User Review: L.L. Bean Speed Guide Hikers

Reviewed July 25, 2005 by Charles

Rating: rated 3 of 5 stars
Materials: kevlar, rubber (now called Gore-Tex Knife Edge Hikers?)
Use: 15 miles plus/day
Break-in Period: weeks
Weight: 4 pounds 7 oz.
Price Paid: $185

I've put dozens of miles on these boots on the rugged Appalachian Trail. Overall I like them and they are waterproof, but you always need gaitors to prevent water from being wicked into the boot on damp mornings hiking through tall grass and weeds in the summer.

I am also becoming weary of the weight. Bean's product sites are not very good about being up front about weight of products. With the name "Speed Guide Hikers" I thought they were lightweight. NOT SO. I took them to the U.S. Postal Service automated weight machine and they came in at 4 1/4 pounds. Most hiking experts agree that one pound of weight on your feet is equal to 5 pounds on your back. You can figure that at over 20 lbs.

I'm looking for lighter boots. Maybe that's why my hiking has been a little more painfull lately.

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