Gear Test: Hi-Tec Rainier eVent

Our Northwest Editor reviews a solid boot that just missed the cut in our Gear Guide.

Not all the great boots out there can possibly make the Gear Guide—some will inevitably fall by the wayside, pinched by space or similarity to another product. But that doesn't mean the also-rans don't have their own charms. Here, BACKPACKER's Northwest Editor Mike Lanza explains why the Hi-Tec Rainier eVent, a boot that missed the cut, is still worth your money.

"If the Cascadia is a great deal, The Hi-Tec Rainier eVent represents a luxurious upgrade in a burly heavyweight—still at an eye-catching price. Built on the same chassis—from the mud-shedding outsole and moderately stiff midsole to the toe bumper, exoskeletal heel reinforcements, and eVent membrane—it has the same load-carrying ability as its cousin. But testers from Idaho to Alaska found that the full-grain leather uppers and cuff lining conform to the foot better, resulting in a softer, closer fit.

The Rainier features two more pairs of eyelets than the Cascadia, for greater flexibility in lacing. “It made a noticeable difference on steep uphills and downhills,” said a tester who wore both models simultaneously, one on each foot. It’s also a bit heavier and warmer than the Cascadia, and requires at least a couple days of break-in time. Best for medium- to high-volume feet. $200; 3 lbs. 10 oz. Hi-tec.com

—Mike Lanza"

If you're still searching for the perfect waffle-stomper, check out our exhaustive boot section from April's Gear Guide.

—Ted Alvarez
 

READERS COMMENTS

come on up to the Adirondacks and see why these boots are still necessary
Posted: May 11, 2009 snofiter

Yes Ultralight (weight), many of us appreciate the reviews and still wear hiking boots. Not just for the blisters though. We like to kick rocks and small logs off the trails. It’s a fine-tuning kind of trail maintenance for the guy coming along after us in his flip-flops. Packers are capable of deciding on proper footwear for themselves without being ridiculed into doing it your way. “Wow, these heavy leather boots really restrict your ankle movement.” “Yeah, but at least they’re wearing our legs out.”
Posted: May 09, 2009 Desert Runner

I, for one, am a big fan of full grain leather boots/shoes. A "leave no trace" hiker should walk right through that big mud puddle in the middle of the path, not around, which just makes the mud puddle bigger. My low-cut, lightweight, Goretex lined, mesh hiking shoes just fill up with mud and water walking through that mess. With the leather shoes I can walk right through, never missing a beat. I'm guessing poster Ultralight lives out west someplace where it never rains.
Posted: May 07, 2009 CanoeTraveler

Do people still seriously wear boots when they hike 99.9% of the trails in the U.S.? Why - for the blisters, ankle restriction, weight burden, and general irritation? If their pack is so heavy that they need ankle support, perhaps they should lighten their pack. Use a pair of running shoes as most trails are no different than your local parks.....
Posted: May 07, 2009 Ultralight