Anonymous

I just got these boots in the mail and there are a couple things about them people might want to know. First, they weigh 5lbs and 8oz per pair (size 43) which is more than stated on all the websites. Their weight is actually identical to the old pair of red koflach degree boots that I own. Second, their half sizes aren't real half sizes (much like Koflach used to do). I ordered a size 43 and a size 43 ½. Both boots are marked with their sizes AND both boots are IDENTICAL. I spent a good hour measuring, weighing, and comparing both inner and outer boots and couldn't figure out any real difference between the two sizes. Yet, even with the above issues, these are some seriously cool boots. They really look, feel, and seem to be on a whole new plane of boot above and beyond the koflach boots. The outer shell is primarily solid rubber and plastic rand along with a thick plastic/rubber material mixed with leather on the upper parts of the boot. Only a small portion of the outer boot actually is covered in leather. Most of the inside of the outer boot is also lined with a layer of 'hard' insulation (about 1/8 inch thick), which differs from the old plastic boots which have no outer boot insulation. The inner boot reminds me a bit of the Asolo inner boots, if you've ever seen those, and come with a thin removable liner. The boot as a whole already has an ergonomic fit, the outer boot sole is shaped to fit a foot and has built in arch support etcetera. Because of this superfeet-like insoles aren't needed (and won't fit well). The boot leaves decent room to wiggle your toes. The boot also walks amazingly well, with much better ankle flex than the old plastics, the outer shell bends a bit like a leather boot. I've never ice climbed in anything but a plastic, so we'll see how that flexibility does on vertical ice, but I've only heard great things so I'm not too worried. Personally boots tend to dig into my Achilles heel when torqued from front pointing. From what I can tell these boots do an amazing job of protecting your ankles and spreading the strain around your whole foot. When I stand on tiptoe I can't even figure out how the boot is grabbing my foot? I take that as a sign of a very well designed boot. Hope the above info is useful. Lastly, they no longer come with extra laces. Plus, the size of this boot is very consistent with most of the industry. I wear a size 8.5-9 street shoe, 9.5 backpacking boot and size 10 double boot and the size 43 Spantik seems just right for me (or size 43.5, since they are actually the same size)

A great Belay jacket. Sized to fit over many bulky layers. Very nice quality. Hood is plenty big and when zipped up covers mouth and easily fits over helmet. Sheds snow and water no problem. Parka like length, reaches FAR below the hips, covers your whole butt... It is a relatively thin parka though. I bought a stuff sack for it and the jacket stuffs down in to a easy size for ice climbing attached to harness. I've very glad I got it, a good pick.

Thin and light jacket. Ventilation is excellent, very long pit zips and front pockets double as mesh lined vents. For ice climbing, does not possess double front zipper. Also, hood is very small and not helmet compatible. Hood is attached by two small stips, very easy to remove. Besides hood, seems like a very good jacket for ice climbing and maybe hiking in the winter above treeline. Without a helmet, the hood is very good, it closes to cover your entire mouth. The hood actually covers you much like a windproof balaclava might. If I had to choose a sport that fits this jacket best it would be above treeline winter hiking. If you remove the hood then its as good for ice climbing as any other hoodless windproof softshell. Personally I don't think it one of the less pretentious looking softshells.