The Backcountry Gear Shack: Gear Review: Kayland Contact 1000 eVent Boot

Kayland Contact 1000 eVent Boot 9/10
Kayland site requires flash and new Adobe so I cannot access it....www.kayland.com

This is a 3 season boot, with a 3 season rugged Vibram sole on them, which is nice and provides better-than-average traction, but I still struggled in very wet conditions with these on (Snowdon rock). The lugs in the sole unit do tend to trap a fair amount of debris (like most vibram soles that provide reasonable grip). They're not the lightest 3 season boot on the market (mine weight 1.5kg) but they do provide lots of support so you can't complain. The eVent is extremely breathable (no surprises) which means that I have not developed a single blister through wearing them (your feet breath therefore are dry), in hot weather they perform fantastically well so are ideal for canyoning. They fit me very well but that's a personal thing, the tongue is a little annoying in hot weather though as it irritates along the top line, but that's a minor quirk. Excellent solid boots but have a 'pants' insole, like most boots so I've swapped them with my Superfeet which offer a little more shock absorbtion and A LOT more support, especially good for long-distance walking (I've bunked for the green ones). The tongue and boot is padded enough for long usage.

Synthetic boots are ideal for snowy conditions since leather boots absorb moisture and then freeze unless well-oiled, they also have lasted supremely well crossing sand which goes 'against the grain' (ha ha) of thought that leather lasts better. I've had these three years and they're still going strong. They are crampon-compatible (non-technical, snow shoes) see the manufacturers guidelines. They are not a 4 season boot since they aren't warm- good socks are needed!
The lacing system is great- with a far-back placed hooks to really produce a good fit around the ankle, and the laces have not needed to be replaced yet so that's a plus.
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