Full of endless valleys, bitter temperatures, icy trails and snow covered peaks, Switzerland is the perfect testing ground for our waterproof and insulated weatherized collection. With camera in hand and boots laced tight, we sent Pacific Northwest native and aspiring photographer Ryan Field to explore the jagged, snowy landscape.
Describe the conditions where you’ve been testing the boots.
We were fortunate enough to test the new Arctic 600 boot in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. Our itinerary included a visit to the snow covered Glacier 3000 in Diablerets, a helicopter ride to the summit of Wildhorn and a day trip through the picture perfect village of Lauterbrunnen. Our trip took place during a shoulder season in the mountains, so needless to say, we were treated to every bit of wonderful weather imaginable.
How did the boots perform in cold weather? How cold was it?
The boots were absolutely fantastic in the cold weather, and I imagine that they would hold up rather well against temperatures much lower than what we were faced with. Undoubtedly, the most frigid conditions we experienced were the 2.5 hours spent just after sunrise, on the summit of the rugged Wildhorn in the Bernese Alps. With wind chill, I estimate the temperature to have been around hovering right around 10o Fahrenheit. I sometimes suffer from circulation issues in the colder weather, but the 200g of primaloft kept my feet nice and toasty without a hint of overheating.
How did the boots perform on icy terrain?
On the first day of the trip, we were treated to periodic whiteout conditions at 10,000ft as we did a guided traverse across the bitterly cold Glacier 3000, a dream scenario for putting a winter boot to the test. As well as the Arctic 600 did in the snow up at Wildhorn, it did even better on the icy and rocky terrain at the glacier. The traction pattern of the outsole seemed to be designed specifically for what we were doing and I felt incredibly surefooted and comfortable all day.
Did the boots keep water out? How did they perform in wet conditions?
As you wind your way through the Jungfrau valley and Lauterbrunnen slowly comes into view, you can’t help but feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a movie set. The first view of one of the most iconic villages in all of Switzerland is incredible and most definitely doesn’t disappoint. Your eyes immediately find the thundering Staubbach Falls, which looks as though its pouring down onto the roofs of the chalets below. One unique feature of this waterfall is that you can take a dripping wet cavelike trail that allows you to walk behind the cascading stream of water! The suede upper and Danner Dry waterproofing predictably held up well and I didn’t notice any issues around the inner side zipper either.
What was your favorite feature of this boot?
My favorite feature of the boot was the Vibram arctic grip outsole. The convenience of a side- zip was outweighed by having the confidence underfoot in less than ideal conditions, where a slip could have bad actual consequences.
Is there anything you would change about this boot?
I was honestly looking for something to nitpick about the boot, but I couldn’t find much I didn’t like. The boot felt a bit bulky, but thats only natural for the couple hundred grams of insulation in them. Ive always been a big fan of the Mountain 600 line and this heavily winterized iteration didn’t disappoint on our trip to Switzerland.
Learn more about Ryan Field and explore our weatherized collection.