Gear Closet: North Face Ultra Extreme II GTX Hiking Boots

North Face Ultra Extreme II GTX Hiking Boots

Finding the right boot for winter activities can be a real challenge sometimes. You obviously want something warm and comfortable that can provide good traction on snow and ice, but all too many times that comes at the expense of weight and bulk. That isn’t the case with the new Ultra Extreme II GTX boots … Read more

Gear Closet: Hillsound Trail Crampons Pro

Hillsound Trail Crampons Pro

Now that winter is closer than we’d like to believe, it is time to start thinking about the gear we’ll use to continue our favorite outdoor sports even when the temperatures start to drop, and the snow begins to fly. After all, we’re not going to let a little winter weather keep us from spending … Read more

Gear Closet: STABILicer Maxx Ice Cleats

STABILicer Maxx Ice Cleats

Winter may be coming to a rapid end, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have to deal with ice and snow before it releases us from its grip. There is nothing worse than an early spring blizzard or ice storm to really put a damper on our enthusiasm for the arrival of warmer weather. With … Read more

Gear Closet: Keen Verdi Mid WP Hiking Boots

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Comfortable, lightweight, durable and affordable. That seems to be the formula that Keen follows when designing their hiking boots, and over the years they’ve managed to work that formula into a fine art. Their boots have always been the perfect choice for the ultra-light backpacker, weekend warrior or adventure traveler. The company’s new Verdi Mid … Read more

Gear Closet: Danner Crag Rat Hiking Boots

Danner Crag Rat Hiking Boots

Danner Crag Rat Hiking Boots: Earlier this year I had the pleasure of testing a pair of Danner Crater Rim hiking boots and came away very impressed. The boots were comfortable, durable, and provided plenty of support on the trail. They ended up being one of the biggest surprises that I’ve had all year in the … Read more

Gear Closet: AKU SL Trek GTX Hiking Boots

AKU SL Trek GTX

The hiking boot market is one of the most competitive and crowded in the entire outdoor industry. There are literally dozens of companies producing a wide variety of footwear designed to fit the specific needs of climbers, trekkers and backpackers everywhere. Italian boot manufacturer AKU is one such company. For more than 30 years AKU … Read more