Gear: Hanwag Ferrata Combi GTX

I've been using a pair of solid mountaineering boots, the Hanwag Omega GTX. These keep my feet warm enough down to -15c, and will take an automatic crampon. I used them for ice climbing last february. However, these boots can be a bit overkill for three season use and/or places where there's not so much snow or ice. So, I decided I needed another pair of boots for those conditions.
I got a pair of the Hanwag Ferrata Combi GTX.

Hanwag Ferrata Combi GTX

Hanwag describes these boots as 'the alpine version of the Ferrata GTX: perfect for Via Ferratas in alpine terrain with glacier and firn section'. So, these should be good in rock, and not too bad on some easy ice and snow.

I tested them during a 4 day trip to Spains Sierra Nevada mountains. Highlights of this trip were an ascent of Mulhacen (3482m) and a day of scrambling on the Peñón de la Mata (1669m). The day on Mulhacen presented some easy hiking on rock and snow, the day on the Peñón was grade 1 to 3 scrambling. Good terrain to give the Ferrata Combi GTX'es a test-run. They did not disappoint.

Hanwag Ferrata Combi GTX on Mulhacen

Hanwag Ferrata Combi GTX worn while scrambling

When I first tried them on, I found them to be much tighter at the top of the foot, as compared to my Omega's. At first I found this slightly uncomfortable, but I also realized this would improve the responsiveness of the boot, as it's much more secure and close fitting on the foot.

While hiking I could immediately tell these boots are about half a kilo lighter then my old boots. The Hanwag Omega GTX weigh 1425 grams each for a size 46 EU, the Ferrata Combi GTX weigh 965 grams for a size 46,5 EU. This weight includes a green Superfeet after market insole, to replace the standard Hanwag one. The hiking was much easier going. When walking I didn't notice the tightness at the top of the foot anymore.

Hanwag Omega GTX and Hanwag Ferrata Combi GT

While scrambling I appreciated the rubber rim that's present all around the shoe. When you jam your foot in crack for a better hold, the rubber both increases friction and also protects the boots. Also, on the front of the sole there's a 'climbing zone', which basically is just a flat part of the sole with no thread. This zone also increases friction, when using it to climb.

I also fitted a pair of crampons on them, and they will hold a semi-automatic crampon easily. The sole is even rigid enough for decent performance, although they'll probably won't be top-performers for waterfall ice-climbing. On glaciers and moderate terrain you'll be fine though.

Petzl Lynx on Hanwag Ferrata Combi GTX

All things considered I'm very happy with these boots, and how they perform. I hope to use them a lot in the future!

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