Scarpa Ribelle Lite HD Boots - Initial review on the Brecon Beacons
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- Опубликовано: 14 янв 2022
- I bought a pair of Scarpa Ribelle Lite HD boots for use on winter, and went to try them out in the Brecon Beacons on a hill called Skirrid.
These are capable of taking a C2 crampons with a flexible bar (like the Grivel Air Tech New Matics), but are also marketed as being comfortable to wear on normal walks without crampons.
The snow of the previous week had left tge Brecon Beacons so I tested out their claim of being a comfortable trekking boot.
Follow up thoughts on the boots a couple of months later here
• Pen y Fan & Corn Du - ...
I bought a pair on Boxing day but i havent had the chance to give them a real proper trail yet through having the covid and work commitments..that was a very good thorough review so well done....i got mine much cheaper from Go Outdoors using the price beat promise because i seen a pair for less than 200 quid so i think i ended up paying 180. I cant wait to get out with them next week and i hope its cold and snowing....Great Review and thanks
Sounds like you got a great deal on yours. I find them amazingly comfortable, I used them again last weekend in the Brecon Beacons with no issues. They ate light and very supportive. Like you, I wait with anticipation for some snow, but they make great winter / trekking boots even without snow.
Thank you for watching and your kind comments, I really appreciate it.
Ive got the same boots and i do like them. Ive always bought Salewa boots which are very good as well. The Scarpa boots are very warm indeed.
I am really pleased with mine, I can't believe how comfortable they are considering their stiff sole.
Thanks very much for watching and taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it 😊
great Review John!!
Thank you, much appreciated 🙂
Hello and happy Monday John! Finally found 5 to check outnyour new boots 🥾
Your knowledge and expertise having seen and worked with alot of kit over the years means to me, and we really appreciate your thought 😀
Great views of the Sugar Loaf and Black Mountains ⛰ ❤🏴
It's a strange transition from leather to synthetic or visa-versa, I still find myself reaching for my old Salomons over my leather Scarrpas. Your boots sound fab and very versatile, a good go to boot!
What are the "B" values? Compatibility to crampons? 🤔
Beautiful and moody day in the Beacons ❤⛰👍🏴 🌦
It is sad getting new boots dirty, sadly its in the JD if boots lol! The flexible heel sounds nice,less rubbing! Fingers crossed you get to test then in full winter conditions at some point too ❄ 🏔 🌨
They sound and look fab, can't wait to see a future feedback video. Have a great week, Ceri and Kat ☕ ❤ 🗺 🧭
Hello Ceri and Kat,
Many people swear by Salomon boots. I think if they fit your feet they are fab.
Yes, the B and C ratings are to do with crampon compatibility.
Boots for winter use in snow and ice are rated B1, 2, or 3. B1 is the most flexible and will take a C1 rated crampon. B2 boots are a bit stiffer and taked C1 or C2 crampons and so on.
Still hoping that a but if snow in the Brecon Beacons coincides with my days off. I went up Fan Fawr about 10 days ago hoping for some nice views and / or a cloud inversion.
Sadly it was just cloudy and I was in cloud at the top with no views. Still a nice walk and day out though.
Have a great week
John
Hi, thanks for your review.
I’ve been looking for a pair of all round walking boots, had not considered this model before though. Interesting.
I found your channel while searching for scarps boots in general. Funny thing for me is seeing you are also into astro too…and wild camping as well (although, I’ve only just started on that). I was up in the Lake District about 5 weeks ago and camped out on Lingmoor fell….that’s where I realised I needed new boots, as my feet got a bit wet!
That's an amazing set of coincidences there 🙂.
The Ribelle Lite boots are really nice. I have a pair of Scarpa Terras, which are lovely but not very robust, and a pair of SL Active boots which are robust but quite heavy. The Ribelle boots split the difference between them weight wise, but are robust and stiff, whilst being almost as comfortable as the Terras. I have used mine all year apart from when it was 30 degrees C in the summer. I walkd to work and back yesterday because of the snow, which is an hour each way on pavement wearing the Ribelle boots. I expected them to be uncomfortable on pavement but I fact they were fine and lovely and toasty too.
Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it 😊
@@thecampingastronomer8554…I was really surprised by the coincidences!
Great additional feedback on the boots, thank you, specifically, the bit about you using them on pavement and being okay with that use. I started looking at Scarpa initially because I was thinking of going more the traditional leather boot route (I’ve had two fabric style, but cheaper brands in the past where the goretex has failed), my thinking being that if/when the goretex goes, you still have the leather which might do a passable job of keeping water out. But the down side is weight, which got me looking at the less traditional models in Scarpa range. I feel the Ribelle is more boot than I need to be honest, Lake District tracks are likely the toughest use I’d put them too, where it’s seldom that I’d need to use hands to get over a rock barrier….anything demanding more than that I would deem beyond my capability, and if there was snow on the ground, I don’t think I would be doing anything much beyond maybe just putting spikes on, rather than needing full on crampons. It will ultimately come down to trying some out though and how they fit.
@@TheLDunn1 To give you an idea, I used my leather Terra boots on one walk in the Lakes this September (video of that walk is going up this weekend for your interest). Although the walk wasn't particularly difficult, I could feel the stones etc under my feet towards the end. I used my Ribelle boots on a walk up Red Screes via a less frequented route (video for that went up about 6 weeks ago I think) and found them to be perfect even though the ground was not particularly rough.
You are correct in saying that leather boots are fundamentally waterproof if you keep on top of the treatment. My leather SL Active boots don't have a waterproof membrane in them at all, as Scarpa reckon it is not worth putting one in, even though the boot is a sold as a winter boot.
I would use my SL Active boots more, but now I have been spoiled by the Ribelle boots they don't get a look in 🤣.
As you say, the best thing is to try some on. Scarpa seen to have a slightly different take on sizing, and if ordering from the Internet, use the Euro sizing, not the UK sizes. In addition, I would order the Euro size you think you are, and the size one up on that (eg size 43 and 44 in my case). For me, and many customers in the shop I work in, you end up going for the bigger size.
The only downside of this approach is that people often have one foot a bit bigger than the other, and so they risk a bit of heel slip on the smaller foot. For this reason I did a video a couple of years ago on how to tie your boot laces. One method I show is called Heel Lock Lacing, which does a brilliant job of preventing heel slip.
Let me know how you get on Lawrence 🙂
@@thecampingastronomer8554 The more I look & read about the Ribelle, the more it appeals. I like the idea of the waterproof/breathable barrier being one piece that is bonded to the back of the upper, so potentially less likely to get damaged than a more 'sock' design. I've had GTX shoes fail in the past relatively early in the shoes life (despite looking after them), so anything that seems to make that part more robust seems good to me.
I don't think my local stores have the Ribelle's unfortunately, I went to one yesterday that I've never been to before, slightly further afield, & they didn't have a good choice at all, so I didn't bother trying anything on.
@@TheLDunn1 your best bet would be to order 2 sizes on the internet then and see which fits best 👍
I’m glad Santa looked after you this Christmas Jon… I asked for Matt Damon in my Christmas sack, still no sign of him 😡😉
Those boots look a bit flash I must say 😁. They seem like a clever design though, particularly the ‘give’ in the heel area 👌. I don’t like boots because of the potential for blisters, but as you say these may do away with all that 🙂
I looked at the Astro Biscuit video you recommended last week… very informative and entertaining 👍. I’ll be doing my research on his channel when the funds are in place for a telescope 🔭 that can bring our solar system and our other near neighbours into view ✌️👍
I understand that some of Santa's deliveries were delayed by a shortage of lorry drivers delivering stuff to the North Pole. However, I gather that he has put an emergency visa scheme in place to reduce the backlog so you might still get lucky in January 🤣.
Glad you liked Astro Biscuit, his videos are hilarious.
Have a great rest of the weekend 👍
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Hahaha 😝… you’re such a card Jon 😁👌
Great video, John. After re- watching it, I eventually " cracked " and bought a pair. I am interested in matching them up with a pair of crampons and am not sure if the Grivel G12 will be too rigid or to go for one of the climbing technology ones which are a bit cheaper? Hope you are getting good use out of yours and will certainly look out for them in your forthcoming videos when the conditions allow.
Take care
Keith
Glad you enjoyed it Keith and I'm sure that you will find the boots comfortable. I have been wearing mine year round (apart from when it was 30 degrees C in the heat wave) and have been really impressed.
In terms of Crampons, I agree with you that the G12's would be a bit too rigid. The Grivel Air Tech New-Matic crampon is a better solution. They still use the clip at the back to hook onto the boot, but have a more flexible bar. Equally, the Climbing Technology Nevis crampons fit well on the boots and are a more flexible.
Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it 😊
Good day John; I think you made the right choice in opting for lower altitudes on your hike to the Brecon Beacons. Just a few hundred meters higher up and the wind is easily too strong for comfort! That said your review is interesting. I have used Scarpa for running, but not for hiking, so your experience in the next months will be of interest. Especially if it keeps dry in rough weather. At the moment I am using Salomon in all seasons, but I will need new shoes for next season in the hills. And on a different note - I hope you brought food with you. That bacon sandwich was rather small:)
Hahaha, yes the bacon sandwich was small wasn't it. That was my breakfast as I left home before 6am. I had lunch, snacks and coffee with me for the walk.
I have been out in the boots again today and they were very comfortable. They didn't leak when I crossed small streams either. The only time they didn't feel great was on a short stretch of tarmac. I could really feel their stiffness on the stretch of road. Thanks for watching as always 🙂
Nice boots!
Thanks, I am really pleased with them. Thanks for watching and commenting, its much appreciated 😊
There used to be a nice little Outdoor Pursuits shop where I live but, sadly, it closed down several years ago. It had been there about 20 years and had recently been taken in hand and tidied up etc, it all looked promising but then it was gone - shame.
It is a shame that the little independent stores are disappearing, particularly outside of the honeypot areas like the Lake District. There used to be a shop not too far from me in Arundel. I think it was called Peglers. Sadly, they have gone. I went to Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons last year, and was pleased to see that the little independent shop there, which has been around for over 20 years, still exists though.
Thank you very much for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it 😊
Hello John, Great review and very nice looking boots. I have my eye on a pair of Manta Tech GTX's but I don't go out in the snow and my hike's are a mix of muddy trails similar to your review here, up to Snowdon or Scafell Pike or similar etc. Do you think the Manta's would be ok or too uncomfortable ?
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment 🙂. I suspect that the Manta boots might be a bit of overkill for what you want to do. They are comparatively heavy, go high up on the shin (which some people find a bit uncomfortable) and take a fair amount of breaking in.
The Ribelle lites are lighter and feel instantly comfortable. The stiffness rating is really B1.5 as they are not quite as stiff as the true B2 rated Mantas. This makes them easier to walk in. I have used mine all year (except when it was 30 degrees in the summer) in the Lakes and Brecon Beacons and found them ideal.
Given that you are not planning on doing much snow and ice, I think that the Ribelle boots are likely to be more suitable for you.
Either boot is fantastic, particularly if you are prepared to spend the time breaking in the Mantas, so I think whichever you choose would make you happy 👍
Cor they'll be able to see those boots from space, certainly bright
They certainly are 👍. I'll be back in the Brecon Beacons tomorrow wearing them with an orange jacket 🤣🤣. 5am alarm sadly 😭
I have a pair of Scarpa boots which I have had for going on 2yrs.
I think they are the best boots I've owned,but I got them online,( my mistake not trying in shop)size 9,which is what iam,but they are ever so slightly tight.Was too late to return ,so I have kept wearing them.
Is there a size issue with Scarpa? A 9.5 would be perfect.
Just done a little walking in western lakes near Ravenglass and Eskdale.(got nice shot of pleiades and stunning close ups of moon with my Nikon p1000).👍
From what I see in my shop, Scarpa have a slightly different take on sizing which does make it difficult to buy on the net, unless you already have a pair and have worked out what you are in the Scarpa sizing world. Given that you can't take yours back, you can try using a shoe stretcher to open them up a bit.
You can get these from Amazon fir £15 - £20. My wife uses these as she has a bunion and often needs to make shoes a little bit wider.
In the longer term you probably need to go one size up though if you ever get another pair. Scarpa typically operate in euro sizes. I guess you have a 43, and probably a 44 would suit you better.
Glad you got a shot of the Pleiades, it is a lovely object to photograph at any magnification.
Thanks for watching as always, hope you enjoy your weekend 😊
In my size (EU 47) Scarpa are 5mm longer than several other brands but they're narrow in the mid foot and heel, and have a bit more width in the forefoot. All boot sizing is a bit funny because the last is trying to accommodate 4 different toe shapes, 4 different foot shapes, different lengths, volumes and different widths. The manufacturers simply cannot produce bespoke shoes at volume and a reasonable price so you end up with a best effort that is hopefully made more comfortable with a good footbed.
Finding the right shoe often requires going to a good retailer where the staff understand the boot that's the best compromise for you.
I would check out Meindl, Lowa and Mammut if Scarpa isn't quite working for you. Also Hanwag as they do specific lasts for foot conditions such as bunions.
Nice review, well out of my price range though. Btw you should have carried on driving, this week has been glorious in the central Beacons.
Thanks for watching 🙂.
I'm back for a quick walk up Fan Fawr tomorrow so hoping the weather holds out a bit, and hoping that there is another snowy spell before the end of Feb.
@@thecampingastronomer8554 Have a great day tomorrow, I look forward to a vid of it.
@@justvin7214 thanks. That video should be up in 2 weeks (it's an astro one next weekend) 👍
Hi John thanks for the video. I have just bought a pair of the ribelle items HD and was wondering how do you treat or re-proof them as I have no idea. Searched online and emailed scarpa with no reply, so I'd be grateful for your knowledge. Thankyou fran.
Hi Francis, I have yet to reproof mine, but was having similar thoughts to you. I searched for "Boot Care Scarpa UK" and up came a page where they recommend what to use for different models of boot.
They start off with their leather boots, but at the bottom of the article they cover boots like the Ribelle.
For the Ribelle Lite (which they seem to list as Rebel Lite) they seem to recommend Nikwax Fabric and Leather spray, which is what I was planning on trying. I was going to test it on a small inconspicuous area of the boot first to make sure it's OK.
Hope this helps 🙂
Thanks John, I did see the article myself about the nikwax. I've already got some actually but was still unsure because what they're made of. Let me no your results please as I will be trying mine next weekend. Do think it would be the same for ribelle trail as I've bought a pair of them too. Thankyou again👍
@@francispowell6643 Hi Francis, you will not need to treat your boots and shoes for a while, as they come pre-treated from the factory. I used mine on another trip a week or so ago and deliberately stood in streams to test the waterproofness and they were fine.
The spray on stuff is a water repellency spray that just helps the water to bead up on the surface of the boot. This makes the life of the waterproof membrane underneath the boots outer shell a bit easier. All waterproof boots have this applied in the factory from new, but it wears off, hence the need to reapply it after a while.
Out of the box though your boots should be good to go with no issues.
Thanks again👍
I got these last month John, haven’t had a chance to use them just yet.
Do you happen to know which Black Diamond crampon they’ll take?
Hi Dougie, I am sure that you will be pleased when you test them out. I have used mine all year round apart from when it was really hot last summer and they are my favourite boot now.
As far as crampons go, Scarpa recommend the Grivel Air Tech with the New Matic EVO binding. This has a clip on the back to mate with the boot, but is slightly more flexible than the G12 model.
Looking at Black Diamond I reckon that the nearest equivalent is the Black Diamond Contact Clip model, although I think this has 10 points rather than the 12 of the Grivel Air Tech.
The Black Diamond Serac Clip crampons is the next one up, with 12 points, but I'm not sure if the central bar is a bit too stiff.
Hope this helps a little 😊
@@thecampingastronomer8554 John, that is so helpful, thanks very much.
I actually can’t wait to try them out. Thanks again.
hi guys. do we think this would be a good hiking boot? I am new to this, so some of the terminology can be lost on me. Like the look of the boot , but looking for a "hiker" for 10-15 mile hikes in places such as angels landing in zion. Any experienced hikers thoughts would be awesome.
Hi Eric, thanks for your question. The boot is suitable for hiking over fairly rough terrain. I use it for normal hill/mountain walks as well as winter walks requiring crampons. The stiff sole helps out with rougher ground underfoot. It is a fairly warm boot though, so in hot weather it might prove to be a bit too warm. Overall, I use the boot for pretty well everything apart from walks in the height of summer, and find it very comfortable.
Did you go a size up John
Hi Gary, yes I would normally be a size 43, but have found in Scarpa sizing a size 44 is better.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment 🙂
Hi John. Good video. I just got some and did a review too. Check it out!
Hi Dave, that's interesting, I'll have a watch this evening. I subscribe to you so it will be in my subscription feed today. I am really pleased with mine after a second walk in them last weekend. I can't believe how comfortable and supportive they are.
Hi dave I've just bought a pair of ribelle lite and the rielle trail I was wondering what do you use t re-roof them. Thankyou.
@@francispowell6643 hi Francis, I have yet to reproof mine, but was thinking of using some spray on reproofer, like that made by Nikwax. I would test it on a small inconspicuous area first though to make sure that it is OK.