Hello everyone, I have a pair of Scarpa RUSH TRK LT GTX boots, which are designed for summer hiking. I’m planning a winter hiking trip and I’m wondering if these boots will perform well in snowy conditions. Are there significant differences between summer and winter hiking boots besides temperature insulation? Can I use crampons with these boots? And, is there enough grip for snowy conditions, or should I be concerned about slipping?
That’s a solid boot but it’s not ideal for deep snow. For light duty hiking, they should be fine.
Chen said:
That’s a solid boot but it’s not ideal for deep snow. For light duty hiking, they should be fine.
I’m also planning to take an ice climbing course in the future. Would these boots work well with crampons?
@Caius
Absolutely not. You need boots with fully rigid soles for ice climbing.
@Caius
Not really, they are too soft for crampons and lack the necessary attachments for semi or full automatic crampons, which are essential for ice climbing. These are summer trekking boots that you can use for light winter hikes with gaiters.
@Caius
For ice climbing or even to fit a crampon, you need a B2 or B3 boot. Start researching those.
Insulation isn’t the only difference, but it’s significant. If these boots aren’t insulated, consider using thicker socks, which might make the fit more snug. The outsole’s rubber and lugs are also different in winter boots to perform better in cold temps. Since they’re GTX, they have waterproofing, which is good. For extra grip on ice, look into microspikes or nanospikes from Kahtoola, which are less aggressive than crampons and suitable for icy paths.
Considerations for winter boots include insulation, sole stiffness, and compatibility with crampons. Scarpa’s winter boots guide can help you understand these ratings. For your ice climbing course, you’ll likely need at least B2 rated boots, but you can often rent the necessary equipment. It’s worth consulting with your course provider for specific gear recommendations.
These boots aren’t rated for crampon compatibility. For flat trails, they would work with microspikes for traction on ice or compacted snow. For steeper terrains, investing in proper winter boots that can accommodate a crampon is advisable. Strap-on crampons need a stiff enough boot sole to prevent the crampon from slipping off.
I own this model and used it for a short snow hike in Germany. My feet stayed dry, but for deeper snow or multi-day tours, I’d recommend a boot designed specifically for winter conditions.
For non-mountaineering winter use, you can add rubber coverings or insulated inserts to improve warmth and use strap-on crampons for mild terrain. Here’s a product that might work: Great Outdoors Ice Traction System
Combine the right socks, a vapor barrier, and microspikes to adapt your summer boots for colder conditions.