Kenetrek Question - Hardscrabble vs. Desert Guide

[sonofthegriz]

Last season I was fitted in a pair of Mountain Extremes that worked really well for me for later-season trips here in CO. I’m now looking for a new pair of lighter backpacking boots I can also use for early season archery.
The Hardscrabble is a near-identical fit to my bigger boots, but I’m also digging the features of the Desert Guide.
There’s not a lot of info from folks using the Desert Guide - I’m wondering if that would be a solid choice for the high country out here, if the Hardscrabble would be a better boot, or if I’d be better off looking at a textile boot like the Crispi Colorado.
If anyone’s got some good info about the Desert Guide, I’m all ears. Thanks!

 

[Frost]

Just FYI the desert guide doesn’t have the wind-Tex membrane. They left it out to maximize breathability in hot conditions. So don’t count on it being waterproof. But if you are ok with that then I’m sure it would be a solid boot. The sole will be a little stiffer than your mtn extremes or the hardscrabbles. I haven’t used the desert guide but I had the mtn guides (taller with wind-Tex) and really liked the fit and stiffness but had waterproofing issues with two pairs so I moved on.

 

[sonofthegriz]

Just FYI the desert guide doesn’t have the wind-Tex membrane. They left it out to maximize breathability in hot conditions. So don’t count on it being waterproof. But if you are ok with that then I’m sure it would be a solid boot. The sole will be a little stiffer than your mtn extremes or the hardscrabbles. I haven’t used the desert guide but I had the mtn guides (taller with wind-Tex) and really liked the fit and stiffness but had waterproofing issues with two pairs so I moved on.

Thanks. Yep, the idea was for a summer backpacking and early season hunting boot for Colorado and the Mountain West so I wasn’t as concerned about the waterproof layer. I go back and forth on that - I don’t need it too much out here but, when I do, I’m thankful for it. I’ve had good luck with my Mountain Extremes so far and would expect the Hardscrabbles to perform like a short ME, especially with the tall rubber rand.

The stiffness and fit are the two biggest questions. The Hardscrabbles were a close second choice for boots last season and I’ve wondered if they’d be a bit too much for shorter hikes and summer trips. It sounds like the DGs are going to be a bit stiffer than what I’m looking for.

 

[Frost]

If you like your mtn extremes then I honestly don’t think you would find the hardscrabbles too much for easy hiking. When I had the guides even with the stiffer sole I never wished for a more flexible boot even on the easy hikes. One place where I routinely hunt I have about a 6 mile hike in on a pretty easy relatively flat trail and still found them very comfortable for that. If they fit you well and are comfortable to you then I would say don’t worry too much about the stiffness.

 

[Catahoula]

For early season archery I went with the Crispi Crossover Pro Lite GTX. Super boot.

 

[SoDaky]

I have Extremes and Hardscabbles.Love them both but both are heavy.Both are pretty stiff.I use Solomons instead on 'easier' terrain.New Mex this year in a unit I've hunted previously.Not rugged terrain.The Hardscrabbles will be back ups.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

Another difference between the Hard Scrabble and Desert Guide is the sole. The sole is more durable.

 

[sonofthegriz]

If you like your mtn extremes then I honestly don’t think you would find the hardscrabbles too much for easy hiking. When I had the guides even with the stiffer sole I never wished for a more flexible boot even on the easy hikes. One place where I routinely hunt I have about a 6 mile hike in on a pretty easy relatively flat trail and still found them very comfortable for that. If they fit you well and are comfortable to you then I would say don’t worry too much about the stiffness.

Great thoughts, thanks! I’ve been using lighter boots in the mountains (Salomon Quest 4D) for a long time and go back and forth between my old-school experience with a solid, heavy boot and lighter boots.

Given a good experience with my MEs over the past season and the Bridger Lows fitting well, I didn’t want to just buy the Kool-Aid without considering the options. The Hardscrabble seems like the burly “safe” choice and, for $400, I want to make sure I’m not getting tunnel visioned on brand. There are a couple Crispis that are on the shortlist (Thor / Colorado), and I’m split on another fabric boot vs going back to leather.

I tried just about everything on the wall at Scheel’s last summer (Scarpa, La Sportiva, Crispi, Kenetrek, Lowa, Danner). My Salomons are ready for retirement to yard duty. Looks like it’s time to make another trip...

I appreciate everyone’s feedback.

 

[blacktail sniper]

I love my crispi idahos but would wish I could have tried the Wyoming fo rearly archery elk. I just couldn't pass up on the deal I found on he idahos

 

[blacktail sniper]

For early season archery I went with the Crispi Crossover Pro Lite GTX. Super boot.

How would these work on a backpack trip? or would i be better sticking with my idahos or nevadas?