HARDCORE OUTDOOR-GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS-GEAR REVIEWS FOR HIKING, SEARCH AND RESCUE, MILITARY, HUNTING: Bates Tora Bora Alpine Boot - New Boot For US Military Operations In Afghanistan

Bates Tora Bora Alpine Boot - New Boot For US Military Operations In Afghanistan

Built specifically for the US Special Operations Command for use in advanced mountaineering and high altitude environments, the Bates Tora Bora Alpine boot is Barry compliant .

Finally an American made boot option for our Troopers that are working up high up in the mountains of Afghanistan and other theaters of operation. I have been trying to get my hands on this specialized boot for some time and today they arrived. Polite persistence pays off, sooner or later, every time.

Here is how Bates describes them.

"With its cutting edge technology and premium grade materials, the Bates Tora Bora™ Alpine Boot offers total performance for a broad range of temperatures and fierce environments. This boot provides stability and traction needed to navigate through extreme terrains including deep snow pack, arid desert sand, muddy slopes and sheer rock face. Made with Wolverine Performance Leather and SuperFabric® upper materials with a Gore-Tex® lining, the Tora Bora™ Alpine Boot is durable, extremely well insulated and waterproof to keep your feet warm and dry. An X-Static® lining provides anti-microbial and odor eliminating benefits. When dealing with ice and snow, the Vibram outsole reduces build up and pyramid lugs work to increase traction. The Tora Bora™ Alpine Boot is Cramp-on compatible, providing optimum safety in snow and ice environments."

Obviously I have not had a chance to put them to work but rest assured that I am on the case and will let you know what I think. At first blush, they are very well made with an innovative construction that features a stiff outsole for crampon use and an incredibly durable fabric upper that is flexible but protective and still supportive. Looks like good stuff and they fit my size 11.5 dogs nicely.

Stay tuned.

Thanks.

Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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