Brasher Mens Kanaga GTX

A summer hiking trip into the wilds of Greenland and a Scottish Munro were the ideal arenas for putting my new Brasher Kanaga GTX to the test.

Proper Mountain Walking Boots

After recently road testing some lightweight walking boots and multi-activity walking shoes it was quite a shock to get back into a big, chunky pair of proper mountain walking boots, sort of like stepping out of a little Mini into a top of the range four wheel drive with all the technical add ons. A summer hiking trip into the wilds of Greenland and a Scottish Munro were the ideal arenas for putting my new Brasher Kanaga GTX to the test.

Dedicated Following Amongst Adventure Types

Launched in 2010 these sturdy walking boots have quickly attracted a dedicated following amongst adventurous types looking for a 3-4 season boot designed to work in most conditions. This B1 rated boot’s Vibram® Foura sole, with its solid and deep lug pattern, made light work of the snow that still lay in June in Greenland away from the coast, with decent handling on simple icy terrain too. They made quick work too of boulder fields, scree and wet rock.

Waterproofing Is Key

Waterproofing on a mountain boot can be key. Here the leather piled brown nubuck leather combined well with the interior GORE-TEX® lining to keep my feet dry in cold and wet conditions, which was particularly welcome on longer hikes where some of my party struggled with cold and numbing feet. Saying that this is still not a boot I’d rely on for serious Winter mountaineering in the likes of the Cairngorms, but then it is not really being marketed for that.

Boot Weight

Weight wise the boots come in at a decent 1,640g, considerably lighter than some of its more expensive and bulkier rivals, so again Brasher have delivered as they so often do on weight, especially handy if you plan on taking them on a plane or train trip. They are comfy too with a memory foam collar and cuff making them one of the most comfortable rigid boots I have worn.

Brasher website: www.brasher.co.uk

InsiderScotland.com Rating

We Liked: Excellent walking boot for a variety of walking and hiking situations. Feels safe, sturdy and waterproof, providing confidence when you need it most. Will easily handle most Scottish walking and hiking situations.

Not So Good: They are crampon compatible, but we don’t feel it is a real substitute for a genuine Winter walking ice and snow boot, but then it does not really pretend to be.

Performance 9/10

Looks 7/10

Value for Money 8/10

Overall InsiderScotland Rating 8/10