Backpacking Boots Trade-in Time

So yesterday a member of the Stowe Mountain Rescue team came in to our store looking for a new pair of backpacking boots to replace his old ones. He is someone who puts in a lot of trail miles, often with heavy loads. He paid the highest tribute to the investment he made years ago in his high quality backpacking boots...he refuses to stop wearing them even though the sole has been falling off for almost two years!

Midsummer is often the time of year many people realize the same thing after a few trips on the trail...it's time to replace my old hiking boots. Reluctant to spend the money when one's old boots can still be put on, you may fit this category. Remember our customer...more money spent wisely now leads to years of comfortable performance. Cost tends to equal quality: better leather, more durable soles, bombproof hardware, etc. If you buy the right boots now, you won't be sorry in 5 years that you spent a few extra dollars today.

We're proud to carry three top-notch backpacking boot brands: Zamberlan, Lowa, and Vasque. And with our new member promotion there's no better time than the present to find the boots that are right for your feet. Take a look and we'll help you get fit in just the right boots and you'll save 20%.

Zamberlan - a Deeper Bench

There's more to Zamberlan than today's hot craze the 760 Steep - at CCOutdoorStore.com, we want to take a moment to highlight the 996 Vioz and remind you of the classic backpacking boot that helped bring Zamberlan to where it is today.

First, an update on the much-discussed 760 Steep:
Backpacker Magazine's amazing review and cover photo of the Zamberlan 760 Steep has helped to make that boot and overnight sensation. Indeed it seems even Zamberlan itself was caught off guard and is having trouble getting enough inventory in the United States. At CCOutdoorStore.com, we are continually working with Zamberlan to get inventory of the 760 Steeps and are taking pre-buy orders when inventory is not immediately available. Unfortunately, a women's version of the 760 Steep is currently unavailable.

Many customers - including many women hikers - who started out looking at the Steep are also eyeing the 540 Rise. The 540 Rise is - in a nutshell - a lighter 760 Steep. The sole package is exactly the same. It's the upper that shows difference, in the color of course (mostly gray or tan vs. mostly red), but also in that is has a split leather/cordura mix as opposed to the Steep's nubuk leather only. According to the specifications, it's 70 grams lighter (about 2.5 oz) and on long backpacking treks that can make a big difference.

Now, a reminder of the boot that helped Zamberlan get where it is today - the Zamberlan 996 Vioz.
In all the frenzy about the 760 Steep and 540 Rise, we'd like to take a moment to recognize the company's 996 Vioz mens bacakpacking boots and 996 Vioz womens backpacking boots. These classic backpacking boots have been bringing customers comfort and satisfaction on the trail for years. This is one of those backpacking boots that will never go out of style.

The materials used in the Vioz GT, and the overall quality of construction, are of exceptional quality. The uppers have only two seams -- one at the heel, and one around the tongue gusset. So in addition to the Goretex lining, the absence of seams on the Vioz give these boots excellent water resistance. The Vibram sole is stiff enough to provide protection for your feet on rough and rocky trails. It also provides excellent traction in most conditions - including bare and wet rock and granite - and the aggressively angled heel unit allows for a rock-solid grip on descents or loose gravel conditions. The curved position of the sole - with an upward arc at the ball of the foot - makes for miles of walking comfort and can feel like it's actually propelling you forward with each step. (but don't worry, you're still doing a lot of the work!)

The 996 Vioz has all the features to support a strenuous backpacking trip with heavy loads, but it's also just a really nice looking boot that will do your feet good on a day hike and at the local gathering place after the adventure. For many, the Zamberlan 996 Vioz is the most comfortable hiking boot they have ever worn... and that just might be the best reason of all to get your hands on a pair.

The 996 Vioz is available at CCOutdoorStore.com. We've got free shipping and an instant 10% discount for Facebook fans, so there's really no excuse... VISIT US TODAY!

Happy trails!

Zamberlan - THE hiking/backpacking boots to buy this year

Well, folks, it just may be that Zamberlan is THE company to watch – and the boots to buy – this year. Certainly for many years Zamberlan has had a loyal following of people who appreciate quality workmanship and fine Italian leather in their hiking and backpacking boots, but in the past few years the company has gotten a large share of media attention.

In 2009, Backpacker magazine gave Zamberlan’s Lhasa GT RR hiking/backpacking boot a "best all around" rating, noting the Lhasa’s comfort and durability. And this year, Backpacker magazine’s coveted Editor’s Choice GOLD award was given to the Zamberlan 760 Steep hiking/backpacking boots. (Not to mention a great photo on the issue's cover! Check out their video review here). The 760 Steep is certainly a sight to behold. The beautiful red Nubuk leather upper looks great and feels soft. The vibram star Trek Sole package is extremely durable. Of course the boot is waterproof, sporting a GoreTex lining. And as for comfort, well, just listen to what Backpacker Magazine had to say about the 760 Steep in its April 2010 Editor’s Choice GOLD review: "Tackle the biggest terrain - under the heaviest loads - in this uncommonly comfortable boot. Got a big tripped planned? Spend a little extra on this boot. Your feet will thank us later”

A sister boot to the 760 Steep is Zamberlan’s 540 Rise, almost exactly the same but a bit lighter. The 540 Rise uses the same sole package and goretex lining as the Steep, but is also has some Cordura in the upper, helping to reduce the weight. The 540 rise is a little more subdued in its look – as it is more grey in color than red. Since the 760 Steep has limited availability for women in the United States, the 540 Rise for women is our recommendation for women hiker/backpackers. It comes in a great looking Kariboe/Dove color.

And let’s not forget Zamberlan’s 308 Trekker. Widely available for both men and women, the308 Trekker also got an Editor’s Choice award for comfort (to use their words: "Leather Lined Luxury") and durability in Backpacker magazine’s April 2010 issue. Here in Vermont, almost every customer whose put these boots on in our store has walked out with them.

At CCOutdoorStore.com, we love working with the folks at Zamberlan. And we love that these boots are still made in Italy in the way fine quality leather boots have been made for centuries. Some things should never change.

So do you see what we mean? Zamberlan is the hiking boot company to watch. And if you have to only buy one pair this year, Zamblerlan’s boots – whether it be a 760 Steep, a 540 Rise, a 308 Trekker, the 965 Lhasa, or any other of their fine quality Italian Leather boots – are the ones to buy.

Find Zamberlan Boots at CCOutdoorStore.com. We're dedicated to our new "Focus on Service" program and providing the best customer service to each and every person we work with. And as always, ask us if you don’t see what you are looking for.

Happy Hiking!