Amazing Value

By Whoowl Ranked #194 - Men's Hiking Boots April 28, 2009

I picked up a pair of these when I was lucky enough to get a visit to the Columbia Employee Store. I got these for under $100 so I wasn't expecting much from them, but I was blown away this last weekend.

Saturday I took them to the local crag and was pleased that they handled the approach (1/2 mile) with ease over rough scrambling and some pretty large boulders. I then used them to climb so pretty good 5.6/5.7 climbs and was amazed that the Vibram soles stuck and held to such small cracks. No need to put on the rock shoes for simple climbs! They then took my off a 95 foot rappel and back to the camp ground for the night.

The next day I drove on up to Mt Hood and put them through their paces in the snow. I didn't think they would hold up since they seemed so supple and the sole was so grippy and soft on the rock. Sure kicking steps with them was a bit rough with only a 3/4 shank, but not any worse than any other similar boot. Feet stayed warm and dry all day.

Best part is the next day after using them my feet were fine with no blisters or wear marks. Pretty amazing for taking new boots out through a full weekend with no break in. My only gripe is no lip on the rear for level lock crampons. I only wonder if the Mountain Hardwear team were in on the design of these boots as I would have never guessed Columbia could make a boot for Mountaineering.

View Details: Columbia Titanium Daska Pass Omni-Tech Boot - Men's

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