cross Hike Mid GTX slots in as a lightweight design that merges running shoe-like agility with ankle-height protection. What sets the Lowa Renegade GTX Midapart is its available sizes, which range from 7.5 to 16 in mens and 5.5 to 11 in womens, along with narrow, regular, and wide widths. It's worth noting that the Renegade's leather upper is a little thinner than some competitors, including the Salomon Quest 4 and Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. No mesh (non-GTX) model available for those who frequently hike in warm and dry climates. It's competitively light at 1 pound 10.1 ounces with a very athletic feel to match, and the boot still holds its own in terms of stability andprotection. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. It might fit a niche in between; more stable, water-resistant, and durable than lightweights, but not as durable as most midweight models. But the lack of ventilation was noticeable, and Id recommend purchasing a lighter colorway (mine were black), which might help a little with temperature regulation. Overall, this hiking boot handles rough and smooth, wet and dry trails well. For those that struggle to get a good fit, the Renegade is one of the best options weve seen.
), but youll sacrifice a good amount of stability and protection on truly rough and rugged terrain. 
Outside of initially trying on the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, my boots went directly from the box to the trail for a multi-day backpacking trip into Washingtons Alpine Lakes Wilderness. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. Price: $245Weight: 1 lb. And I didnt come to appreciate this until later, but this is high praise for a boot: Once we arrived at our lakeside destination that evening, I didnt even think to swap out the Renegade for a pair of camp shoes (I just loosened the laces a little bit). The high cuff effectively prevented ankle rolls on the trail, and the top eyelet for the laces is positioned high enough to really lock things in place. Additional stability and support is one of the main arguments for stepping up to a tough boot like the Lowa Renegade. 2.8 oz.). Read more about us. Further, the midsoles offer sufficient isolation from the trail even with a loaded down pack and lots of hiking and scrambling over rock. The lugs on this Vibram sole grip well in wet and dry conditions. Additionally, the PU midsole is decently firm but still well-cushioned for isolating my feet from harsh impacts, and the padding continues around the ankle and heel to really lock things in place.
While the lacing system doesnt secure your foot as well as Salomons Quest 4 GTX, the three sets of locking hooks tighten evenly, and the boots solid platform is easy to trust on technical and off-camber sections of trail. The pricing information on this page is updated hourly but we are not responsible for inaccuracies. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Stable and easy to trust on difficult trails and with a heavy pack. 11 oz.) And many will appreciate the modern and sleek appearance of the Cross Hike, which is a far cry from the Renegades fairly dated-looking leather construction. The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots Salomons Quest has garnered serious popularity over the years as a highly capable backpacking boot, and the latest Quest 4 carries the torch. The forefoot has a whole lot of seams where the different panels of leather come together. If you're looking for something a little more performance-focused, Scarpas Zodiac Plus GTX is a more technical alternative to the Lowa Renegade. If you want something lighter and more modern for less intensive day hikes and minimalist backpacking trips, Salomon's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is one of the most popular designs on the market and for good reason. One of my baby toenails did grow sore after long descents, but it recovered without damage. Quality and confidence-inspiring build, including a premium Gore-Tex membrane, tacky Vibram outsole, and reasonably hardwearing construction. and KEEN Targhee III Mid WP ($175; 2 lbs. Lacing system falls a little short of the Salomon Quest 4. The Vibram rubber outsoles are also unscathed and still look surprisingly new despite the abuse Ive put them through on rough and rocky terrain. Below we break down our experiences with the Renegade. After comparing the eyelets and laces of the Renegade to other boots, we found that replacing the supplied laces with a slightly larger and stiffer lace worked much better. Lowa has patented the durable, comfortable design. On the other hand, the Lowa's heavier and beefier build is a better match for truly technical terrain, and the Salomon's thinner sole means you'll feel rocks and roots below a lot more than you would with the Lowa. Several pieces of leather are used on each side of this boot to create a form-fitting upper, making for lots of seams. The Lowa feels solid rather than flexible and lightand we still prefer a boot like the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (1 lb. But the integrity has not been compromised, and all of the smaller detailsfrom the stitching to the rubber randare holding up well with no issues. To be clear, the Renegade is decidedly overkill for day hiking on groomed trails, but theyre a great match for covering longer distances with a full pack. Thanks and we appreciate your support! We quite like this boot, but the lacing system disappointed us. (womens)Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)What we like: Great support, stability, and comfort for covering long distances with a full pack.What we dont: Overkill for shorter outings on well-maintained trails.See the Women's Renegade GTX Mid See the Men's Renegade GTX Mid. This can be especially handy if you prefer to use a two-lace technique when lacing up. Soft and supportive, the Renegade gives us comfort on the trails and off. Finally, the X Ultra has a pretty flexible feel, which means less support on uneven sections of trail under the weight of a full pack. The forefoot of the Renegade has a substantial rocker, or upward curve, which is noticeable during the push-off bit of each step. The heel is snug and stays securely into placehelped by the three sets of locking lace hooksand the toe box is roomy enough for the toes to spread and not get mashed on long descents.
The felt and foam insole feels nice underfoot, and the tailored leather upper is more form-fitting on the foot than other midweight hikers we tested. But thus far, my women's pair is holding up admirably, and I expect it to fare well for many seasons to come. While its not overly stiff by any meansit was comfortable enough to wear without any break-in periodthe boot is noticeably more rigid underfoot than a lightweight shoe like the Merrell Moab 2.
- Felt Drawer Liner Ikea
- Hotel Collection Diffuser My Way
- Best Kate Somerville Eye Cream
- What Is Taxco Mexican Silver
- Cotton Massage Table Sheets
- Mia Bella Couture Phone Number