Brasher has
been toying with producing a
crampon-compatible
mountain walking boot for several years now, with several
contenders coming and going, but the
new Kanaga GTX, due
out in March 2010, could finally be the answer.
The new boot is recognisably from the Brasher stable, with a distinct
nod to the brand's traditional look, but it's actually a B1,
crampon-compatible animal that the company says is a 'rugged mountain
walking boot is perfect for all year round use whether you’re walking,
trekking or scrambling'.
The boot has an oiled nubuck leather upper with a full rand for
abrasion resistance and a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable liner.
Underfoot there's a cushioned but light dual-density EVA mid-sole unit
and a Vibram Foura outsole unit for maximum grip.
The high-cut ankle cuff uses Memory Foam for protection and comfort and
there's a locking lace-hook system for 'extra ankle and heel hold'.
Claimed weight is just 1604 grammes for a pair of size nines, which is
respectably light for a crampon-compatible boot and it's available in
both men's and women's versions. Price will be
£155 when
it hits the shops next month.
The high mountain market's always been an odd one for Brasher. The
brand's best known for its lightweight and low-level boots, but the
broad, high-volume last and wide heel works for a lot of British feet,
so the Kanaga could well be worth a look if you're after a year-round,
light but stiff mountain boot. And after a weekend of traditional
winter booting in the Lakes the other day, we're certainly not going to
argue with reduced grammage.
More information at
www.brasher.co.uk
where the Kanaga GTX lives in splendid isolation in the
'Mountain' section...
