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Kershaw Pocket Knife Review: The Essential Information

kershaw pocket knife

You'll always need a good knife when you go camping, especially if you're planning on doing some hunting or fishing. A sharp blade is essential for cutting ropes to secure your tent and rain fly, whittling down wood to start fires, and endless other tasks.

While shopping around for equipment, you may have seen a Kershaw pocket knife. The question is whether or not this is a quality knife for the price.

You can't wait until you've already caught the fish to know if your knife is going to cut it. Just like you don't want to find out when you're defending yourself that it takes you 10 extra seconds to open your blade.

That's time you don't have. So, choosing the perfect pocket knife to fit your needs is something to iron out before you need your knife.

When you’re choosing the best pocket knife for your excursions, look at the quality, versatility, and durability. Luckily, we've laid some of that out for you.

Comparison tablle

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What’s so Good About Kershaw Knives?

photo of a kershaw pocket knife

image via Pixabay

The company itself is quite well-known, and its blades are a priority for many campers, hunters, and fishermen along with general knife enthusiasts.

They manufacture the Kershaw line in Japan, the United States, and China. Incidentally, the same company also parents Zero Tolerance and Shun knives.

We’re also confident about its quality since the Kershaw pocket knife has a partnership with Ken Onion. The latter is a renowned knife maker and also invented a SpeedSafe knife opening mechanism for fast blade deployment.

With this is every Kershaw pocket knife, you can depend upon a quick and safe knife use that’s also legal.

What’s more, Kershaw pocket knives are also kind of a celebrity favorite. You can see them in several shows, including “Driven to Kill” and “Desperate Housewives.” However, this fame is also backed up by the sheer quality plus durability of the blades themselves.

Finally, you aren’t just limited to one Kershaw pocket knife when you go for this brand. You get a large variety of prices, steel types, and blade lengths with Kershaw. There’s a Kershaw pocket knife for every need.

How We Reviewed

We’ve reviewed some of the best Kershaw knives below for your benefit. This way, you can gauge the sheer variety available regarding features, uses, and specifications.

We’ve included different lengths, price ranges, and other aspects to make sure there’s something for every user. Plus, we’ve made sure that each Kershaw pocket knife here has a decently high consumer feedback rating.

The DifFerent Varieties in a Kershaw Pocket Knife

When you set out to choose the best Kershaw pocket knife, you might get confused by the varieties available. These include folding knives, keychain knives, and options with features other than blades, such as a money clip or bottle opener. 

You might want to consider all of this before making your final purchasing decision.


Kershaw Brawler

[amazon box=”B005UE6GRC”]

The Kershaw Brawler pocket knife is a folding variety with a four-position reversible pocket clip. It weighs 3.9 ounces and has a 3-inch blade. The blade is stainless steel with great edge retention and a black-oxide finish.


It’s also resistant to corrosion and has the unique SpeedSafe opening mechanism. The Tanto edge makes it suitable for outdoor excursions as well as indoor chores like opening boxes.


Customers love the secure liner lock and the convenience of this knife for several tasks. They also appreciate that this is a versatile yet discreet blade for taking on hunting trips as well as opening cans while camping.


On the downside, some users claim that the steel is on the soft side and prone to wearing away. Plus, you can’t use it for really heavy-duty tasks.

Kershaw Cryo

[amazon box=”B0074FI28Q”]

With the Kershaw Cyro, you’ll get the SpeedSafe mechanism, but that’s about all it shares with the Brawler. It has a 2.75-inch blade with a tough stainless steel blade.


That makes it suitable for the pocket of any hunter, electrician, hiker, backpacker, camper, or landscaper. The steel has a coat of titanium carbo-nitride in a matte-gray color, which enhances the hardness and durability of the overall item.


User reviews have appreciated how useful this knife is in just about any situation. They report that its stylish look has them highly satisfied, while the removable pocket clip is an innovative addition.


On the other hand, some users do report that the weight isn’t too light for the size.

Kershaw Blur

[amazon box=”B006PTMSCI”]

The Kershaw Blur is a pocket knife available in several attractive color combinations. It has a 34-inch blade with an anodized handle made of aluminum. It also has that Kershaw SpeedSafe mechanism along with black inserts and a reversible pocket clip.


The reviews for this knife are glowing with praise for the easy opening, which users can accomplish with one hand. The inserts also provide easy and comfy carrying, while the safe liner lock and high-quality materials make sure everything is safe and sound.


Of course, the high price is something that makes us pause here, especially as the features seem to be about the same as other options. However, the quality and excellent grip seem to make it worthwhile for most users.

Kershaw ShuFFle

[amazon box=”B00AU6NHVI”]

This Kershaw Shuffle pocket knife has a short 3.4-inch blade with a bead-blasted finish. It also has a bottle opener as well as a flathead screwdriver in addition to the blade.


That could hence be an affordable, minimal alternative to a Swiss Army knife. The total weight is 2.8 ounces, which is quite lightweight considering all the tools inside.


Customers love the corrosion-resistant blade as well as the edge retention of this knife. They also appreciate the comfy feel of the contoured nylon, glass-filled handle with an exclusive Kershaw texture.


Plus, they enjoy opening the knife with one hand while feeling secure with the liner lock. However, there have been some complaints about the pocket clip being too small and stiff.

Kershaw Leek

[amazon box=”B0009VC9Y0″]

The Kershaw Leek is among the most highly rated knives for this brand. It also has a great value for its price, giving you the function of higher-end options.


It has a thin handle, a slender drop-point blade, and a slim profile for easy portability. While it might seem small, it’s actually built to last and can handle rough usage or even dropping.


Customers appreciate that they can open this knife with their thumb or index finger. They also love the slenderness, as they can easily slip it into a pocket or purse.

However, there have been some reports of the thin handle causing hand strain if you use it for too long.

Overall Pricing

The pricing for an average Kershaw pocket knife is somewhat hard to pin down. That is because the prices listed on Amazon and other reliable selling platforms are extremely varied for this brand.

Some of the options we’ve discussed above are as cheap as $10, while others may go up to almost $80. However, the Kershaw Blur seems to be the most expensive option on average, with the Kershaw Shuffle being the cheapest.

Comparison Between Kershaw Pocket Knife and Other Brands

kershaw knife placed on a cloth

image via Flickr

We now come to comparing different brands of pocket knives with the Kershaw offerings. It’s important to know which other options are available, as you might require different features than Kershaw offers.

The main point is to get the best pocket knife according to your budget and need, so you should read the comparisons between Kershaw pocket knife and other brands and make the best decision accordingly.


Gerber EAB Pocket Knife

[amazon box=”B0016KHW2W”]

The Gerber EAB knife is a short option with a 4.1-inch length when open. When closed, it measures 2.4 inches, which is shorter than some of the blades on the Kershaw knives.


The pocket clip can also act as a money clip, which is good enough for multitasking.


While this knife may be much shorter than a Kershaw one, the thousands of reviews do bear witness to the utility provided. The blades are also exchangeable, which is a feature not offered in any Kershaw knife.


The lightweight and compact appearance and the affordable price are more attractive knife features.


Unfortunately, the handle is quite smooth and doesn’t give you the same grip as the Kershaw texture. Plus, this knife may be entirely too small for large hands.

Master USA MU-A002 Series Folding Knife

[amazon box=”B00KJMBFXK”]

For a simple self-defense option, this Master USA pocket knife is a popular choice. With a 3.23-inch blade, the knife can close to 4.5 inches and easily slide into any pocket. Like the Kershaw knives, it also has a pocket clip for stable carrying.


The color options here are varied, which isn’t something usually offered with Kershaw (apart from the Kershaw Blur). That's a handy feature, as you might want a unique color for easy spotting or a neutral one for discreet carrying. The spring-assisted opening mechanism is also handy if you’re in a hurry to get your knife ready.

 

However, self-defense is about all you can do with this option, as the blade is not for cutting wood, gutting fish, or slicing through ropes.

Imperial IMP16S Stockman Stainless Steel

[amazon box=”B0037SNATU”]

This Imperial IMP16S Stockman is a folding pocket knife with a polyoxymethylene (POM) handle. That makes it suitable for hunting, camping, and many outdoor activities. There are three attachments here, much like the Kershaw Shuffle.


However, the tools provided, other than the main blade, are a sheepsfoot blade measuring 2.5 inches and another blade equipped with nail pulls.


Customers for this knife love the gray pearl-swirled handle along with the compact folding option. They also like the choice of three blades, heavy-duty brass bolsters, and heat-treated springs.


While the stainless steel blade is durable and easy to sharpen, this also means the whole thing is a little heavier than most Kershaw knives.

SOG Keychain Knife

[amazon box=”B0783NJKTW”]

The SOG keychain pocket knife provides a discreet option for anyone in need of a self-defense weapon. The handle is key-shaped, so you can easily fold the blade inside and hang it on your keychain.


That would come in handy when you’re feeling threatened or just need a knife on hand to open boxes and packaging. There are also some interesting color options, including black, brass, and printed zebra or cougar designs.


Even though the shape of this knife is unusual, customers usually don’t have an issue with holding it comfortably. However, the unorthodox shape has put some people off, which isn’t a complaint you're likely to have with Kershaw.


Still, the key handle has teeth to provide a no-slip grip for your safety. The blade might be too light for more than a light cutting, so we’re not sure how useful this option is.

Kershaw Pocket Knives: Pros and Cons

fold kershaw pocket knife

image via Flickr

Before making any final decisions, we should look at the pros and cons of getting a Kershaw pocket knife. Let’s discuss them briefly below.

What Makes Kershaw The Winner Among Other Brands?

The unique aspect of any Kershaw knife is the SpeedSafe closing mechanism. That makes it possible for users to open their knives with one hand, which is a safer and quicker option.


Since many automatic knives are declared illegal in the US, this option makes it possible for you to stay within the law.


The other main pros include the durability, quality materials, comfortable handles, and excellent performance of Kershaw knives. With affordable prices to boot, you can be sure of having an excellent experience with each option.

What makes Kershaw Fall Behind Other Brands?

A Kershaw pocket knife might perform well, but there have been quite a few complaints about them not being up to heavy tasks.

However, that's not their purpose. They have a separate sub-brand called Zero Tolerance for heavy-duty, military blades.


Some other complaints about these knives may be that they don’t have interchangeable blades or the option of having several blades in one handle.


That makes them a less versatile choice than, for example, the Imperial IMP16S Stockman. The interchangeable blade feature on the Gerber EAB knife is convenient for changing blades when one wears out.

So, Is a Kershaw Pocket Knife Really Better than Other Pocket Knives?

While there might be some features that other knives offer and Kershaw doesn't, we’d still say that Kershaw is the best option.

After all, they have an excellent brand reputation, decent pricing, thousands of glowing reviews for each item, and have a tried-and-tested performance every time. 

So don’t wait around! Go and grab a Kershaw pocket knife so you can always stay prepared while camping.

Featured Image via Flickr

Edible Bugs That Will Help You in a Survival Situation

Lady bug on top of a plant

When you think of eating bugs, you're probably thinking of some people sitting in squalor in a third world country, but that isn't the case. Edible bugs is popular all over the world, and not just because someone has to eat them. There are countries that add bugs to their cuisine because they like them. I know, you're probably cringing right now because you don't want to eat bugs, and you don't have to, yet.

In a survival situation, you're not going to be able to find a supermarket stocked with beef, pork, chicken, and vegetables. You're going to need to get over your fear of eating bugs. Bugs are a great source of some serious and necessary nourishment -- which is why so many cultures add them to their meals. On top of that fact, that they don't taste bad. If a situation calls for it, you might need to pop some bugs into your mouth to survive. What is an edible bug though?

What Exactly Are Edible Bugs?

This question is probably creeping you out a little bit, but edible bugs exist. In fact, a lot of bugs are actually edible. Edible bugs are bugs you can safely eat, and they are much more common than you think. Entomophagy is the technical word for eating bugs. Evidence shows that ancient human diets included bugs, even after learning to hunt and farm. With a plethora of bugs eaten regularly by different cultures, it's a little strange that it's so taboo in western countries like the United States.

If you're stuck in a survival situation, eating bugs might be your only source of protein for a while, so you might want to get over the yuck factor of eating bugs. There are over a thousand edible bugs in North America alone, so you're going to have a difficult time remembering them all. It's a good idea to figure out what kinds of bugs could potentially be dangerous and to avoid them if you ever need to munch on some bugs to survive.

Safe or dangerous?

Thankfully, at least in North America, if you lift a log, you can probably eat whatever you find there. There aren't many that you should avoid, but there are some helpful rules of thumb to help you decide if you should put it in your mouth or not. Firstly, avoid anything thats bright. If it's brightly colored, it's warning it's potential predators, including you, that they'll have a bad time if they try to eat them. Some brightly colored insects are perfectly edible, but if you can't identify a bug as edible with confidence, it's safer to avoid it.

The "don't eat me" list also includes disease carriers, like flies, ticks, and mosquitoes. You don't want to get sick just because you ate something you shouldn't have. Another great rule is that if it's hairy or if it can sting you just don't put it in your mouth. You'll get hurt or poisoned if you're not careful, but if you follow those rules, you'll be golden.

Edible Bugs Are Everywhere

Photo of insects on a display frame

Image via pexels

The idea of bugs in the human diet is something some people have a difficult time stomaching, but it's pretty common. Eating bugs is so common that the United Nation encourages it. It's much easier to raise bugs, and eating them provides a low carb, low fat, high-calorie food source to your diet. Packed with fiber and protein, many bugs are a much healthier option than a candy bar. You can pretty much find these edible bugs anywhere, raise them in very little space, and prepare them in interesting and tasty ways.

Of course, you should at least know what bugs you're eating when you eat them. Otherwise, you may find yourself with an unpleasant surprise. For example, what if you try to eat a black widow? You'll die -- thats what'll happen. Tarantulas, on the other hand, you can deep fry and crunch away, considering they can't kill you. Some bugs though are going to be more popular than others. You'll be more likely to find these bugs on your plate in a survival situation.

Beetles

Beetle on a leaf

Image via pexels

Though the idea of munching on a hard beetle is kind of repulsive, that's because you are supposed to eat their larvae instead. There are plenty of larvae you can find and eat. Some cultures listen for larvae against tree bark. The noise of the larvae isn't invisible to human ears. The noise makes them easy to find if you know what to listen for.

With a plethora of edible bug recipes, it's going to be hard to find one that won't meet your better expectations. Thankfully you don't have to listen to trees to find food yet. If you want to file away some information on edible beetles, you're going to find that in a survival situation you won't go hungry. There are plenty of beetles you could eat if you really needed to.

You can prepare beetles in a lot of different ways. You can kill them by freezing them for about 15 minutes. The bugs go to sleep and pass away which kills them humanely. Beetles are great edible bugs to have access to, and they can be found in groups, making them all the more desirable in a survival situation. You can then boil or stir-fry, but be sure to stick to beetle larvae, not the mature beetle.

Moths and butterflies

Butterfly on top of a flower

Image via pexels

Just like beetles, you're not going to stuff a beautiful winged creature in your mouth if you opt to eat this species. Caterpillars, the larvae form of moths, and a few species of butterfly, are edible though. They have a lot of important nutrients, like protein and vitamins. They're such a delicacy, some businesses harvest and ship caterpillars to other countries for sale. You can even find them canned so you can store them in the house and enjoy them just like you would canned vegetables. That makes getting caterpillars incredibly convenient if you're not opposed to eating bugs. Some people even have dried caterpillars off in rural countrysides to sell at their markets.

Just like with beetles, you should never eat adult moths or butterflies. Not only are they too beautiful to want to eat, but their bodies have hairs and scales that could irritate you when you eat them. Caterpillars come cooked in just as many different ways as beetles. They're fried, baked, boiled, and more. Just remember not to eat any colorful or hairy bugs, and you should be safe with any that you find.

Ants

Photo of ants on a branch

Image via pexels

Ants are another one of the many edible bugs you can eat. Both the larvae and the ants themselves are edible, and they have a pleasantly sour flavor. That is because ants pump acid out onto their bodies when they feel like they're in danger. That acid isn't dangerous to humans at all, and it gives them a vinegar-like taste. When roasted with salt, they taste like salt and vinegar. They're popular at feasts.

Queen ants are a little more favorable in some cultures because they're full of more fat. Their fat makes their backsides pretty juicy when cooked. The larvae, on the other hand, don't have a sour flavor at all. They're easy to find, you can just flip over a rock and pick up the little white flecks the ants are trying to run off with. You can also find them at the top of anthills; ants leave them there to keep them warm. If you want to catch ants to eat, all you have to do is put a stick down on the anthill. The ants will inevitably be all over the stick, and you can harvest them from there.

A word of caution, not all ants are defenseless. Some species like fire ants and bullet ants bite, and that bite hurts. The bullet ant is the most painful insect bite in the world (it ain't called "bullet" by accident). Fortunately, bullet ants are only in South America, but fire ants aren't a joke, and they're all over the southern half of the United States. You've been warned.

Grasshoppers

Two grasshoppers on a leaf

Image via pexels

These bugs are some of the most popular to eat. Along with crickets, they're easy to catch, raise, cook, and eat. They're safe when cooked, and they're everywhere, especially in the summer months. It's easy to find them, and just about everyone outside of the United States and other western countries eats them.

To cook grasshoppers, you'll need a long stick about the width of a finger. Slice it down the middle but leave about three inches at the end uncut. That gives you a long clamp. Make sure you remove the bark and that the stick is green, so it doesn't just burn. Place the grasshoppers in your clamp.

Give each one a little room, so they cook effectively and heat them over your fire. If you want to make it more comfortable to eat the grasshoppers, pluck the legs and wings off first. The legs and wings can tickle your throat. Pair that feeling with an already disturbed mindset and you just might vomit, losing your newfound lunch.

Centipedes

Centipede inside a tree

Image via pexels

This bug is one you can't just pop in your mouth. You'll have to be careful when you approach edible bugs like the centipede. Once you capture the centipede, you'll have to remove its head and its pincers, otherwise, you're going to have a painful experience. After you remove the head, you can cook it and eat it but be sure to cook it! Centipedes have been known to carry some seriously nasty bacteria and parasites that can cause you some incredibly damaging diseases if you don't cook them.

Also, don't eat millipedes, and if you can't tell the difference between the two, don't eat either of them. Millipedes have a wide variety of different defense mechanisms depending on the species, that include toxins. That makes it difficult to answer the question, "Can I eat this kind of millipede?" They may be grouped together with centipedes, but don't eat them.

Termites

Photo of termites on top of a wood

Image via unsplash

One of the most commonly eaten kinds of termites is the winged termite. These termites are a powerhouse when it comes to edible bugs. Some cultures use termites to make delicious dishes, like Aku, which this person made after they found a plethora of termites on their fence. Termites are incredibly nutritious, a great source of fat, protein, iron, and zinc, and they have plenty of other positives when added to your diet. If you found some winged termites in a survival situation, you are likely ready to feast. When you do find these bugs, you'll find them in large clumps, allowing you to collect a lot of them.

You'll need to remove the wings and legs to cook them. After you take off the legs and wings, you boil them, fry them with salt, or stir-fry them. Regardless of how you cook them, you can be sure that winged termites are great for you -- even if you'll probably only eat them if you have to.

Grubs

Grubs

Image via pixabay

When most people see grubs, they cringe. There are over 300 different species around the globe and a good portion of them you can eat. You get all different kinds of food-based delights with these edible bugs. Some of them are crunchy, and taste like mealworms and others are fat and juicy. You can usually find these delightful bugs under a rotting log, or even in a rotting log. Sometimes you can find them under stones as well. Be careful to cook these and any of the bugs on this list. Edible bugs can carry diseases as well. For grubs, you can stab them lengthwise, like you're cooking a hot dog over a campfire Then roast them over an open flame.

Are You Ready to Eat Some Bugs?

Whether you're going to survive or not boils down to what you're willing to do to live. Eating bugs is pretty normal, even though the idea will make a lot of people's skin crawl. With so many different bugs around, you can easily keep your protein up -- all without needing to fight others for a pound of beef. From ant tacos to deep-fried tarantulas, eating bugs can be delicious if you know what you're doing. Just be careful of the potentially dangerous bugs.

Have you eaten bugs before? Do you eat them regularly? Leave us a comment letting us know how it went!

Featured Photo by Sue Thomas on Unsplash

Vasque Hiking Boots Review: Are These the Best Boots for You?

Vasque Hiking Boots near a hiker

When it comes to hiking boots, choose wisely. You're sure to come across a massive array of brands and prices, but not all are equal. A pair of Vasque hiking boots will be vastly different than a pair of Hi-Tecs. After all, you don't want a cheap pair of boots that will soak your foot with the first puddle you step in. Or even worse, whose treads are slippery and dangerous to use on a wet trail.

You need to get a few things out of your hiking boots. Are they waterproof? A waterproof hiking boot is a must for any serious hiker or camper. Second, are they safe? That is, do the treads grab on to terrain, and are they non-slip? Third, are they durable and rugged? There's no point spending money on a boot if it's going to fall apart after one use. And finally, do they offer the same boots for both men and women? Everyone should be able to enjoy the same hiking experience. If your hiking boots don't offer all of these things, you could be wasting your money, or even putting your safety at risk!

What Are Vasque Hiking Boots?

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Vasque Breeze III GTX Men's Boot
Vasque Breeze III GTX Men's Boot
Vasque Women's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
Women's Breeze 2.0 Gore-Tex Boot

Before we looked at the actual boots Vasque produces, we checked out the company itself. Did you know that Vasque hiking boots have been helping people enjoy the outdoors since 1964? That's when William Sweasy started the company after spending some time in Europe, where mountaineering is all the rage. He saw the quality of French, Swiss, and Austrian hiking boots and wanted to bring that same quality home to America. During the early '60s, the outdoor lifestyle hadn't reached North America yet. Sweasy helped change that with Vasque hiking boots. The company gets its name from Sweasy's favorite town in the US: Fort Vasquez, Colorado.

Today, Vasque creates several lines of quality boots for all things outdoor. Of course, Red Wing Shoes now owns the brand. However, Vasque still operates as a semi-autonomous company, and you can see that in the craftsmanship of their hiking boots.

What sets them apart?

vasque hiking boots

Image from Pixabay

What sets Vasque hiking boots apart from the others is their tradition of recreating the handmade mountain boots of the Alps. There's a certain vintage appeal to Vasque hiking boots that you don't see in many other brands. They don't try to look modern. For instance, you won't find any Gore-Tex in a Vasque hiking boot, but you will find genuine leather and rugged assembly. Also, just because Vasque harks back to a different time doesn't mean they don't embrace modern technology. Vasque hiking boots use modern materials and machines to make waterproof, rugged boots. So what really sets Vasque hiking boots apart is their heritage.

How We Reviewed

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When we set out to review Vasque hiking boots, we wanted to make sure we were able to give you enough information to make an informed buying decision. So we delved into as much information about Vasque as we could. We learned the company history, and we checked out several of their most popular lines of hiking boots. Then, we read through customer reviews on Amazon to get an idea of how these boots hold up in the real world.

Finally, we compared Vasque hiking boots to a few of the biggest hiking boot brands you're sure to come across. These include Columbia and Timberland hiking boots.

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The Vasque Hiking Boots Line

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Because Vasque produces several lines of hiking boots, we reviewed a few of their most popular. One thing we love about Vasque hiking boots is that the same lines are available for both men and women.

4.2 out of 5 stars

The first Vasque hiking boots we checked out were the Breeze 2 and Breeze III line. The Breeze hiking boots are immensely popular. Although they are assembled in America, the materials are imported. This includes the leather. The Vasque Breeze boots feature breathable mesh panels held together by a sturdy leather frame. These boots are great for arid climates. Also, the Breeze boots come with patented "Vibram" mega-grip, so your foot can always get a good hold on the surface. Both the women's boots and the men's boots cost between $100 and $150.

Amazon customers gave the Breeze line 4.2 out of 5.0 stars. Almost everyone raved about the amazing treads on these boots, with one man calling them "like glue." The only complaints were from men, who found the shoes a little too snug.

4.4 out of 5 stars

Where the Breeze boots were breathable, if you want waterproof boots the Talus line is what you want. Vasque calls them "Ultradry." These boots feature thick cushioning for extreme comfort, wrapped in a leather and synthetic boot. They have a Vibram outsole for superior grip. These are smaller boots and end just above the ankle. This makes them feel more like you're wearing a comfortable pair of jogging shoes and not big, clunky hiking boots. Thanks to this design, you're more easily able to spring along the terrain while being close to mother nature. The men's boots and the women's boots will cost you between $80 and $200.

On Amazon, customers gave them 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. Almost everyone praised the great ankle support the Talus boots offer. One woman said that she spent 6 hours hiking in the snow and mud, and her feet stayed dry. Once again, many men complained that the boots were too small and that the sizing is innaccurate.

4.3 out of 5 stars

Although the Talus line of hiking boots do a good job keeping your feet waterproof, they're ultimately not designed for serious winter hiking. Those who hike in colder climates, whether that be Minnesota, Maine, Canada, or even Alaska, will want a set of Vasque hiking boots like the Snowblime. These snow boots feature a tall shaft which is 6 inches above the arch, so no snow is getting down there. A thick rubber sole locks out all the water. Also, the entire interior is kept warm by 3M "thinsulate." Women and men can expect to pay between $110 and $150 for these Vasque hiking boots.

Customers gave them 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Everyone said that the boots keep their feet very warm, with one guy writing that even at -4F, his feet stayed cozy and dry. Again, like all the other Vasque hiking boots, many men found that the boots were too small for their feet.

Pros and Cons of Vasque Hiking Boots

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If Vasque hiking boots are the best boots for you, then we would certainly recommend them. Of course, no hiking boot is perfect. Despite all the great things about Vasque hiking boots, and all the glowing reviews, they have their share of problems.

Pros

  • Rich, unique heritage
  • Incredibly comfortable, especially for women
  • When Vasque says "waterproof," they mean waterproof
  • Winter boots are incredibly warm dry
  • Excellent grip
  • Rugged and last for years
  • Great price

Cons

  • Sizing is off for men
  • Many men complain of an uncomfortable fit
  • Materials are imported from who-knows-where

How Do They Compare?

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The last step in determining if these are the best hiking boots for you is to compare them against the competition. For this, we looked at Columbia, Timberland, and Hi-Tec, the three biggest boot-makers on the market. Are Vasque hiking boots better than any of these? We took a look.

[amazon link=”B01HU5DSR4″ title=”Columbia Newton Ridge Plus” /]

4.4 out of 5 stars

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The first hiking boots we compared Vasque hiking boots to were the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus. Like Vasque hiking boots, Columbia produces the same line of boots for both men and women. Columbia hails from Beaverton, Oregon. These guys know mountains and wet northwest Pacific trails. These particular boots are waterproof and consist of a leather-synthetic mix. They have a rubber sole compression-molded EVA foam in the interior. You can wear these boots in moderately-cold weather, although they won't keep you as warm as the Vasque Snowblime boots. Whether you're a man or a woman, expect to pay between $50 and $90.

On Amazon, customers gave the Newton Ridge Plus' 4.4 out of 5.0 stars, citing how dry they keep your feet. Almost every woman was in love with these boots, saying they are comfortable and grippy and waterproof. However, quite a few men had problems with the width of the boots, which they said were constricting and uncomfortable.

4.3 out of 5 stars

Next up is Timberland's most popular hiking boot, the Mount Maddsen. Timberland, from Boston, created the Mount Maddsen hiking boot two decades ago and the line is still going strong. This boot is rugged. Timberland made it for hiking the Appalachians, Rockies, and Cascades. A rubber sole keeps feet dry and the boot safe from slippage. Because they only come up to just above the ankle, you won't want to wear these in the snow. Also, they're not insulated so cold weather isn't an option. Both the men's boot and the women's boot costs between $70 and $120.

Meanwhile, customers on Amazon gave the Mount Maddsen 4.4 out of 5.0 stars. Customers reported that the Timberlands are waterproof and extremely rugged. One Scout leader wrote that for six days he would put them on at seven in the morning and take them off at midnight. His feet were dry and comfortable the entire time! On the other hand, people reported that the sizes are off and the boots are too tight.

4.4 out of 5 stars

Next is England's own sports supplier, Hi-Tec, and their Skamania line of waterproof hiking boots. These come in sizes for both men and women. Unlike other footwear manufacturers, Hi-Tec remains independently owned while almost all of their production happens in England. The Skamania line of hiking boots are mid-rise, so they'll come up to your ankles. These aren't meant for wet or snowy conditions. The shoe itself is a mix of mesh and suede, while the sole is rubberized. The mesh allows your feet to breathe while the inner lining keeps everything dry. The women's boot costs between $35 and $100, while the men's boot costs between $40 and $130.

Customers on Amazon gave the boots 3.9 out of 5.0 stars. Almost everyone praised the comfort these boots provide. People said they are effectively waterproof and the cushioning inside is soft to walk on. One woman wrote that her feet didn't slide around inside the boots because they were a perfect fit. A few customers complained that the shoelace rings started to rust and sometimes break off.

4.3 out of 5 stars

Lastly, we took a look at the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX hiking boots for both men and women. Salomon is a French company who began producing sports equipment shortly after World War II, in 1947. However, in 2005 Amer Sports, from Finland, bought the brand. Regardless of who owns the company, Salomon is known for outdoor equipment. The X Ultra line is one of their best hiking boots, and the "X Ultra 3 GTX" is the newest of the line. The boot is leather and synthetic, while the sole is rubber. Salomon designed a "sensifit" system so feet are held in place by soft foam cushioning all around. This makes it easier to go downhill. Finally, they used two different types of rubber to provide ultimate grip. Both the men's boots and the women's boots cost between $120 and $200.

On Amazon, customers gave the Salomons 4.3 out of 5.0 stars, with many praising the lightweight feel of these boots. One woman wrote that she loves her feet and wants to keep them cute, and the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX does that perfectly. Both men and women wrote that these hiking boots keep your feet cool, have a great grip, and fit comfortably. However, many people complained that the boots caused blistering around the ankles and that the ankle support is lacking.

Which Hiking Boots Are Best For You?

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Because Vasque hiking boots have so much competition in a crowded market, they need to concentrate on quality. They do this exceptionally well, and in our research, we noticed that Vasque hiking boots consistently garnered higher customer ratings than the other brands. Also, Vasque hiking boots come in a variety of flavors for all different types of trails. So, whether you're hiking through the Sierra Nevada or camping in the snow of northern Alberta, Vasque has a pair of boots for you.

Which is why we can recommend a pair of Vasque hiking boots for you. We think these are the best boots for almost anyone, although Salomon runs a close second. The only problem we don't like about Vasque is the sizing issue. In fact, we found that all of the companies who outsourced their production to China had problems with proper sizing. On the other hand, the two European brands, Hi-Tec and Salomon, were praised for their perfect-fits. This may or may not be an issue for you. It seems that men experience size problems with boots being too small more than women do, so take that into consideration.

All in all, if you go with Vasque hiking boots, you won't be disappointed!

The Eureka Tent: Comfort For The Great Outdoors

eureka tent with a beautiful sunset background

Bigger and better is the mantra of Eureka tent. From backwoods to battlefields, mountaintop adventures to scientific expeditions — wherever you look, they've been there.

Way back in 1924, English adventurers Andrew Irvine and George Mallory vanished without a trace while climbing Mount Everest. Curious to get the mystery resolved, Eric Simonson led research expeditions in 2001 to find out what happened to them. And guess what?

A Eureka tent was their trusted ally. The tents protection from frigid and gale-force wind conditions made the researchers' lives much easier. Simonson and his team found the remains of Mallory and made history.

​Comparison Table

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The Eureka Tent — All You Need to Know

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Yellow tent under a beautiful night sky

​Image Source: Pixabay

The Eureka tent has seen it all. Their journey into the great outdoors started with horse blankets and wagon covers to storefront awnings and custom camp tents. And all through the way, durability and quality have been their trademark.

In World War II, Eureka was making large all-purpose field tents to serve as barracks, mess halls, operation centers, and hospitals for U.S. forces in Africa, Europe, and the Pacific.

In post-war America, urban Americans set their sights on summer family vacations and weekend destinations. And Eureka tent was there, too, but now in a new, sturdy and lightweight design.

Eureka tent types

Great outdoors, friends, grills, campfire and holidays — these are the things that come to your mind when you think about camping. Although these are essential, a suitable tent is indispensable to make your camping trip a success.

There are different types of shelters suited for your varied camping needs such as adventure camping, backcountry camping, and historical camping.

Car camping tents

Car camping tents are a durable and heavier material when compared to backpacking tents. These tents are safer in unfavorable conditions. Car camping tents range from $90 to $500.

Backpacking Tents

On trips into the remote wilderness, one of the essential gear choices for safety and comfort is a tent. So it would be wise not to cut corners when it comes to quality.

Eureka backpacking tents are priced between $130 to $160. They come in various sizes to shelter a different number of people. Listed below are Eureka backpacking tents.

Mountaineering Tents

Mountaineering tents are single-walled, breathable, and durable. They're for extreme weather conditions and mountain terrain. These tents are a bit pricey and cost between $350 to $700.

The Eureka mountaineering tents include the Alpenlite XT tent, K-2 XT tent, and the High camp tent.

Outfitter tents

Also known as wall tents, these Outfitter tents have four vertical straight walls and provide more headroom. Likewise, they have enough space to accommodate a stove.

The Outfitter tents cost between $400 to $600. You can choose the Assault outfitter tent or Timberline SQ outfitter from Eureka.

Factors to Consider While Choosing Tents

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orange tent under a the blue sky

​Image Source: Pexels

Camping is beneficial to your health. After setting up your tent and settling in, you take a deep breath and feel a sense of happiness. You inhale lots of fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, spend time with family and friends, relax and above all — reduce stress.

However, the quality of your tent plays a critical role in a memorable camping experience without any glitches.

Selecting the type of tent

A three-season tent is a good choice to enjoy year-round camping trips. This type of shelter is equipped to handle the weather in summer, spring, and fall. In addition, a family tent will be suitable if you camp with multiple people or go car camping. Family tents are heavier, have tall walls and may have various rooms that provide lots of space and comfort.

If you often camp in a cold, snowy place, then go in for four season tents. They have a sturdy material construction that can handle extreme snow and wind.

Let’s say if you’re going on extended backpacking trips, backpacking tents would be the ideal choice. These tents prioritize packability and weight over size.

How to choose the size and shape of a tent

Be sure about the number of people you’ll stay with, the length of your stay period, and what you’ll be doing in the tent. Make sure there are at least 30 square feet of space for each person.

If you’re on a tight budget and not going to camp in rough weather conditions, then a simple A-frame tent would be a wise option. These tents are lightweight and inexpensive.

Dome-shaped tents give the right amount of headroom. Bigger dome tents have reduced stability so choose a different shape if you have many people living in your tent. And geodesic tents provide stability and are a good choice if you camp out in winter.

Best features

Choose a tent that’s easy to set up. After a long hike or an exhausting day of traveling, the last thing you’ll want to do is to build a tent that has a complicated setup.

Look for words such as pop-up, instant, and easy in the description of the tent. Next, make sure whether your tent has the right weather protection.

Check whether your tent has a full coverage rainfly. Buy tents that have tub flooring which prevents rain water from entering your tent.

And if you’re planning for hiking a long distance, carry a tent that’s lightweight and compact.

Quality materials

Tents are usually cotton canvas, polyester, nylon, or polycotton. Though all of these work fine, consider getting a tent made of high denier rip-stop nylon fabric. This material is lightweight, durable, and water resistant.

Buy tents that have aluminum poles because they are the most reliable and most durable, although a little bit heavier. Go for a canvas with durable zippers.

Proper ventilation improves air circulation inside the tent. Choose a tent that has mesh panels on the ceilings, windows, and doors to prevent condensation and improve airflow.

Eureka Tent Care Tips

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Set up your tent and then clean it using liquid soap and lukewarm water solution. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry. Gently wipe the tent poles with a dry cloth. Quickly dip the zippers in water and dry them off.

Seal the seams in an adequately ventilated area. Eureka tent recommends using Kenyon seam sealer 3 or McNett Outdoor SeamGrip. Use your rain fly even on bright days and erect your tents in shady areas to minimize ultraviolet light damage.

But wait, there's more:

To prevent color transfer, be sure that your tent is completely dry before storing. Loosely role your tent and store it in a cool, dry place. Cover it with a cloth to prevent dust from settling in.

Always place a ground cloth under your tent, and never wear shoes inside. Also, put a small doormat to catch the dust.

Keep in mind, sweeping your tent on a daily basis minimizes damage from anything you happen to drag in. And remember, never keep food inside your tent because hungry critters will chew their way in and damage your tent.

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Best Models of the Eureka! Tent

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two woman inside a white and blue eureka tent

​Image Source: Amazon

Eureka tent has been providing high-quality tents for any outdoor excursion you could imagine since 1895. Here we shed light on this one-of-a-kind brand and their stellar creations.

Eureka! Space Camp Three-Season Camping Tent

5 out of 5 stars

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Built to provide camping enthusiasts with an out-of-this-world experience, this tent offers plenty of floor space and high ceilings for extra mobility. With size options to fit up to four or six people at any time, this new addition to the Eureka! lineup is great for spring, summer, and fall.

Some customers feel that the four- or six-person rating is a bit too generous. But the unique dome-shaped top with lifted corners provides a surprising amount of headroom. While fewer people would be extremely comfortable in this tent, four or six people can absolutely fit as needed.

What makes this tent great for almost the entire year? The Eureka! Air Exchange System offers a fully customizable venting system that allows you to keep your tent as warm or as cold as you'd like.

While this tent has a rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars from Amazon customers, it is fairly new to the market.

However, at between $300 and $350 for the 4-person model and between $400 and $450 for the 6-person model, the Eureka! Space Camp Three-Season Camping Tent is an excellent investment for the outdoor family.

Eureka! Desert Canyon 6-Person Tent

5 out of 5 stars

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Designed to withstand adverse weather, wind, and unruly children, this tent is luxuriously spacious to make your camping trip a comfortable one. Thanks to its high ceilings and vertical walls you could enjoy a spacious cabin like set up for climbing adventures, summer music festival outings, and family camping trips.

However, customers say the only design flaw is that the outlying poles are a bit flimsy and are not necessarily the best when it comes to heavy winds. But the D-style door, lots of interior comforts, and thick mesh windows make this all worthwhile.

The Camp Comfort Sleep System gives you a pleasant sleep without turning and tossing. Set up this tent with just a frame and fly to act as an open wall sunshade for your backyard barbecues or parties.

Not only does this tent bag the Amazon’s Choice title but also scores 5.0 out of 5 stars. Above all, Eureka! Desert Canyon 6-Person Tent comes within a decent price range of $250 to $300.

Eureka! Apex Waterproof Backpacking Tent

​4.6 out of 5 stars

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An Amazon camper was happy to report that Eureka! Apex Waterproof Backpacking Tent is perfect for two people, has excellent features, includes a footprint and was a joy to set up. Mind you he gives this review after completing a four-week road trip across the country using this tent.

This Eureka! fares well against high winds thanks to its extremely sturdy build and construction. Some of the best features of this tent are central nylon speed hub that facilities easy set up, and vestibules that provide ample space for each person to store gear.

Not only that:

The bathtub floor protects against standing and splashing water by wrapping up the sides of the tent. And mesh panels allow moist air to escape minimizing condensation. Priced between $80 to $150 it scores 4.6 out of 5 Amazon stars.

Top Competitors for the Eureka! Tent

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Keeping an eye on the competition is crucial to stay ahead in business. Eureka tent always knows the pulse of the market and pretty easily beats the competition. Here are some of the top competitors of Eureka tent to watch out for.

Paria Outdoor Products Bryce Ultralight Tent and Footprint

​4.5 out of 5 stars

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Paria Ultralight Tent features mesh pockets, two-way zippers, pole repair splint, taped seams, and a back vent with a kickstand. That's practically everything you’ll find in high-end tents at a fraction of the cost. These tents are lightweight, flexible and durable.

A camper writes on Amazon that they took this tent for a weekend car camping trip, where they experienced a solid eight hours of rain in-between heavy downpours. But there were no leaks in the rainfly, and the floor was completely dry.

They had plenty of space for two plus their supplies. This tent comes with gear pouches and added touches like reflective accents and a lamp ring on the ceiling. And it scores 4.5 out of 5 stars with a price range of $140 to $160.

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Whether you’re a seasoned gram counter or new to backpacking, this comfortable shelter lets you hit the trail with more space in your pack and less weight. This tent features two doors and two vestibules. Single pole architecture helps in easy setup and removal.

It's the lightest backpacking tent from Big Agnes yet. Despite a svelte design, this tent has extra perks like structured corners that create space between your feet, tent walls for comfortable sleep, and media pockets for storing essentials.

You can erect your shelter in a flash with the help of ideal guy lines and tensioners attached to the fly. Never forget to buy a BigAgnes footprint, sold separately. This backpacking tent scores 5.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon and sells from $360 to $450.

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If you're someone who loves camping through the heat and cold, the MIER 2-Person Backpacking Tent might be perfect for you. With a super lightweight design and the choice between a three-season or four-season construction, this tent is a great, affordable option.

The one-pole system makes this tent extremely quick and easy to set up. Plus, honeycomb-style mesh keeps small bugs out of your tent during the summer months.

One downside of this tent is that it only sleeps two people. But for those who want something small and portable, the size is a worthwhile sacrifice.

Unlike the Big Agnes tent above, the MIER tent comes with everything you need, including the footprint. This tent has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from Amazon customers and retails for between $120 and $180 depending on style.

The Best Eureka Tent- Perfect for Your Wilderness Calling

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It was a tough call choosing the best of the best, and ultimately it depends on where you're going and how many people you'll have with you.

All of these tents will withstand most weather, and have received high praise from customers on Amazon. So, you really can't go wrong. Eureka! is a solid choice with different designs, sizes, and weights to choose from.

Plus, they've been around for a long time, so campers must agree the company is doing something right. No matter which one you choose, Eureka! or not, these picks are sure to give you a great camping experience.

Once you get home from that big trip in the wilderness, we want to hear all about it.

Which will you use for your camping trips? Please tell us all about it in the comments!

​Featured Image Source: Unsplash

Columbia Hiking Boots Vs. Competitors: Who Has The Best Boots?

hanging old columbia hiking boots

Hiking is only as enjoyable as you make it. If the equipment you're using is archaic and uncomfortable, the experience isn't going to be an enjoyable one. Columbia hiking boots are one of many great manufacturers to compare when shopping for new hiking boots.

​Table of Comparison

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person wearing columbia hiking boots

Image Via Pixabay

A hiking boot with adequate grip, waterproofing capabilities, and insulation will help keep you warm in the harshest conditions. No matter what weather or off-trail conditions you encounter, you're ready to go with the right boots.

Apart from the right size, there are also several attributes that set apart the best pairs of hiking boots available.

Traction, the insole, upper material, the outsole, and breathability are some factors hikers must consider when comparing boots. A comfortable fitting boot is a given. Then there's brand loyalty, which many hikers swear by when choosing a new pair of boots.

So, do Columbia hiking boots have all of the features of amazing hiking boots?

Columbia Hiking Boot Technologies

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Columbia integrates superior technologies into their products to differentiate them from competitors. These are some of the leading designs in Columbia hiking boots to guarantee the best hiking experience.

Check out those features below:

Columbia hiking boot cushioning

There are cushion technologies for every pair of Columbia hiking boots.

Lightweight cushioning absorbs impact and impact with the high energy return. Fluid foam technologies feature a deep-flex groove and heel to toe compression.

The fluid frame insoles provide stability and excellent adaptability for uneven surfaces. These insoles are perfect for off-trail hiking boots.

Columbia hiking boot traction technologies

Traction technology helps hikers remain level on the ice, snow, and muddy terrain. Omni-Grip and GRYPTONITE™ technologies feature multi-directional lugs. In addition to stability, the deep lugs help keep hikers upright. In other words, it allows them to dig their boots deep into uneven terrain.

Vibram outsoles provide the best traction and maximize surface contact with the ground. Michelin outsoles are also available for snow, ice, or slippery surface hiking.

Columbia hiking boots protection technology

Another key point is that Columbia hiking boots also have foot protections like trail shields. They're puncture resistant and protect the toes and forefoot from injuries. Omni-Heat maximizes warmth and helps hikers retain heat around their feet in cold weather.

Columbia hiking boots waterproofing technologies

With OutDry, Omni-Tech, and Shield, hikers' feet remain dry in wet or snowy conditions. A waterproof membrane keeps feet dry, regardless of the water levels they encounter when hiking.

The Average Price of Columbia Hiking Boots

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Columbia hiking boots vary in prices on third-party websites like Amazon vs. the manufacturer's website. Consumers will pay $70 to $400 for most hiking boots.

Comparing Columbia vs. Leading Manufacturers

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Hiking boots are one piece of equipment hikers shouldn't overlook when planning for a trip. Therefore, our review focuses on quality, traction, and durable material finishes. The upper material, breathability, the insole, and outsole materials were of high importance in our review. We focused on comfort and features that make each hiking boot comfortable for long periods of use.

Additionally, our review covers the best manufacturers in the industry side-by-side with Columbia. Furthermore, we include the prices as well as consumer ratings for each product. Consumers can find the most comfortable hiking boot that fits their budget this way.

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The Best Columbia Hiking Boots Available

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When comparing hiking boots consumers should break their review down further into men and women's boots. These are the best Columbia hiking boots available for men and women.

The best men's boots

When choosing new hiking boots for men, Columbia has several great products. These are a couple of the shoes with the highest ratings by their owners.

[amazon box=”B0792Q88C4″]

This boot features a leather upper and breathable mesh design. It has a five-inch shaft for heel and ankle protection. The mid-ankle height also helps prevent rolling and other ankle injuries. Equally important is the waterproof exterior and Techlite insole that create a comfortable balance. They're lightweight, so it's easy to mobilize in the boots also.

The Omni-Grip outsole prevents slipping on wet, muddy, or snowy terrains. The deep lug traction helps hikers dig their feet into the ground to conquer challenging trails. A mesh tongue helps increase breathability and comfort for owners.

One reviewer claims that in about six inches of snow their feet were dry after hiking. The boots are truly waterproof. Another reviewer complains of quality and construction issues. They indicate the rubber outsole is cracking and the toebox is coming loose on the boots.

[amazon box=”B00GUXH11M”]

This waterproof hiking boot has a 100 percent leather and textile upper material finish. Additionally, the mid-ankle boot has a mesh underlay webbing to increase breathability. And the bungee lacing and padding on the tongue increases wearability and comfort as well.

The shaft measures about 4.5 inches. This mid-ankle height provides sufficient levels of protection to help hikers avoid rolling their ankles. The boots also have a cross-lug design and Omni-Tech waterproof layer. Altogether this design keeps feet dry and makes it easy to dig into uneven hiking grounds.

In one review, the customer indicates they love the comfort and design of the boots. The lacing system is easy to loosen/tighten. And the waterproof exterior keeps feet dry in extreme conditions. One drawback, however, is that the boots aren't good for hot weather, as one reviewer suggests.

The best women's boots

For women, it's important to consider comfort and proper fit when buying hiking boots. Consider these Columbia hiking boots.

[amazon box=”B01N5HHYVF”]

These hiking boots have a suede upper finish and Omni-Tech waterproof seal protector. The breathable boot membrane and Techlite midsole also increase the comfort levels and wearability.

Mesh and web-panels help increase the breathability of these boots as well. In hot or mild conditions hikers will feel comfortable wearing them. A high shaft and hi-top boot finish provide full ankle support for hikers.

One reviewer suggests the boots are excellent for winter hiking. They're comfortable and are also waterproof. So feet stay dry and warm in cold temperatures. Another reviewer complains the boots are large. They also squeak a lot when walking.

[amazon box=”B0787PGFH5″]

These hiking boots feature a shaft that measures midway up the calf for high levels of stability and ankle support. The Omni-Grip outsole and Techlite insole balance each other out well. The boots are lightweight and waterproof.

Superior cushioning and high energy return are two key features that set these boots apart from others. Equally important is that the boots also have an OutDry upper panel. The manufacturer claims the material is 100 percent waterproof. Feet remain dry in any hiking conditions or weather extremes.

In one review, the customer suggests the hiking boots are incredibly durable and comfortable. They're excellent for long periods of use or long hiking trails. The only drawback is the level of waterproofing on the boots' exterior, as one customer indicates in their review.

The Pros and Cons of Wearing Columbia Hiking Boots

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Several great characteristics set Columbia hiking boots apart from competitors. Therefore, hikers should familiarize themselves with the benefits and drawbacks before choosing a pair of boots.

Pros

  • Several great technologies including waterproofing and superior outsoles
  • Traction control for on and off-trail hiking
  • Heating technologies for winter and cold weather hiking
  • Comfortable fit and gender-specific sizing/styles
  • Lightweight and breathable materials

Cons

  • Not all boots have all Columbia technologies
  • Lack of warmth/weatherproofing for some boots
  • Some complaints of sizing/comfort levels
  • Narrow sizing causes discomfort for some hikers

What Do Competitors Offer?

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Columbia is a leader in hiking boots and outdoor gear. However, there are other great manufacturers to consider as well. These are a few top products for men's and women's hiking boots.

The best in men's hiking boots

Men who want the best hiking boots should compare the most well-known manufacturer's products. These are a couple of leaders in the industry.

[amazon box=”B01HFKL0KG”]

This mid-ankle hiking boot has a suede and leather upper. The breathable mesh detailing helps increase wearability and comfort in warm conditions. A synthetic Vibram TC5 outsole provides excellent traction. In addition to the five-millimeter lug depth, the outsoles help increase stability off-trail.

The air cushion in the heel helps improve shock absorption. It also helps reduce the boot's weight and increases comfort levels for wearers. These features, coupled with the mesh lining, enhance the hiking experience with the boots.

In one review, a customer states that the boots are excellent for long-trail hikes. They wore them on an eight-hour hike without any issues. Another reviewer, however, suggests the boots aren't durable. After a few weeks, they saw a small tear in the toe box area of the boots.

[amazon box=”B003O2SERM”]

These Keen boots feature a 100 percent waterproof Nubuck leather upper and a low-profile lacing system. The boots also have a 12.5-inch opening, making them comfortable for men with large feet and calves. Padding on the tongue and collar further increase comfort levels.

An easy-on heel pull design makes these boots easy to put on and take off. Particularly in situations where you're moving quickly, it's easy to adjust the boots on your feet. Equally important is the breathable lining and four-millimeter deep lugs. This design undeniably improves traction on challenging trails.

One reviewer suggests the boots are comfortable. The Nubuck leather and breathable lining help increase comfort levels on long hikes. In another review, the customer indicates the boots began to come apart shortly after ordering them. Reviewers complain of inferior quality materials and that the outsole wears out quickly.

The best women's hiking boot varieties

And last but certainly not least, there are a couple of other brands for women to compare when buying new hiking boots. Compare these with Columbia before choosing the best pair for outdoor hiking excursions.

[amazon box=”B0032JO1BU”]

These Timberland boots are 100 percent leather and feature a 4.5-inch shaft. This height helps increase ankle protection and stability. Together with seam-seal waterproofing and rust-proof lace system, the boots are incredibly durable for challenging trails.

Insulation also helps increase wearability in cold weather conditions. Deep traction lugs help hikers remain upright, regardless of how muddy or snowy terrains get. These boots also have a removable insole so that owners can insert their custom orthotics.

The boots are waterproof and comfortable. One reviewer states that during an eight-mile hike their feet were warm and dry. Another reviewer notes a minor drawback is the limits in arch support. The boots don't have padding either, so they rub against your feet and cause chaffing.

[amazon box=”B00E41XJAO”]

These boots have a metatomical removable EVA footbed. Owners can remove and replace them with orthotics or custom insoles. Another critical point is the water-resistant upper alongside the 100 percent leather and mesh finish. This design helps increase wearability, breathability, and comfort.

The heel is two inches high. The boot's shaft measures four inches in height. This height provides excellent ankle control and stabilizes feet to prevent injuries. Deep lug traction affords hikers additional stability when digging into wet or muddy terrain.

The boots are lightweight. One reviewer indicates they're as comfortable as tennis shoes while providing much higher support. In another review, the customer suggests possible sizing issues between the Keen shoe lineup. They recommend ordering one size larger than your standard shoe size for the best fit.

Columbia or the Competition? The Best Men and Women's Hiking Boots

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pair of columbia hiking boots on a wood deck

Image Via Pixabay

When choosing hiking boots, men and women should look for the products that conform to their feet and hiking styles. Columbia hiking boots are an excellent choice.

However, there are other great brands to consider as well. For men, the Columbia Newton is the best option. The boots are also waterproof and feature a mesh membrane to increase breathability. They have padding on the tongue, and a five-inch shaft helps prevent ankle injuries.

Furthermore, the Omni-technologies and lug pattern make these boots great for off-trail hikes as well.

For women, the Keen Voyageur is a solid pick for outdoor hiking trails and off-trail hikes. The boots are lightweight and feature 100 percent leather and mesh panels.

Coupled with a two-inch heel and four-inch shaft, hikers will experience the highest levels of support. The boots are water-resistant. They also feature a removable metatomical EVA footbed. Deep lugs round out the outsole, providing hikers excellent traction off-trail.