Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
A go-to lightweight backpacking boot, the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX balances low weight, a supportive mid-height cut and Salomon's aggressive Contagrip outsole for confident traction on technical trails. It typically undercuts premium options like the Arc'teryx Aerios on price while offering more trail-focused protection than speed-oriented models such as the Merrell MQM, making it a high-value choice for hikers wanting a blend of performance and affordability.
Nimble stability — dances trails
Rock-steady grip — hugs stones
Nimble stability — dances trails
Rock-steady grip — hugs stones
Review Summary
"Users consistently praise the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX for its lightweight feel, excellent traction and stability on varied terrain; some note it runs narrow and can feel cramped after extended wear."
Gore‑Tex dryness — puddle-proof
Light, agile mid-height design built for fast-paced trail travel.
Gore‑Tex dryness — puddle-proof
Light, agile mid-height design built for fast-paced trail travel.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
A go-to lightweight backpacking boot, the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX balances low weight, a supportive mid-height cut and Salomon's aggressive Contagrip outsole for confident traction on technical trails. It typically undercuts premium options like the Arc'teryx Aerios on price while offering more trail-focused protection than speed-oriented models such as the Merrell MQM, making it a high-value choice for hikers wanting a blend of performance and affordability.
Nimble stability — dances trails
Rock-steady grip — hugs stones
Gore‑Tex dryness — puddle-proof
Light, agile mid-height design built for fast-paced trail travel.
Gore-Tex membrane provides reliable waterproofing and breathability.
Nimble stability — dances trails
Rock-steady grip — hugs stones
Gore‑Tex dryness — puddle-proof
Light, agile mid-height design built for fast-paced trail travel.
Gore-Tex membrane provides reliable waterproofing and breathability.
Arc'teryx Aerios FL 2 Mid GTX
The Aerios FL 2 Mid GTX targets ultralight backpackers who prioritize minimal weight and refined fit — premium materials and an anatomically tuned last deliver exceptional breathability and a low weight-to-performance ratio. It commands a higher price than Salomon or Merrell but returns that premium in superior weight savings and technical refinement, ideal for fastpacking where every ounce and ergonomic detail matters.
Featherweight agility — flies uphill
Precision fit — sock-like feel
Featherweight agility — flies uphill
Precision fit — sock-like feel
Review Summary
"Owners highlight its exceptionally light weight, precise fit, and premium waterproofing, making it ideal for fast backpacking; main complaints are high price and a slightly firm ride under heavier loads."
Breathable waterproofing — airy shield
Exceptionally lightweight knit and synthetic upper for reduced weight and improved breathability.
Breathable waterproofing — airy shield
Exceptionally lightweight knit and synthetic upper for reduced weight and improved breathability.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Aerios FL 2 Mid GTX targets ultralight backpackers who prioritize minimal weight and refined fit — premium materials and an anatomically tuned last deliver exceptional breathability and a low weight-to-performance ratio. It commands a higher price than Salomon or Merrell but returns that premium in superior weight savings and technical refinement, ideal for fastpacking where every ounce and ergonomic detail matters.
Featherweight agility — flies uphill
Precision fit — sock-like feel
Breathable waterproofing — airy shield
Exceptionally lightweight knit and synthetic upper for reduced weight and improved breathability.
Gore-Tex lining offers waterproof protection without heavy bulk.
Featherweight agility — flies uphill
Precision fit — sock-like feel
Breathable waterproofing — airy shield
Exceptionally lightweight knit and synthetic upper for reduced weight and improved breathability.
Gore-Tex lining offers waterproof protection without heavy bulk.
$330-380 CAD
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX
Built for tough, technical terrain, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX combines a protective, rock-shielding midsole with an aggressive FriXion outsole and confident ankle support for long miles under load. Heavier than the Aerios or MQM models, it trades some lightness for durability and traction, making it the go-to if you expect rough trails and need more protection than the lighter Salomon or Arc'teryx options provide.
Trail-hugging grip — clawed traction
Endurance support — long-mile ready
Trail-hugging grip — clawed traction
Endurance support — long-mile ready
Review Summary
"Reviewed as a top performer off-trail with aggressive grip, roomy toe box and lasting comfort, though a short break-in period and slightly greater weight than trail runners are noted."
Gore‑Tex shield — storm-stomper
Sticky rubber outsole with aggressive lugs for superior grip on rocky and loose terrain.
Gore‑Tex shield — storm-stomper
Sticky rubber outsole with aggressive lugs for superior grip on rocky and loose terrain.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Built for tough, technical terrain, the Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX combines a protective, rock-shielding midsole with an aggressive FriXion outsole and confident ankle support for long miles under load. Heavier than the Aerios or MQM models, it trades some lightness for durability and traction, making it the go-to if you expect rough trails and need more protection than the lighter Salomon or Arc'teryx options provide.
Trail-hugging grip — clawed traction
Endurance support — long-mile ready
Gore‑Tex shield — storm-stomper
Sticky rubber outsole with aggressive lugs for superior grip on rocky and loose terrain.
Gore-Tex gusseted tongue and lining for secure waterproofing.
Trail-hugging grip — clawed traction
Endurance support — long-mile ready
Gore‑Tex shield — storm-stomper
Sticky rubber outsole with aggressive lugs for superior grip on rocky and loose terrain.
Gore-Tex gusseted tongue and lining for secure waterproofing.
Scarpa Rush Mid GTX
The Rush Mid GTX channels Scarpa's mountaineering heritage into a composed, supportive boot that favors comfort and stability on extended backpacking trips, with robust materials and a precise fit. It is typically pricier and a touch heavier than quick-hike options like the Merrell MQM or Salomon X Ultra, but competes with La Sportiva on durability and offers a balance of load-carrying capability and Italian-built construction.
Robust support — rock-solid stance
Firm ankle lock — confident steps
Robust support — rock-solid stance
Firm ankle lock — confident steps
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Scarpa Rush for solid build quality, dependable waterproofing, and supportive fit for multi-day hikes, while a firm midsole and initial stiffness are common minor drawbacks."
Weatherproof armor — keeps out rain
Robust upper construction with Gore-Tex for durable all-weather protection.
Weatherproof armor — keeps out rain
Robust upper construction with Gore-Tex for durable all-weather protection.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Rush Mid GTX channels Scarpa's mountaineering heritage into a composed, supportive boot that favors comfort and stability on extended backpacking trips, with robust materials and a precise fit. It is typically pricier and a touch heavier than quick-hike options like the Merrell MQM or Salomon X Ultra, but competes with La Sportiva on durability and offers a balance of load-carrying capability and Italian-built construction.
Robust support — rock-solid stance
Firm ankle lock — confident steps
Weatherproof armor — keeps out rain
Robust upper construction with Gore-Tex for durable all-weather protection.
Stiffer midsole and pronounced heel support for carrying heavier loads comfortably.
Robust support — rock-solid stance
Firm ankle lock — confident steps
Weatherproof armor — keeps out rain
Robust upper construction with Gore-Tex for durable all-weather protection.
Stiffer midsole and pronounced heel support for carrying heavier loads comfortably.
Merrell MQM 3 Mid Gore-Tex
The MQM 3 Mid Gore-Tex is aimed at pace-oriented hikers and light backpackers who want a quick, comfortable, and budget-friendly mid boot with reliable waterproofing. It sacrifices some of the heavy-duty protection and traction of La Sportiva or Scarpa but delivers excellent value, immediate comfort and agility on trails, outperforming many peers on price-to-performance for fast, lightweight itineraries.
Quick-dry upper — splash-friendly
Lightfoot agility — jog-capable
Quick-dry upper — splash-friendly
Lightfoot agility — jog-capable
Review Summary
"The MQM 3 Mid GTX is praised for nimble, sock-like comfort, breathability and light weight, but some users report durability concerns and limited cushioning for heavy loads on long hikes."
Cushioned ride — cloud-step
Lightweight, nimble build optimized for quick approaches and fast hiking.
Cushioned ride — cloud-step
Lightweight, nimble build optimized for quick approaches and fast hiking.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The MQM 3 Mid Gore-Tex is aimed at pace-oriented hikers and light backpackers who want a quick, comfortable, and budget-friendly mid boot with reliable waterproofing. It sacrifices some of the heavy-duty protection and traction of La Sportiva or Scarpa but delivers excellent value, immediate comfort and agility on trails, outperforming many peers on price-to-performance for fast, lightweight itineraries.
Quick-dry upper — splash-friendly
Lightfoot agility — jog-capable
Cushioned ride — cloud-step
Lightweight, nimble build optimized for quick approaches and fast hiking.
Gore-Tex waterproof membrane paired with breathable mesh for comfort in wet conditions.
Quick-dry upper — splash-friendly
Lightfoot agility — jog-capable
Cushioned ride — cloud-step
Lightweight, nimble build optimized for quick approaches and fast hiking.
Gore-Tex waterproof membrane paired with breathable mesh for comfort in wet conditions.
$170-240 CAD