Garmont Tower Trek GTX
A lightweight boot that was made for backpacking and carrying heavy loads – according to Garmont’s description. Check out the rest of the article and a video or two…
I chose the boot for the heal tread design having a forward facing tooth (heel brake) for the part of the trek that you have the least energy for – the descent. For me, carrying camera gear – at the very least, I was looking for some slippage support. I constantly have loose rocks and other debris giving out from under me, so having something to bite a little bit more, helps. Trekking poles are definitely a bonus, but these boots – they proved great.
I had looked on REI, BackPacker, and then read some reviews on other Garmont boots which were all positive. So I had a 20% off purchase from REI, some money left on a gift card there, as well as a pair of Salamon Quest 4d that were on their way out. So I took a gamble on grabbing the Tower Treks late this fall. I finally wore them this weekend after waiting to get the right trip in where I pretty much had to retire the Salamons and at least a week out of a test run for the new boots. But I did have my concerns about the Garmonts:
- The soles are pretty narrow and I like the lateral balance for stability (obviously). I was told that this will fit crampons? I haven’t tested that out, nor will I on any immediate trip.
- The grommets for the lacing point at the ankle between foot and shin were pretty thin in available space to keep the lace in the groove.
- The collars are made of Schoeller® stretch fabric that seemed to be a little flimsy out of the box.
The Gramonts didn’t disappoint – I know this is just after the first wear, and everything can go to hell this coming weekend. But here was the results of my concerns for the first time out.
- The soles were great coupled with the ankle support of the Schoeller® stretch fabric collars. Both my first and third concerns were put to bed pretty quickly.
- The laces did not come undone at all. I didn’t have to retie them the entire 6.5 hours.
I am thus far, pretty impressed with them.
Next test… Time to get them wet for 3 days…..