Since the dawn of time, the romance of railways has seduced poets, spellbound novelists, and dealt directors the perfect hand for capturing fleeting friendships, illicit affairs, and all manner of crimes and capers. A ticket is not just a permit to ride, it’s permission to trespass on the intimacies of other people’s lives. Trains bring us up close and personal—both inside and outside the carriage. On board, passengers chat politics in Finnish dining cars, clamber into couchettes above strangers on the Trans-Siberian, and share samosas on India’s many raucous mail trains. Outside, the world flashes by, a slideshow of rivers growing into oceans, deserts rising into mountains and cities sprawling then receding into darkness as the train thunders on through the night.
Our Gear Editor Found the Best Pair of Waterproof Hiking Boots
25.09.2024 - 14:47 / matadornetwork.com
For dwellers of the mountains or high desert, a good pair of hiking boots is essential. As a gear tester and editor at Matador, I’ve worn many pairs from brands both established and new, and given that I hike hundreds of miles per year, have become quite picky about what I want in a pair of boots for the trail. I recently acquired a pair of Oboz Cottonwood Mid Waterproof hiking boots, listed with the term B-DRY on the REI website, after demoing them at a trade show, and after a month of constant trail use, the boots have earned their place in my gear collection as my new pair of go-to hiking boots. Here’s why.
We hope you love the Oboz Cottonwood Mid Waterproof hiking boots! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to make a purchase.
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Judging a pair of hiking boots out of the box is typically not doable because they take a few hikes to break in. This proved to be where the Oboz Cottonwood Mid Waterproof hiking boots stood out the most. Never have a pair of hiking boots felt so comfortable the first time I put them on. I opened the package, donned the boots, and immediately hit the Palisade Rim Trail near my house in western Colorado for a few miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain, The boots felt as though I’d owned them for years.
I’m a fan of mid-rise hiking boots because they provide ample ankle support for steep hikes without being overly bulky or heavy. The Cottonwood Mids were comparable in this department when compared to the Merrell Moab Mid boots and other top competitors in function and comfort from a mid-rise boot after a few wears, and excelled in comfort during the first two wears.
After talking with a brand rep I ordered a size 8.5 boot, even though I wear a size 9 shoe. He advised that the boots don’t run large, and for performance footwear I prefer a tighter fit. This proved to be the correct choice. They’re snug but my toes aren’t scraping the front of the boots at all, and sliding them on and off is quick and easy. With the laces tied tightly in a double knot, I hit the trail each time confident that the boots won’t slide or loosen even on hikes of eight miles or longer.
The same dependability is true after the hike ends. I’m a happy hour kinda guy, and in the grand tradition of Colorado’s mountain-lax style, I regularly show up to the brewery near my house fresh from the trail and still wearing my hiking boots. These Oboz boots fit in with the bluegrass crowd better than I ever have.
Hiking on a rainy day. Photo: Tim Wenger
The week after getting the boots, I rode my bike to the Mt. Garfield trailhead in Palisade, which required going through a highway underpass tunnel to reach. I hadn’t
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The Best Hiking Boots For Every Type of Hike
Your boots are your loyal companions on the trail, carrying you through sunshine, rain, and everything in between. But with so many options on the shelf, choosing the right pair can feel daunting. Do you prioritize ankle support for rugged hikes or lightweight agility for speedy ascents? Waterproof protection for surprise downpours or breathability for hot summer treks? This guide will help you navigate the world of hiking boots, ensuring you select the perfect partner for every adventure, whether it’s a leisurely stroll through a local park or an ambitious trek to a mountain peak.
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The two largest cities in Portugal, Lisbon and Porto, are both located on the Atlantic coast, 190 miles apart. The drive between the two cities is a scenic one, but it does mean you’ll have to rent a vehicle to make the three-hour trip. If you want to travel between Lisbon and Porto in comfort, for cheap, and without putting in too much effort, take the train instead. The Lisbon to Porto train is very frequent, takes just as long as driving, costs less than what you’d pay for a rental and gas, and the landscape out the window is equally gorgeous.
Montana's Aspens Are Turning Gold. Here's Where to See the Best Foliage in the State
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The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch Strikes an Ideal Balance of Secluded, Social, and Spirited
Stepping into The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Beaver Creek, Colorado, just outside of Vail, feels like entering a cozy alpine oasis. This year-round resort destination is tucked into the mountain up on a perch among the majestic Rocky Mountains, peering down to showcase the scenic beauty of the Vail Valley. The property, with rooms from around $1,000 during ski season and far less during shoulder seasons, looks – and feels – like something straight out of a sophisticated Swiss postcard, albeit with Colorado’s rugged Wild West spirit.
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