@Anthony - Good idea, I think I'll try posting here to ask how people are getting on with Inov8's these days, sounds like they have improved their construction and/or quality control.
The route looks good but challenging - 9 passes in total. We're still exploring options for the first part (Rangdum - Zangla), and may instead opt for a loop from Padum via the Shapdok La to the Khurna R. We're backpacking, so sadly won't be able to benefit from horses legs....
Good thinking about crossing rivers earlier in the day (where possible). From my research, the Khurna R crossing seems to be about mid-thigh deep, and pretty fast running, so care will be required. It has to be forded multiple times. Be most interested if your friend has been there and has any tips.
Montgomery seems to have been there and done that - lucky guy. Mind you, while freewheeling down hills sounds great, I'd hate the idea of pedalling up them.
After reading all the posts relevant to this thread I couldn't resist sending you another link/video to an OTB boot. Please by sure to scroll all the way down the site to see the video.
@Daniel - I'm sorry, I saw your earlier post but somehow failed to acknowledge it. Thanks for being persistant - the OTB mids do look good, and I've even found a UK stockist for the Abyss. The Bushmaster looks like a better bet, but I can't find them in the UK. My only concerns from the video was the bit that said the perforated soles of the Abyss lets in sand as well as water. I'm sure this works well in an aquatic environment, but it is not encouraging for days walking on on scree. Hence my preference for the Bushmaster. Theres not a lot of info about weight, the OTB site says 2lbs but doesn't state which size that refers to. However, they are definitely on the "explore further" list.
It seems that non-GTX mids are rare, with the Inov-8 370 and Aku NS564 both discontinued. Apparently only the military see the virtue in unlined mid-high footwear.
Well objectively you're not getting that much from the extra height over an unlined trail shoe. Really though it just seems to be a matter of what people buy - look how hard it is to find unlined leather boots, or the number of lined trail shoes about....
There is the x-talon 240 but I somehow doubt that would pass your durability criteria
The X-talon might be pushing things a bit too far.... Generally, I prefer mid-highs over shoes for backpacking as opposed to weekend stuff. Mainly because the higher cuff eliminates (most of) the dust, sand and other crud that otherwise enters a shoe, and thereby allows me to forego gaiters. A secondary benefit is that they give some impact protection to ankle bones, which I find helpful on scree. On the other hand, I know from recent posts that many people use shoes for various backpacking trips and get along just fine. I do use Montrail CTCs for most UK trips, and I'm very happy with them, to the point that I am considering taking them to India. Mrs AC will not use them, sadly, but will now consider mid-highs, hence my search.
Apologies for the necromancy here, but I just noticed that Saucony's pro grid outlaws actually don't have a membrane and are thus minimalist, unlined mids. Seemed rare enough to mention.
Based off the Peregine quite seems to be quite a decent shoe. Although I did end up discovering why mudclaws were invented the last time I had my pair out
(Not especially their fault mind as the tread is definetly reasonable enough - its just that Ulscarf/High Raise were underwater.).
