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Back on the Trail — Scarpa ZG 40 Hiking Boots

Bookmark and Share            By Lou

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had trouble finding hiking boots with a mix of comfort and weight that works for fairly heavy duty walking such as off-trail backpacking, fourteener climbs and that sort of thing. The trail is calling now that my knee issue is fading to a distant memory, but what to use? After a bit of searching I’m picking these Scarpa ZG40s. They’re still a little hot due to the Gortex and plastic around the toe area, but they’re much more comfortable than the Charmoz GTX that I used last season. Recommended so far. Long term testing now in progress.

Scarpa ZG 40 boots.
Scarpa ZG40 are a good bet for heavy duty hiking.

Blog style note: I occasionally cover backcountry skiing industry “insider” stuff that might involve unfortunate personal issues. By including such in the bulk of my braying “news roundups” such may be taken the wrong way. A separate blog item might be better for this sort of thing, as I can take a more sympathetic tone. Life and business can get the better of anyone (I certainly claim no immunity in that area), and my true sympathy and prayers go out to anyone having difficulties. While I feel such things may be appropriate to mention in the context of business events we report on, I’ll continue to respect the anonymity of individuals involved, and will respond in a positive way to any feedback. I do put my foot in my mouth sometimes, and am willing to yank it back out when someone points out my awkward state of anatomy.

Posted by Lou on August 29, 2006 | Filed Under Misc Gear Reviews 

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Comments

5 Responses to “Back on the Trail — Scarpa ZG 40 Hiking Boots”

  1. Mark August 29th, 2006 10:30 am

    I’ve clomped around my workplace in the ZG 65, brother to the ZG 40, and I really like the fit. Sturdy but light, smooth stride with lots of rocker. Might have to get a pair.

  2. Paul August 29th, 2006 1:23 pm

    Why would anyone wear anything but the La Sportiva Trango S Evo GTX? (aside from the color) I don’t know.

    Best boot I’ve ever worn, and no, I don’t work for them.

  3. Lynn August 29th, 2006 2:15 pm

    I like the Sportiva Trango Guides for hiking/backpacking when no crampons are necessary. I have carried decent loads and they are extremely comfortable, lightweight, etc. They also clock in at just under $100 which is nice.

  4. Jerry Shustrin August 29th, 2006 8:59 pm

    After years of wearing Scarpa Cerro Torres and their predecessors, Fabianos, Pivettas and Galibier Super Guides, I got a hold of the ZG65’s two years ago and I’m now on my third pair of four season hiking and climbing boots. These boots rock as they’re comfortable, lightweight, no break-in, grip well and supportive. I went ahead and added some ‘Yoursole insoles’ http://www.yoursole.com and the boots are even better. Bought an extra pair of the ZG65’s as I think Scarpa might be discontinuing the line. Double thumbs up…if they fit your feet!

  5. sherry bunch September 11th, 2006 4:59 pm

    La Sportiva Trango GTX wins in my book, feet down. I’ve had too many boots that walked trails nice but didn’t climb and were not up to the rock punishment and clunkers that were vice versa in usage. These babies backpack, scramble and edge! They work for dayhiking too (yawn) because they are reasonably light; as light as previous dayhikers I have owned that were not flimsy EVA mid-soled slippers. The color does not faze me. I’m looking at the mountains (up) not at my feet. Ya gotta try ‘em!

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Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information and opinion website. Lou's passion for the past forty years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about backcountry skiing and is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners! Books and free back country information here, and tons of Randonnee rando telemark info.

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