Berghaus Women's Picos GTX

Advantages: very comfortable, all day 3-4 season boot, all terrain, fully laden
Disadvantages: initial outlay is large but they will last for years. no half sizes

...days on the trot. They are suitable for most terrains and although not a mountaineers boot they are suitable for scrambling over rocks. They are classed as a 3 to 4 season boot which indicates they are suitable for all seasons except real bad winter conditions. The winters we get here now are fine but heavy, prolonged freezing cold conditions would require a more specialised boot as would climbing or scrambling in icy surroundings. These boots are also very suitable for use when carrying a fully laden multi-day backpack. The Berghaus GR20 GTX boots are available in either women’s or men’s; women’s sizes range from a 36 to a 42, men’s range from 39 to a 48. Increments are in full sizes only; they don’t do half sizes but the fittings are quite wide. A pair of size 36 weighs around 700g and a size 42 weighs around 850g so they aren... Read review

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Advantages: Super tough, military specification daysack with internal frame
Disadvantages: Not a lot of pockets!

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Advantages: High Volume and Superb stability with heavy loads
Disadvantages: Military image - olive green

...You don't see the Vulcan around much these days but I had one and it was a rock steady backpack. Manufactured by Berghaus for the serious mountaineer but affectionately used by the military and forces due to its high volume and stability when loaded to the maximum. Features 100litre volume with two detatchable side pockets (very useful for expeditioners who have trekked to a base camp and then require a day pack for day walks etc) - the pack comes with straps to turn the side pockets into a small backpack. A feature copied by many other manufacturers. Internal frame that can be moulded to your back. High density foam in the right areas to prevent chaffing and rubbing (eg hips, shoulders and lower back - good lumbar support) My one had a divider between the main sac - not sure that this was common but very useful to keep dirty... Read review

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