Outbound Mid GORE-TEX® Hiking Boot from Merrell
Appearance: These boots should be a staple in your gear bag. This smoothly designed hiking boot looks made for harsh conditions. Scrambling up a (scree) field, partaking on a multi-day backcountry trip, or snowshoeing through some fresh deep powder, this boot embibes the sentiment of versatility. The wrap-around Molded TPU Abrasion Resistant Full Length Toe and Heel Bumper shows off the ruggedness while Merrell adds their personal design for a great looking boot.
Quality/Durability: The Gore-Tex gasket construction along with the Cordura synthetic and Ripstop mesh upper proves effective in the all-around conditions. Merrell goes all out for these boots with the ‘Spring Motion’ improving comfort and decreasing weight while the Air Cushion adds stability and shock absorbing properties. On several multi-day trips during the winter, these boots never failed their waterproof promise along with the resistant bumper remaining scratch proof and continuing to appear ready for action.
Foot funk always plays a role in the long days of backpacking. Remaining dry is crucial, yet the Outbound’s breathability and its antimicrobial protection kept concern out of the way for your fellow hikers when the boots came off.
During sub 20° weather, the insulation was something to be improved given it’s rugged exterior. My fellow travelers with leather uppers remained warm yet given the snow conditions, their boots were much heavier for extended travel.
Function: short day hikes, multi-day backcountry tips with a heavy load, snowshoeing, ice climbing.
Price: Valued at $195, these are worth their value.
Other boots comparable are:
Scarpa Men's Bhutan GTX Hiking Boots
LOWA Men's Khumbu Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Patagonia Men's Nomad GTX Hiking Boot
***These boots were not gear tested in warm weather.
Daniel Firer, MD, MSc