3-SEASON BOOTS

A good pair of boots is a great investment for any hillwalker. Pick a pair to suit you from the ones below to take a step in the right direction

Berghaus Expeditor AQ Ridge £110

Included on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Recommended Kit List, this boot has a full-grain leather upper that is stiffer and potentially more durable than designs with lots of stitching. An AQ waterproof lining keeps the water out. The outsole has small, well-spaced Opti-Studs but they are not as deep as others, so grip and long term wear is not ideal. It’s a good, lightweight boot for level paths over hills and moors but less impressive on more challenging terrain. A great boot at this price point though.

Weight 1174g (pair, size 11) Sizes 6-12 (men’s); 4-8 (women’s) + price; more supportive leather upper than other budget boots - outsole lugs not as deep as other boots; less ankle support Trail tested Dec16 4.0/5

Boreal Yucatan/Turkana£150

This lightweight boot has a thin split leather upper with minimal stitching, a synthetic tongue and a rubber rand at the toe for more durability. Inside, you get Boreal Dry Line waterproof protection. Underfoot there is a set of widely spaced deep lugs and a good heel breast. The result is a lightweight boot that is great for general lightweight walking over paths, moors and easier fells.

Weight 1325g (pair, size 7½) Sizes 6-12 (men’s Yukatan); 4-8 (women’s Turkana) + light; minimal stitching on upper; rand - even more durability and support are available Trail tested No, new

Hi-Tec Ravine WP £120

A full-grain leather upper with minimal stitching and a waterproof lining at this price set it apart. But the benefits don’t end there, as you get plenty of support in that upper and also a very wellstiffened toe box for use on rockier ground. The sole has a very good set of lugs that are deep and widely spaced for grip in softer ground. Stiffness on the sole is reasonable, too, making this a good all-rounder for the hillgoer. For the price, this is an outstanding option.

Weight 1556g (pair, size 11) Sizes 7-13 (men’s); 4-8 (women’s) + leather upper; minimal stitching; very aggressive sole lugs - higher-priced boots offer more support; a rand would offer more durability; others are lighter Trail tested Dec 16 4.4/5 Trail Approved

ScarpaPeak£160

This is the rebirth of a Scarpa classic. It is designed as a neat-fitting boot with a sturdy 3-season performance, which should make it ideal for general hillwalking in the UK. It’s waterproof thanks to a Gore-Tex lining, while the upper gets reinforcement at the toe. The drawback may be the Cordura and suede leather upper, as a boot with less stitching may be more resistant to abrasion. But at this price this looks to become a reliable classic with the key performance that most walkers are looking for.

Weight 1212g (pair, size 7½) Sizes 9-15 (men’s); 6½-11½ (women’s) + aggressive outsole; reinforced toe box - upper is not the most durable design Trail tested No, new

Salomon Quest Prime GTX £130

The eye-catching upper is made from suede leather and synthetic fabric panels with lots of stitching, while a Gore-Tex waterproof lining is provided inside. There is a rubber rand at the toe for durability but others are stiffer in this area. Underfoot, the outsole lugs are deep, but not as well-spaced as others and you don’t get a deep heel breast either. Lateral stiffness in the sole is good, but flex is soft, toe to heel. A comfy option for easier terrain with a good price tag.

Weight 1314g (pair, size 11) Sizes 6½-12½ (men’s); 3½-8½ (women’s) + lightweight; aggressive sole lugs; rubber rand at toe - small heel breast, less durable upper; soft toe box, soft sole flex Trail tested Dec16 3.8/5

Mammut Trovat High GTX £165

The velour leather used here is not as durable as full-grain leather, but there is minimal stitching and you get a rubber rand at the toe, so, for the price, this is very good. Inside there is a Gore-Tex waterproof lining. The ankle cuff is higher and more supportive than lower-priced boots and the sole is stiffer than cheaper boots, too. For the price this offers an excellent opportunity to get a more supportive and durable boot for better hill and mountain performance.

Weight 1794g (pair, size 11) Sizes 7-12 (men’s) 4-8.5 (women’s) + very supportive; durable upper, aggressive sole lugs, - lower weight and better leather are available Trail tested Dec16 4.4/5