[pct-l] Consumer Reports

[bob_1219@yahoo.com (Bob Coleman)]

Hi Folks,

     Since I haven't posted before let me start with an intro.  My name
is Bob Coleman and I've been lurking (and learning) on the list for a
while.   I am fortunate enough to actually live in San Diego.  I enjoy a
number of outdoor activities including hiking and camping.  I have some
experience in the wilderness, but not much so mostly right now I keep
quiet and learn more about hiking/camping to enhance my enjoyment.  Long
range I do have a goal of a thruhike of the PCT, but with a new baby
(ouyr 1st) due in late October the thruhike will be down the road.

     I've been a little behind on mail, otherwise I would have chimed up
sooner.  The July 2001 edition of Consumer Reports has a review of
hiking shoes.  The article is pretty short, with most of the information
in the standard reivew table that Consumer Reports produces.  The shoes
were rated on:
                           impact - "how well the shoe kept the
panelists from feeling pointed rocks"
                           stability - "the panelists judgement of the
shoes ability to keep their feet from twisting on uneven surfaces"
                           trail design - "an expert judgement of
suitability for hiking"
                           fit
The following 17 models were tested (listed in order of final rating,
highest 1st):  REI Monarch GTX, EMS Dry Hiker GTX, Nike ACG Air Tatoosh,
Asolo Quasar, Merrell Chameleon Ventilator Low, LL Bean Mid GTX Day
Hikers, Montrail TRS Ultra XT, Hi-Tec Sierra Remote Mid, Lowa Tempest
Low, Timberland Mtn. Athletics Free Range Mid, EMT Trail Wind, Tecnica
Escape Series Ibex, Salomon Exit Low 2000, Merrell Blade, LL Bean Trail
Model Rugged Walkers, Timberland Hiking Spruce Pass, and Vasque Cross
Trail Sedona.

Also note, Consumer Reports performed a test for "Water Resistance" by
dunking the shoes 450 times into 3 inches of water.  Based on their
results they claim that the only shoes that stayed dry on the inside are
the REI Monarch GTX, EMS Dry Hiker GTX, Nike ACG Air Tatoosh, and  LL
Bean Mid GTX Day Hikers.

*****All quotes/information come from July 2001 Consumer Reports.

Cheers,
   BC


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