SWEET SKI / SNOWBOARD MOUNTAINEERING BOOT

By Stephen Koch Ranked #8 - Alpine Touring Boots December 12, 2011

I used the Scapra Rush last spring for a two week expedition in Alaska's Wrangle-St. Elias Range. They worked well for both ski mountaineering and snowboard mountaineering. I was doing both and was stoked to be able to use the same boots for each activity.

They are light but still stiff for their weight (just over 6 lbs/pair). If you are looking to shave weight, and are willing to sacrifice a bit of stiffness for a lighter weight boot, then the Rush could be for you. The inventive tongue design helps to make Scarpa's line of ski mountaineering boots exceptionally stiff for their weight. It takes a little patience to figure out how to cleanly open the boot by moving the tongue to the side before getting in or out. But after two or three goes you will have it dialed and stoked on the design for the stiffness it offers.

The boots tour well with lots of cuff movement. For skiing they tighten nicely and once the forward lean lock is engaged you are ready to rip. They were plenty stiff for snowboarding. For skiing they functioned well on all but the iciest terrain. During a time or two while on skis where it was steep and icy, I would have preferred the Scarpa Maestrale's for their additional support. But would not have enjoyed the extra poundage on the way up.

Bottom line: Scarpa Rush are a great boot for ski mountaineering at higher altitude or when you are going for big vertical days and want to shave weight. If you desire the support of a stiff four buckle boot, I would go with the Scarpa Maestrale.

View Details: Scarpa Rush Alpine Touring Boot - Men's

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