Icebug Rover RB9X GTX

Excellent grip ability, secure and comfortable footbed, and ease of adjustment.

 BOA System of fine adjustment 

I first bought the carbide-studded BUGrip version, but since I don’t hike in snow or ice (thought they would be helpful on black ice on my long driveway), I returned them and bought these instead. Since I’m from SoCal originally, I have a lack of skill and desire to backpack in snow, which is why I did the JMT in summer!

These are a comfortable and well fitting shoe at  about 12 ounces. ICEBUG is a great eco-minded company and have a generous return policy if shoes don’t fit. They actually send you all return information and labels with your shipment. Amazon sells some of their styles for men/women, and obviously have an easier return policy but less selection.

This was an initial backpacking trip, but so far, I’m impressed with how well these shoes grip sketchy sections of trail. 

Background

I’ve only trail tested these recently on finishing the Georgia section of the AT from reportedly the “worst rock and root” section from Unicoi Gap to over the N.C. border. They are a relatively lightweight but durable shoe, water resistant, and have great grip! This was about a 35-mile section hike.