Tired of wet feet and a worn out vest I invested in some new stuff prior to this spring.
Crispi Valdres boots. Worth every penny. Found these on sale at Black Ovis mid winter. First impression was they were really light but pretty stiff & didn't have much cushion (any cushion). I wore them a lot prior to April but didn't realize how much I liked them until season started. My feet usually ache a bit during season plus I have to deal with Plantar Fascitis in my left foot. Didn't have any trouble this year. Good traction up and down steep hills and pretty good on wet rocks. I can't say how many times I crossed creeks this year but it seemed like about every day, sometimes back and forth several times a day. Several times quickly stepping in over my boots. It was a wet season and not once did my feet get wet. Not once... I've never been able to say that before. Been wearing Danner Pronghorns and or Danner High Grounds for quite a while, and still like them but eventually they will get you wet. Rocky's before the Danners and someone can spit near me in Rocky boots and my toes were wet.
I also got a set of Kenetrek gaiters that I wore on wet days. I've seen a few comments here of guys poking fun of gaiters, poke away at me because they keep your legs dry and I think helped me stay dry when I was in water over my boots. I also think that wet legs above your boots allows water to leach down to your feet. One thing that I noticed was that the clip that you hook to your boot laces never stayed on the lace after walking a ways. Didn't seem to pose a problem.
Tenzing TV18 vest. Also found it on sale mid winter. Much more comfortable for me than what I had, which was the cheaper Ol Tom vest, don't remember the name. I never felt like I was carrying to much weight. It seems like it sort of distributed the weight like a pack does. Comfortable butt and back pads. Vented a little bit on your back if you loosen it up on warm days. More storage than I needed. I wish it had magnets for the butt pad. It's a good vest and well put together.
That's my 2cents on them. Hope it's of interest and helps someone who's thinking about new boots or vest.
