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Gear Review

Merrell Wilderness Backpacking Boot - Men's

Item #MER0026 | 20 in Stock
4 Star Rating

Wilderness is OK

By Ranked #764 - Men's Backpacking Boots April 23, 2009

I use them at work in the winter and when backpacking. Work means hiking in snow and through forest. Good grip and ankle support. I roll ankles like its my job but can't do it in these boots. Three complaints: 1. water proofing for snow is hard. I can walk through a sort stream and not get my feet wet, but snowshoeing is a problem. With snow melt working on them for a few hours they will leak through. They also seem so leak through the sole stitching. I've done about three re-water proofings with nik wax stuff. Works OK for rain, but after a full day of watery work, they will leak. Water-proofing also makes them steamy inside. So if you don't think you need waterproofing, don't do it.
2. I don't like the toebox. It's too Euro cut for my square american feet. There's not enough room for my little toe but too much room for the middle toes. Looks more like a girly cut on it than a guys. Size is true though.
3. What color lasses do you put on them? This is mostly a joke but really. Black would be too dull and everything else looks weird. Merrell should do this boot in brown.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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3 Comments Last Reply: May 28, 2011 By:

By: May 28, 2011

Merrell does make these in brown (w/ red laces). I think the brown version is called 'vintage alpine.' I have a pair and they are fantastic.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By: November 3, 2010

+1 for brown as an option

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

By: July 1, 2010

I definitely agree on Merrell making this boot in brown. I love my pair, but am not a fan of black boots. I wear them in the winter as my snow boots and for hiking/climbing. Overall a great product, although I have never liked the footbed inserts...they slip too much, although I've taped mine in place.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Tech Specs:

Upper Material:
[body], 3mm Waterproof full-grain leather; [lining], Tesivel 3-bar knit 
Sole:
Vibram Roccia 
Lacing:
standard 
Weight:
[pair] 3 lb 8 oz 
Recommended Use:
backpacking with a medium to heavy load (35lb +, 15875g +) 
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year 

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