Campman Outdoor Gear & Apparel

The Trail Series is divided into three categories: Backpacking, Hiking, and Light Hiking. All the products in SCARPA’s Backpacking and Hiking categories are burly boots, and the Light Hiking section consists of boots and shoes. This article focuses on the Backpacking line, but be sure to check out our buying guide for their Hiking and Light Hiking lineup.

SCARPA’s backpacking lineup offers a diverse range of shoes and boots that can handle any trail, anywhere, at any time. They have backpacking boots for everything from a fast and light overnight adventure to treks as grand as the Pacific Crest. With all of these options, it can be hard to sort out exactly what you’re looking for. So let’s tie into all the footwear in SCARPA’s Backpacking boot lineup so you can find the right option for the trails you plan on tackling this year.

Backpacking

A note on sizing: SCARPA developed a fit tool that you can print and use to guide your decision making process for hiking shoe and boot sizing.

SCARPA’s Backpacking Boots are the burliest, stiffest, and most supportive of the bunch. They’re intended for the longest treks with the heaviest packs but don’t think you need an epic adventure in order to truly appreciate SCARPA’s backpackers. Some of these boots are built with the weekend warrior or multi-day trekkers in mind—not just the lifelong travelers. Most feature full leather uppers for long-lasting durability, but there are a few synthetic options for those who prefer it. All of these boots feature Vibram rubber as well to ensure that you have solid footing when you’re exploring nature’s remote spaces.

Kinesis Pro GTX

Recommended Use: Backpacking, Thru-Hiking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort

The Kinesis Pro GTX Boot is the premier product in SCARPA’s Trail Series as well as their Backpacking Collection. SCARPA spared no expense in designing this boot. Not only does it feature GORE-TEX’s best waterproofing material, it also offers the best traction in the outdoor footwear business. Vibram’s Biometric rubber utilizes an XS Trek tread that grips whether you’re on or off the trail—although we strongly encourage you to stick to the trail for the sake of the environment. Best of all though, the Kinesis Pro GTX features a full-grain leather upper that should last longer than any other boot in the Trail Series. A boot this burly, supportive, and waterproof best suits rain-or-shine backpackers tackling the longest, toughest trails out there.

SL Active Boot

Recommended Use: Backpacking, Thru-Hiking

Similar to the Kinesis Pro GTX, the SL Active is one of SCARPA’s few backpacking boots built entirely out of leather. It should stand the test of time just like the Kinesis. The key difference is that this boot is the only option in SCARPA’s Trail Series that doesn’t have GORE-TEX waterproof protection. Consider the SL Active as the non-waterproof variant of the Kinesis Pro GTX. It might not share the same name, but it has the same support, stability, and even the same Vibram rubber. The lack of waterproofing feels at home when you’re trekking through warmer, dryer climates like the Grand Canyon.

Men's

Women's

Mescalito Trk GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Bluesign

The Mescalito Trk GTX Boots take the path less leathered than the SL Active, featuring suede leather instead of full-grain. While not as durable, suede is softer and more flexible than full-grain leather, making it comfier for backpackers who don’t need as much support or stability. SCARPA also opted for GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Bluesign in this boot, bringing breathability to an all-time high in the waterproofing business. And with Vibram's Dynamis Trk rubber on the sole, you’ll be sure to have solid traction on any mountainous terrain you encounter. In short, you should consider the Mescalito Trk GTX if you plan on backpacking year-round on long trails in a variety of weather conditions.

Men's

Women's

Mescalito Trk Planet GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Bluesign

SCARPA calls the Mescalito Trk Planet GTX a planet-friendly version of the Mescalito Trk GTX described above. It has the same Vibram rubber (except this rubber is recycled), GORE-TEX waterproofing, and even the same fit and feel as the original. The only significant change between the two is instead of using suede, SCARPA made the upper out of recycled Eco Fabric. We like to think of it as faux suede as it delivers the same soft pliability, except vegans and vegetarians will appreciate trekking year-round on long trails in a pair of hiking footwear that doesn’t feature leather.

Men's

Women's

Zodiac Plus GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort

The Zodiac Plus GTX is the first boot in SCARPA’s Backpacking category to use EVA instead of PU in its midsoles. PU is generally a stiffer, stronger option, while EVA grants a bit more cushion, flexibility, and impact absorption. There is still a layer of PU in the Zodiac Plus GTX because this is a backpacking boot after all. Just expect a bit more comfort and a bit more flexibility in the Zodiac Plus GTX than any of the options described above. If you’re a weekend warrior of a trekker, then the Zodiac Plus GTX is probably for you. Unlike the Mescalito, the Zodiac Plus GTX features GORE-TEX Performance Comfort instead of Extended Comfort, which means it works better in wetter environments like the rainy trails of the Pacific Northwest.

Men's

Women's

Kailash Plus GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort

Last but certainly not least is the Kailash Plus GTX Backpacking Boot, which is SCARPA’s most durable and supportive Kailash Boot ever built. It’s also the only Kailash in the Backpacking category. You’ll find more Kailash Boots down the line, but this model is the only one made fully out of leather, and it has GORE-TEX Performance Comfort. The difference between the Kailash Plus and all the other leather boots in the Backpacking category is a lighter weight. Think of it as a lighter, slightly more flexible Kinesis Pro. It might not have the support necessary for the longest treks with the heaviest packs, but if you’re interested in multi-day backpacking trips regardless of weather conditions, the Kailash Plus GTX is your go-to.

Conclusion

No matter what you're looking for in a backpacking boot, chances are, one of these boots will check all of the boxes. From waterproof, lightweight boots like the Mescalito Trk GTX to heavy-duty hitters that will stand the test of time like the SL Active, this line has it all. 

About the Author

Derek Newman

Born in the Wasatch, Derek has had an affinity for mountain life since day one. He was on skis the year he learned to walk, and as a high school graduation present he gifted himself rock climbing lessons. Nearly two decades later, Derek spends most of his time climbing up and/or skiing down most of the mountains around Salt Lake City, and he's traveled around the world multiple times for the sole purpose of peak exploration. When he isn't a man about camp, he's working in Campman's content marketing crew writing up blogs about backcountry skiing or rock climbing as well as describing products that he's used personally. He's climbed in most climbing shoes, toured on most backcountry skis, and ridden the resort on skis, snowboards, and even some evac sleds.