Michael Doughty
2003-10-26 13:45:19 UTC
Owner Review:
Outdoor Research Brooks Rangers Overboots
Reviewer Biographical Information
Name: Michael 'woebegone' Doughty
Age: 44
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 9" / 1.8 m
Weight: 160 lb / 72.5 kg
Shoe size: U.S. 9 1/2, Euro 43
City, State, Country: Arlington, VA. U.S.A.
Email address: woebegone03-***@public.gmane.org
Date: October 12, 2003
My backpacking experience: I have been backpacking since I joined the
Cub Scouts at the age of ten. That's thirty-four years! I've hiked
year round in the Texas Hill Country, the Bavarian Alps, the Mid-
Atlantic-States, the Sierra-Nevada, Oregon, and the Olympic and
Cascade ranges in Washington State. In 2001 I thru-hiked the 2,168-
mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 158 days. I am a
recent convert to a lightweight hiking style. My summer base weight
now hovers near 10 lb / 4.5 kg.
Product Information
Manufacturer: Outdoor Research
Website: www.orgear.com
Model: Brooks Rangers Overboots
Year manufactured: 1999
Size: medium
Height: 19" / 48 cm
Length of
foot:
exterior: 12 3/4" / 32.4 cm
insole: 12" / 30.5 cm
Width at ball of foot:
exterior: 5 1/2" / 14 cm
insole: 5" / 12.7 cm
Circumference of leg opening: 21" / 53 cm
Manufacturers stated weight: 23 oz. / 652 g per pair (with open cell
foam)
On my scales: 19.2 oz / 544 g per pair
Color: deep purple / black
MSRP $136.00
Note: while the size medium overboot fits over my size 9 1/2 / 43
light-hiking boots. They cannot be worn over my size 9 / 42.5 heavy
leather mountaineering boots. I would take my intended footwear with
me to the store to insure a proper fit.
Test Conditions
I have been using Outdoor Research Brooks Rangers Overboots while
snowshoeing and snow camping since 1999 in the Alpine Lakes
Wilderness, Mt Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park in
Washington State and in the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon.
Elevations varied between 3,300' / 1,000 m at Snoqualmie Pass, WA. to
over 10,000' / 3,050 m at Camp Muir on the flanks of Mt. Rainier, WA.
Temperatures ranged from a few degrees above freezing to a confirmed -
3° F / -19° c. Snow pack levels were from 2-3' / 1 m to over 30' / 9
m. I have worn them over my size 9 / 43 R.E.I. Monarch light hiking
boots in overboot mode, and as mukluks over my size large Sierra
Designs Down Booties. The overboots were used in conjunction with my
M.S.R. Denali Ascent Snowshoes and occasionally with my Stubai
Ultralight Crampons.
The Details
The outside of the foot section is made of black 1000 denier Cordura
nylon. The rough texture of this material gives pretty good grip on
snow when used as a mukluk, but is less effective on ice. The
interior of the foot section is of black pack cloth and forms two
pockets for insertion of the foam insulation. The smoother texture
here aids in sliding a boot into place. Rolling the upper leg section
down to the ankles simplifies boot insertion but it was still easy to
get the toe of my boot heading into one of the insulation pockets.
Perhaps a Velcro closure here would be helpful. There is a loop of
material bar tacked above the inside heel to grab to pull the
overboot over the heel of the boot.
The overboots come with 3/8" / 9 mm thick closed cell ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA) foam inserts in place in the inner pockets. This
material resists compression by crampon and snowshoe binding straps,
but is not quite as warm as the optional and included 1/2" / 13 mm
open cell urethane foam which may be used with step in crampons since
foam compression here is not an issue. Moisture absorption may be an
issue with the open cell foam but I haven't enough experience with it
to determine how much of a problem this might be.
When used with step in crampons the Cordura fabric is thin enough to
pinch between the boot and crampon bail and the foam insulation can
be cut a bit at front and rear so as not to interfere with the wire
bails.
The overboots appear symmetrical right and left but the foam inserts
are in two different sizes and shapes per overboot and should be used
in their proper pockets. Right and left overboots are defined by the
placement of an OR logo over the outer ankles, and that the heel
cinch straps should be pulled to the outside to avoid kicking them
loose. Inserting the foam insulation took some patience but became
easier to do with a bit of experience.
Permanently sandwiched in the foot bed is a 1/4" / 6 mm thick layer
of crushproof Poron foam insulation. Apparently this insole is also
removable on newer models. A 3/4" / 2 cm Velcro strap with a 3" / 7.5
cm adjustment range runs over the top of the foot from ankle to ankle
to take up any slack.
The windproof and water vapor permeable three-layer Taslan Gore-Tex
upper leg section extends from just above the ankle to just below the
knee. Since the seams are not taped or otherwise sealed they cannot
be said to be waterproof. The upper leg section is open at the front
and closes with a 1" / 2.5 cm Velcro closure. Newer models have
widened this closure to 1 1/2" / 4 cm. This seal did not allow water
to penetrate with a brief dunking but leaked during a sustained
immersion. Once properly secured, snow did not enter the closure.
The tops of the upper leg sections are secured with a length of
nylon webbing that runs through a tunnel and fastens with a metal
buckle. This strap tightens around the upper calf, holding the
overboot up and adjusts to accommodate multiple layers of clothing.
The buckle is difficult to manipulate with thick gloves or mittens on
and has been replaced with a Velcro closure on newer versions.
The Overboots in Action
While typically used by high elevation mountaineers in extreme cold
conditions, I have been using my Outdoor Research Brooks Rangers
Overboots to extend the use of my lightweight-hiking boots into the
fourth season. Winter in the Washington State Cascades means snow and
lots of it. Annual snow pack levels can easily exceed 25' / 9 m or
more above 4,000' / 1200 m. High top gaiters are almost essential for
me in these conditions, where even on high floatation snowshoes I am
likely to sink a foot or more into the snow. It is very important in
these conditions to keep my feet dry and warm. While an insulated
super gaiter will perform this function with heavier climbing boots,
they will not serve double duty as a mukluk while in camp as an
overboot will do.
I have been using my overboots while snowshoeing in deep snow
conditions for about four years. Since I am using strap on type
snowshoe bindings I opt for the 3/8" / 9.5 mm EVA foam insulation.
This reduces the bulk of the overboots and the insulation does not
compress under my binding straps. On the one occasion that I used the
1/2" / 13 mm foam insulation I found that the foot section was nearly
too bulky for my snowshoes and was much too warm. My snowshoes are
lashed to my backpack and the overboots are stuffed into exterior
pack pockets on the bus ride up to the pass.
At the snow's edge the overboots slip easily over my U.S. size 9
1/2 / Euro size 43 lightweight hiking boots. Note that these
overboots are clearly intended for on snow use only. While the
Cordura bottoms are quite tough, I don't believe they would last very
long walking on rock. For mixed climbing routes where rock traverses
are expected, I suspect a sturdier boot and a super gaiter would be a
better choice. I find it easiest to roll the overboot leg sections
down to the ankles before inserting my boots. Otherwise it was easy
to get the toe of my boots headed off into one of the insulation
pockets without realizing it.
When wearing full side zip pants I unzip the lower zipper slider up
to my knee and tuck the open pant leg into the overboot. This allows
full ventilation of my pant legs without having to dig the zipper
pull out of the overboot. It was easy to fasten the Velcro front
closure and by pulling the upper leg strap snugly around my calf the
overboots stayed up. I did have an especially slick pair of shell
pants once that would not hold the overboot tops up. I applied a
1/2" / 13 mm wide line of Seam Grip to the inside perimeter of the
overboot tops. The Seam Grip will remain slightly tacky even after it
has cured and helped the overboot tops cling to the fabric of my
shell pants. There is enough volume in the leg section and enough
adjustment range in the leg straps to accommodate multiple layers of
clothing. Any Velcro bristles left exposed at the front closure
collected snow that was difficult to remove.
My snowshoe binding straps fit over the overboot foot section with
room to spare. The firm consistency of the EVA foam underneath
provides good purchase and control. The binding heel strap does not
slip on the rough Cordura fabric at the heel. The toe of the overboot
fits through the foot hole in my snowshoe deck and allows a full
range of motion.
While hiking, the Poron foam insoles remain firm, with no squishy or
mushy sensation underfoot when weight is applied. I can roll the tops
down to access my bootlaces should I need to adjust them. The small
metal buckle that secures the top leg strap is difficult to use with
mittens or thick gloves on. This has been remedied in more recent
models by replacing it with a Velcro closure. Wading through deep
snow, even plunging in over my knees, no snow enters the overboot.
There are no loose draw cords left flapping about to snag in trekking
pole tips or brush or to trip over. Most importantly, my feet stay
warm and dry all day. I have noticed no condensation or frosting
inside the overboots and since I'm wearing breathable boots my socks
tend to stay drier as well.
Once I arrive at my campsite and stomp down an area for my shelter I
can remove my snowshoes and replace hiking boots with down booties.
The overboots go back on immediately over the down booties and the
heel cinch strap takes up any slop in the foot section. Now in mukluk
mode I can dig out my snow basement and cooking area, erect my
shelter and start dinner in comfort. When I'm done walking around my
campsite, releasing the heel cinch straps allows the down in my
booties to loft to full thickness. After dinner I can wade out into
the clearing with my Ensolite pad and a mug of hot cocoa to count the
stars. I won't need my hiking boots again until I'm ready to move on.
Being prone to cold feet, I usually wear down booties to bed. Should
I be inclined to go out in the middle of the night to answer natures
call or to dig my shelter out of the rapidly deepening snow, it is a
simple matter to pull the overboots back on to complete my mission.
Summary
Considering my lightweight hiking style, the use of overboots and
down booties at first seemed an unnecessary luxury, and I opted
instead for lightweight gaiters. I found that the weight penalty was
offset somewhat in that I could wear lighter, non-insulated and more
breathable hiking boots. The convenience of not needing to put my
boots back on every time I leave my shelter and the assurance of
always having warm, dry feet in cold, snowy conditions have since
made them for me a necessary luxury.
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Outdoor Research Brooks Rangers Overboots
Reviewer Biographical Information
Name: Michael 'woebegone' Doughty
Age: 44
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 9" / 1.8 m
Weight: 160 lb / 72.5 kg
Shoe size: U.S. 9 1/2, Euro 43
City, State, Country: Arlington, VA. U.S.A.
Email address: woebegone03-***@public.gmane.org
Date: October 12, 2003
My backpacking experience: I have been backpacking since I joined the
Cub Scouts at the age of ten. That's thirty-four years! I've hiked
year round in the Texas Hill Country, the Bavarian Alps, the Mid-
Atlantic-States, the Sierra-Nevada, Oregon, and the Olympic and
Cascade ranges in Washington State. In 2001 I thru-hiked the 2,168-
mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in 158 days. I am a
recent convert to a lightweight hiking style. My summer base weight
now hovers near 10 lb / 4.5 kg.
Product Information
Manufacturer: Outdoor Research
Website: www.orgear.com
Model: Brooks Rangers Overboots
Year manufactured: 1999
Size: medium
Height: 19" / 48 cm
Length of
foot:
exterior: 12 3/4" / 32.4 cm
insole: 12" / 30.5 cm
Width at ball of foot:
exterior: 5 1/2" / 14 cm
insole: 5" / 12.7 cm
Circumference of leg opening: 21" / 53 cm
Manufacturers stated weight: 23 oz. / 652 g per pair (with open cell
foam)
On my scales: 19.2 oz / 544 g per pair
Color: deep purple / black
MSRP $136.00
Note: while the size medium overboot fits over my size 9 1/2 / 43
light-hiking boots. They cannot be worn over my size 9 / 42.5 heavy
leather mountaineering boots. I would take my intended footwear with
me to the store to insure a proper fit.
Test Conditions
I have been using Outdoor Research Brooks Rangers Overboots while
snowshoeing and snow camping since 1999 in the Alpine Lakes
Wilderness, Mt Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park in
Washington State and in the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon.
Elevations varied between 3,300' / 1,000 m at Snoqualmie Pass, WA. to
over 10,000' / 3,050 m at Camp Muir on the flanks of Mt. Rainier, WA.
Temperatures ranged from a few degrees above freezing to a confirmed -
3° F / -19° c. Snow pack levels were from 2-3' / 1 m to over 30' / 9
m. I have worn them over my size 9 / 43 R.E.I. Monarch light hiking
boots in overboot mode, and as mukluks over my size large Sierra
Designs Down Booties. The overboots were used in conjunction with my
M.S.R. Denali Ascent Snowshoes and occasionally with my Stubai
Ultralight Crampons.
The Details
The outside of the foot section is made of black 1000 denier Cordura
nylon. The rough texture of this material gives pretty good grip on
snow when used as a mukluk, but is less effective on ice. The
interior of the foot section is of black pack cloth and forms two
pockets for insertion of the foam insulation. The smoother texture
here aids in sliding a boot into place. Rolling the upper leg section
down to the ankles simplifies boot insertion but it was still easy to
get the toe of my boot heading into one of the insulation pockets.
Perhaps a Velcro closure here would be helpful. There is a loop of
material bar tacked above the inside heel to grab to pull the
overboot over the heel of the boot.
The overboots come with 3/8" / 9 mm thick closed cell ethylene vinyl
acetate (EVA) foam inserts in place in the inner pockets. This
material resists compression by crampon and snowshoe binding straps,
but is not quite as warm as the optional and included 1/2" / 13 mm
open cell urethane foam which may be used with step in crampons since
foam compression here is not an issue. Moisture absorption may be an
issue with the open cell foam but I haven't enough experience with it
to determine how much of a problem this might be.
When used with step in crampons the Cordura fabric is thin enough to
pinch between the boot and crampon bail and the foam insulation can
be cut a bit at front and rear so as not to interfere with the wire
bails.
The overboots appear symmetrical right and left but the foam inserts
are in two different sizes and shapes per overboot and should be used
in their proper pockets. Right and left overboots are defined by the
placement of an OR logo over the outer ankles, and that the heel
cinch straps should be pulled to the outside to avoid kicking them
loose. Inserting the foam insulation took some patience but became
easier to do with a bit of experience.
Permanently sandwiched in the foot bed is a 1/4" / 6 mm thick layer
of crushproof Poron foam insulation. Apparently this insole is also
removable on newer models. A 3/4" / 2 cm Velcro strap with a 3" / 7.5
cm adjustment range runs over the top of the foot from ankle to ankle
to take up any slack.
The windproof and water vapor permeable three-layer Taslan Gore-Tex
upper leg section extends from just above the ankle to just below the
knee. Since the seams are not taped or otherwise sealed they cannot
be said to be waterproof. The upper leg section is open at the front
and closes with a 1" / 2.5 cm Velcro closure. Newer models have
widened this closure to 1 1/2" / 4 cm. This seal did not allow water
to penetrate with a brief dunking but leaked during a sustained
immersion. Once properly secured, snow did not enter the closure.
The tops of the upper leg sections are secured with a length of
nylon webbing that runs through a tunnel and fastens with a metal
buckle. This strap tightens around the upper calf, holding the
overboot up and adjusts to accommodate multiple layers of clothing.
The buckle is difficult to manipulate with thick gloves or mittens on
and has been replaced with a Velcro closure on newer versions.
The Overboots in Action
While typically used by high elevation mountaineers in extreme cold
conditions, I have been using my Outdoor Research Brooks Rangers
Overboots to extend the use of my lightweight-hiking boots into the
fourth season. Winter in the Washington State Cascades means snow and
lots of it. Annual snow pack levels can easily exceed 25' / 9 m or
more above 4,000' / 1200 m. High top gaiters are almost essential for
me in these conditions, where even on high floatation snowshoes I am
likely to sink a foot or more into the snow. It is very important in
these conditions to keep my feet dry and warm. While an insulated
super gaiter will perform this function with heavier climbing boots,
they will not serve double duty as a mukluk while in camp as an
overboot will do.
I have been using my overboots while snowshoeing in deep snow
conditions for about four years. Since I am using strap on type
snowshoe bindings I opt for the 3/8" / 9.5 mm EVA foam insulation.
This reduces the bulk of the overboots and the insulation does not
compress under my binding straps. On the one occasion that I used the
1/2" / 13 mm foam insulation I found that the foot section was nearly
too bulky for my snowshoes and was much too warm. My snowshoes are
lashed to my backpack and the overboots are stuffed into exterior
pack pockets on the bus ride up to the pass.
At the snow's edge the overboots slip easily over my U.S. size 9
1/2 / Euro size 43 lightweight hiking boots. Note that these
overboots are clearly intended for on snow use only. While the
Cordura bottoms are quite tough, I don't believe they would last very
long walking on rock. For mixed climbing routes where rock traverses
are expected, I suspect a sturdier boot and a super gaiter would be a
better choice. I find it easiest to roll the overboot leg sections
down to the ankles before inserting my boots. Otherwise it was easy
to get the toe of my boots headed off into one of the insulation
pockets without realizing it.
When wearing full side zip pants I unzip the lower zipper slider up
to my knee and tuck the open pant leg into the overboot. This allows
full ventilation of my pant legs without having to dig the zipper
pull out of the overboot. It was easy to fasten the Velcro front
closure and by pulling the upper leg strap snugly around my calf the
overboots stayed up. I did have an especially slick pair of shell
pants once that would not hold the overboot tops up. I applied a
1/2" / 13 mm wide line of Seam Grip to the inside perimeter of the
overboot tops. The Seam Grip will remain slightly tacky even after it
has cured and helped the overboot tops cling to the fabric of my
shell pants. There is enough volume in the leg section and enough
adjustment range in the leg straps to accommodate multiple layers of
clothing. Any Velcro bristles left exposed at the front closure
collected snow that was difficult to remove.
My snowshoe binding straps fit over the overboot foot section with
room to spare. The firm consistency of the EVA foam underneath
provides good purchase and control. The binding heel strap does not
slip on the rough Cordura fabric at the heel. The toe of the overboot
fits through the foot hole in my snowshoe deck and allows a full
range of motion.
While hiking, the Poron foam insoles remain firm, with no squishy or
mushy sensation underfoot when weight is applied. I can roll the tops
down to access my bootlaces should I need to adjust them. The small
metal buckle that secures the top leg strap is difficult to use with
mittens or thick gloves on. This has been remedied in more recent
models by replacing it with a Velcro closure. Wading through deep
snow, even plunging in over my knees, no snow enters the overboot.
There are no loose draw cords left flapping about to snag in trekking
pole tips or brush or to trip over. Most importantly, my feet stay
warm and dry all day. I have noticed no condensation or frosting
inside the overboots and since I'm wearing breathable boots my socks
tend to stay drier as well.
Once I arrive at my campsite and stomp down an area for my shelter I
can remove my snowshoes and replace hiking boots with down booties.
The overboots go back on immediately over the down booties and the
heel cinch strap takes up any slop in the foot section. Now in mukluk
mode I can dig out my snow basement and cooking area, erect my
shelter and start dinner in comfort. When I'm done walking around my
campsite, releasing the heel cinch straps allows the down in my
booties to loft to full thickness. After dinner I can wade out into
the clearing with my Ensolite pad and a mug of hot cocoa to count the
stars. I won't need my hiking boots again until I'm ready to move on.
Being prone to cold feet, I usually wear down booties to bed. Should
I be inclined to go out in the middle of the night to answer natures
call or to dig my shelter out of the rapidly deepening snow, it is a
simple matter to pull the overboots back on to complete my mission.
Summary
Considering my lightweight hiking style, the use of overboots and
down booties at first seemed an unnecessary luxury, and I opted
instead for lightweight gaiters. I found that the weight penalty was
offset somewhat in that I could wear lighter, non-insulated and more
breathable hiking boots. The convenience of not needing to put my
boots back on every time I leave my shelter and the assurance of
always having warm, dry feet in cold, snowy conditions have since
made them for me a necessary luxury.
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
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Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada.
http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511
http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/V4TolB/TM
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To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
BackpackGearTest-unsubscribe-***@public.gmane.org
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/