Scarpa Phantom Lite Mountaineering Boot - Men's - 2008 BCS

I winter backpack in the Adirondacks often. To be honest, double boots are overkill in the Adirondacks for 90% of the time, and the only utility for them would be for winter backpacking to keep your feet warm the next morning. But, there are easy ways around it, and in the morning, you can throw one of the chemical warmers in your boots, or heat up a bottle of hot water with your breakfast and throw them in the boots to heat them up, or even sleep with your boots in your sleeping bag (cleaned or put in a plastic bag). I use to use double boots, but they weigh so much, and have now gone to using just a light boot with insulation like the Scarpas or the La Sportivas that others have suggested. Remember to bring snowshoes or skis!

errr... I would get doubles for Adirondacks, especially if you are camping overnight. Check out Phantom 6000M and Sportiva Spantiks. Just call The Mountaineer in Keene Valley and they will tell you to get doubles.

I would say to look at La Sportiva's Trango Extreme Evo Light GTX. I own the Trango Evo GTXs and they are amazing boots. The Extremes offer more insulation making this an ideal boot for what you're looking at. Also, if you do decide to strap on some crampons and get vertical these are stiff enough for front-pointing. Hope this helps! Go get some!

http://www.backcountry.com/la-sportiva-trango-extreme-evo-light-gtx-mens

Lowa's most popular hard-duty backpacking boot. Ideal for carrying heavy (50+ lbs.) packs in rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions. Tall ankle shaft, waterproof, breathable with thoughtful design details for long distance comfort, support and stability.

http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=2206729927&Category=2&Type=w

This is more of something to think about rather a product suggestion. I've hiked down here in Georgia with 12 degree weather in my hiking boots and my feet stayed warm the entire time. The only bad thing about thermal boots is that your feet will sweat and in the an in the end you will be worse off. The number 1 rule of backpacking is sweat kills

This boot would be a great option for you , its light warm and stiff all the things your looking for. And if you decide to Ice climb your ready to go. Another option would be the Mont Blanc from Scarpa

First cinch down on the plastic piece by pulling out on the laces. This will secure the lower foot. Then lace up the upper cuff and tie it off. This allows you to get different tensions on the lower and upper part of the boot.

I would try the 44 in a Scarpa , these have a bit more volume than the Evo and more width in the toe box area. I think you will be happy wth that fit.

The deal was SO GOOD on these at Amazon ($188 SHIPPED) that I went ahead and got the 48's- they IMO they should be considered "true to fit" at that size.

Brock ,
Yes wonky is a good word. Euro size tend to be about a 1/4" gradiant on the 1/2 size if your more like a 14.5 I would consider a 49.

Nope, more like a sportiva fit. Not quite as narrow in the front, but pretty close to the trango style last. Too bad they don't come in 1/2 sizes.

You ask such an ambiguous and vague question; I'll answer it in which it'll only pertain to me:

With a pair of RBH Design vapor barrier socks, the boots should be good down to -18*C. Add a pair of Below Forty overboots and maybe push it to -23*C.

I had a hard time doing approach in these boots. I have previously used them for day outings only, here in Quebec and Adirondacks.

My first multiday use in the Cordillera Blanca and it really hurt my feet badly. To the point that slowed me down hours. Perhaps they weren't broken in yet, I don't know, But I had to do approach in my hiking boots for the rest of the trip.

One thing I know for a fact, correct sizing for this boot is critical.

absolutely they are PLENTY warm these are very warm technical boots

I would email someone at RMI (Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. - www.rmiguides.com) since they know that mountain like the back of their hand.

According to the above description: NO.

They don't make this model boot any more, either.

Has a removable custom heat moldable intuiton liner

My personal experience with ‘single leather’ mtn boots above 6km is not advisable. If you are ‘fast and light’ you can get away with it in the warmer months/regions, and with the use of liner socks and a vapor barrier. But even then if you get stopped or slowed due to issues you are going to suffer. And in -30 forget keeping your toes if you are forced to spend a night in your boots.

I would bump it up to the Phantom 6k, and the advantage of the removable (hence dryable) liner… and extra warmth. These boots still WAY out perform regular plastic double boots for walking and tech climbing.

My personal experience with ‘single leather’ mtn boots above 6km is not advisable. If you are ‘fast and light’ you can get away with it in the warmer months/regions, and with the use of liner socks and a vapor barrier. But even then if you get stopped or slowed due to issues you are going to suffer. And in -30 forget keeping your toes if you are forced to spend a night in your boots.

I would bump it up to the Phantom 6k, and the advantage of the removable (hence dryable) liner… and extra warmth. These boots still WAY out perform regular plastic double boots for walking and tech climbing.

I would shoot for a 44 in these boots. You might consider looking at La Sportiva as well. I wore Adidas for a lot of years and they always ran pretty narrow, which is very characteristic of Sportiva's.Hope that helps.