Lowa Ticam Evo vs. Ranger III Experience?

[BigWoods]

I've had a pair of Lowa Ranger III GTX that I bought slightly used off a member 5 years ago. They have been excellent boots and have held up superbly. The toe caps are starting to wear and the rands are pealing a bit, as well as a little water intrusion when I really soak them.

All that said, I'm considering getting another set of similar boots too bring into the rotation depending on what I'm doing. The current Ranger III's will still likely get the upland brush kicking duty for the next few seasons, but some newer waterproof boots would be nice for backpacking and wetter days in the woods. For usage context, I'm located in the mountains of New Hampshire. Grouse hunting is steep, wet and rocky. Backpacking is unending granite in the White Mountains. The boots also get used for early season bow hunting...again, up and down steep rocky hills.

Currently there are some really good discounts going on closeout Lowas. I'm debating between the newer Ranger GTX (looks more like a Camino) or the Ticam EVO GTX. Does anyone have experience with these models? How do they compare to the Ranger III's? Are the Ticam Evo extremely stiff? How do the synthetic fabrics hold up?

 

[BigDog00]

I've had both. The Ticam's are very similar to the Tibets stiffness wise from what I remember. I hated the overall feel of the Tibets and sent them back. The Ticams did soften up slightly after they were broken in. I don't beat mine up (dont hunt super rocky areas), but they've held up really well for my uses. I think I'm on my 4th season with my original pair. I bought another pair in 2023 but haven't needed them yet. I haven't had any leaking issues, but 90% of the time it dry where I'm hunting.

The Ticams are my favorite boot to date. Also, I've used they bird hunting without issue. I wouldn't hesitate to try them. It's tempting to get another pair with the current pricing.

 

[BigWoods]

I've had both. The Ticam's are very similar to the Tibets stiffness wise from what I remember. I hated the overall feel of the Tibets and sent them back. The Ticams did soften up slightly after they were broken in. I don't beat mine up (dont hunt super rocky areas), but they've held up really well for my uses. I think I'm on my 4th season with my original pair. I bought another pair in 2023 but haven't needed them yet. I haven't had any leaking issues, but 90% of the time it dry where I'm hunting.

The Ticams are my favorite boot to date. Also, I've used they bird hunting without issue. I wouldn't hesitate to try them. It's tempting to get another pair with the current pricing.

Thanks for the real world experience! Are yours the Ticam Evo? When you say they softened up a bit, do you mean the upper material or the actual footbed/rocker? The Ranger III definite have some stiffness but have a very natural stride (don't feel like walking on boards).

 

[BigDog00]

I should have been more clear. The boots I described are the older version. I think they were called the Ticam II GTX. I do have a pair of the EVO but they are the ones I haven't used yet (but seem basically the same). The footbed/sole is what seemed to soften slightly after break-in. The Rangers I had were the Ranger II I believe, but that was 5+ years ago.

The Ticam's had a very similar "feel" as far as walking but were/are stiffer. I compare the Tibets to walking on a 2x4 and that's what I hated about them. The Ticam's do not feel like that to me. The Ticam is basically a stiffer version of the Ranger in my experience.

 

[BigWoods]

I should have been more clear. The boots I described are the older version. I think they were called the Ticam II GTX. I do have a pair of the EVO but they are the ones I haven't used yet (but seem basically the same). The footbed/sole is what seemed to soften slightly after break-in. The Rangers I had were the Ranger II I believe, but that was 5+ years ago.

The Ticam's had a very similar "feel" as far as walking but were/are stiffer. I compare the Tibets to walking on a 2x4 and that's what I hated about them. The Ticam's do not feel like that to me. The Ticam is basically a stiffer version of the Ranger in my experience.

Ok thanks! That's extremely helpful...especially with 'in hand' experience with both boots. I spoke to a Lowa rep yesterday who said the Ticams are more on par with the Tibets which scared me off of them somewhat. The rep also said the new Ranger Evo which just came out is much closer to the Tibet....as such I'll likely spring for one of the current closeouts.

 

[Athens]

Recommending a sole stiffness for someone else is pretty tough. Some people do the kind of hunting you are talking about with trail running shoes. I never would. I've worn the pretty full gamut of sole/boot types from trail runners to light hikers to full on mountaineering boots. I've setter in the mid range of trekking style boots, which tend to have a thinner shank/insert than backpacking boots do. My current pair are the Lowa Rangers, which replaced the Lowa Baffin Pro.

If you buy Lowa, make sure you use EXACTLY the kind of boot treatment they recommend or you will take it up the ass when you try to get them to warranty your boots should something fail. I will never buy Lowa again as a result of this, but they are very comfortable boots.

 

[BigWoods]

Recommending a sole stiffness for someone else is pretty tough. Some people do the kind of hunting you are talking about with trail running shoes. I never would. I've worn the pretty full gamut of sole/boot types from trail runners to light hikers to full on mountaineering boots. I've setter in the mid range of trekking style boots, which tend to have a thinner shank/insert than backpacking boots do. My current pair are the Lowa Rangers, which replaced the Lowa Baffin Pro.

If you buy Lowa, make sure you use EXACTLY the kind of boot treatment they recommend or you will take it up the ass when you try to get them to warranty your boots should something fail. I will never buy Lowa again as a result of this, but they are very comfortable boots.

Thanks! Helpful both on dialing in boots and caring for the Lowas.