Jez, the big issue I see with a boot like this is the lack of a heel brake. Probably not a concern in North Wales with the amount of bare rock, well-worn paths, and relatively short amount of time spent on steep, boggy ground. Here in Ireland though, I think these boots would be a death trap on the steep, grassy, boggy slopes that so many of our mountains have. A proper sharp heel brake like on a B1-B2, or even the Quest 4 which is a B0 as far as I know, dramatically increases your ability to stay on your feet while descending boggy mountains. All the injuries I’ve personally witnessed on the Irish mountains have been suffered by people wearing light, flexible boots slipping and falling on a steep, grassy slope. I also think there’s a huge advantage to a B1-B2 in ascent on this kind of terrain, as the ability to kick steps into a soft slope also gives you much more security. Wearing my Scarpa Triolets recently got me out of trouble on a grade 1 scramble called Curved Gully on Carrauntoohil; the gully is severely eroded and I was in danger of sending lots of loose rock flying down onto people below me, so I decided it was safer to get onto the steep, grassy slope to the left of it and kick steps to the top. I wouldn’t have had this option in a flexible boot. That being said, it’s all about picking the right tool for the job at the end of the day. The Mescalito Mid seems perfect for North Wales, the Lake District, or even Skye and the Cuillin. In the Irish mountains, where waterlogged conditions underfoot prevail for most of the year, B1-B2 boots unfortunately are the safest option on routes which are steep and boggy and which don’t have a well-worn path. On those same routes with dry conditions underfoot, however, I’ll pick a trail runner all day, because it’s a lighter, comfier, and equally safe option on dry ground (unfortunately a rare sight!).
I think you would like the Mescalito Trk or Trk Planet (the eco variant) for Irish use. It's a great boot, has superb grip and a heel brake. I just found them too tight around my pinkie toes and moved to Lowa instead. Apart from the not inconsiderable issue of fit, the Mescalito trk saw a bit of use in the Wicklow Mountains & MacGillycuddy's Reeks. No issues with grip or durability. The revised midsole is much more comfortable over long distances than the Zodiac Plus which I always had to wear thick aftermarket insoles with to avoid plantar pain. When I did Curved Gully, I wore Lowa Cadins. They're a lovely boot. Hikeable but also take semi auto crampons in winter. I did O'Shea's Gulljy in different conditions in the Mescalito Trk and it was fine. I've actually never kicked steps on the side grassy bits of Curved Gully. I could see if being a good idea depending on conditions.
@@sdemosi They look like a lovely boot, however I assume they're B0? Curved Gully is pretty dangerous now IMO, it's so badly eroded that the second half of it is basically all scree. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, it's impossible not to dislodge rocks and if there's anyone below then the risk of hitting someone is too high. Much safer in winter conditions when it's all frozen together under snow
Interesting I have both in low version and the la sportiva feels wider to me. Scarpa heavier and stiffer. Both brilliant. For scrambling I prefer the scarpa. I've had them re soled and they are not quite the same which is a shame.
Great video as ever JB - I regularly use Mescalito Mids, my climbing partner uses TX5; both great and just chosen on fit. Personal preference for stiffer B2 (Chamoz) if I know I will need to do a lot of edging. BTW, would love to see a video on Laybacking technique (not in boots, though!) The boy is always so cool ;-)
QQ- I currently can't wear boots due to an ankle nerve injury so ive invested in some Berghaus walking shoes as an alternative. Do you think this would put me at a disadvantage at assesment ? I'm aware of the risk of ankle injury/ wet feet without support but have limited choice at the moment
