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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Light Hiking

And finally, we’ve reached SCARPA’s Light Hiking category, which has shoes that are all named Rush because they all encourage swift speeds up and down the mountain. These are the lightest, most flexible footwear in SCARPA’s Trail Series. All of them have a rubber toe cap similar to SCARPA’s approach shoes, so you know SCARPA’s not skimping on durability here. 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 introduces shoes into 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.

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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 only one we’d 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.

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Rush Trk LT GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Hiking, Backpacking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort

As the name suggests, the Rush Trk LT GTX is simply a lighter variation of the original Rush Trk GTX. SCARPA lightened this boot by building its upper with fabric instead of leather—good news for all the leather-haters out there. It’s a bit more flexible than the Rush Trk GTX, and because of that we wouldn’t recommend it for backpacking, but if you have such sturdy ankles that you’ve never rolled, this boot wouldn’t mind the occasional overnighter with a light pack.

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Rush Trail GTX Shoe

Recommended Use: Day Hiking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort

The Rush Trail GTX is the most supportive, stable option between the two hiking shoes in the Light Hiking category, but like all the Rush shoes, it was built upon a running-inspired platform. Get the best of both worlds in terms of support and swift agility. Tough, technical trails deserve stable support, and if you prefer low-cuff agility, then you get what you deserve out of the Rush Trail GTX.

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Rush 2 GTX Shoe

Recommended Use: Day Hiking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Bluesign

Between the two hiking shoes, the Rush 2 GTX is the lighter, more flexible option. In fact, it’s the most agile option in the entire Trail Series. If it were any more flexible, you’d be in a trail running shoe. The Rush 2 GTX is ideal for hikers who don’t need much support or stability. All you need is an easy trail, a pack with a bottle of water, and maybe a layer, and you’re ready to rush. It’s also the sequel to SCARPA’s original Rush, now updated with a GORE-TEX Extended Comfort waterproof, breathable membrane and Eco Fabrics for an environmentally thoughtful design.

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Rush Mid 2 GTX Boot

Recommended Use: Hiking

Waterproof: GORE-TEX Extended Comfort

Just like its low-cuff alternative, the Rush Mid 2 GTX is the swiftest, lightest, most flexible mid-cuff boot that SCARPA makes—in the Light Hiking category, the Trail Series, or the rest of SCARPA’s footwear collection. This is the perfect option for those who are unsure about mid-cuff boots. It has a touch of flexibility that offers just enough stable support to prevent rolling ankles on rougher terrain. It also forgoes the use of leather but still features GORE-TEX Extended Comfort to work well in wet or dry conditions. An EVA midsole maintains the impact absorption you’d expect out of a trail running shoe, but with a mid-cuff design, this boot is truly a hybrid and a wonder to wear.

Conclusion

And that’s it for SCARPA’s 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. There are even some versatile, in-between options for overnight trekkers, weekend warriors, and the folks who want 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.