Whats everyone using for touring?
I got 32 TM2 Jones for Xmas. Best boot I've found. Based on TM2, very light with great flex and support. Vibram sole. Intuition liner. A velco strap that when released opens up back of cuff for touring. It also has heel and toe for crampons which unfortunately gets hooked up on my union resort bindings. Not a big deal and could be ground off if you don't need it.
22/23 catalog has a redesigned Jones TM2 and MTB. Past MTB was way too heavy duty for me. New one has a cool walk mode released by a boa. Can't quite figure out the TM2 version from the picture but it's quite different looking from this year.
I've also tried Burton Tourist and K2 Aspect but returned them. Tourist is really light and comfortable but didn't like how soft and thin the liner was and sticking was starting to fray just trying in the house. Aspects were really impressive quality. Great leather and construction, mountaineering vibram sole, and nice Intuition liner. Bit heavy and I couldn't find in my size or I would have kept them.
Hardboots vs soft?
Hardboots with tech toes are certainly superior for touring but then AT skis are even better suited to touring. I'm sticking with my comfy soft boots. Really wish someone would put tech inserts on a soft boot so I wouldn't have to stomp uphill with snowboard bindings on my feet. Sparks design is great but compared to my buddy on AT gear it's a very clunky setup. Anyone try to convert a soft boot?
I got 32 TM2 Jones for Xmas. Best boot I've found. Based on TM2, very light with great flex and support. Vibram sole. Intuition liner. A velco strap that when released opens up back of cuff for touring. It also has heel and toe for crampons which unfortunately gets hooked up on my union resort bindings. Not a big deal and could be ground off if you don't need it.
22/23 catalog has a redesigned Jones TM2 and MTB. Past MTB was way too heavy duty for me. New one has a cool walk mode released by a boa. Can't quite figure out the TM2 version from the picture but it's quite different looking from this year.
I've also tried Burton Tourist and K2 Aspect but returned them. Tourist is really light and comfortable but didn't like how soft and thin the liner was and sticking was starting to fray just trying in the house. Aspects were really impressive quality. Great leather and construction, mountaineering vibram sole, and nice Intuition liner. Bit heavy and I couldn't find in my size or I would have kept them.
Hardboots vs soft?
Hardboots with tech toes are certainly superior for touring but then AT skis are even better suited to touring. I'm sticking with my comfy soft boots. Really wish someone would put tech inserts on a soft boot so I wouldn't have to stomp uphill with snowboard bindings on my feet. Sparks design is great but compared to my buddy on AT gear it's a very clunky setup. Anyone try to convert a soft boot?