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.

Rush TRK GTX

Recommended Use: Hiking, Multi-Day Trekking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX

The Rush TRK GTX splits the difference between a backpacking boot and a hiking shoe, so it’s a great pick when a storm is rolling in over technical terrain and you need to move quickly without giving up ankle support. A suede leather upper backed by GORE-TEX keeps things dry when the weather turns, while staying breathable when it doesn’t. A durable toe cap and flexible cuff protect against trail hazards without locking down your stride, and the snug ActivFit lacing leaves a little extra room in the toebox for long days on your feet. Underfoot, a TPU-framed midsole with 2D EVA cushioning absorbs impact, and SCARPA’s PRESA outsole in SuperGum rubber holds its ground on loose or wet trail.

Men's

Women's

Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX

Recommended Use: Hiking, Fast & Light Trekking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX

The Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX pairs a mid-cut boot with a rockered, trail-running-inspired platform, so you get a stable, supportive ride without losing the swift stride of a running shoe. GORE-TEX backs the nubuck leather upper for reliable waterproof, breathable protection through stormy stretches and the mud that follows. SCARPA’s PRESA outsole in SuperGum rubber grips confidently, and the rockered profile keeps your heel-to-toe transition quick even when the trail gets technical. A framed strobel insole and compression-molded cushioning absorb shock so you can move fast for hours at a time.

Men's

Women's

Zodiac Tech LT GTX

Recommended Use: Mountaineering, Alpine Approaches

Waterproof: GORE-TEX

The Zodiac Tech LT GTX is technically SCARPA’s lightest mountaineering boot, but it earns a spot here for backpackers whose trips push into scrambly, exposed, or snow-covered terrain where a standard hiking boot won’t cut it. GORE-TEX keeps the high-tenacity fabric and Microtech upper protected in alpine weather, while Vibram’s ABS Precision Cramp rubber compound is tuned specifically for high-altitude traction. It’s also compatible with semi-automatic crampons for when the trail turns vertical. High-density cushioning and a supportive BAS midsole keep you comfortable from trailhead to summit, even carrying a loaded mountaineering pack.

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.

Men's

Women's

How the Backpacking Lineup Compares

Boot	Recommended Use	Waterproofing	Upper Material	Standout Feature
Kinesis Pro GTX	Backpacking, Thru-Hiking	GORE-TEX Performance Comfort	Full-Grain Leather	Vibram Biometric XS Trek outsole for the best traction in the lineup
SL Active	Backpacking, Thru-Hiking	Not Waterproof	Full-Grain Leather	Same support as the Kinesis Pro GTX for warm, dry climates
Rush TRK GTX	Hiking, Multi-Day Trekking	GORE-TEX	Suede Leather	Backpacking boot support with hiking shoe agility
Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX	Hiking, Fast & Light Trekking	GORE-TEX	Nubuck Leather	Rockered PRESA outsole for a quick heel-to-toe stride
Zodiac Tech LT GTX	Mountaineering, Alpine Approaches	GORE-TEX	High-Tenacity Fabric, Microtech	Semi-automatic crampon compatibility
Kailash Plus GTX	Backpacking	GORE-TEX Performance Comfort	Full-Grain Leather	Lighter and more flexible than the Kinesis Pro GTX

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 the fast, agile support of the Rush TRK GTX and Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX to heavy-duty hitters that will stand the test of time like the Kinesis Pro GTX and SL Active, and even a mountaineering-ready option in the Zodiac Tech LT GTX, this line has it all.

FAQ

What is the best SCARPA backpacking boot for year-round waterproof protection?

The Kinesis Pro GTX is SCARPA’s top pick for rain-or-shine backpacking. Its GORE-TEX Performance Comfort lining and full-grain leather upper are built to handle the longest, wettest treks without missing a beat.

Which SCARPA boot works best for warm, dry trails like the Grand Canyon?

The SL Active is the lineup’s non-waterproof option. It shares the Kinesis Pro GTX’s support and Vibram rubber but skips the GORE-TEX lining for better breathability in hot, dry climates.

What's the difference between the Rush TRK GTX and the Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX?

The Rush TRK GTX leans more boot, while the Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX leans more trail runner. The Rush TRK GTX uses a suede leather upper and a higher cuff for multi-day support, while the Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX pairs a mid-cut design with a rockered outsole for a faster, more efficient stride.

Is the Zodiac Tech LT GTX meant for backpacking or mountaineering?

The Zodiac Tech LT GTX is built as a mountaineering boot first. It's SCARPA's lightest option in that category, but its semi-automatic crampon compatibility and alpine-tuned traction make it a strong choice for backpackers pushing into scrambly or snow-covered terrain.

Do these boots come in both men's and women's versions?

Most of the lineup is available in men's and women's fits. The one exception is the Rush TRK GTX, where the women's version is currently sold through Amazon rather than on Campman.

How should I size a SCARPA backpacking boot?

Start with SCARPA’s printable fit tool before you buy. Use the fit tool to guide your sizing decision, since fit can vary.

What makes SCARPA's PRESA outsole different from other backpacking boot soles?

PRESA outsoles use SuperGum rubber tuned for trail-specific traction. On the Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX, SCARPA also rockers the outsole's profile to speed up your heel-to-toe transition on technical ground.

Which SCARPA boot is best for moving fast on technical trails?

The Rush 2 Pro Mid GTX is built for speed. Its rockered, trail-running-inspired platform delivers a stable, efficient stride without sacrificing the support of a mid-cut boot.

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.