I've switched over from Kenetrek to Hanwag and won't be looking back, specifically, the Alverstone II's. I've discovered that I don't particularly like the ultra stiff boots and wanted to play around with synthetic. IMO, the Alverstone is the stiff enough to carry heavy loads but flexible enough to not be miserable on my feet, and synthetic to boot. For CO, like you stated, I wouldn't even think twice about it. Assuming I can fly into Canada late August, I'll be bringing them to BC this year and NZ next year, I can't lie and say that I've not wondered about how they'll hold up there, but I'm doing it nonetheless.