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Bratislava Castle (known as the 'upside-down bedstead') is the iconic image of the city and the grounds are a great place for a picnic with a view.
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Bratislava has two venues where you can enjoy world-class performances at bargain prices. Here, the historic building of the Slovak National Opera.
Roman Sigaev, Shutterstock
The Baroque Grassalkovich Palace, built as the summer residence of the president of the Hungarian Royal Chamber.
Deymos.HR, Shutterstock
Both banks of the Danube have cycle routes and it is also possible – and popular – to cycle to Devín from where there are more scenic country bike routes.
Devín, a village just the west of Bratislava, has an impressive castle, and is worth a trip out of the city.
The view over residential Petržalka from the UFO tower.
Shchipkova Elena, Shutterstock
There are always stalls offering folk souvenirs on Hviezdoslavovo námestie.
It's well worth the walk out towards the northeast of town to see the bizarre Slovak Radio building – a huge brown inverted pyramid balancing improbably on its pointed tip
The World in HDR, Shutterstock
Each July, Divoká Voda hosts a two-day festival of sports, including rafting, kayaking and surfing.
Arriving in Bratislava's Old Town, you'll feel as if you've just joined an endless party; the cafés and bistros are packed, and in the warmer months the venues explode onto the pavements.
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The powder-pink Neoclassical Primate's Palace was built between 1777 and 1781 by Melchior Hefele for Cardinal József Batthyányi, Archbishop of Esztergom and Primate of Hungary who used it as his winter palace.
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The magnificent interior to St Martin's Cathedral – Bratislava's most important church.
The Danube runs right the way through the city, with five wonderful bridges spanning its waters.
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With the unusual UFO Tower, Most SNP is certainly the most striking of Bratislava's five bridges.
Jaroslav Moravcik
The Coronation Celebrations is an annual event to bring visitors and locals closer to the rituals of the coronation of 19 kings and queens in Bratislava.
The Blue Church is considered the most beautiful church in Bratislava.
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Chips Moman gives a little more conversation on Elvis' 1969 creative rebirth
By any standard, Chips Moman has an impressive résumé. As a songwriter, Moman is responsible for several true classics, from "Dark End of the Street" to "Luckenbach Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)." As a producer, he helped define Stax Records during its early years before going on to sire a succession of hits at his American Sound Studio.
But, perhaps more than any aspect of his storied career, Moman will be remembered as the man who helped midwife Elvis Presley's creative rebirth in 1969.
On Saturday, Moman will be back in the Bluff City for a rare public appearance and an even rarer conversation about the King. He'll be here, along with the members of his famed American Studio band, to mark the 40th anniversary their work on the landmark From Elvis in Memphis album. Moman and company will be interviewed on Saturday in a panel discussion at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, part of the Elvis Week festivities.
For Moman, his relationship with Elvis predates the 1969 sessions -- and actually began on a Ferris wheel. "See, I used to go out to the fairgrounds whenever Elvis would rent it out, and I would go out and hang out with him and ride the rides," says Moman.
By 1969, with his movie commitments over and the famed "Comeback Special" behind him, Elvis was ready to get back to serious recording. As it happened, the hottest band, producer and studio in the world were right in Presley's backyard.
Over the years, Moman and his American Sound Studio -- located on Thomas Street in North Memphis -- had grown into a monster. Moman had recruited a crack unit of players from the house bands at Hi Records and Phillips Records to form the American Studio group: guitarist Reggie Young, drummer Gene Chrisman, pianist Bobby Wood, organist Bobby Emmons and bassists Mike Leech and Tommy Cogbill.
The lineup, mostly with Moman behind the board, would become a hit-making machine in the latter half of the '60s, working up a series of chart smashes for artists like the Box Tops ("The Letter''), Dusty Springfield ("Son of a Preacher Man''), Neil Diamond ("Sweet Caroline''), B.J. Thomas ("Hooked on a Feeling'') and Bobby Womack ("Fly Me To The Moon") .
Given the firm grip of Elvis' manager, Col. Tom Parker, his label RCA, and song pluggers at Hill and Range Music Publishers, getting Elvis into Moman's studio proved a challenge. It was Marty Lacker -- onetime foreman for Presley, who'd gone to work for Moman -- who brought the project in through the back door.
"Marty was working for me and he was still in close with Elvis," says Moman. "So Marty was talking to me about Elvis and talking to Elvis about me and slowly bringing us together. He's really the one that got that album to take place."
The sessions, which took place in January and February of 1969, began with a bit of turbulence, as Moman was forced to take charge, clearing the studio of Presley's pals and business associates, and setting the tone for the record he wanted to make.
"There was a big entourage and there were these publishers in town and they were pushing the kind of songs that Elvis had been cutting, and I wanted to change that," says Moman. "See, we all liked Elvis, but we all liked Elvis in the old days. And so we were really excited about cutting him because we thought that we could do something real special."
For Moman, the secret of the sessions was finding the right material for Presley. A gifted songwriter himself, Moman always had an ear out for the next hit tune. "People were sending me songs all the time. People who write songs, they knew I would listen. I always stayed in touch with a lot of songwriters and I would constantly be calling them and asking them for new things."
Among those who provided songs for the Presley sessions were young writers like Mac Davis ("In the Ghetto"), Mark James ("Suspicious Minds"), and Eddie Rabbitt ("Kentucky Rain"). Combining the fresh material with a mix of old country, R&B and rock favorites, Presley was able to showcase his range and interpretive gifts.
For Moman, the sessions with Presley were not unique from a musical standpoint -- "we did exactly what we normally did" he says -- but Presley, who was being pushed in the studio for the first time in more than a decade, was performing with a newfound energy and enthusiasm.
"He came in there and he was on fire, man. He really was," says Moman. "He was excited about this session. I think he liked the strangeness of it, 'cause it was so different from his sessions that he'd been doing."
"He hit it off with everybody too. He was in a good mood and always joking. And it was always funny. He could tell a joke and even if it was a bad joke, everybody would laugh," says Moman, chuckling.
The collaboration between Elvis and Moman would result in Presley's return to the charts, and the King's musical resurgence, which continued with his return to live performing later that year.
Though Presley did not return to record at American, another album, Back in Memphis, containing leftovers from the American sessions, was released in 1970, much to Moman's chagrin.
"The fact is they took the culls, the throwaways, that I had and made an album out of it and released it, too. That was all outtakes. The guys from RCA, they took every tape in the world that they thought had Elvis on it. And that's how they got that other album." (A remastered version of both Memphis albums was reissued by Sony/Legacy as a two-disc package last week.)
For Moman, who's been reclusive in recent years, Saturday's Elvis interview will be a rare opportunity to hear him talk about his most famous charge. "Ordinarily I just don't do any interviews about Elvis. The thing of it is, man, I just get wore out of people asking me about Elvis," he says, with a laugh. "This is the first time I'm doing something like this, but I think it will be great to be with the (American Band) and just reminisce."
The interview will also be the first public appearance for Moman since suffering a stroke last year. He's slowly been recovering, and getting back to the things he loves most. "I'm doing better, but I'm having to really work with my left hand a lot because the stroke messed it up. I haven't been able to play the guitar very well but I'm trying. I'm starting to play my guitar a bit and write some more songs," says Moman.
"Might be another hit left in there yet."
Conversations on Elvis: "The American Studio Session"
Chips Moman and the American Studio Band in conversation with Ernst Jorgensen and host Tom Brown. Saturday, 10 a.m. at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main St. Tickets are $19. To purchase, or for more information, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.

subset: commoncrawl


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Fibre Channel over Ethernet has IT team adjusting to converged network
Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) converged network has clinic joining Ethernet network and Fibre Channel storage groups, and moving to Fibre Channel switches from Brocade.
For the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, a healthcare provider with more than 350 doctors practicing at 19 locations throughout the greater Houston area, the greatest challenge in implementing Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) was adjusting to the changes associated with the shift to a converged network infrastructure.Like many organizations, the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic has separate Ethernet network and Fibre Channel storage (FC storage) teams. Converging Fiber Channel and Ethernet would mean that LAN and SAN traffic could not only share the same 10 Gigabit Ethernet ( 10 GbE) network, but that the two teams would need to work together more closely than ever before.
But the FCoE project extended beyond the switches. It coincided with Kelsey-Seybold's migration to a colocation data center at Fibertown LLC's Tier IV-designed data center in Bryan, Texas, approximately 100 miles northwest of Houston and away from the hurricane zone. The greenfield scenario presents a golden opportunity for the 60-year-old company to standardize and purchase as much of its new equipment and services as possible from a single vendor.Last year, the IT team spent almost six months evaluating data storage options, including systems from Hitachi Data Systems Corp., its primary enterprise storage provider, and EMC Corp., from which it used a small amount of storage. But the clinic eventually went with IBM, in large part because it could best approximate the one-stop shop that Kelsey-Seybold wanted. Each of the storage vendors resell Brocade and Cisco gear, but Littmann especially liked that IBM rebrands the Brocade switches and services them as well as the storage. IBM resells but does not rebrand the Cisco equipment, so service and support would go through Cisco rather than IBM. "It almost came down to a coin toss at the end" between Brocade and Cisco, Littmann said. "We decided that we could go with either solution." From a technical perspective, Taylor viewed Fibre Channel as the more important piece of the FCoE equation and Ethernet as more of a commodity. The team judged that Brocade had carved out a solid enough stake in the IP switching space with its acquisition of Foundry Networks. Plus, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic already had a significant investment in Brocade's smaller FC fabric switches. Kelsey-Seybold had given strong consideration to Cisco's core switches, including its Nexus 7000 and the Fibre Channel-based MDS switch, but the IT team ultimately settled on the Brocade options, including the DCX Backbone, which IBM rebrands as the SAN768B. "We felt that the DCX was a little more mature," Taylor said. "Certainly from my perspective, being a Cisco guy growing up, it was a difficult decision. But we felt that putting this all underneath the IBM umbrella made sense for us collectively across the business." The IT team has yet to resolve the roles and responsibilities of the various team members with respect to Fibre Channel over Ethernet, but they're leaning toward giving the network team responsibility for managing the entire network, according to Littmann. He said he anticipates no staff changes for the storage, server and network teams, which totals 22 members. The entire 140-person IT staff serves approximately 3,900 end users and 5,000 endpoints. Fibre Channel over Ethernet: Technology hurdles
Viewed against the backdrop of the Brocade-Cisco showdown, any technology hurdles associated with the shift to FCoE have almost paled in comparison. To get 10 GbE, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic tapped into a dark fiber ring in the Houston metro area and lit services with several providers to get to Bryan, Texas.The IT team put in new copper and OM3 fiber optic cable at the colocation facility, although far less than it would have needed with a traditional storage network. It also worked to learn the vendor-specific nuances of its new IBM servers, switches and storage systems, as well as the some of the finer points of Fibre Channel over Ethernert. "Whether you use Brocade or you use Cisco or whomever, FCoE is FCoE," said Chris Breaux, manager of enterprise servers and storage at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "Training the network team to learn Fibre Channel and training the storage team to learn Ethernet is probably the biggest challenge, and how we bring those two together for one cohesive solution." Every so often, the team encounters the sorts of support issues that crop up for early adopters. For instance, Kelsey-Seybold's Intel-based servers were equipped with Brocade converged network adapters (CNAs), but its IBM System p servers aren't yet certified to work with the Brocade CNAs, so it had to go with QLogic Corp. CNAs, host bus adapters (HBAs) and network interface cards (NICs). "We'll go back and retrofit those systems with the proper CNAs once they get certified," Breaux said. "To get all of our equipment on a standard and like-for-like platform will help with future administration, especially since we're about two hours away from the data center." Kelsey-Seybold's IT team isn't bothered that current technical limitations prevent the clinic from going FCoE beyond its four eight-slot IBM SAN768B/Brocade DCX Backbone switches, equipped with FCoE 10-24 blades. Between the DCX core and the IBM storage, the clinic runs 8 Gbps FC to its storage while the IP traffic splits off to Ethernet switches. "The DCXs support both FCoE and Fibre Channel, so we take advantage of those different type of ports inside of the switch," Breaux said. "We're not losing anything. We get both technologies inside of one chassis." Collaboration is key
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic currently uses Fibre Channel over Ethernet in production only in the systems used by its internal technical teams. Plans call for the rollout to clinical applications in the coming months. The IT department hopes to complete the move from its three Houston-based data centers to Bryan next year.In the meantime, the network team has shined during the implementation phase, leaving any grumbling behind closed doors, according to Taylor. Both Taylor and Breaux agree that the collaborative decision-making process has been the key to the project's success. "There are too many shops that we know where somebody at the top or somebody at the side got somebody at the top to say, 'This is the way we're going. I don't care how you feel about it,'" Littman said. "By the time we got to the decision being made, people knew what it was and why it was being made, and they certainly couldn't say they didn't have a part in the discussion. It's all about setting expectations."


text: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce's mission is to lead and support economic growth and development for the Greater Columbus community. The Chamber came to Origo to create new, versatile marketing and sales materials to emphasize their strengths, and, ultimately, to increase membership and revenue. As a valuable entity to the City of Columbus, Origo was proud to help the Chamber of Commerce maintain their position as a leader amongst the business community, building awareness of their great member benefits.


text: October 22, 2013 Join us for our Fall II Session beginning in November! Please see our registration form here Fall II 2013 Registration or sign up for classes under the "Art Studio" tab on our website. Shy and his Self Portrait in Blue Posted by admin, In: Uncategorized Tags: With 0 Comments


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The Julia Vargas Avenue protected bike lane
I thought I already posted an update on the Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City. It turned out I was only able to upload photos on my folder but wasn't able to get to writing about the bike lane. And so we conclude the year 2018 with a positive post of something we would like to see more in 2019 and beyond. We are hopeful that the protected bike lanes along Julia Vargas Avenue, connecting C-5 with the Ortigas Center, will expand and that this example along those of its predecessor bikeways in Marikina and Iloilo would be replicated across the country particularly in highly urbanised cities.
A view of the westbound bike lane along Julia Vargas at the Ortigas Center. Note that the eastbound bike lane (visible in this photo) is not similarly protected vs. motor vehicle encroachments. It would be preferable for that lane to be protected, too. Parang bitin pa tuloy ang effort nila.
Another view of the protected bike lane along the westbound side of Julia Vargas Avenue in contrast with the obviously congested lanes available for motor vehicles.
The middle lanes of the carriageway are wide and can accommodate motorcycles though the latter always seem to prefer filtering or splitting the lanes. The median lanes are generally for low occupancy vehicles (less than 3 passengers) while the middle ones are for high occupancy vehicles (3 or more passengers) including UV Express vans and buses.
Happy New Year to all!
Some suggestions for the bike lane along C-5/Katipunan Avenue
In the spirit of the season, here are some recommendations or suggestions (if this term is preferred) for the bike lanes drawn along Circumferential Road 5. First, rather than a token lane that will fit exactly the width of a pedicab, I suggest that an entire lane be allocated for either side of C5/Katipunan Ave. But at the very least perhaps it should be half a lane rather than a third. Second, instead of a green line that can be invisible to many during the night time and on days like this rainy Saturday, have a double yellow as a delineator. This definitely has more clout than the solid green line, which is unfamiliar to most road users. Third, the bicycle lane must be painted for it to be clearly marked for bicycles. And last, the lanes must be protected, physically, from likely encroachments of motor vehicles. Perhaps bollards can be installed similar to what Pasig has done along Julia Vargas. Here are a couple of illustrations I quickly made using PowerPoint as I updated my lecture material for complete streets.
Suggestions for the bike lane along the NB side of Katipunan Ave. (C-5)
Suggestions for the bike lane along the SB side of Katipunan Ave. (C-5).
The NB side of Katipunan is less challenging with respect to the design details required for driveways and public transport stops. That is mainly because this is where the two schools, Ateneo and Miriam, are located. The SB side is more complicated due to the way the establishments there were developed. Note the roadside parking on the photo and there are numerous driveways from the condos, shops and restaurants on this side of Katipunan. Recall that this side used to have a service road where the two outermost lanes are, and a tree lined island separate this two-way road from the main carriageway of C-5. Perhaps it would be nice to re-imagine Katipunan with this service road again. I will leave the intersection and driveway details as a challenge to my readers and students. The same for a more complete re-imagining of Katipunan Ave.
Katipunan bike lanes?
Here are photos of the bike lanes along Katipunan Avenue (Circumferential Road 5). The lanes are basically just marked with a solid green line but without any signs or pavement markings reinforcing this designation. The lanes are not protected ones like the example along the eastbound bike lane along Julia Vargas Avenue in Pasig City. And so, as expected, there are many motor vehicles encroaching upon the Katipunan bike lane including parked or standing vehicles as shown in one of the photos below.
The bike lane is derived from the outermost lane of Katipunan
Here is the bike lane along the southbound side of Katipunan at the approach to Tuazon Avenue. That's a pedicab on the bike lane so one can easily appreciate the dimensions particularly the width of the lane.
Bike lane along the northbound side of Katipunan approaching Ateneo's Gate 2
The bike lane along with the designated truck lane and motorcycle lane.
Here are cyclists using the lane past Ateneo's Gate 3 and approaching the main gate of Miriam College
I'll try to sketch a few recommendations into the photos as I have done in a past article:
On the Pasig HOV lane experiment
This can also be used for exercises I assign to my graduate and undergraduate classes when we're on the topic of complete streets.
Persons-with-disabilities- and senior citizen-friendly ramps for aircraft
The trip to Cagayan De Oro via Laguindingan Airport allowed me to take photos of the new ramps being used in our airports. These ramps are suitable for persons with disabilities and senior citizens who may have difficulties ascending or descending the usually steep stairs of aircraft from or to the ground. Not all airports have the tube or bridges connecting the terminal to the plane. Here are some of the photos I took at Laguindingan Airport prior to boarding our plane to Manila.
Compare the ramps to the conventional stairs for the rear door of the aircraft.
Meanwhile, smaller aircraft such as the turboprop plane below have built-in stairs. But these planes are lower compared to the larger Airbus 321's we flew on our way back home.
I also saw the same ramps at NAIA when we deplaned near Terminal 3. But it seems Cebu Pacific is the only local airline who are using these? We hope there would be more of these in every airport in the country. That will definitely be for the benefit of all and not just those with physical disabilities or physically-challenged.
About the habal-habal again
There's a nice article written by the current City Administrator of Cebu City, Nigel Paul Villarete. Paul has a regular column in a major daily and one that is always a good read. The article is a consolidation of previous articles he has written about the habal-habal or motorcycle taxi.
Villarete, N.P. (2018) "Habal-habal: the Two-Wheeler "Public" Transport in the Philippines," http://www.streetlife.com, http://streetlife.villarete.com/habal-habal-the-two-wheeler-public-transport-in-the-philippines/?fbclid=IwAR06y9lrH-j6YtXRLf6rDL_JssnewNhR0b49dJ4Muc2PKyCzxeK50X6Ul6Y [Last accessed: 12/21/2018].
The article is relevant and current in its take on the motorcycle taxi and why it is important to consider this mode of transport as a form of public transportation. For one, it obviously gives people another choice for travel that is supposed to be able to cut down travel times compared to when they use conventional public transport or private vehicles. The question and perhaps the challenge to those operating such services is to prove that they are a safe mode of transport. Also, not to forget, is the question of fares and how to set the proper structure in order to protect people against abusive or excessive fares charged by the service providers.
There is news recently that the DOTr is convening a technical working group (TWG) to look into what they perceive as an issue on habal-habal. I wish the TWG well and hope that this will lead to something constructive including regulations that everyone can agree to. That said, I also believe that service providers, especially transport network company (TNC) Angkas, should exert more effort to prove they are a safe mode of transport rather than resorting to what appears to be more a fallacy of appealing to the emotions of people while trying to evade the legal constraints imposed on them. There is definitely a difference in motorcycle taxi operations in rural areas compared to those in the urban setting including the fact that they would have to deal with more vehicular traffic along urban roads. This means more interactions with other vehicles that may lead to an increased likelihood of road crashes involving motorcycle taxis if the latter don't exercise safe driving practices.
On payment schemes for public transport services
Here is a nice article about paying for your fares:
Weinstein, Z. (2018) "Why do so many public transit agencies make it so difficult to… pay for public transit," http://www.medium.com, https://medium.com/@z_75510/why-do-so-many-public-transit-agencies-make-it-so-difficult-to-pay-for-public-transit-c5ae98ae2571 [Last accessed: 11/28/2018].
This is interesting for us as we are just starting to come up with more efficient and innovative ways for paying for public transport services. This is in the form of the Beep card that is now being used for rail transit services as well as for some buses and jeepneys (electric?). Still, we have a lot of catching up to do in the Philippines compared to, for example, Japan and Singapore where it's possible to go cashless in paying for public transport. We don't even have a pass (e.g., there's a monthly, quarterly and even annual pass that Japanese railway companies sell to students and employees that gives them a substantial discount for travels between their home station and work or school station) for regular transit users. Hopefully, the use of Beep will expand and perhaps other modes of payment may be introduced for the convenience of public transport users.
On motorcycle taxis again – in support of the habal-habal
I was writing this article when I read the news about the Supreme Court upholding the LTFRB's decision against motorcycle taxis, particularly that vs. Angkas. Prior to that, I've been spotting more of the "formal" motorcycle taxis around Metro Manila. And more recently, there have been news reports about some of them, particularly Angkas, being involved in road crashes. While I support having motorcycle taxis in part to address transport and traffic issues, I still have reservations concerning the safety of these services. The recent crashes and how they were or are handled will provide us with better insights on what regulations should apply to them. I know people tend to be allergic about 'regulations' especially when associated with the LTFRB or DOTr. But we have to understand that regulations are important to ensure safety of users of the service. That is, of course, if we assume the regulations are properly implemented or enforced. This is still a big question mark with a host of other regulations that are already in place and spelled out and yet are not enforced.
Angkas rider along Katipunan Avenue
More recently, I've spotted Angkas riders in Antipolo and Cainta along my usual commuting routes. And then I noticed quite a few of them in Cagayan De Oro, which means a more formalised "habal-habal" given the identification of Angkas riders with their helmets and shirts. Other "habal-habal" do not have anything to distinguish them from general motorcycle traffic. Former students with the DPWH who have access to data on road crashes state that there is still an increasing occurrence of motorcycle-related crashes and many involve those with passengers. However, it is unclear whether these are the typical free "riding in tandem" cases, which are likely the most common, or the "for hire" case as with motorcycle taxis like Angkas. I guess the key here is to keep the discussions ongoing and come up with solutions to address issues rather than simply ban the habal-habal.
A friend tagged me in a social media post where he explained his position on the motorcycle as a mode of public transport. He also shared some articles he wrote for his newspaper column. I replied that I also support inclusion of this mode of transport and think that authorities should engage positively and progressively. Again, there are opportunities here to help alleviate transport problems. Government should busy themselves in ensuring safety and security rather than just go for a ban. That's a lazy approach to this matter.


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Helsinki Motorhome Holiday
Being the capital of Finland, Helsinki is home to one tenth of the country's population; however this is still only around 5 million, much less than other cities in Europe. The city is compact and east to visit, however the cost of living throughout the country is relatively high so having a motorhome rental or campervan hire is s a good option as the hotels and restaurants can be rather on the pricey side.
Services for Motorhome Rental vehicles.
There are 7 'official' campsites situated around Helsinki, enough choice for anyone, and there is even one that is open all year round. Campsite Rastila just outside Helsinki is in Uusimaa, with 190 pitches including those suitable for campervan hire and motorhome rental vehicles. Situated in a wooded area by a small lake it's a popular place to rest for a day or so and as a base to visit the sights.
The City
The neoclassical city is young and attracts many visitors for its beautiful buildings; some say the best examples of pure neoclassical architecture in the world. If you're not into architecture there are other things to appreciate in the city such as open city parks, wide streets and walks along the seafront. The city also has a good selection of indoor markets; one of the biggest is Kauppatori which sells flowers, crafts and local food. This is where you should stock on food for your journey, there is a lot of choice and at more reasonable prices, Hietalahden Tori is the alternative market to try.
Shopping for food done, you now have time to explore the city a little. The one place you must visit is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Suomenlinna, a maritime fortress just off Helsinki. You need to take the 15 minute ferry or a waterbus across to get to the site but it's worth it. The fortress it great to wander round but if you have an interest in history then join a guided tour to get a better insight in what went o here in the past. If you don't want to take a tour, walk up to the Kings Gate for a wonderful view out to sea.
Back on dry land there are a number of museums and galleries to visit, including the Presidents Palace or Presidentinlinna, Museum of Foreign Art or Sinebrychoffin Taidemuseo, the Rock Church Taivalladenkirkko an underground church blasted out of the rock and the Arabia porcelain manufactory museum in the old town.
If you just want to relax then there are a large number of pools, both indoor and out and saunas to choose from, if you're brave you could try the most famous of them all the Yrjonkatu Uimahalli where swimming is in the nude!
You haven't come all the way to Finland to spend a week in Helsinki, but a couple of days here seeing the sights and gathering provisions should be enough before moving onto the next part of your outdoor adventure.


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While many people's initial concern after being issued a speeding ticket is the associated fine, possibly a far greater consequence is the addition of demerit points to a person's driving record. The New York DMV has a point system for traffic violations that keeps track of a person's driving history, with different points being assigned for different infractions. Individuals who accrue 11 points in an 18-month period can have their license suspended by the DMV.
Points for speeding violations in New York are as follows:
- 1 to 10 mph over the limit: 3 points
- 11 to 20 mph over the limit: 4 points
- 21 to 30 mph over the limit: 6 points
- 31 to 40 mph over the limit: 8 points
- 40+ mph over the limit: 11 points
In addition to the risk of a license suspension, accumulating points on one's license can result in higher auto insurance premiums – making a $500 speeding ticket potentially cost thousands of dollars over time. Excessive speeding could even result in criminal reckless driving charges, which can carry jail time, up to five additional points on your license, increased auto insurance rates, and expensive fines.
Should I Pay the Ticket or Fight it?
It is always worth it to fight a speeding ticket. Points will not be added to your driving record unless you are convicted. By paying a ticket, you are essentially pleading guilty to the offense and will receive the corresponding amount of points on your license. If you already have a high number of points on your record, paying your ticket could cause you to have your license suspended without contest.
If you have been issued a speeding ticket, the New York speeding ticket lawyers at Gannes & Musico, LLP can help you fight your ticket and maximize your chances of keeping your driving record clean. Having successfully handled thousands of cases over more than 20 years of collective practice, we have what it takes to help you get the results you need.
Call (877) 803-2603 or contact our office online today to retain the advocacy you deserve.


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Welcome to the online home of the 4X4 International Fellowship for Rotarians.
We are a group of Rotarians who are passionate about the beautiful outdoors, and about travel. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share our passion for off road adventure with like-minded fellow Rotarians.
Travelling off road in Southern Africa opens up marvelous opportunities for wild life observation. We therefore felt that the Rhino Sanctuary would be a perfect beneficiary for any funds received.


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The Yoga-Mad warrior yoga mat offer excellent grip and cushioning at superb prices. The warrior is rapidly becoming our best selling mat. A durable and good quality mat but not as suited to intensive studio usage as the Studio mats. Though not as ecological as our European made mats the warrior yoga mat is made to our own DOP & AZO free formula (independently tested by SGS Test no. UG/2003/70022) making these a cut above the rest.
Product details:
- Dimensions - 183cm x 61cm x 4mm
- Weight - 1.1kg
- Material - PVC
- Free from - AZO & DOP
- Colours - 12 x Blue
- To optimise slip resistance, please wipe each mat with a damp cloth and towel dry before first use.
- Care Instructions - Can be wiped clean or can be machine washed at 40°C using a small amount of soap. DO NOT put this mat through a spin cycle or spin dry as this may damage the mat. Dry flat or roll up in a towel to speed drying time.
Please note colours are subject to change and may vary from images shown as we cannot guarantee colour representation on computers and devices.
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The children understand that sin, cos, and tan are side ratios. The children! They understand! They are not making ridiculous mistakes, and they can answer deeper understanding questions like, "Explain why sin(11) = cos(79)." I think right triangle trig is a frequent victim of the "First ya do this, then ya do this" treatment -- where kids can solve problems but have no idea what is going on. There's often not a ton of time for it, and it responds well to memorized procedures (in the short term). So, if your Day One of right triangle trig involves defining sine, cosine, and tangent, read on! I have a better way, and it doesn't take any longer.
First, build on what students have already learned about similar triangles. Ideally, this unit immediately follows that one. On Day One, I assign each pair of students an angle. (You guys have 20 degrees. You all have 25. etc etc, all around the room, so each pair of students is responsible for a different angle.) They work through this document (docx pdf), using Geogebra to do the measuring. They write down the length of the side opposite and adjacent their angle, for triangles of five different sizes. It's important that they write down the lengths, divide them with a calculator, and experience surprise and wonder why they are all exactly the same. (Geogebra made this soooo much better and easier than when I did this with rulers and protractors. So much better. In fact, one of my Matt colleagues basically deserves a medal for all the times he's said "Why don't we just do this with Geogebra?" this year.)
On this day, they just do opposite/adjacent ratio, share the ratio for their angle in a shared spreadsheet, and then everyone has access to the shared spreadsheet (an opp/adj-only trig table) to solve some problems (in that same document). The thing is, they are figuring out how to use what they have learned to solve the problems; they're not just repeating a procedure that was demonstrated. This took one 45-minute period, including checking Chromebooks out and in. I collect the sheets and look for students who had a strategy for #11 (how to solve when the variable is in the bottom of the ratio) so they can share their strategy next class.
Next two classes, I provide them with a table of all three ratios (to tape in their notebook) for angles of 5-degree increments, and they work their way through this page with appropriate help. For example, in the first set of problems, I just had them label the sides first. Then choose the ratio for all the problems, then solve for an answer. This particular document is not terribly pretty, because I had limited time to put it together. In every class, someone wanted to know why they couldn't use like hyp/adj if that equation was easier to solve. For those that asked, I pointed out that we couldn't look up hyp/adj in the table, BUT, they could use the other angle in the triangle. (And yes I'm aware they could use 1-over the ratio in the table, but that seemed like an overly complicated strategy to suggest.) I gave them a few find-sides and find-angles problems (limited to the angles in their table) to practice for homework. They did not all get to the back, but the kids to catch on/work quicker had something to do after the basic problems.
Today I spilled the beans that these ratios have special names, and we could look them up in our calculator. We mostly spent the period getting used to looking stuff up in the calculator including some hot Plickr action, and working on these problems which they are finishing for homework. I told them they only had to do one "Explain why," but they had to complete all the rest.
Tomorrow on our block day, we are going to go outside and figure out the heights of some really tall things (docx pdf). There are lots of "measuring tall things" activities out there, but I heavily adapted this document, so thanks to Christopher Conrad for posting it.


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We were smart and just stayed downstairs, avoiding as many bold children as possible and shortly afterwards, I was €30 poorer and in posession of My Nail Polish Storage Unit! I put it together yesterday and had heart failure when I opened up the box to see eleventy million pieces there mocking me. But an hour or so later, it was done. It comes with wheels but I didn't attach them.
Drawer 3 is my "affordable polishes" from Barry M, Maybelline, NYC, Catrice, Bourjois, Gosh, Rimmel, Revlon and ones I bought in Spain from the Supermarket.
Drawer 4 carries all of my mini polishes. I've some Essence ones on the left, mini OPIs in the middle and the Loreal ones too and on the right is all of my Sephora by OPI minis from sets I got a couple of years go. So cute! They're titchy and I felt they all had to be in the same drawer so as not to have size issues!
Drawer 5 has my "fancy schmancy" polishes and that means Leighton Denny, Zoya, Sephora by OPI, Model's Own, Orly, Essie, Butter London, Chanel and Ciate. It really does warm the cockles of my heart to have them all organised like this!
Drawer 6 has my accessories. Konad nail stamping bits, nail wheels for swatches, nail polish remover and whatever top coats or treatments I have.
Look mam, I helped!


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Sins of a Solar Empire Beta Plans
Stardock has sent out this press release, announcing beta plans for the 4X space strategy game Sins of a Solar Empire. This singleplayer beta will start March 27, with access being given to people who pre-order the game. Since the game itself isn't due until August, the beta isn't just to test the engine but also to implemenent additional features based on player feedback.
From The Chatty


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"The Best Things in Life Are Free" is a song popularized by the 2 multi awarded singers Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson, first recorded for the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-produced soundtrack to the 1992 film, Mo' Money,starred by Damon Wayans.Well enough with the introduction because in real life, there is no such thing are free. There are certain state of mind that there are things that cost nothing that can improve your life. Well! it was just a "Utopia", for everything has a price even the things we call priceless has a price lets' face that facts: All the things you want cost money being alive costs people so much money. You need shelter and you want to live in a beautiful house in a very nice area, you have to pay for it. You want nice food and you want to go out to dinner with your partner for a nice t-bone you have to pay for it. You want to go somewhere with your love ones, you need money for your fare. Just living alone could costs us so much money nothing in life is ever free, there is always a cost. When dealing with love and relationships, it costs certain freedoms. For some who may be in controlling relationships, it could cost them friendships. Having a family costs personal time. Granted, you could schedule personal time but it's not as easy as it would be prior to having a family. Cars, homes and the like all cost money, so let us live with it accept that everything in life has a prices, for money is needed for a majority of everyone desires.
Even salvation we called free is not really free because you need to work for it, if you believe in Jesus you need to repent. Repentance and not to sin again is the price you have to pay for you to be save and have that salvation you desire.
For me. "The Best Things in Life Are Free" is just a" catch phrase" for a Marketer to lure their target market to patronize the product that they are promoting, because even the product they are giving away has also a cost, it was part of the company's marketing plan that involves planning and budgeting in which their main objective was to penetrate and lure their target market.-Jhmenor
If the best things in life are free why we aren't happy? When we are free to chose to be happy, You should watch the movie below for you to understand..
Words to live by:
"If you only had 48 hours left to live, would you spend it like you normally spend your weekends? If not, why spend 2/7th of your life wasting your free time? After all, free time isn't free. Free time is the most expensive time you have, because nobody pays for it but you. But that also makes it the most valuable time you have, as you alone stand to reap the profits from spending it wisely." ― Jarod Kintz


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Show Less
Organizing Democracy
The Construction of Agency in Practice
Edited by Göran Sundström, Linda Soneryd and Staffan Furusten
This fresh and fascinating book adds an organizational perspective to the analysis of governance and democracy. It argues that a number of organizational factors challenge the notion of agency assumed by a governance model.
Show Summary Details


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€1,000 Welcome Bonus for ALL Players at Casino Club!
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No piece of gear is more critical to summiting high peaks than footwear. A great mountaineering boot fills countless roles: it must offer support while carrying heavy loads, grip confidently over slick rock and snow, keep your feet warm when the mercury dips, and allow for the attachment of crampons and skis. But most importantly, it must instill trust and confidence. Our picks for the best mountaineering boots of 2020 below are broken down into three categories: extreme cold/high-altitude boots for the world's tallest mountains, 4-season technical alpine boots for keeping your feet warm while moving fast and light, and lightweight mountaineering boots for less technical and lower-elevation routes. For more background information, see our buying advice and comparison table below the picks.
Best Overall Mountaineering Boot
1. La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX ($599)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Single leather
Weight per pair: 3 lbs. 15 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: A highly versatile and remarkably comfortable boot that is lighter than competing models; comes in both men's and women's sizing.
What we don't: Leather absorbs water more readily than synthetic boots, and weight savings come at the expense of durability.
La Sportiva's Nepal line has been the standard-bearer for technical single mountaineering boots for nearly two decades. There have been several iterations over the years, but the concept has stayed largely the same: a durable leather boot that excels across the spectrum of mountaineering. These boots have kept guides' feet warm on Mount Rainer, are more than sufficient for all but the coldest days of kicking up dry ice in the Northeast, and should perform just fine on late April and May trips to the lower peaks in the Alaska Range. You can even bust out a few rock moves when needed thanks to the rubber toe.
The Cube GTX retains the classic Nepal EVO's technicality and jack-of-all-trades prowess, but with a few notable differences. For one, we love the addition of a removable tongue, which can be moved up or down (or even removed entirely) to add padding or make more space. Secondly, the Cube comes in at 8 ounces lighter for the pair, which—while certainly a bonus over long slogs—results in less durability in the sole and midsole. If durability or cost is your most important consideration, we would instead recommend the EVO ($525, 4 pounds 7.4 ounces) or Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX below ($549, 3 pounds 15.5 ounces). Otherwise, the Nepal Cube GTX will give you the warmth and support you need in a premium, time-tested package.
See the Men's La Sportiva Nepal Cube See the Women's La Sportiva Nepal Cube
Best High-Altitude Mountaineering Boot
2. La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo ($999)
Category: Extreme cold/high-altitude
Body design: Double synthetic
Weight per pair: 6 lbs. 3.7 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: A premium and time-tested high-altitude boot that is like an oven for your feet.
What we don't: Insulating Vibram PE sole is less durable than conventional rubber.
The La Sportiva Olympus Mons is perhaps the most popular double boot on the market for extreme cold. It's the go-to model for mountaineers looking to stay warm in extreme places like Denali's West Buttress, Mount Everest, and Antarctica's Mount Vinson. The uber-comfortable polyurethane thermal-insulated inner boot accommodates a wide range of foot sizes, and the one-handed lacing system with a Velcro closure doesn't require any tying (perfect for tightening with big gloves or even mittens). A similar system tightens up the outerboot before a durable zipper and Velcro strap seal off your feet from the frozen elements of the world's biggest mountains.
The biggest downside of the La Sportiva Oly Mons is that it achieves a significant amount of underfoot warmth from the unique insulating Vibram PE sole. This is the softest rubber of any double boot on the market, so fragile that the boot is designed to be worn consistently with crampons. If you do a lot of walking on sharp rocks without crampons (think Aconcagua, for example), you will notice quicker wear on the boot. La Sportiva does address this issue by having a full-strength rubber toe, so for most snow and ice mountains like Denali, durability won't be an issue. In addition, it's no secret that the Oly Mons is a heavy boot, but many find the heft to be worth it for the extra bump in warmth. And in terms of fit, many people recommend going up at least one full size. A final note: the Oly Mons Evo will be replaced by the Olympus Mons Evo Cube in early 2020, which is significantly lighter, features tech binding inserts and a Boa closure, and will retail for $1,199.
See the La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo
Most Comfortable Boot for Hiking and the Approach
3. Scarpa Charmoz ($325)
Category: Lightweight mountaineering
Body design: Single synthetic
Weight per pair: 3 lbs. 6.4 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: No
What we like: Great price point, rocker is suited for long approaches, lightweight, comes in both men's and women's models.
What we don't: Not super durable or warm due to the lightweight fabrics.
The Scarpa Charmoz is a go-to option when you need one piece of footwear to get you from the car to the summit. From long approaches through treeline to crossing glacier-polished granite slabs and cramponing up icy summit pyramids, the Charmoz will keep your feet dry and agile. It is decidedly a 3-season boot—the light insulation, quasi-flexible sole, and high rocker mean that the Charmoz is not an ideal choice for technical ice climbing or mountaineering in cold conditions. But for spring and fall weekend missions into the Cascades, Bugaboos, Rockies, or Sierra, it is an excellent boot.
At a little over 3 pounds for the pair, the Charmoz is slightly heavier than the La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX below but feels a little more durable. And at just $325, the Charmoz is $74 cheaper than the Trango Cube, although it does utilize an OutDry waterproof liner instead of a more proven Gore-Tex insert. As with many boots in this weight class, the lack of a toe welt means that the Charmoz will not take step-in crampons, although it is compatible with semi-automatic crampons. On a recent climbing trip to Nepal, our tester was very satisfied with how well the Charmoz hiked on trails and kicked up scree on a 5,200-meter pass. If covering miles and vertical versatility are what you are looking for, this is our favorite lightweight boot.
See the Men's Scarpa Charmoz See the Women's Scarpa Charmoz
Best Mountaineering Boot for Technical Ice Climbing
4. Scarpa Phantom Tech ($699)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Single synthetic w/gaiter
Weight per pair: 3 lbs. 3.5 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Great warmth-to-weight ratio, waterproof, highly technical.
What we don't: Not warm enough for high-altitude endeavors.
Scarpa's entire Phantom line looks so similar that it can be hard to tell the Tech apart from the 6000 and 8000. In sum, the Tech is the race car of the Phantom family and one of the most popular boots among ice climbing guides. And it was completely reworked for this year, with a number of upgrades that result in a lighter, warmer, and more comfortable and durable boot. Most significantly, Scarpa replaced the previous wraparound zipper with a simpler design along the outside, which proves easier to use and interferes less with the foot's flex. And it doesn't hurt that Scarpa shaved off over $100 in the process (the previous model retailed for $825).
In terms of competition, the Phantom Tech is similar to the Arc'teryx Acrux AR and La Sportiva G5 below in warmth, weight, and features. All of these boots prioritize precision and performance for technical ice climbing. The G5, however, does not have a waterproof zipper, which can make a big difference on approaches where you have to splash across creeks or on warm days when snow and ice take on a wetter quality. All in all, for a technical climbing boot that is warm, durable, and performs extremely well on steep terrain, the Phantom Tech is a great choice.
See the Scarpa Phantom Tech
Best of the Rest
5. Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX ($549)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Single leather
Weight per pair: 3 lbs. 15.5 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Cheaper and more performance-oriented than its La Sportiva counterpart, the Nepal Cube GTX.
What we don't: Fit will be too wide for some.
If you're in the market for a jack-of-all-trades mountaineering boot, it's a tough call between our top-ranked Nepal Cube GTX and Scarpa's Mont Blanc Pro GTX. Both boots are ideal one-quiver options for low-altitude mountaineering and technical winter climbing: they walk well, climb ice confidently, and are warm enough to trust for all-season endeavors. Their single leather upper designs are durable without adding too much bulk, and welts on the toe and heel offer secure automatic crampon attachment (unlike a boot like the Scarpa Charmoz above).
The main distinctions between the two boots come in price, fit, and technical performance. With a recent update, the Scarpa has a more precise outsole which offers better climbing ability on particularly technical snow and ice. And for $50 less, it gets the price advantage as well. Some find the La Sportiva to be a warmer boot, but we haven't noticed a difference. And if you're still torn between the two, we'd recommend making a decision based on fit: as with most of their boots, the Scarpa will have a wider fit and the La Sportiva a bit narrow.
See the Men's Scarpa Mont Blanc See the Women's Scarpa Mont Blanc
6. Scarpa Phantom 6000 ($950)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Double synthetic
Weight per pair: 4 lbs. 6 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Simple but effective lacing system, watertight zipper, technical fit.
What we don't: For those with narrow feet, the wider fit in the heel and toe box may reduce the boot's technical prowess.
Of all the technical double boots on this list, the Scarpa Phantom 6000 offers the best performance, construction, and feel. This is Scarpa's go-to model for giant ice routes in the Canadian Rockies and technical Alaska ascents, and we feel confident in saying that it's also a great option for many mid-season Denali climbers (Scarpa's Phantom 8000 is even warmer, but significantly heavier). At only 4 pounds 6 ounces for the pair (size 42), the Phantom 6000 is the lightest in its class—a hair lighter than the La Sportiva G2 SM, and more than 1 pound lighter than La Sportiva's technical machine, the Spantik.
In terms of construction, a PrimaLoft Micropile insulated liner provides ample padding and warmth, with a basic Velcro closure on the outer side. Scarpa shaved weight from the previous orange Phantom 6000 by replacing the rubber rand with a molded foam rand, which likely will not be as durable in the long run. Further, the wraparound zipper concept can feel weird at first, but we appreciate the fact that this design almost entirely protects the zipper from being scuffed by the passing point of a crampon. Lastly, this boot only comes in full sizes, and many might find the heel pocket to be noticeably broad. Although Scarpa's footwear is known for being wider than La Sportiva's, we felt that these boots fit very similar to the La Sportiva G2 SM.
See the Scarpa Phantom 6000
7. Arc'teryx Acrux AR ($750)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Double synthetic
Weight per pair: 4 lbs. 2 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Low-profile design for such a warm double boot.
What we don't: Narrow design may not accommodate wide feet as well as other brands.
When Arc'teryx designs something, they typically go bold, and the Acrux AR mountaineering boot is no exception. Sleek and black with just a slight hint of red, the Acrux AR looks like it could kick a mountain to pieces and come away without a scratch—of all the options on this list, it may be the most durable. The Acrux AR has very few seams, which are known to be points of weakness in mountaineering boots. A fully waterproof zipper protects the Gore-Tex-lined inner boot, which resembles a thick and stretchy sock. We were somewhat surprised by the simple lace design (a pull-down cinch design would be nice), but a lateral Velcro strap provides some additional stiffness above the ankle.
In terms of best uses, the Acrux AR will excel at everything from ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies to alpine-style ascents of lower mountains in the Alaska Range. Although Arc'teryx calls the Acrux AR a double boot, it's less so than the Scarpa 6000 or La Sportiva Spantik. In fact, this boot is closer in warmth, weight, and technicality to the La Sportiva G5 and Scarpa Phantom Tech. We also found the Acrux AR has a narrower fit than the G5. Overall, if the Acrux AR fits your foot and price range, we feel confident that this stealth boot will propel you across wide glaciers, up steep drips, and onto many remote summits.
See the Arc'teryx Acrux AR
8. La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX ($269)
Category: Lightweight mountaineering
Body design: Single synthetic
Weight per pair: 2 lbs. 11.6 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: No
What we like: Exceptionally lightweight but still protective, waterproof, and able to accommodate a semi-automatic crampon.
What we don't: Lacks durability and versatility; not built for all-day snow objectives.
One of the newest additions to La Sportiva's lineup, the Trango Tech is by far the lightest—and most affordable—mountaineering boot we feature. You won't be wearing this boot for ice climbing or high-altitude mountaineering, but for many objectives in the Lower 48, it's worth a close look. With a streamlined build and flexible sole, the Trango Tech is akin to an approach shoe or hiking boot. That said, its waterproof upper and heel welt make it surprisingly capable in steep snow. Put it all together, and Sportiva's new hybrid offering is an ideal mix for fast-and-light objectives in regions like the Cascades or Patagonia, where a route might contain equal parts trail, snow, ice, and rock. In fact, the Tech all but replaces the Trango Cube GTX (below) as a summer mountaineering boot for ounce-counting alpinists.
We thought the Trango Tech made a perfect companion for climbing in Alaska's Little Switzerland, where snow patches near the summits of rock routes required that we carry our boots along for the climb. Unfortunately, the boots do make compromises in terms of warmth, stability, and durability. Even in mid-summer on the glacier we suffered from cold feet from time to time, and on firm snow approaches we found ourselves wishing for more boot (for these two reasons, we don't recommend the Tech for snow-dominant routes like Mount Rainier). Further, after just 10 days of use, our crampons and snowshoes had abraded patches on the outside of each boot (for a durable alternative, check out the La Sportiva Makalu below). But for the right setting, the Trango Tech fills a much-needed niche for the most weight-conscious of alpinists... Read in-depth review
See the Men's La Sportiva Trango Tech See the Women's La Sportiva Trango Tech
9. La Sportiva Baruntse ($625)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Double synthetic
Weight per pair: 5 lbs. 9.4 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Great price point, fits a wide range of feet, warm.
What we don't: More of a comfort fit than a performance fit—a little heavier than the ultra-technical and modern double boots on this list.
The Baruntse is the most durable double boot in La Sportiva's lineup. Compared to ultra-modern double boots like the Scarpa Phantom 6000 and La Sportiva Spantik and G2 SM, the Baruntse doesn't offer the shiny features and high-tech designs that win gear awards. Instead, it is constructed to take a beating on steep ice and cold mountains and still get the job done. And the boot may not be quite as warm as the aforementioned models, but it's Alaska-tested and remains a favorite for technical ascents in the Ruth Gorge and high-altitude sufferfests on Denali, Aconcagua, and beyond (if climbing early-season on Denali, you may want to consider adding a Forty Below Purple Haze overboot for extra warmth).
At $625, the La Sportiva Baruntse is relatively inexpensive compared to other double boots. But for the price, you get beefy soles that can be resoled, rubber rands, stout crampon welts, and metallic gussets and eyelets, all of which should stand up to years of abuse. This does come at a weight penalty—the Baruntse is one of the heavier boots on this list at over 5.5 pounds. In terms of fit, the toe box of the liner is a little roomier than La Sportiva's more typical rock shoe-like fit, which is welcome news for those with wide feet (who might normally tend toward a Scarpa or Lowa). In addition, it's worth noting that the 7-millimeter, thermo-moldable EVA foam liner allows for custom fitting. Some people retrofit this boot with a thicker and even warmer Intuition Denali or Logan liner, which takes up additional room and provides an incredible custom fit for your boot once heat-molded.
See the La Sportiva Baruntse
10. Scarpa Phantom 8000 ($999)
Category: Extreme cold/high-altitude
Body design: Double synthetic
Weight per pair: 5 lbs. 13.5 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, more durable sole than Oly Mons, easy to adjust with big gloves, wider than La Sportiva boots.
What we don't: Pricey and lacks the proven track record of the Olympic Mons Evo.
The Phantom 8000 is the durable workhorse for extreme cold in Scarpa's line. From the ground up, Scarpa designed a serious boot here, and a recent upgrade means it's now warmer, lighter, and $250 cheaper. You get a waterproof, PrimaLoft 200-lined gaiter as the first line of defense, while a PrimaLoft 600-insulated liner with a simple pull-down speed lace keeps your foot tight and toasty. What's more, the Vibram Zero Gravity Lite sole can stand up to the abuse of kicking up scree, unlike the La Sportiva Oly Mons Evo (take this into account if you're climbing a mountain like Aconcagua). And zippers are always a cause for concern—it only takes one misstep with sharp crampons to shred a zipper—but Scarpa's new placement on the outside of the foot should help alleviate that issue.
If you're looking for the best high-altitude mountaineering boot, it's a bit of a toss-up between the Scarpa Phantom 8000 and the La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo above. The retooled Scarpa comes out in front in many categories: it boasts a more durable sole, a lighter weight, and a more generous toe box (great for swelling toes and wide feet). However, without the indisputable and time-tested track record of the Olympic Mons Evo, it's tough to give it the higher ranking here. Ultimately, both boots are incredibly well-designed and thoughtfully constructed, and a final decision will likely come down to fit.
See the Scarpa Phantom 8000
11. Lowa Mountain Expert GTX Evo ($420)
Category: Lightweight mountaineering
Body design: Single leather
Weight per pair: 3 lbs. 13.9 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Great all-around, super durable boot for everything from basic mountaineering to technical climbing.
What we don't: Slightly less rocker than other lightweight boots.
The Lowa Mountain Expert GTX Evo could be considered a classic, and we don't mean that in a negative way. Other boots in its class shed weight by using lighter materials, often at the expense of durability and a high price tag. New features and technological advances are great, but sometimes you just want something that is hard to kill and can get the job done. Without sporting features like built-in gaiters, fancy lacing systems, or ultralight foam rands and insulation, the Mountain Expert GTX Evo is an excellent do-all lightweight mountaineering boot that still manages to be gentle on your wallet.
Although the Lowa isn't the absolute lightest of the fully step-in crampon-compatible single boots listed here, we feel that the benefits of durability, warmth, and a very reasonable price make it a nice choice for a wide range of activities from basic mountaineering to technical ice and mixed climbing. Not only can the Mountain Expert GTX Evo take a beating, but its stiffness underfoot—while still allowing for ankle articulation—makes it ideal for steep ice and precision footwork on hairy mixed leads. You do get slightly less rocker than other boots in the lightweight category—meaning the Mountain Expert is a bit less comfortable on the approach—but we like the price and performance overall.
See the Lowa Mountain Expert GTX Evo
12. La Sportiva G2 SM ($850)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Double synthetic
Weight per pair: 4 lbs. 8.2 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Very warm and comfortable; lighter than the Spantik.
What we don't: Noticeably less stiff, less technical-feeling, and less durable than the Spantik/Phantom 6000; Boa system is hard to repair in the field.
The G2 SM was a radical shift in the lineup of La Sportiva double boots, shaving an impressive 8 ounces per boot from the already light and technically charged Spantik (the G2 SM did not replace the Spantik, but was introduced several years later as an ultralight and even warmer alternative). La Sportiva went with a dual Boa lacing system (one on the ankle to secure the foot and another on the shin), which allows for quick tightening and adjustments without dealing with tying laces in the extreme cold. And the built-in super gaiter keeps your inner boot dry and toasty.
Compared to the Spantik below, the G2 SM is warmer but not nearly as stiff or technical-feeling. Even when tightened down, it has a lot more forward flex than the Spantik. This, along with a wider toe box, takes away from the precision fit needed for mixed climbing. And in terms of durability, the G2 SM seems to be slightly less durable than the Spantik or Scarpa Phantom 6000, though neither boot can match its light weight. Overall, the G2 SM excels at cold and high-altitude mountaineering on 5,000- to 7,000-meter peaks and is still perfectly capable of climbing highly technical terrain. If weight savings and warmth are your main concerns, the G2 SM will not disappoint.
See the La Sportiva G2 SM
13. La Sportiva Spantik ($775)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Double synthetic
Weight per pair: 5 lbs. 9 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Superbly technical-feeling boot, easy lacing system, walks great on flat ground but stiffens up for technical climbing.
What we don't: Not as durable as the Phantom 6000, and the liner takes a long time to dry compared to all-foam liners.
The Spantik was a revolutionary boot when it came out almost 10 years ago, and it remains a favorite among technical alpinists and cold-weather mountaineers. The boot has the feel of a technical single boot wrapped up in a super warm double design (it was created before zippers were really popular and instead has a wraparound closure system on the outer shell). In terms of ability, these boots climb like a dream (for double boots, that is). Compared to the La Sportiva Baruntse or G2 SM, they have a precision fit, and the narrower toe box really allows you to feel your crampons as an extension of your toes. Furthermore, the one-hand lacing systems on both the inner and outer boot mean that you don't even have to take off your mitten to batten down the hatches.
In terms of construction, the outer boot is composed of a leather upper and synthetic lower. Soft foam on the midsole lowers weight and adds warmth but also reduces durability in one key zone: the heel welt. Unfortunately, the 2-millimeter plastic heel welt (where the crampon lever secures) is built onto this weak, soft foam foundation, and our tester actually had his completely break off while on a climbing trip in Alaska. That said, it's worth noting that he loved the design of the Spantik enough to purchase a replacement pair.
See the La Sportiva Spantik
14. La Sportiva G5 Boot ($750)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Single synthetic w/ insulated gaiter
Weight per pair: 3 lbs. 12 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: A warm and versatile alternative to the Scarpa Phantom Tech.
What we don't: Less waterproof, heavier, and more expensive than the updated Scarpa Tech.
When the La Sportiva Batura hit the market, it was instantly one of the most popular pieces of footwear for ice and technical alpine climbing. The G5 replaced the Batura 2.0 in 2017, shedding nearly 8 ounces from its predecessor, and is a highly technical boot that excels at steep ice and mixed climbing. The Nepal last provides stiffness and support with a Vibram Matterhorn sole for great traction in slick conditions. Like the G2 SM, the G5 uses the Boa lacing system to tighten the boot, and a Velcro strap cinches down above the ankle for additional stiffness. Ultimately, the La Sportiva G5 has a tremendous amount of dexterity and ankle articulation for precision placement while climbing.
The G5 undoubtedly is a technical machine and quite warm for its weight, thanks in large part to the insulated gaiter. But it does offer less upper ankle support than boots like the La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX or Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX, both of which extend higher above the ankle for more rigidity. That said, many technical climbers appreciate the additional ankle flex that is present in this lower profile (similar to the Scarpa Phantom Tech). And the La Sportiva G5 is a significant step up in warmth from the Trango Ice Cube GTX. Further, we don't love the Boa lacing system (it's difficult to repair in the field), and many testers find the heel pocket to be on the wide side. In terms of sizing, our tester found that (like the La Sportiva G2 SM) he had to drop down one-half size from his normal La Sportiva boot size to achieve a good fit.
See the La Sportiva G5 Boot
15. La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX ($399)
Category: Lightweight mountaineering
Body design: Single synthetic
Weight per pair: 3 lbs. 2 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: No
What we like: Great for long approaches and Lower 48 climbs.
What we don't: Not incredibly warm, and the 3/4 shank not is meant for technical ice climbing.
The La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX—or "the little red boot" as it has often been called—has been a staple of low-altitude mountaineering for years. Like the Trango Tech above, the Cube can be thought of as a glorified hiking boot: it excels at thrashing through miles of backcountry trails, doubling as a rock shoe on low-5th-class terrain, and then kicking up the final snow slopes to some Cascadian summit. The heel welt means you get semi-automatic crampon compatibility for ample stability during glacier travel, and a climbing zone on the toe offers great traction on rock. Taken together, it's an ideal do-all boot for summer mountaineering in the Lower 48.
However, we said it above and we'll say it again here: the introduction of the Trango Tech could make the Trango Cube obsolete. Both boots have similar intentions and feature sets (waterproof upper, heel welt, climbing zone), but the Trango Cube comes in at 6.4 ounces (and $130) more for the pair. You will get slightly more durability and protection from the Cube, which is worth considering if weight is not your top concern. But even the Cube's build is compromised when compared to more burly boots like the Nepal Cube or Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro. Finally, the Cube comes in two colors, so hunters or hikers wanting an earthier tone can be a little less flashy than their climber brethren.
See the Men's La Sportiva Trango Cube See the Women's La Sportiva Trango Cube
16. La Sportiva Makalu ($305)
Category: Lightweight mountaineering
Body design: Single leather
Weight per pair: 4 lbs. 5.1 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Classic design for general mountaineering, no frills, extremely durable, cheap.
What we don't: Limited to basic mountaineering and heavier than similar boots.
The La Sportiva Makalu is the essence of a traditional mountaineering boot: it's burly, supportive, and extremely durable. Neither flashy nor technical, this classic design works well for basic mountaineering and possibly as your first real boot. For example, the Makalu is a favorite for National Outdoor Leadership School students since it serves as a combination heavy-backpacking-and-light-mountaineering boot. It can trek the length of the Pacific Crest Trail and climb Mount Hood or Mount Saint Helens along the way.
Like the La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX, the Makalu is not meant for serious cold-weather mountaineering, nor does it offer high-tech materials like Gore-Tex. But it is built to withstand years of abuse on scree slopes and in alpine environments. A Vibram toecap protects the front of the boot when kicking up rocky flanks, toe and heel welts accept step-in crampons, and a full shank provides support under a heavy pack. At $305, this boot still offers an impressive all-around feature set. You won't be pushing the limits of technical climbing in the Makalu, but that isn't its purpose.
See the La Sportiva Makalu
17. La Sportiva Trango Ice Cube GTX ($550)
Category: 4-season technical alpine/lightweight mountaineering
Body design: Single synthetic
Weight per pair: 3 lbs. 3.3 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Highly technical boot in a lightweight package.
What we don't: Plastic eyelets are prone to breaking, thin sole and narrow toe bail are lacking in toughness.
On paper, there is a lot to like about the La Sportiva Trango Ice Cube GTX, which is the latest iteration of the classic "Silver Bullet" Trango Extreme (and the insulated and gaitered sister of the Trango Cube GTX). Compared to the older model, the Ice Cube GTX is a lighter, Gore-Tex-lined precision boot with a lower profile and even more technical prowess. Despite all of this firepower, this boot tips the scales at just over 3 pounds, which is an incredible feat. This makes the Ice Cube GTX a popular choice for technical alpine routes on coarse granite in places like the Cascades, Rockies, and Patagonia. And if you only plan to use this boot with crampons on snow or ice, it also handles the alpine exceptionally well.
The Achilles' heel of the La Sportiva Trango Ice Cube GTX is durability. Our tester trusted his old Trango Extremes to summit Fitz Roy in Patagonia, climb grade 6 waterfalls in Canada, and stay warm on overnight technical ascents in Alaska. He recently put the Ice Cube GTX to the test on Nemesis, a classic Canadian Rockies WI6 ice climb, and although they climbed even better than the Trango Extremes, they were not quite as warm and their lifespan fell tragically short. The gaiter felt like a shoddy afterthought, making entry into the boot awkward. The thin sole and toe welt showed wear, and the fixed gaiter zipper broke after one short trip. And on top of that, La Sportiva substituted plastic shoelace hooks for the previous metal. We want to like the Ice Cube GTX, but these durability concerns are unacceptable for a $550 boot, no matter how light. Until La Sportiva makes some improvements, we recommend considering a boot like the Scarpa Rebel Pro GTX instead.
See the La Sportiva Trango Ice Cube GTX
18. Scarpa Inverno ($379)
Category: 4-season technical alpine
Body design: Double synthetic
Weight per pair: 5 lbs. 8 oz.
Automatic crampon compatible: Yes
What we like: Cheap, nearly indestructible, and time-tested in cold environments.
What we don't: Clunky and not nearly as technically capable as the sleek modern double boots above; stock liner takes a long time to dry.
If the Scarpa Phantom Tech is the race car of mountaineering boots, the Inverno is the tank. Plastic double boots largely have fallen out of favor over the last five years, but you can't beat them for durability—your feet will wear out before the boot does. The Inverno is far less technical in nature than an option like the Spantik or Phantom series, but it will outlast them all. That, and there's little chance the plastic shell will let moisture seep in.
If you plan to use this boot for a cold-weather mountain like Denali, we highly recommend that you splurge for the warmer and lighter Intuition liner (keep in mind that this is best done at a specialized mountaineering shop, but many shops will only custom-fit boots that were purchased at their store). It's also highly recommended that you add a Forty Below Purple Haze neoprene overboot if climbing a cold mountain like Denali. When these two aftermarket features are added, the cost-benefit analysis between this system and a boot like the La Sportiva Baruntse above becomes a little less discernible. Regardless, if you aren't planning on spending much time at freezing altitude or are on a tight budget, the Inverno may be the boot for you.
See the Scarpa Inverno
Mountaineering Boot Comparison Table
|La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX
|4-season technical alpine
|Single leather
|3 lb. 15 oz.
|La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo
|Extreme cold/high-altitude
|Double synthetic
|6 lb. 3.7 oz.
|Scarpa Charmoz
|Lightweight mountaineering
|Single synthetic
|3 lb. 6.4 oz.
|Scarpa Phantom Tech
|4-season technical alpine
|Single synthetic
|3 lb. 3.5 oz.
|Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro
|4-season technical alpine
|Single leather
|3 lb. 15.5 oz.
|Scarpa Phantom 6000
|4-season technical alpine
|Double synthetic
|4 lb. 6 oz.
|Arc'teryx Acrux AR
|4-season technical alpine
|Double synthetic
|4 lb. 2 oz.
|La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX
|Lightweight mountaineering
|Single synthetic
|2 lb. 11.6 oz.
|La Sportiva Baruntse
|4-season technical alpine
|Double synthetic
|5 lb. 9.4 oz.
|Scarpa Phantom 8000
|Extreme cold/high-altitude
|Double synthetic
|5 lb. 13.5 oz.
|Lowa Mountain Expert GTX Evo
|Lightweight mountaineering
|Single leather
|3 lb. 13.9 oz.
|La Sportiva G2 SM
|4-season technical alpine
|Double synthetic
|4 lb. 8.2 oz.
|La Sportiva Spantik
|4-season technical alpine
|Double synthetic
|5 lb. 9 oz.
|La Sportiva G5
|4-season technical alpine
|Single synthetic
|3 lb. 12 oz.
|La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX
|Lightweight mountaineering
|Single synthetic
|3 lb. 2 oz.
|La Sportiva Makalu
|Lightweight mountaineering
|Single leather
|4 lb. 5.1 oz.
|La Sportiva Trango Ice Cube
|4-season technical alpine / lightweight mountaineering
|Single synthetic
|3 lb. 3.3 oz.
|Scarpa Inverno
|4-season technical alpine
|Double synthetic
|5 lb. 8 oz.
Mountaineering Boot Buying Advice
- Mountaineering Boot Categories
- Double Boots vs. Single Boots
- Shell Materials: Synthetics and Leather vs. Plastic
- Weight and Size
- Warmth
- Liner Construction
- Stiffness: Upper and Sole
- Crampon Compatibility
- Ski Compatibility
- Mountaineering Boot Fit and Sizing
- Women's-Specific Boots
- Durability
Mountaineering Boot Categories
Extreme Cold/High-Altitude
Mountains come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of technical difficulty, therefore it's imperative that your footwear is best suited for the conditions. For the highest and coldest mountains in the world—7,000 and 8,000-meter Himalayan peaks, Denali, and Antarctica—warmth is the utmost consideration. Extreme cold/high-altitude boots are heavy, warm, and commonly take the form of double or even triple boots (with a shell, liner, and fixed gaiter). Some, like the La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo, even have an insulated sole that adds warmth on the underside of your foot.
4-Season Technical Alpine
For giant ice routes in the Canadian Rockies, alpine-style ascents of lower mountains in the Alaska Range, and even mid-season climbs of Denali, a 4-season technical alpine boot may be your best bet. These boots are made in both double and single varieties, with the commonality being that they sacrifice the highest levels of warmth for technical prowess (they can handle the cold, just not extreme cold). Leading models in this category include the Scarpa Phantom Tech and Arc'teryx Acrux AR.
Lightweight Mountaineering
For lower-elevation climbs and more moderate temperatures, lightweight boots should do the trick. These boots are a technical step up in construction from a hiking boot and built to handle long approaches. Lightweight single boots are commonly used for trips such as Cascade peaks and volcanoes or a car-to-summit adventure starting below treeline and ending with basic to moderate mountaineering. Most are 3-season boots with light insulation, a quasi-flexible sole, and high rocker, which means that they are not an ideal choice for technical ice climbing or frigid conditions. Popular lightweight mountaineering boots include models like the Scarpa Charmoz and La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX.
Double Boots vs. Single Boots
Nothing is more frustrating or potentially dangerous than cold feet, and toes can go from cold to numb to frostbitten in a matter of minutes. That is why it's imperative to have the proper boot design for your objective. Single boots lack a removable liner and therefore are the lightest and least warm type of mountaineering footwear. Double boots, on the other hand, have more insulation along with a removable liner, making them warmer and better suited for multi-day trips. The ability to remove the liner and dry it out at night is imperative on big mountains—nothing is worse than shoving your feet into frozen boots in the frigid, pre-dawn darkness of an alpine start.
For spring and summer ascents in lower altitude ranges like the Cascades or Canadian Rockies, a single boot should provide enough warmth. It will be light enough to wear on a lengthy approach, but offer enough support to keep your feet comfortable under the weight of a heavy pack. Single boots almost always have more of a next-to-skin feel, meaning they feel more technical and lower profile than their double-walled brethren.
Double boots are built for cold weather, multi-day expeditions, and climbing the world's highest peaks. They often are significantly heavier than single boots and less sensitive overall, but some models like the Scarpa Phantom 6000 and La Sportiva Spantik offer a nice combination of the two (reasonably lightweight boots with technical features). For the tallest peaks and coldest climates—think places like the high Himalaya, Antarctica, and Denali—look toward the top of each brand's collection. The La Sportiva Olympus Mons and Scarpa Phantom 8000, for example, are built specifically for these types of places.
Boot selection is not always a cut and dry choice, as some routes skirt the line between single and double. One of our testers recently spent the Austral Summer in Patagonia climbing outside of El Chaltén. He attempted Cerro Torre in single boots but found that weren't adequate for the icy flanks of that impressive tower. They were, however, completely sufficient on his ascent of the nearby Fitz Roy a few weeks later, and offered more of the streamlined build and rock prowess that he needed. If it's a toss-up, we do recommend erring on the side of warmth—being cold on big climbs can be uncomfortable at best and get dangerous in a hurry.
Shell Materials: Synthetics and Leather vs. Plastic
The shell is your first line of defense against the harsh conditions of a mountain environment. It needs to be durable (able to stand up to abrasion from rocks, crampons, and skis), and also must keep out snow, water, and mountain grit. In addition, a lot of a boot's stiffness comes from the shell, which is important when it's time to ice climb or do a little survival skiing on the way down. The vast majority of boot shells are now entirely synthetic or a combination of synthetics and leather. If they are made entirely of leather (such as the La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX or Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX), adding an aftermarket snow and water seal will help to keep moisture from entering into the boot.
Ten years ago, plastic boots were a popular way to go. Compared to soft leather or synthetics, plastic feels more clunky and less precise when technical footwork is needed. But it does have its benefits: not only is plastic significantly cheaper, it's also much more durable. If you are an occasional mountaineer on a budget or only intend to climb a few mountains, plastic may be a good option. Adding a Denali Intuition liner ($176 plus potential custom molding fees) will make them warmer while dropping almost a pound of weight in the process. For big mountains like Denali, a Forty Below Purple Haze overboot ($180) will be necessary as well, which may require that you purchase a different crampon to fit over the boot.
In 2020, however, you will see very few plastic boots on mountains like Denali or any of the popular Himalayan peaks. Synthetic boots weigh less, cinch down tighter, and have enough bells and whistles that they have rendered plastic boots almost obsolete. And if you customize your plastic boot as described above, it will end up costing between $700 and 750, which is roughly the price of a high-end synthetic double boot of equal warmth and superior technical precision.
Weight and Size
Big mountains require big boots, often with a big price tag. Some of the extreme cold/high-altitude models on the list like the La Sportiva Olympus Mons are over 6 pounds for the pair and take up a decent chunk of your duffel bag. On the other end of the spectrum, you can go with a lightweight single boot like the La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX for just 2 pounds 11.6 ounces total. To be sure, it's harder to move fast with more weight, but serious mountaineering typically does not involve highly technical climbing for extended stretches. It's more steep walking and basic ice/rock moves, so shaving ounces is not as important as warmth. If your aim is technical climbing—pitch after pitch of near vertical climbing—size and weight will likely be a deciding factor in your boot purchase.
The good news is that high-end mountaineering boots have cut excessive frills, and although still heavy and bulky, are lighter than even a decade ago. A few ounces or grams may not seem like a big deal, but imagine post-holing through steep snow for 20,000 steps. To quantify this comparison, a 1-ounce difference in boot weight means that each leg will lift an additional 1,250 pounds during that time. The old adage that "ounces makes pounds and pounds are heavy" is especially true in regard to your feet.
The only thing worse than losing feeling in your toes is the shooting pain that comes when they warm up. Selecting a boot that will keep your feet warm during the coldest conditions you will encounter is key. Double boots like the La Sportiva Olympus Mons Evo and Scarpa Phantom 8000 are the warmest on the market and will protect your feet on the world's highest mountains. At the same time, these boots will be overkill at the Ouray Ice Park (but still may work if that's the only boot you have). On the other hand, Scarpa's Phantom Tech or Lowa's Mountain Expert GTX Evo will excel at climbing ice at moderate temperatures but are not meant for extremely cold weather.
The truth is, if you plan to do a wide range of climbing from cold and high-altitude peaks to technical summer scrambling, you ultimately will want to invest in at least two pairs of boots. The difference is tremendous between double or triple boots built for 8,000-meter peaks and lightweight models that essentially are beefed-up hikers. All have their purposes—and some do a pretty good job at doing it all—but like many types of outdoor gear, having a quiver of options is ideal.
Liner Construction
Depending on the double boot (remember that single boots don't have removable liners), liners may provide a significant portion of a boot's warmth and support. This is the part of the boot that you will want to remove at night during a multi-day trip, and the ability to dry the liner by stuffing it into your jacket or sleeping bag is imperative. Heavy, thick liners made of water-absorbing materials will not dry completely throughout an alpine evening, which is why most modern boot liners are constructed of hydrophobic materials like closed-cell foam.
Single boots are built with an insulated and often waterproof liner. The most common design by far is a Gore-Tex bootie, although some Scarpa models include an OutDry membrane that is bonded directly to the upper material of the boot. Both designs will allow some breathability, but not nearly as much as a boot without a waterproof liner.
Stiffness: Upper and Sole
In some ways, mountaineering boots need to do their best impersonation of a "quiver of one" type of footwear. In addition to the warmth and protection they provide, they need to be part rock shoe, part hiking boot, and even maybe an occasional ski boot. Having the ability to tighten the boot down when ice climbing or skiing and then loosening it when hiking is essential. Mountaineering boots don't have lock-down modes like backcountry ski boots, but many now feature an upper and lower lacing system to isolate tightness to specific parts of the boot.
Sole stiffness, or stiffness underfoot, also is an important factor to consider—different types of climbing require varying sole stiffness. For low-altitude mountaineering where you won't be technical ice climbing, you may want a boot with a ¾ shank sole (one that has some flex). These boots will feel like a stiff hiking boot and are better suited for long approaches, technical scrambling, or lower fifth-class rock climbing (like the Cascade's classic Torment-Forbidden Traverse, for example). On the other size of the spectrum, full shank soles (with no flex) are optimal for technical ice climbing and advanced mountaineering with a step-in/automatic crampon.
Lacing Systems
Tightening your boots down doesn't just involve basic laces anymore. Modern boots have a wide array of tightening systems including standard tie laces, pull-down cinch laces, or even the high-tech Boa lacing system. Many companies have moved away from standard laces because they are hard to tie and untie in extreme weather. In addition, having the ability to easily tighten or loosen your boots (maybe with only one hand) while wearing thick gloves or mittens is critical. Lacing systems should be simple, but efficient. The Boa system is probably the easiest to use, but it may be the most susceptible to breaking in an alpine environment. Luckily, Boa sells repair kits for very cheap and they can be reinstalled in about the same amount of time as it would take to replace a shoelace.
Crampon Compatibility
Automatic (Step-In) Crampons
For each boot, we've specified whether or not it is compatible with an automatic crampon. An automatic crampon—also known as a step-in crampon—uses a wire toe bail and heel clip to provide the most secure attachment, ideal for ice climbing or technical mountaineering. If we're climbing anything that is remotely approaching vertical, we want an automatic crampon. In order to be compatible with this style of crampon, a boot must have toe and heel welts and a fairly stiff build that provides a stable structure for the crampon. Every double boot on this list is compatible with an automatic crampon.
Semi-Automatic (Hybrid) Crampons
More flexible, streamlined single boots often forgo the toe welt and otherwise shave weight by having a thinner last. The majority of these models—such as the La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX—still have a heel welt, which is essential for compatibility with a semi-automatic crampon (also known as a hybrid crampon). A semi-automatic crampon combines the front plastic loop of a strap-on crampon (see below) and the heel clip of a step-in crampon. While less secure than a step-in crampon, semi-automatic crampons are a far better choice for lightweight or flexible boots as they have more of an ability to move with the boot.
Strap-On Crampons
The last type of crampon is a full strap-on crampon (plastic loops in front and back with webbing to tighten). Strap-on crampons are highly adaptable, and even are capable of fitting on lightweight approach shoes. They do have limited technical performance, however, as they do not secure as tightly to the boot as a step-in or semi-automatic crampon. Strap-on crampons can be attached to any sort of boot, although they would have very compromised functionality when paired with a stiff build, and are not appropriate for ice climbing or technical mountaineering. The lesson here is: make sure your boot can accommodate the type of crampon you need, and don't forget to check compatibility and fit before any big trip.
Ski Compatibility
If you ever plan on climbing a mountain like Denali where you may use your mountaineering boots with skis (utilizing bindings such as the Silvretta 500), it's essential that your boot has both a heel and toe welt. These are the same flat rails on the front and back of the boot that serve as the connection point for automatic crampons (see above). Bindings like the Silvretta aren't made for aggressive skiing, but they do allow you to use skis (skinning tends to be faster than snowshoeing) without needing to bring along your ski boots.
Mountaineering Boot Fit and Sizing
Different companies use different lasts for their mountaineering boots. Some tend to be slightly narrower (La Sportiva and Arc'teryx) while others routinely have a slightly boxier feel (Scarpa). Just because you wear a size 44.5 street shoe doesn't mean that it will translate directly into a big mountaineering boot. You may be a 44.5 in La Sportiva, a 44 in Scarpa, and a 45 with a thick insole in Arc'teryx, for example. And every boot has a unique fit and it can take some work to dial it in. Always try on your boots well before a trip—a little extra heel room quickly can develop into a show-stopping blister that keeps you from reaching the summit. Or a tight toe box can restrict blood flow and lead to frostbite. Your feet swell as you stand on them, so we recommend trying boots on in the afternoon after you have been walking around for a few hours.
Mountaineering involves long days (often back to back for a week or more) carrying heavy packs and using your feet in dynamic ways. Accordingly, an insole is the first line of support in your boot. Custom boot fitters will say, "If you buy a $1,000 boot, throw away the $0.10 insole." Often that is true, although companies like La Sportiva and Scarpa seem to have taken note. Many of their boots now come with quality insoles that not only offer support and comfort, but a bit of additional warmth as well. A good insole should support your foot, both in terms of supporting your arch and cupping your heel.
If the included insole doesn't work for you, consider spending another $40 to 50 for a heat-molded insole from a reputable brand like Sole or Superfeet. Aside from providing additional warmth, these insoles come in a variety of thicknesses that can take up space if there is a little too much room (or even work out tight spots). And when making a boot purchase, it's always better to go slightly bigger as opposed to going too tight—it's easier to take up room than to make it.
Women's-Specific Boots
As with other types in climbing footwear, the most important thing in choosing a mountaineering boot is fit. Most of the models listed above technically are unisex, while a few like the La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX, Scarpa Charmoz, and Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX also come in women's-specific versions. It's extremely common for women to wear unisex boots—again, it's all about fit and only a handful of models are even available in women's versions. It's also worth noting that La Sportiva and Arc'teryx tend to run narrow, which—at least in theory—should be more akin to the shape of a women's-specific design.
There's an old adage in the outdoor gear world: "between light, durable, and cheap, you can pick two of the three." Over the last decade or so, mountaineering boots have seen a tremendous jump in precision and technical design, while also cutting some weight. Unfortunately, this has come at the expense of durability to some extent. Plastic boots were almost indestructible, but they could feel rather clunky at the same time. New-age double boots like the Scarpa Phantom series or La Sportiva Spantik are technical climbing machines with rock shoe-like precision and a high level of warmth. This is attained by using ultralight polyurethanes, foam, and synthetic fabrics, but these materials are much less durable than the plastic boots of old.
One of our Alaska testers has found that his high-altitude technical double boots last him about three years (but he averages 60 days of abusive use per year). Is the tradeoff of less durability and a higher price for lower weight and more technicality worth it? We think so. The average mountain climber will get many years of use out of their boots. If you practically live in your boots, you will appreciate the greater flexibility, technical prowess, and lower weight. And for those who prize durability above all else, there's always a trusted workhorse and plastic double boot like the Scarpa Inverno.
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