Incidentally Rob, a lot of veteran winter campers and polar explorers prefer the old school 75 binding to NNN, as it can be repaired in the field. BTW I was using a VBL and got severe blisters. Fortunately my boots have removable insulation so next time I will take more than one boot liner and forego the VBL. That is what the guys at Alewalds advised.
Oh yes if you can do it that would work great. I did that with my gloves but was fortunately able to dry them. I’ve seen a few veterans with the 3 pin binding indeed 😄 There’s a new Xplore binding that seems quite promising too. It’s a lot like normal alpine touring binding, but just on the front.
@OutdoorPrep I guess that bootie probably more fragile Do yours take that bootie? If size up. Its interesting vid as I saw the boots online but didn't know what looked like etc I think it's the ones I saw like £600 or something bootie £200 odd I'd want something fitted well and insulated in very very cold. I've got the alaska boot at mo
Great review as always! Just wanted to comment about the vbl socks, I think they cause more damage than good if the temperature is above -20. These boots get dry quite well on their own, especially if it is windy. I even fell multiple times under water in them and they never got wet, which was quite surprising.
Thanks buddy 🙏 I will try without next time. The sliding in between the socks was not that great indeed. How did you shoes look now? I was surprised by the damage on mine. How did I do that on snow? Was not walking on rocks or anything 🤷🏻♂️
@@OutdoorPrep I think mine were even mode damages on the sides, same place like in yours and that only after a total of 2 weeks of skiing. I think it mainly gets damaged when you have some hard icy snow layer on top that can be quite sharp and dense. Otherwise it doesn't make sense that normal snow can make so much damage :) Although for me this type of damage is just a cosmetic thing, I don't mind it too much
I too worry about the NNN BC pin (or bar) ripping out of the boot sole, given that there seems to be only a couple mm of rubber holding it in. My understanding is that the sole is made by Rottefella, so all NNN BC boots, no matter what brand, have the exact same sole. I wonder if the bar is connected to other metal pieces that are buried deeper in the sole. I would love to see one dissected to see how it's made.
Yesterday I saw someone with a different boot gluing the sole back on. The bar stayed in place though. I’ve read a story about the bar actually breaking but it was someone who was walking on skis and not actually skiing and with that putting a lot of pressure on it for weeks until it gave in… Wish there was more info on repairs… if you find more info - please share ✌🏽
Thanks for the review! What ankle support is provided by the Alpha outback ? Was it good on long distance ? Have you tried other NNN BC shoes from Alpina or fisher Thanks a lot ! On the kungsleden next march :)
Shoes were super comfortable! Used them on Greenland also. Still very happy with them. Tried alpina but they didn’t fit right, fisher makes or used to make some that had plastic support - those were better for telemark downhill. These types of boots are soft anyway so it’s still like skiing on socks 😅 train your ankles and leg stability 💪🏼 See you in Mach maybe 👋
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks a lot for your reply! It helped me a lot and I got them: they are indeed very comfortable, they look durable, and plenty of room choosing my standard shoe size +1. Looking forward to test them!
@@thomasb.6233 great to hear! They look more durable than they. Minimise normal walking as much as possible. The soles are very soft and wear off very quickly 😔 Remember to get VBLs too 👌🏼
Nice presentation. When I wore out a pair of Alfa Skarvet I saw the toe pin was U-shaped going a good bit back into the boot sole. I would guess this also goes for the Expedition boots. It would most propably take a substantial fall to destroy them... I Use a Polar liner in my Polar boots. (not the Alfa one, but another brand). They are very moistuere proof! Not really a need for the moisture liner sokcs (even though I must admit I them them on longer trips...)
Thank you Bård! You look like a proper polar explorer - thanks for sharing your experience. Which boots are you using? Honestly no idea what it takes to destroy the binding - it is possible as I’ve seen it in a video of Harddangervidda race. It didn’t say which boot it was but most likely this binding as it’s the standard.
@@OutdoorPrep my warmest boot is called "Extreme North Pole GTX" I Believe it is the predecessor of the "Polar A/P/S". I still have an "Alfa Skarvet". Choosing between these two depends on the trip. I LOVE my "North Pole" sooo comfortable. So when in doubt, I tend to choose the warmer one. For shorter day trips I also have an "Alfa Combi Advance GTX" (nnn Binding).
@@bardhaug Thanks for the info! I found an image of the Extreme North Pole boot. Looks a bit like a rough version of the APS indeed. Enjoy the coming season!
Thanks for an excellent review - subscribed! I'm contemplating Outbacks for multiday hikes in the Nordics and they seem really good. About sizing: did you get the size directly from Alfa back country boot sizing table, or did you size up? Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the support - appreciate it. I just bought the biggest they make (50). It worked but compared to some of my climbing boots they’re tighter. It’s generally recommended to size up (or even two sizes) - depending on the temperature so you can wear extra thick socks. It’s not like a traditional ski boot where you want a precise fit. Hope this helps
Hi Rob, just have my new boots in Hand and wondering about the cracks after 100km ... did you put any maintenance Product like Snoseal on it? Thanks for the review!, Stefan, Germany
Hi Stefan Boots are still ok, also after second trip. Friends that have the same boots say mine look better than theirs 🙈 I have not done any waterproofing, just cleaned with water and towel. Where did you buy the boots btw? Hard to find these days.
I’m still experimenting with waxing, using different Swix. Have not seen a noticeable difference myself, but more experienced waxers are all for it. Maybe it’s different when you’re not dragging a pulk uphill and you can actually glide 😅🤷🏻♂️
@OutdoorPrep are you using waxless skis never generally put wax even glide wax on tips tails and put easy skins on ie over the fish scale things 99% of the time? It all sounds interesting :)
@@TonyHobbsI prefer waxless for grip indeed. Whenever possible I ski without skins. Experimenting with different glide options - wax and spray. Don't have any input on that yet other than it's a PITA :)
Chatting with Chris he isnt a fan of VB i would use my darn tough hiker knee socks I went usual size in alpine alaska with two socks ie kneee high darm tough plus liner . The alaska is a size up by design . Ie the 43 alaska is a 44
Blisters have so much more to do with what socks you use, as well as what innersole you use as well. Standard innersoles is garbage, so I recommend doing some research because the right pair of socks + innersoles can make a big difference. The last part is to avoid overtightening lazes on boots, because if it's too tight it will create more friction and rubbing which needs to be avoided. Of course it can be too loose as well, so it's about finding a sensible commonground. If skin is sliding or rubbing you will get blisters, it's only a matter of time. That's why you want the outside of the sock to slide instead, which is why you need that little bit of loose fit through how you tighten a boot.
Good tip regarding the soles. I used standard ones because I can’t find many others in my size. Even worse, Alfa doesn’t even have a replacement:/ if you have experiences with certain soles - please share with us 🙌🏼 Cheers
@@OutdoorPrep Superfeet is one brand of innersoles and Bridgedale is one brand of socks, but there's lots of opinions of pros and cons with anything, so it's best to do personal research. Personally I solved both blister prevention as well as knee issues with upgrading my innersoles + socks in my hiking boots. Some of these things cost more than they should, but in my eyes I'm willing to pay for something if it actually works and for me it made a night and day difference. The innersole of my Alfa Bever pro Advance hiking boots is just a generic useless piece of foam that were just pain. I do understand that they may use these generic soles because we all got different feet, and some people may even say it's fine. That's why I'm greatful there are options, and I feel most people overlook these things and may think it's just the boot itself being the problem. It's better to start with the most inexpensive things first even though these things as well can be a bit pricey on their own. I am doing research of mountain skiis and equipment now which is why I watched this video, and hiking obviously has a lot of the same issues regarding feet as with skiing.
@@TonyHobbs not for me mate. I do like them in my downhill plastic boots, but in these - not so much. The movement is different. But if it works for you - that's great...
@OutdoorPrep great reply thanks 😊 ah that's an interesting perspective. Obviously in any situation on snow I can't comment beyond thoughts or readings etc. All I know is I've used superfeet for 20 plus years for 90% of time if by a miracle we get warm weather I wear sandals 😆 other than that superfeet are in my footwear. I probably perplex some as I wear in my inoveight too. Interesting that different styles of skiing affects your choice .
South Pole is pretty flat😂 no real danger of avalanches, and you could say there is around Mount Vinson, but you’d be wearing mountaineering boots anyway
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Incidentally Rob, a lot of veteran winter campers and polar explorers prefer the old school 75 binding to NNN, as it can be repaired in the field. BTW I was using a VBL and got severe blisters. Fortunately my boots have removable insulation so next time I will take more than one boot liner and forego the VBL. That is what the guys at Alewalds advised.
Oh yes if you can do it that would work great. I did that with my gloves but was fortunately able to dry them. I’ve seen a few veterans with the 3 pin binding indeed 😄
There’s a new Xplore binding that seems quite promising too. It’s a lot like normal alpine touring binding, but just on the front.
Nice lookin boot i like the extra bootie to fit inside for warmth
Yeah those are nice but a bit older. Some complain about it being less durable - not sure?
@OutdoorPrep I guess that bootie probably more fragile
Do yours take that bootie? If size up. Its interesting vid as I saw the boots online but didn't know what looked like etc I think it's the ones I saw like £600 or something bootie £200 odd
I'd want something fitted well and insulated in very very cold. I've got the alaska boot at mo
Great review as always!
Just wanted to comment about the vbl socks, I think they cause more damage than good if the temperature is above -20. These boots get dry quite well on their own, especially if it is windy. I even fell multiple times under water in them and they never got wet, which was quite surprising.
Thanks buddy 🙏 I will try without next time. The sliding in between the socks was not that great indeed. How did you shoes look now?
I was surprised by the damage on mine. How did I do that on snow? Was not walking on rocks or anything 🤷🏻♂️
@@OutdoorPrep I think mine were even mode damages on the sides, same place like in yours and that only after a total of 2 weeks of skiing. I think it mainly gets damaged when you have some hard icy snow layer on top that can be quite sharp and dense. Otherwise it doesn't make sense that normal snow can make so much damage :) Although for me this type of damage is just a cosmetic thing, I don't mind it too much
I too worry about the NNN BC pin (or bar) ripping out of the boot sole, given that there seems to be only a couple mm of rubber holding it in. My understanding is that the sole is made by Rottefella, so all NNN BC boots, no matter what brand, have the exact same sole. I wonder if the bar is connected to other metal pieces that are buried deeper in the sole. I would love to see one dissected to see how it's made.
Yesterday I saw someone with a different boot gluing the sole back on. The bar stayed in place though. I’ve read a story about the bar actually breaking but it was someone who was walking on skis and not actually skiing and with that putting a lot of pressure on it for weeks until it gave in…
Wish there was more info on repairs… if you find more info - please share ✌🏽
“I chose these boots because they were available in my size”
I feel your pain bro. I’m EUR 49, shoe shopping is a pain
Thanks for the review!
What ankle support is provided by the Alpha outback ? Was it good on long distance ?
Have you tried other NNN BC shoes from Alpina or fisher
Thanks a lot ! On the kungsleden next march :)
Shoes were super comfortable! Used them on Greenland also. Still very happy with them. Tried alpina but they didn’t fit right, fisher makes or used to make some that had plastic support - those were better for telemark downhill.
These types of boots are soft anyway so it’s still like skiing on socks 😅 train your ankles and leg stability 💪🏼
See you in Mach maybe 👋
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks a lot for your reply! It helped me a lot and I got them: they are indeed very comfortable, they look durable, and plenty of room choosing my standard shoe size +1. Looking forward to test them!
@@thomasb.6233 great to hear! They look more durable than they. Minimise normal walking as much as possible. The soles are very soft and wear off very quickly 😔
Remember to get VBLs too 👌🏼
Nice presentation. When I wore out a pair of Alfa Skarvet I saw the toe pin was U-shaped going a good bit back into the boot sole. I would guess this also goes for the Expedition boots. It would most propably take a substantial fall to destroy them...
I Use a Polar liner in my Polar boots. (not the Alfa one, but another brand). They are very moistuere proof! Not really a need for the moisture liner sokcs (even though I must admit I them them on longer trips...)
Thank you Bård! You look like a proper polar explorer - thanks for sharing your experience. Which boots are you using?
Honestly no idea what it takes to destroy the binding - it is possible as I’ve seen it in a video of Harddangervidda race. It didn’t say which boot it was but most likely this binding as it’s the standard.
@@OutdoorPrep my warmest boot is called "Extreme North Pole GTX" I Believe it is the predecessor of the "Polar A/P/S". I still have an "Alfa Skarvet". Choosing between these two depends on the trip. I LOVE my "North Pole" sooo comfortable. So when in doubt, I tend to choose the warmer one. For shorter day trips I also have an "Alfa Combi Advance GTX" (nnn Binding).
@@bardhaug Thanks for the info! I found an image of the Extreme North Pole boot. Looks a bit like a rough version of the APS indeed. Enjoy the coming season!
hi i'm looking for the exped vbl socks but i can't find it, would you mind sending the link?
I’m looking too! There’s a new version but can’t find stock anywhere :/
Thanks for an excellent review - subscribed! I'm contemplating Outbacks for multiday hikes in the Nordics and they seem really good.
About sizing: did you get the size directly from Alfa back country boot sizing table, or did you size up? Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the support - appreciate it. I just bought the biggest they make (50). It worked but compared to some of my climbing boots they’re tighter. It’s generally recommended to size up (or even two sizes) - depending on the temperature so you can wear extra thick socks.
It’s not like a traditional ski boot where you want a precise fit. Hope this helps
@@OutdoorPrep Thanks! Sizing up one size seems to be the consensus.
Hi Rob, just have my new boots in Hand and wondering about the cracks after 100km ... did you put any maintenance Product like Snoseal on it? Thanks for the review!, Stefan, Germany
Hi Stefan
Boots are still ok, also after second trip. Friends that have the same boots say mine look better than theirs 🙈
I have not done any waterproofing, just cleaned with water and towel.
Where did you buy the boots btw? Hard to find these days.
Hey Rob, what are you doing for ski wax on your longer trips like this? Hot wax at home and paste wax in the field?
I’m still experimenting with waxing, using different Swix. Have not seen a noticeable difference myself, but more experienced waxers are all for it. Maybe it’s different when you’re not dragging a pulk uphill and you can actually glide 😅🤷🏻♂️
@@OutdoorPrepI've got boots and skis plus skins I went waxable skis as Chris will talk wax with me
@@TonyHobbs oh that's a very interesting and brave choice mate haha. Curious to hear how you get on. Cheers
@OutdoorPrep are you using waxless skis never generally put wax even glide wax on tips tails and put easy skins on ie over the fish scale things 99% of the time? It all sounds interesting :)
@@TonyHobbsI prefer waxless for grip indeed. Whenever possible I ski without skins. Experimenting with different glide options - wax and spray. Don't have any input on that yet other than it's a PITA :)
Chatting with Chris he isnt a fan of VB i would use my darn tough hiker knee socks
I went usual size in alpine alaska with two socks ie kneee high darm tough plus liner . The alaska is a size up by design . Ie the 43 alaska is a 44
What’s VB?
@@OutdoorPrep vapour barrier
Think I missed a letter off 😆
Rob~ how u doing?~ so ebautiful - 💥
I’m well thanks. Trip was tough but survived. Check out the other video for more beautiful views shot with the drone 🚁
Blisters have so much more to do with what socks you use, as well as what innersole you use as well. Standard innersoles is garbage, so I recommend doing some research because the right pair of socks + innersoles can make a big difference. The last part is to avoid overtightening lazes on boots, because if it's too tight it will create more friction and rubbing which needs to be avoided. Of course it can be too loose as well, so it's about finding a sensible commonground.
If skin is sliding or rubbing you will get blisters, it's only a matter of time. That's why you want the outside of the sock to slide instead, which is why you need that little bit of loose fit through how you tighten a boot.
Good tip regarding the soles. I used standard ones because I can’t find many others in my size. Even worse, Alfa doesn’t even have a replacement:/ if you have experiences with certain soles - please share with us 🙌🏼
Cheers
@@OutdoorPrep Superfeet is one brand of innersoles and Bridgedale is one brand of socks, but there's lots of opinions of pros and cons with anything, so it's best to do personal research. Personally I solved both blister prevention as well as knee issues with upgrading my innersoles + socks in my hiking boots. Some of these things cost more than they should, but in my eyes I'm willing to pay for something if it actually works and for me it made a night and day difference. The innersole of my Alfa Bever pro Advance hiking boots is just a generic useless piece of foam that were just pain. I do understand that they may use these generic soles because we all got different feet, and some people may even say it's fine. That's why I'm greatful there are options, and I feel most people overlook these things and may think it's just the boot itself being the problem. It's better to start with the most inexpensive things first even though these things as well can be a bit pricey on their own.
I am doing research of mountain skiis and equipment now which is why I watched this video, and hiking obviously has a lot of the same issues regarding feet as with skiing.
Superfeet are good option
@@TonyHobbs not for me mate. I do like them in my downhill plastic boots, but in these - not so much. The movement is different. But if it works for you - that's great...
@OutdoorPrep great reply thanks 😊 ah that's an interesting perspective. Obviously in any situation on snow I can't comment beyond thoughts or readings etc. All I know is I've used superfeet for 20 plus years for 90% of time if by a miracle we get warm weather I wear sandals 😆 other than that superfeet are in my footwear. I probably perplex some as I wear in my inoveight too. Interesting that different styles of skiing affects your choice .
South Pole is pretty flat😂 no real danger of avalanches, and you could say there is around Mount Vinson, but you’d be wearing mountaineering boots anyway
I think I've seen somebody ski off Vinson as well :)