Backpacking Boots Washington DC

Womens Backpacking Boots

Backpacking boots are more technical than hiking boots, and have to be able to handle a lot more abuse that you’ll put them through during your outdoor adventures!

Terms to Know Before You Buy Womens Backpacking Boots:

There are a few terms you’ll want to know before you start shopping for your womens backpacking boots:

• Shank. The shank is an insert built into backpacking boots that determines its stiffness, and therefore ability to provide support on rocky surfaces. They are made of either nylon or steel. If you grab a boot with both hands and try to bend the toe towards the heel, you’ll see how stiff the shank is. If you travel with heavy loads and/or off trail, you’ll need a stiff shanked boot to provide support and enable you to “edge” well on small footholds.
• Gore-Tex. While you may not need waterproof hiking boots if you generally take short hikes in dry locations, you’ll definitely want waterproof backpacking boots! You never know when you’ll be caught in that surprise summer thunderstorm. Boots made with Gore-Tex have a thin layer of material to prevent moisture from reaching your feet. This not only keeps you comfortable but also helps prevent blisters. Wet feet and soggy socks are a recipe for blisters!
• Full-grain Leather. Leather boots are known for their durability and versatility. When you’re backpacking you may encounter mud, brush, sand, boulders, streams, snow, ice, or maybe just a nicely maintained trail. Because conditions can change so quickly, your backpacking boot needs to be versatile. Full-grain leather offers good waterproofness and can handle trail abuse quite well.
• Nubuck Leather. This is leather that is buffed to look like suede, and is just as durable as full-grain leather.
• Synthetic Materials. Womens backpacking boots constructed with synthetic materials weigh much less than full leather boots, and are easier to break in. If they get wet, they usually dry very quickly. The only drawback is that they are generally less durable than Full-Grain Leather and Nubuck Leather boots.

Womens Backpacking Boots Shopping Tips:

• Check out Hiking Lady’s 10 Tips for Mastering Hiking Boot Shopping !

Hiking Lady’s Favorite Womens Backpacking Boots:

• Asolo Stynger GTX Hiking Boots. I have a pair of these that I’ve worn on rugged terrain, in snow, rain, sand, and mud, and they’re still going strong! They are lighter than most backpacking boots because the upper is constructed of a mix of synthetic materials and leather, and the shank is less stiff than some other boots. What these boots lack in stiffness they more than make up for in comfort.
• Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots . These are an ideal backpacking boot because of their stiff shank and full-grain leather construction. They will take some time to break-in!
• Asolo TPS 520 GV Hiking Boots
• Zamberlan 310 Skill GT Hiking Boots

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