07 November 2007 17:48
My partner and I are planning to climb Kilimanjaro. We have been advised that we require crampon-compatible boots. Is this correct? Would my Salomon Adventure Trek 7 GTXs be suitable?
Answer
By Trail magazine
It's highly unlikely you would need crampons on Kili if you were climbing it by any of the normal 'tourist' routes (Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Shira) and it's not a normal requirement of organised treks up the mountain.
A Gore-Tex-lined will be hot, which is not ideal in Africa, so I would go for a normal leather boot without a waterproof lining, as this will be cooler. Also, leather uppers will be more able to take the knocks from the rocky terrain.
Models that most people find suitable for such use are the Scarpa SL and Lady SL (£140), the Meindl Nepal Pro (£145) and the Berghaus Storm II Leather (£100).
As with any boots it is important to check that they fit well, so try them all to find which best suits your feet.