Going to the dolomites late next June.
Have read on the site about KSBs and Storm being the best boots to use.
I do not know what these are, there are various KSBs and Storm if you do a search. Anybody know anything specific rather than this jargon that people assume everyone knows? Will probably try some low grade via ferrata.
Is a smaller backpack more practical in the Dolomites just to carry a light Goretex jacket, some food and some water.

Will

Will,

I wouldn't get too hungup on getting KSB's unless they fit you well.

Just go for a boot thats comfortable and grippy. Obviously it will be fairly warm in the Dolomites at that time of year, so you might want to avoid anything with a membrane (eg Gore Tex) if you suffer from sweaty feet!

I've used Salomon Cross Adventure Sevens a couple of times and they were fine for VFing (sadly they are no longer produced and mine are falling apart).

HTH.

Si

Si

Many thanks for the reply, sounds good to me. It shall save me some cash as the Goretex boots are more expensive.
Hopefully there may be other suggestions on non-goretex boots that might suit.

Regards

Will

Will, whereabouts are you based?

Best bet would be to go to an outdoors shop with a decent selection of boots and knowledgable staff.
Then just find a pair of boots that fit you.

My La Sportiva Trango S's are very light and have a stiff sole, so good for edging on holds. Still not convinced that they are ideal for long days walking (dues to very stiff sole) but I'll wait and see!

Si

Just go for comfortable, grippy boots with a stiff sole and good ankle support ( I used Salomon X Adv7's for the last 2 years out there and they were great). I did VF of all levels.
You don't need a massive rucsac, you just need to be aware that the weather can change rapidly. I thought my 'sac seemed bigger than everybody elses however I was laughing when the rains came. It can also get very cold if you get caught in a bit of cloud. I used a Mountain Equipment DRU35, that was pretty full with VF kit & helmet etc.
Saying that I had fantastic weather most of the time. It's worth planning routes with Rifugios in mind as these offer welcome shelter and refreshment (& beer) in some very inaccessible places.

Have a great time (look at my pictures in the gallery). A lovely part of the world and the VF are spectacular.

Keith

Thanks to Si & Kenneth for the responses which have given me food for thought.

Si - I have a good selection of mountain gear at present and I am very comfortable in all weathers on the Munros , but the dolomites sound to be a different kettle of fish - esp in summer. I have used Scarpa Manta M4s for years and they are superb as I have a dodgy ankle and the give great support - just like a big clamp round my feet - but I am beginning to think they are a bit OTT for the Dolomites and VFs - I also have Brasher approach footwear but from the feedback so far they sound too light - I am beginning to think the answer is a sturdy fabric boot with a solid vibram sole and I am going to scour the sales for something in that mould -an the reason for not depending on outdoor shop assistants is my experience of them over a number of years - they have a conflict of interests and I have not had as good advice from them as I have had from people such as you on this site.

Kenneth - the info on the rucksack was very intersing - I have a berghaus 45litre rucksack and thought it might be a bit cumbersome - but now I am not so sure - as you say, you could be carrying VF kit, water, food , waterproof jacket, blow up sheep - in the Dolomites photos I have seen most people seem to have small backpacks - maybe they do not mind as it is hot rain over there ??

It would be interesting to hear some more views.

Kind Regards

Will

Firstly the weather can be changable to say the least in the Dolomites, these two piccys were taken a couple of days apart in early Sept a couple of years ago:-

Break out the sun cream.

Maybe not.

Remember even in June there could be still be snow around on the higher routes.

Even around Lake Garda it can be windy and cold above 2,000 meters.

I've tended to use a 30ltr rucsac with a bungee thing on the front to hold the helmet, it can get quite full with all the VF kit and I also take a short rope with a couple of extra krabs, just in case.

As for boots KSBs have been fine for me, unless the rock get wet, then I've found the soles somewhat slippy. Anything lightish with ankle support (there's a lot of scree about) should be ok.

Hi Mike D.

Thanks for that - interesting to hear your take - and the photo gallery is superb!


Will