Editors Update – Please see the follow up review here
It is negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit. I can hear the wind screaming outside the thin fabric of our single wall tent, but I am safe and warm in my sleeping bag. I am using my Kayland MXT Mountaineering boots as a pillow for two reasons: one because I am wearing my pillow (my down jacket) and two to keep them from freezing! The sun will be up in a few hours, and then we will be off again, snowshoeing up the fresh powder to Grass Lake at just a hair over 11,000 feet. I was hesitant at first to take these boots on this adventure as they are touted as three season boots, but I decided to give them a chance due to their being incredibly lightweight and comfortable. I have been putting these boots through every condition imaginable for over four months and they have become my constant companion on all my adventures, and for good reason, these boots are amazing!
FEATURES
This boot is loaded with several features that I was excited to try out. The first is the Event™ fabric liner. Event™ is an ingenious fabric that is similar to Gore-Tex™ in that it uses a polymer that acts as the waterproofing agent. However, if you have ever used Gore-Tex™, you know that it does not breathe well. Often you get just as wet from your own sweat as you would if you were walking “au naturel” in the rain. Gore-Tex™ “paints” the polymer on the fabric, effectively blocking all the breathing pores in the fabric. This makes the fabric waterproof, but breathability is all but non-existent. Event™ is different because they take the polymer, and, instead of painting it on the fabric, they turn it into a fine mist and spray it over the tightly stretched material. This coats the fabric fibers individually and leaves microscopic gaps that air molecules can fit through but that are too small for a water molecule to fit through. A great idea that works in the real world, not just the laboratory! With this technology, my feet that sweat a lot stayed almost totally dry even after all-day hikes
The other feature I liked on initial inspection is the ankle support. I have bad ankles and am constantly rolling my ankles on hikes. The Kayland MXT ankle support went above my anklebone, which is what I need to prevent myself from spraining my ankle. After numerous treks on trail, cross-country, and across all types of terrain, I have experienced zero problems with painful rolled ankles. In fact, the boots rigidity, comfort, and support have given me the extra confidence to “go for it” on extreme terrain.
The Vibram™ Mulaz resoleable sole is a nice touch, as is the board last and carbon reinforced heel counter that keeps the boot light and stiff. This makes it great for crampons and glacier travel. An added benefit of these features is that the boot weighs considerably less than the competition, a size 9.0 weighs in at a scant 1 pound and 9 ounces. Another cutting edge feature is the Cocona™ fabric technology, which is derived from coconut shells. The fabric offers odor resistance and U.V. protection and is a totally natural, recycled, and sustainable material to boot (no pun intended).
FIT & USAGE
In terms of fit, I routinely wear size 9.0 (42.0) in multiple brands (Five Ten, La Sportiva, Bates, Danner, and Blackhawk). I also have wide feet, and I got these boots in size 9.0. The fit is absolutely perfect. Straight out of the box I have used my Kayland MXT Mountaineering boots on everything from short day hikes to overnight adventures. I’ve used them with snowshoes, climbing snow and ice covered mountains, with crampons and without. I’ve kicked thousands of steps. I’ve forded creeks, summited numerous peaks, and carried 40+ pound packs cross-country. I have hiked through pouring rain and wet slushy snow, and to date I have had no blisters, no jammed toes, no hot spots, and happy feet at the end of each day!
CONS
This is one great boot. With all these features, what is not to love? Well, there are a few small problems with the boot. The first is that you have to remove the laces from the first two eyelets to get the boot on or off, which is kind of a pain when wearing thick gloves or when it is cold or windy out. Also, when I got the boots, the laces were different lengths. Neither of these issues detracts from the overall value of the boot. If Kayland were to put hooks, instead of eyelets, on the ankle of the boot that would solve the biggest problem with these boots.
Back in the tent, the sun is now up. The storm that dumped six inches of fresh powder overnight has blown over and been replaced by blue skies and sun. It is going to be a great day!
Editors Update – Please see the follow up review here
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