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La
Sportiva updated their popular line of Nepal mountaineering boots with
the new Cube GTX. The Cube is an incredibly lightweight, single layer,
technical winter boot that's ideal for mixed terrain. We put it to the
test in the country of its namesake while climbing in the Himalayas.
What Are They Supposed to Do?
Previous versions of the Nepal offered amazing warmth and superb
technical performance on all types of climbing terrain while remaining
lightweight. The 31 oz Nepal Cube GTX ($575) is designed to offer similar performance, but is a full 4 oz lighter than the EVO GTX. Additionally, the Cube's insole and midsole are a combined 12mm thinner than the EVO's — creating a lower profile for added stability.
Many of the
EVO's existing construction materials and features have been carried
over to the Cube including the use of a 3.2 mm thick
silicone-impregnated leather upper, resolabe Vibram soles with an Impact
Brake System (which slants the sole lugs in opposing directions to
provide traction both forwards and back) and a GoreTex insulated liner.
The Cube also uses a hinged ankle to prevent lateral torsion and has a
removable, adjustable tongue for a custom fit. These features combined
make the Cube GTX one of the most technically-advanced mountaineering
boots on the market.
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Fittingly, I tested the Nepal Cube GTX in Nepal.
How're They Supposed To Do It?
The Cube uses a 4mm thick carbon fiber honeycomb insulated insole. The
honeycomb design allows the insole to be incredibly lightweight and thin
while providing adequate insulation and rigidity for climbing cold,
rough terrain. Additionally, the crampon-ready polyurethane midsole is
only 2mm thick. For contrast, both the EVO's insole and midsole are 9mm
thick. Thinner soles allow climbers to have more stability by lowering
their center of gravity, putting them more in-touch with the ground,
with or without crampons.
The Cube is
nearly 15% lighter than the EVO; that weight savings was achieved
through the improved insole. Lighter boots improve the climber's
performance both during approach (less weight in the pack) and while
climbing (lighter feet equals less energy exerted with every step).
The
silicone-impregnated leather supplied by Perwanger of Italy. They tan
the leather with a special process that makes it extremely
water-repellent, while still remaining breathable. It's the most durable
leather available; made from the corium, which is the strongest part of the leather.
The ankle
utilizes a hinge system that allows lateral flexibility while still
allowing longitudinal lockout for excellent support and safety.
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Air-injected rubber rands protect the Cube's leather from cuts, gashes, and abrasion.
How Does It Perform?
I put the Nepal Cube GTX to the test all over the world in all kinds of
climbing conditions. First, on an end-of-season climb of Mt. Baker in the North Cascades.
That climb was cold, wet, and featured mixed terrain. Then I tested
them in Iceland, again in cold, wet conditions with fresh snowfall and
lots of glacier travel. Finally, I brought them to the country of their
namesake for an end-of-season climb of the 20,305' Imja Tse — more
popularly known as Island Peak. Though that climb was only one day long
and dry, it was cold and high.
The first
thing worth noting about the Cubes is their low weight for a winter
boot. My "approach hike" to Island Peak was more than 100 miles long. In
addition to climbing gear and clothes, I was carrying computer and
camera equipment. All of that added up to about 60 pounds and I shaved
weight wherever I could. The Cubes are about a pound lighter than my La
Sportiva Spantiks and they still did the trick for a short, but
high-altitude climb.
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The
resolable Vibram soles feature the unique Impact Brake System, which is
said to increase braking power and reduce impact forces.
Wearing the
Cubes is like wearing a pair of very supportive (but very warm) hiking
boots. They do not feel heavy or clunky; this is arguably due to their
low weight (heavy duty hiking boots can often weigh up to 30 oz) and
thinner soles, which noticeably improve contact with the ground. When we
finished glacier travel and started hiking down from Island Peak,
everyone switched out of their heavy double boots into hiking boots; I
was able to leave the Cubes on without any exertion penalties. While the
boots are light — they still provide massive support. When climbing
rock, I was able to step up using only my toes without worrying about
slippage caused from boot flex. Yet even with their rigidity, the Cubes
remained comfortable for hiking.
Mt. Baker,
the snowiest mountain the world, is known for its cold wet conditions;
my experience was no different. Our entire climb was through wet snow;
the Cubes did not wet out, yet they vented well - keeping my feet dry
the entire day. While climbing down from a volcano in Iceland, we got caught on an outlet glacier
during a torrential, all-day-long downpour. The boots eventually did
wet out, but mountain boots are not designed to endure the type of rain
that we experienced. Though they wet out, my feet stayed warm in the
near-freezing temperatures.
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