By Will Bierwirth

Choosing this year's best hiking and back packing boots was easier than last. As synthetic leathers and vulcanized rubbers improve, the industry go-getters are distancing themselves from the pack. Durable hiking boots that are light weight (often ultra lightweight) are the norm. And heavy, earth stompers have become relics.

TheSalomon Expert Mid Hiking Boot wins the prize for light hiking. The Expert Mid uses Salomon's contagrip outsole that assures excellent traction wet or dry. Translation? It's kind of sticky. And that's good. But it is firm and durable enough to keep you stable and confident when the trail gets more rocky and challenging. This mid-cut shoe uses nubuck and slip suede leather and it's reinforced in the toe and heal. They're not quite steel-toed or OSHA approved. But the next time a moose steps on your foot, you won't have to worry. In a word? Great light weight boots for hiking in moderate terrain. Don't carry a heavy pack. But for charging along the trail with a day pack, The Salomon Expert Mid Hiking Boot will be a dream.

TheLowa Renegade GTX Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is the choice for Mid weight backpacking boots. Totally water proof nubuck leather with a Cordura ankle, these boots can handle moderate loads in even the toughest of terrain. The Gore tex keeps them breathable. And the sole actually pumps moisture out of the boot with every step you take. Ingenious. They combine the powerful stability of t 3/4 shank with the Vibram sole that we've all learned to know and love, to create a tough, sure-footed hiking boot. In a word? The Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot is built Ford tough for day hiking or backpacking with moderate loads. (30-40 lbs. Packs). They're light enough to be easy on your knees. But they just seem to stand up better than the other mid weight hiking boots on the market. Give 'em a try. You'll like them.

TheLa Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot is the mother of all backpacking and serious mountaineering boots. I've been looking forward to writing about this mean son of a bitch. Because there simply isn't a better boot available in the free world. It's hand crafted in Italy--which tells any boot enthusiast all he or she needs to know. But I'll go on anyway. This has been La Sportiva's best selling boot for years. And it is the hands down choice for people who make their living in the mountains: pro climbers, guides and instructors alike. The Makalu is built for heavy duty use. Go ahead and punish it with the heaviest load you can carry on the most brutal terrain you can find.

A tanned roughout leather is super durable and extremely waterproof. Thick 8 mm insoles and full steel shank take automatic crampons and provide support for those heavy loads. And a Cambrelle 300 lining wicks away sweat and dries easily overnight (bonus!). In a word? If you're doing anything serious or just want to own something serious, The La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot is your choice. But be sure to get them 1/2 size bigger than your street shoe.

The Runner-up:

You've gotta give serious style points to the Lowa Scout II Hiking Boot. Sure, it's not as light as some of the synthetic hiking boots. But it's light. Weighing in at only 3lbs 12 oz., you certainly won't be reminded of the heavy leather lugs of yester-year. In the tradition of fine leather boots, it doesn't have any seams to leak. And a climate control insole uses the natural pump action of your stride to force water vapor out of the shoe keeping your feet dry & comfy. And after a little break-in period, these boots will be as cozy as slippers. The Lowa Scout II is best-suited for backpacking with loads in excess of 30 lbs. Exercise routine maintenance and they will last you a lifetime.