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Hardcore Outdoor
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Wade Nelson, editor of Hardcore Outdoor recently awarded the LOWA Ranger GTX 'Best All Around Backcountry Boot,' out of a field of 128 other backcountry boots tested. Read what this reviewer has to say about the LOWA Ranger GTX.
Best All Around Boot For The Backcountry: LOWA Ranger GTX
The LOWA Ranger GTX, this is the best all around boot we evaluated.
"When I consider all of the things that I like to do in the backcountry, I am pretty sure that I could do all of them reasonably well in the LOWA Ranger GTX boots.
That is a tall order to fill in my opinion. What's more impressive to me is that of the 128 pairs of boots and shoes we looked at during this process there is only one other boot that came close to winning the all around title.
Now don't get me wrong, there is a bunch of other boots that I really liked but they just didn't achieve that perfect and elusive balance of weight, support, flexibility, features and quality to achieve decathlon winner status.
The three quarter gusseted tongue lays down comfortably when laced up. Lace loops and cleats are made of sturdy metal and make adjustments fast and easy. The mid tongue cleat keeps the laces in the correct position.
Fit is incredibly important to a positive foot wear experience but because feet are so unique we try not to put too much emphasis on it. However, I really do prefer to promote boots that are offered in widths or at least a wide and narrow version.
LOWA is one of the good guys in this respect. Aside from the fact that they make damn fine products, they go the extra mile to accommodate customers with wide, narrow and extended sizes in many of their models. That is commendable and makes it easy for me to recommend them to you.
The LOWA Ranger GTX seems to have been designed with moderation in mind for everything except quality materials and workmanship, which are top notch. They are sturdy and supportive but not too hard or stiff.
The all leather construction, low rand and Vibram outsole are protective but don't dull the senses of the boots. They are well cushioned but not so much that they are sloppy. Even their dimensions are middle of the road.
However, out of all this moderation comes a pair of boots that inspires confidence and are very well suited to do a lot of things.
The Rangers are uniformly comfortable and supportive.
So, what does it mean to be the best all around boot in our review?
Well, I guess it means that if you could only afford to have one pair of good boots for all of your basic outdoor activities, the LOWA Ranger GTX is it.
It also means getting all of the attributes of a bigger, heavier duty, more expensive boot in a light to mid weight package that works for pretty much anything.
Is this the best trail runner? No.
Is this the best boot for extreme loads, extreme terrain or light mountaineering? No.
You could get by with them for those things but for everything else in between, the LOWA Ranger GTX work beautifully.
My only request of LOWA is that they get rid of the Navy blue color or make the wide versions also available in Antique Brown. It just doesn't fly well with my hardcore outdoor image. Fortunately, once you wear them and get them dirty, the blue looks like a flat black.
Congratulations LOWA. Keep up the great work."
Wade Nelson Editor, Hardcore Outdoor - dedicated to those who can't, or won't, turn back.
Hardcore Outdoor sorts 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.
Here are the particulars on the Ranger GTX:
- Class: Heavy Hiker but on the lighter side of the range
- Quality: High -"Handcrafted in Germany"
- Break In: Very little required, they were comfortable out of the box and I put 7 miles on them the first time out with no problems.
- Materials: Nubuck leather and a low protective rand made of heavy weight rubber circles the entire boot.
- Insulation: None but the medium thickness lining is uniformed throughout; it conforms and holds the foot very well.
- Waterproofing: Leather is treated for water repellency and they have a Gore-Tex® waterproof breathable liner.
- Cushion: Moderate - a nice balance between comfort and support for 50 lbs loads and difficult terrain.
- Flexibility: Excellent but it doesn't seem to come at the cost of support. They are not sloppy or soft but also not board stiff. Good toe spring and forward propulsion characteristics.
- Stability: Features the Supination/Pronation Support System. These are very stable boots that feel nimble and precise.
- Tread: Vibram® MVS outsole is sticky and stiff enough to handle difficult terrain and rock but remains very easy to walk in. Lugs could be a touch more aggressive.
- Volume: Medium to full. Arch support is very good and the heel cup is comfortably snug.
- Width Availability: Yes-the Ranger GTX is available in wide and extended sizes (15 and 16).
- Weight: My Men's 11.5US weigh 1 lbs 15 oz. per boot.
- Height: 8 inches, 7 lace loops/cleats.
- Crampon Compatibility: Strap-on only.
View the Ranger GTX.
Visit Hardcore Outdoor.com.
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