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 Hiking and Light Hiking line, but be sure to check out our buying guide for SCARPA backpacking boots as well.

You might love your backpacking boots, but they're probably overkill for day hikes and even many overnight backpacking adventures. SCARPA made their Hiking and Light Hiking categories for anyone looking to lighten their step and pick up the pace on the trail. With plenty of options from hefty hikers to lightweight, trail-runner inspired models, there's something here for every hiker.

Hiking

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 Hiking category consists of lighter, more flexible boots than their Backpacking category, but just because it’s named Hiking doesn’t mean you can’t backpack with this footwear. Some folks are more than willing to sacrifice some support if that means they can trek faster and more efficiently. Ultralight backpackers especially appreciate their light, swift feel, but if your backpack is full of climbing gear or a hefty amount of creature comforts, you might want a boot from SCARPA’s Backpacking collection. If you’d like greater flexibility combined with mid-cuff support, and all your backpacking gear has Ultralight in the name, then consider one of these fantastic boots in SCARPA’s Hiking collection.

Kailash Trek GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Hiking, Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort

The Kailash Trek GTX might be the most versatile option in SCARPA’s entire Trail Series. It toes the line between backpacking and hiking better than you can cross a rocky ridgeline with cliffs on either side. In comparison to the Kailash Plus GTX, the Kailash Trek GTX is lighter and more flexible for comfier mobility and the swiftness that speedy hikers crave. Like the Plus model, the Kailash Trek features a GORE-TEX Performance Comfort membrane to maintain waterproof protection in disappointingly surprising downpours. Unlike the Plus, the Trek features a suede upper with nylon panels for increased flexibility. If full leather uppers aren’t your jam, but you still want mid-cuff support, the Kailash Trek GTX is your best bet.

Men's

Women's

Terra GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Hiking, Backpacking, Traveling

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Performance Comfort

Around the world in SCARPA’s Terra is a pure delight. It’s the only boot in the Trail Series that SCARPA recommends for traveling as well as trekking and hiking. Whether you’re trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, hiking in the oldest rainforest in the world, or backpacking somewhere closer to home, the Terra is your single-quiver boot. It’s another full leather option with GORE-TEX Performance Comfort for reliable durability and the sturdiest waterproofing out of any upper. Underfoot might be a bit lighter and more flexible than SCARPA’s Backpacking Boots, but not by much. Currently the Terra GTX is only available on Campman in a men's fit—see the Vento GTX below for the closest women's counterpart.

Vento GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Hiking, Everyday Wear

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort

The Vento GTX is SCARPA’s women’s answer to the do-it-all leather hiking boot, built to feel just as at home on a rocky overlook as it does running errands around town. A suede upper backed by GORE-TEX Extended Comfort keeps feet dry without sacrificing breathability, and a PU toe rand adds frontal protection on sharp, technical terrain. A full lace-up system dials in a customizable fit, while the PU midsole and Vibram Energy II outsole with XS Trek rubber keep you stable and gripped up even when the trail turns loose or slippery. If you want the supportive, full-leather feel of the Terra GTX in a women’s-specific build, the Vento GTX is the closest match currently on Campman.

Boreas GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Hiking, Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort

The Boreas GTX Boot is the first option we’d recommend to hikers and backpackers looking for a good deal, but that doesn’t mean it’s built cheaply. On the contrary, it still features GORE-TEX waterproof protection, Vibram rubber, and even a suede upper. It’s just a more affordable option compared to the other boots we’ve covered so far. It’s still not the cheapest boot out there, but a couple dozen dollars less can go towards future hut trips in Canada, and we’ll take it. The Boreas GTX is currently only available on Campman in a women's fit—see the Rapid XT Mid GTX below for a men's option in a similar price and support range.

Rapid XT Mid GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Hiking, Approach

Waterproof: GORE-TEX

The Rapid XT Mid GTX splits the difference between a hiking boot and an approach shoe, so it’s a great pick for hikers who also spend time scrambling toward a crag or a scree field. A mid-cut suede upper backed by GORE-TEX keeps things dry and breathable, and Vibram’s Megagrip rubber in an Agility XT tread delivers exceptional grip whether you’re on trail or off it. SCARPA’s ActivFit and ActivImpact technologies round out the package with a precise, anatomic fit and reliable shock absorption, even with a loaded pack. A removable Ortholite footbed adds a nice touch for anyone who wants to wash away a long day on the trail.

Men's

Women's

Light Hiking

And finally, we’ve reached SCARPA’s Light Hiking category, which has shoes and boots that encourage swift speeds up and down the mountain. These are some of the lightest, most flexible footwear in SCARPA’s Trail Series. Some are good for overnight backpacking, but most are built specifically for hiking. These hikes can be longer and more challenging than most though, so don’t start thinking these are only for the easy trails. The Light Hiking collection also includes shoes in SCARPA’s Trail Series, which are perfect for hikers and backpackers who are willing to trade ankle support for a sneaker-like feel.

Rush Polar GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Winter Hiking, Winter Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Insulated Comfort

The Rush Polar GTX Boot is the only insulated option in SCARPA’s Trail Series, and it best serves those who continue trekking when winter’s at its snowiest. GORE-TEX Insulated Comfort and Primaloft Gold Eco insulation deliver wonderful waterproof warmth when you’re trudging through snowy, icy, and even slushy, muddy terrain. We couldn’t think of a better boot to wear when you’re shoveling the driveway or ice fishing on a lake, either.

Rush Trk GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Hiking, Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort

Out of all the Rush options in SCARPA’s Light Hiking collection, the Rush Trk GTX Boot is the one we’d most readily suggest backpacking with. It’s definitely more suitable for hiking, but it has just enough support and stability for overnighters with light packs. If you’re just hiking, the Rush Trk GTX is an awesome option for technical, demanding terrain. As a Rush Boot, it cranks agility to eleven so you can reach the alpine, hop a couple peaks, and make it back home before sunset… but don’t forget a headlamp just in case. Note that SCARPA has since discontinued the lighter, fabric-upper Rush Trk LT GTX variant, so the Rush Trk GTX is now the lineup's lightest full-cuff Rush boot.

Men's

Women's

Rush 2 Pro GTX Shoe

Recommended Use: Day Hiking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX

The Rush 2 Pro GTX is the low-cut, trail-running-inspired shoe in SCARPA’s Light Hiking lineup, built with a swift platform that’s still as stable and protective as a leather hiking shoe. GORE-TEX keeps things waterproof and breathable through stormy stretches and muddy aftermath, and SCARPA’s PRESA outsole in SuperGum rubber grips confidently no matter the terrain. A rockered outsole profile speeds up your heel-to-toe transition, while compression-molded cushioning and a framed strobel insole absorb shock so you can move quickly for hours. If you liked the agility of the old Rush Trail GTX or Rush 2 GTX, the Rush 2 Pro GTX is their spiritual successor.

Men's

Women's

Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX Shoe

Recommended Use: Hiking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX

SCARPA built the Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX to be more supportive than its low-cuffed sibling, the Ribelle Cross 2 GTX, while staying more agile than the average waterproof hiking boot. It mixes the nimbleness of a trail running shoe with the support of a mid-cuffed hiking boot, backed by a breathable GORE-TEX-lined mesh upper and a PU film for structural durability. SCARPA’s PRESA outsole delivers extra grip with a softer SuperGum rubber, and a TPU frame filled with EVA keeps things comfortable underfoot mile after mile. If you missed the mid-cuff support of the old Rush Mid 2 GTX, this is the closest current match.

Men's

Women's

How the Hiking and Light Hiking Lineup Compares

Boot / Shoe	Recommended Use	Waterproofing	Upper Material	Standout Feature
Kailash Trek GTX	Hiking, Backpacking	GORE-TEX Performance Comfort	Suede, Nylon Panels	Lighter, more flexible take on the Kailash Plus GTX
Terra GTX	Hiking, Backpacking, Traveling	GORE-TEX Performance Comfort	Full-Grain Leather	SCARPA's only boot recommended for travel
Vento GTX	Hiking, Everyday Wear	GORE-TEX Extended Comfort	Suede, Nylon Fabric	Women's leather boot with PU toe rand protection
Boreas GTX	Hiking, Backpacking	GORE-TEX Extended Comfort	Suede	Most affordable option in the lineup
Rapid XT Mid GTX	Hiking, Approach	GORE-TEX	Suede	Vibram Megagrip outsole for scrambly approaches
Rush Polar GTX	Winter Hiking, Winter Backpacking	GORE-TEX Insulated Comfort	Insulated Synthetic	SCARPA's only insulated Trail Series boot
Rush Trk GTX	Hiking, Backpacking	GORE-TEX Extended Comfort	Suede Leather	Most backpacking-capable of the Light Hiking boots
Rush 2 Pro GTX	Day Hiking	GORE-TEX	Nubuck Leather, Recycled Fabric	Rockered PRESA outsole for a quick stride
Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX	Hiking	GORE-TEX	Mesh, PU Film	Mid-cuff support with trail running agility

Conclusion

And that’s it for SCARPA’s current Hiking and Light Hiking Series. Most are boots, but so many options offer different levels of support and stability that cater to casual hikers and hardcore trekkers. From the do-it-all leather comfort of the Terra GTX and Vento GTX to the trail-running agility of the Rush 2 Pro GTX and Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX, there are versatile, in-between options here for overnight trekkers, weekend warriors, and the folks who want it all.

FAQ

What is the best all-around SCARPA hiking boot for everyday trails?

The Kailash Trek GTX is SCARPA's most versatile Hiking category boot. It balances the mid-cuff support of a backpacking boot with the lighter, more flexible feel hikers want on faster-paced trails.

Is the Terra GTX still available in a women's fit?

Not currently on Campman. The women's Terra GTX has been discontinued, but the Vento GTX offers a comparable full-leather, GORE-TEX-backed build for women who want that same everyday, do-it-all feel.

What's a good budget-friendly SCARPA hiking boot?

The Boreas GTX is the most affordable option in the lineup. It still includes GORE-TEX waterproofing, a suede upper, and Vibram rubber, just at a friendlier price point. It's currently available in a women's fit, with the Rapid XT Mid GTX serving as a men's alternative in a similar range.

What is SCARPA's warmest, most insulated hiking boot?

The Rush Polar GTX is SCARPA's only insulated Trail Series boot. GORE-TEX Insulated Comfort and Primaloft Gold Eco insulation make it the clear pick for snowy, icy, or slushy winter conditions.

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

The Rush Trk GTX is a full-cuff boot, while the Rush 2 Pro GTX is a low-cut shoe. The Rush Trk GTX has enough support for light overnight backpacking, while the Rush 2 Pro GTX trades ankle coverage for a faster, trail-running-inspired stride on day hikes.

Which SCARPA hiking shoe works best for fast, technical day hikes?

The Rush 2 Pro GTX and Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX are both built for speed. The Rush 2 Pro GTX is the more low-profile, trail-running-inspired option, while the Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX adds a bit more mid-cuff protection without giving up much agility.

Are any of the Rush Light Hiking boots suitable for overnight backpacking?

The Rush Trk GTX is the pick if you want to backpack in a Light Hiking boot. It has just enough structure and stability for overnighters with a light pack, more so than the low-cut Rush 2 Pro GTX or the Ribelle Cross 2 Mid GTX.

How should I size a SCARPA hiking boot or shoe?

Start with SCARPA's printable fit tool before you buy. Use the fit tool to guide your sizing decision, since fit can vary across the Kailash, Terra, Vento, Rapid, and Rush families.

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.