Best Hiking Boots for Alaska Vacations 2024
Best Hiking Boots for Alaska
(Note: This review of Best Hiking Boots for Alaska is written for the casual Alaskan vacationer. It is not intended for the rugged adventure traveler. My suggestion is designed to strike a balance between essential features of the product and cost effectiveness for those who may or may not use the product after their Alaskan vacation.)
So you’re off to Alaska?
You are going to have the adventure of a lifetime!
I remember my first trip to Alaska in 1999 along with 2 of my best friends from college. We drove 9,774 miles in an old Ford Bronco with over 200,000 miles on it. Yes, we ended up on the side of the highway a couple times and somehow always found the right person to help us get back on the road. But, we made memories we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. And you will too, no matter how you have chosen to get there or what you will do when you arrive.
I have now traveled to Alaska on 8 adventures and have spent about 16 weeks in the “Last Frontier.” I have traveled most of the road system and hiked the bush. I have enjoyed sea life and wildlife, met the locals and the tourists, and gone through quite a bit of gear along the way.
Alaska on a Budget
My number one suggestion for you, the Alaskan traveler, is to find the balance between a quality experience and a reasonable budget. As with any big vacation, the pitfall is that you’ll spend more than you should and will regret some of your choices on your return to the lower 48 or wherever you live in the world. You don’t have to break the bank to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
One of the danger zones for a budget breaking Alaskan adventure is gear.
Don’t get me wrong, the right gear will make for a much more enjoyable trip. I remember going to the Grand Canyon a few years ago with my wife and only carrying some old worn out tennis shoes. As much as I wanted to climb down the canyon walls, it was virtually impossible to navigate well without the right foot gear. I also remember being stuck on a boat in the middle of Lake Clark National Park without a rain jacket in the freezing cold Alaskan drizzle.
Gear is essential for the ultimate experience. For this reason, I want to help you strike the balance between functionality, support and price when you go to purchase gear for your great Alaskan adventure.
Top Priority Gear for Alaska
Very high up the priority gear list for an epic Alaskan adventure is hiking boots. A trip to Alaska is not complete without some time trekking through the moutains or along the coast and soaking in some of the most beautiful landscape you can find. There are several reasons you need the right hiking boots to make your adventures more memorable. Here’s what you look for in a good boot…
- Ankle Support
- Shock Absorption
- Stability
- Waterproof Material
- Cost Effectiveness
Drum Roll Please….
My Pick for Best Hiking Boots for Alaska
Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot
Specifications
- Category: Lightweight
- Weight: 2 lb 4 oz
- Waterproof: Yes, Merrell’s M-Select Dry
- Best For Lighter Loads Low-Medium Difficulty Trails
- Great Cost ($130), Lightweight, Great for the Casual Hiker
- Several Colors Available
- Best Place to Shop
Lightweight Option at a Great Price
Hiking boots can get very bulky and heavy. For those who are not acclimated to wearing a boot, the second half of a day hike can get exhausting. At 2 lb 4 oz, the Merrell Moab 2 is a great choice to keep things as light as possible, but with the features needed for a comfortable outing. And at an average $130, the Merrell Moab 2 is very economical in the hiking boot line-up.
Waterproof Construction
Waterproof material is one of the top features to look for when searching for the best hiking boot for Alaska. Dry feet are utterlly important! The most miserable post-hike evening around the campfire is the when you are trying to nurse those ugly blisters you got from a hike with wet socks! Water abounds in Alaska, so waterproof boots can literally become a life-saver.
The Merrell Moab 2 uses Merrell’s exclusive M-Select Dry technology. The Merrell website describes this technology as “everyday waterproof, outdoor footwear and apparel that keeps you dry. This waterproof footwear and apparel uses moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool.”
This waterproofing material is not as rugged as the industry standard Gore-Tex. However, the trade-off for the much lighter weight material is worth it for the average day-hiker. It also comes at a much lower price tag. It is a good alternative to the heavier, more expensive Gore-Tex boot. For those who would prefer the more robust Gore-Tex material, there is a $20 upgrade boot.
Comfort and Support at a Great Value
The Merrell Moab, version 1 and 2, have been on the market for many years. It has been a standard bearer for the average day-hiker who needs a good boot at a great value. The new Moab 2 has made big improvements in the comfort and wearablity of the boot. It has an upgraded cushioned tongue and supportive footbed with good shock absorption.
In addition, the Merrell Moab 2 has 2 silicone bands built into the external material to prevent ankle roll and offer more support with good flexibility.
Pros
- Great Value for a Good Boot suitable for the Day-Hiker.
- Supportive Silicone Bands offering protection against ankle roll.
- A lighter alternative waterproof outer material.
- Comfortable and Full of Features
Cons
- Not as Suitable for Rugged Hikes or Multi-Day Experiences.
Our Pick for Your Best Hiking Boots for Alaska
Our goal at thingstodoinalaska.us is to help you turn your Alaskan Vacation into an Epic Adventure. We hope you can do this without breaking the bank. However, we want you to get as much as you can out of your experience. For this reason, we highly recommend the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Hiking Boot for your epic exprerience!
Click Here to Shop for the Merrell Moab 2…
Please comment below for any questions you may have about Alaska or Hiking Boots…
Hi Kevin. What a fantastic site. So easy to read and follow. I understand a lot more about hiking boots for the Alaskan conditions. I’ve always wanted to have an adventure in Alaska and , as you say, having the correct pair of boots is essential. I love that the Merrill Moab 2 is both lightweight and waterproof. It sounds like the sort of boots my tired old feet will need. I’ll be back as soon as I can save up enough for the trip. Thanks Jim
Thanks for checking out the site Jim! I truly hope you get a chance to see Alaska some day! It’s spectacular. Let me know if you have any other questions down the road.
Kevin, my husband has Merrell Moab and he is so sad he cannot wear them in summer too 🙂 He is obsessed of them. So, I can use your post to convince him we are ready to visit Alaska but first I have to buy one pair for me too. 🙂
Very interesting and informative post. Great job.
Hi Elena! HA! That’s awesome! They definitely have them in the women’s line! I hope you can go to Alaska soon. It is truly a life-changing experience. Check back in when you convince him for some great ideas on what to do in Alaska! Thanks for the comment.
This is one of the most informative articles on the web. Though I am yet to visit the place during summer, at that time these tips gonna help me! Keep up the good work. https://runsv.com/
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