Living the majority of my life at sea level, it’s a rare opportunity to field test gear at any sort of altitude. Recently, a handful of us from 50 Campfires took a 10 day adventure – spending time between Western Montana (Yellowstone to Glacier) and Northern Utah (Park City). It was on the later portion of the trip that I had the opportunity to try out the Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Pro Lite hiking boots on a day hike at roughly 7,300’ above sea level.
The Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Pro’s are built from a combination of suede and mesh, which offered up great breathability. When we were in town, Park City was going through somewhat of a heat wave, with temperatures in the upper 80’s for the majority of the week. Initially, I downplayed the heat – often spending summer days in the Midwest well above 100ºF. Maybe it was the altitude or my proximity to the sun – but it got warm. The V-Lite Altitude Pro’s lived up to their promise, and combined the upper breathability with the Dri-Tec inner membrane to keep the moisture off my feet as I pushed up the hillsides.
Something that really surprised me, was the comfort and fit directly out of the box. I had never worn the V-Lite’s prior to this hike, lacing them up for the first time before we headed out. Because I have a larger foot (men’s size 13), I often find hot spots and pinch points in new boots. We hiked for 3 hours, and found my feet just the way I left them when we started. No blisters, no pain points – which was obviously a huge plus.
I’ve become somewhat of a outsole snob over the past few years. The construction of a shoe or a boot can be made or ruined where the rubber meets the road. The Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Pro’s boast both a Vibram midsole, which supports the natural roll of the foot – as well as a Vibram outsole creating excellent traction and durability. I found both of these points to be accurate through the often steep and rocky terrain that we hiked.
If I had just one small complaint about the boots, it’s the length of the laces out of the box. They’re long. I had to stop twice to tie them, before resorting to a double knot. I know, petty – but thought that I’d point it out.
If you’re looking for a well built (European-made), waterproof and durable hiking boot – the Hi-Tec V-Lite Altitude Pro Lite RGS just might be your ticket.
Overall, great boot.
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