Since I'll have Saturday and Sunday free, my hosts graciously arranged a trip to the Scottish Highlands to climb:
Aonach Eagach
Bidean nam Bian
Ben Nevis via Carn Mor Dearg (the highest point in the UK).
I asked my hosts what kind of weather to expect in May. Their answer -
Ben Nevis has an average year 261 gales per year and 171 inches of rain.
I'm used to the mountains in the lower 48 US states - the Sierra, the Tetons, and the Whites. All are dry climbs with an occasional brief afternoon shower.
For Scotland, I must choose boots that are completely waterproof, grip wet rocks, and are light/compact/easy to pack. Did I mention that Ben Nevis in May may have snow at the top?
After considering many brands and possibilities, I decided on a new boot technology - the TrekSta Men's Evolution Mid GTX.
Treksta designed these Gortex lined books by scanning 20,000 feet to create a three dimensional shape that is quite different from other shoes. The sole is made from sticky rubber plus a series of fiberglass embedded inserts that add traction on rock, ice and mud.
The shoes weigh 15 ounces each, are ankle height, are completely waterproof, fit like a glove, and are stiff enough for technical climbing.
It was tough to find a boot that would work in the constant rain of the Scottish Highlands, but the Treksta's seem like an amazing departure from the road usually travelled by boot manufacturers.
Armed with my usual total body Gortex and the same clothing approach I've used in New England, I'll let you know how I fare with the Scottish Highlands next month.
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