what is the difference between hiking boots and backpacking boots?
June 12th, 2008
JB asked:
i’m sure there is a difference in performance, otherwise they’d be the same thing.
i’m sure there is a difference in performance, otherwise they’d be the same thing.
i don’t do much backpacking, mostly just a dayhiker.
any sugestions for something affordable?
backpacking boots are usually high cut(go up over your ankles) and stiff–usually made of leather; they’re built stiff to give you the extra support needed to carry a heavy pack(up to 40lbs) and hence may not be as comfortable as dayhikers(hiking boots)…hiking boots are usually low to mid cut(just like a regular sneaker) but can also be high cut and not as stiff-hence much more comfirtable and quicker to break in; they are usually made of a synthetic material as opposed to leather—there really isnt a difference in performance per se as each is designed to do a diffferent duty…as far as suggestions go the popular brands are Vasque, Saloman, Merril, Keen–each brand makes several different models with widely ranging prices so the research part is up to you but dont feel like you need to spend alot to get a good boot–i have a pair of Garmonts which were about $90 on sale and have been using them for several years now
I agree with the contributor. Do a lot of hiking. And backpacking into wilderness areas
Hiking boots are as a rule more flexible, can be just ankle height. Where as most backpacking boots are usually more than ankle high. Usually made of good leather. Soles will vary depending on the type of terrain you frequent.