By Aby Rinella
One of the most crucial pieces of gear for backcountry hunting is a quality pair of boots.
When it comes to high-country big-game hunting, Kenetrek hits the mark.
When I first slipped on my Kenetreks I noticed how wide the foot opening was. This allowed me to get my boot on and off without much effort, a must after a long day on my feet. No yanking, twisting and shoving to get them on. They were true to size and immediately felt comfortable, or as my husband says, like you are “walking on clouds.” A time of breaking in would be necessary, but that was to be expected and well worth it.
The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme is a stiffer boot offering incredible support. This allows me to sidehill without straining my ankles and to navigate rocky terrain with great stability, two important qualities a softer boot cannot offer, giving me the ability to navigate dicey terrain with no apprehension and saving on fatigue.
The sole on this boot also gives me a security I have never had before, gripping whatever ground I cover. They can handle loose shale and dirt, rocky cliffs or frozen ground with exceptional gripping power. With their traction, there will be no worrying about slipping or sliding.
My concern with many boots is that they feel ‘clunky’ and don’t give me a feeling of control over my foot placement. This is one more area I feel Kenetrek shines. With their narrower heel and a last molded for women, these boots are a step above the rest, allowing for a solid step.
You can be sure your feet will stay warm and dry in the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme as they come in 400 or 1000 gram Thinsulate, providing warmth without bulk (they do make an uninsulated boot as well). All of the Mountain Extremes also have a waterproof membrane to ensure your feet stay dry.
A good hunting boot is an investment, for sure, but this is really a case where you get what you pay for and a quality boot will last you years, if taken care of properly.
Kenetrek has thought of everything when it comes to the construction of this boot, from the one piece leather uppers, full rubber rand, swiveling hardware and double and triple stitching—these boots are sure to last.
Kenetrek makes a boot wax to treat the leather, condition, and waterproof your boot—lengthening their life. Their wax won’t harm the glue on the rubber rands or boot stitching and is super easy to use (again, as a mom, I don’t have time to mess with heating wax, etc.).
Kenetrek makes an exceptional boot. These boots lived up to their reputation and I no longer have to be jealous of my husband’s Mountain Extremes on the trail (and he no longer has to worry about me falling or twisting an ankle on the side of the hill).
These boots would be a great investment for anyone that wants to get out and get to the top!
