Gear Review
Wilderness is OK
By tim
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.
View Details: Merrell Wilderness Backpacking Boot - Men's
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Change me.




3 Comments Last Reply: May 28, 2011 By: Will
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
+1 for brown as an option
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
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