Scarpa Ribelle Lite HD

[Deleted account 240831001]

Ok, I wanted a pair of boots I can use in winter that are compatible with C2 crampons so no need for too much rigidity in the soles because I’ve no intention of front pointing on steep ice. I spent ages looking at the options and eventually went and tried on a number of different boots in +/- half a size until I found one that felt right walking around in a shop.

After eventually settling on the Scarpas I coughed up the necessary and took them home where they’ve sat waiting for use until I decided to give them a short trial while walking the dog earlier today. Are they comfortable? Well I’d say they’re acceptable out of the box but I’ll be happier if they ‘give’ a bit while taking into account the fact the fact that if you want boots that will take crampons there’s not going to be a lot of give in them.

I walked about 4 miles in them today, had to adjust the laces on one boot to pull them in a bit around the ankle and there were no visible signs of pressure points anywhere when I took them and my mid weight socks off. I think they’re going to need quite a few similar distance walks before I’d be happy to put them on with no substitute available for a few days away and while they’d be ok in UK average winter temperatures (down to about -6c they’d not be warm enough for a day in the Alps on snow and ice. The rubber on the soles seem a bit hard for moving on icy rocks but they’re probably aimed more at mixed ground and were fine on frozen mud and turf.

I’ll be giving them plenty of time to see how I get on with them and gradually build up the distances and type of terrain over the next few weeks but right now they’re not going straight into the for sale section

 

[Udders]

When I was looking for a new pair of boots I finally settled on a pair of Salomon Quest 4’s. Mega comfy from the off and I bought a pair of crampons similar to these to use with them. Not as serious as C2’s but enough to get me out of trouble if needed.

ADULT SNOW SHOES - SH900 - S TO XL

ADULT SNOW SHOES - SH900 - S TO XL null Looking for a crampon for uneven snowy mountains? This crampon was designed for you: powerful, lightweight, flexible and very practical with its cover.

www.decathlon.co.uk

 

[rogerstan]

Quality leather on Scarpas do want persevering with. I’ve had two pairs and they’ve been great boots

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

I wanted C2 crampons because they’re quick and easy to put onto boots but I didn’t want to go the extra step of using C3 fully automatic ones because you need much stiffer boots which I really didn’t want.

Crampons can be the devils spawn and I used to have a torrid time trying to use the first pair I ever owned which came with leather straps that froze solid and needed undoing with a pair of pliers more than once. Never again

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

Quality leather on Scarpas do want persevering with. I’ve had two pairs and they’ve been great boots

No leather on these ones

I used to have a pair of leather Scarpas but I stupidly left them on the ground behind my car one dark and wet evening then only realised when I was about 150 miles from where I left them.

 

[Wapping]

No leather on these ones

I used to have a pair of leather Scarpas but I stupidly left them on the ground behind my car one dark and wet evening then only realised when I was about 150 miles from where I left them.

You might say the boots have scarpered off.

 

[Wapping]

I wonder if this thread will morph into the relative merits of trousers or hats?

 

[Skid06]

Quality leather on Scarpas do want persevering with. I’ve had two pairs and they’ve been great boots

i always used Scarpa Rangers , fab leather boots, got a pair of unworn Scarpa Manta's, way to stiff for the type of stuff i do, my go too boot is Saloman Quest, super comfy, never leaked

 

[rogerstan]

No leather on these ones

I used to have a pair of leather Scarpas but I stupidly left them on the ground behind my car one dark and wet evening then only realised when I was about 150 miles from where I left them.

Mine are Scarpa SL Active, they will take a crampon, and are suitable for all season UK wear, but I doubt they will see any action in the Alps any time soon, more like Winter Hill.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

You chaps are clearly serious walkers.
Can any of you recommend me some decent walking trousers please? I'd like something with lots of pockets and that have zips on so they can be turned into shorts. Ideally warm, waterproof and lightweight. I'm happy to buy a winter suitable pair and a separate summer pair.
I already have a hat.
As usual, thanks in advance Comrades.

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

Mine are Scarpa SL Active, they will take a crampon, and are suitable for all season UK wear, but I doubt they will see any action in the Alps any time soon, more like Winter Hill.

That’s about all I’ve got in my mind but I’ve used crampons literally dozens of times when I didn’t expect to need them in North Wales hence my desire to have boots that will take semi automatic ones.

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

You chaps are clearly serious walkers.
Can any of you recommend me some decent walking trousers please? I'd like something with lots of pockets and that have zips on so they can be turned into shorts. Ideally warm, waterproof and lightweight. I'm happy to buy a winter suitable pair and a separate summer pair.
I already have a hat.
As usual, thanks in advance Comrades.

You’re no more likely to find a single solution to that question than you are to find one for bike kit so put it in the bin

Starting with summer my view on zip off legs on trousers is why bother? My wife uses them but if I think shorts will be appropriate I put them on straight away rather than have the hassle of finding somewhere to put the zipped off legs later in the day. Cargo shorts will be your friend and buy decent make ones that dry quickly so you don’t need waterproof ones.

Winter, well that’s slightly complicated by the fact that filling pockets with things then putting on overtrousers instantly creates a problem so I wear merino wool long johns with good quality waterproof trousers that have zips along the outside of the leg so I can unzip from the top to ventilate them. Pockets mean stitching and stitching is the weak point for leaks later on so I just use a waist belt or a rucksack for the stuff that would go in more than 2 pockets.

If you want to be a hipster type dude wear your quick drying shorts over the long Johns to keep your legs warm

It’s all subjective and everyone has their own personal choice which is by default the right one if it works for them

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

I wonder if this thread will morph into the relative merits of trousers or hats?

It’s gone to trousers already and as for hats, why look further than a merino wool beanie in winter and my hair provides adequate head cover in summer. You have more to consider

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Thanks. That's actually a pretty good idea regarding pockets. I have a waterproof bumbag and have asked Santa for a waterproof rucksack so hopefully that's that base covered.
I'm not wearing long johns though no sireeee not under any circumstances. You'll be asking me to suck on one of your Werthers Originals next.

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

Thanks. That's actually a pretty good idea regarding pockets. I have a waterproof bumbag and have asked Santa for a waterproof rucksack so hopefully that's that base covered.
I'm not wearing long johns though no sireeee not under any circumstances. You'll be asking me to suck on one of your Werthers Originals next.

The Werthers are in one of the pockets at the back of my shorts so are you sure you don’t want to suck them?

The LJs are purely for winter layering but I use them on the bike in winter as well so they’re going nowhere.

 

[Wapping]

It’s gone to trousers already….

I suspect Comrade ex-Call Centre Chimp, was a bit tongue in cheek

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

I suspect Comrade ex-Call Centre Chimp, was a bit tongue in cheek

He may well have been but it’s the day of the Lord so kindness before lunch is appropriate. After lunch I’ll have a beer and all bets are off after that.

 

[casbar]

Boots, have had 3 pairs of Scarpa GTX. Brilliant, comfortable, I walk a lot, so 2 pairs the soles fell off, could have got them resoled, but the second pair, Cotswold replaced them foc.

Trousers, well I live in Rohan Bags, but refuse to pay £80 a pair, they are not as good as they used to be. I know wait for when they sell off the colours nobody else wants which are cheaper.

 

[Deleted account 240831001]

The good thing about picking colours nobody wants (apart from them being cheaper) is that they’re frequently the colours least likely to show dirt of food stains

Double bonus really.

 

[Ex-Call Centre Chimp]

Yes, apologies Richard, you're right to a degree.
But I have been meaning to ask about trousers for a while so your post seemed like a good opportunity to ask the needful.
As usual on here I've got some great answers, TY everyone.
Peace be upon you all.