Post by davesenesac on Aug 6, 2019 14:31:06 GMT -8
Yes it was time for this senior economic peon to spend some serious dough on outdoor fun once again. After 2.5 years now into retirement, I've managed to live solely on monthly SS benefits without digging into my bank account.
So as a reward this morning at REI, bought these Zamberlan Vioz GTX boots in size 8 (M US) for $305. Have had a lot of heavy duty hiking boots over decades but these are the first from this Italian (Thanks Freestone!...Norwegian) brand. At REI also tried on the Asolo 520 GV's that were $330. Used a black marker on that yellow "VIBRAM" on the toe haha.
Above image with my very worn Asolo TPS 320 GV boots that bought spring 2016. So a bit more than 3 years heavy use on the Asolo's that now have a hole punctured in the left toe leather and wear into the midsole. Walking on Sierra Nevada granite is often like walking on coarse sandpaper and I'm pretty brutal doing so off trail with my crushing pack weight. Earlier this spring also bought a pair of inexpensive HiTec hiking boots for $50 at big 5 SG that I'll only wear day hiking in order not wear the Zamberlan soles down so rapidly.
Just returned Saturday from a 6 day backpack into Desolation W and had planned to be right back out into the John Muir W this week but haven't felt motivated enough as I hate the long boring drive. So instead will continue processing images from the Deso trip. August 18 have a date at The Rolling Stones concert and after that expected to go over Shepherd Pass, a most strenuous 6.6k climb, on a 10 day trip but have doubts my easily sore right foot is up to it. At least boots won't be an excuse. Tomorrow is another fun day "hiking" the hilly streets of San Francisco's touristy north shore.
So as a reward this morning at REI, bought these Zamberlan Vioz GTX boots in size 8 (M US) for $305. Have had a lot of heavy duty hiking boots over decades but these are the first from this Italian (Thanks Freestone!...
Above image with my very worn Asolo TPS 320 GV boots that bought spring 2016. So a bit more than 3 years heavy use on the Asolo's that now have a hole punctured in the left toe leather and wear into the midsole. Walking on Sierra Nevada granite is often like walking on coarse sandpaper and I'm pretty brutal doing so off trail with my crushing pack weight. Earlier this spring also bought a pair of inexpensive HiTec hiking boots for $50 at big 5 SG that I'll only wear day hiking in order not wear the Zamberlan soles down so rapidly.
Just returned Saturday from a 6 day backpack into Desolation W and had planned to be right back out into the John Muir W this week but haven't felt motivated enough as I hate the long boring drive. So instead will continue processing images from the Deso trip. August 18 have a date at The Rolling Stones concert and after that expected to go over Shepherd Pass, a most strenuous 6.6k climb, on a 10 day trip but have doubts my easily sore right foot is up to it. At least boots won't be an excuse. Tomorrow is another fun day "hiking" the hilly streets of San Francisco's touristy north shore.
