RIBELLE® TECH 2.0 HD (FALL 2023)

I have used the Rebelle Tech 2.0 HDs for one winter season and have continued to use them through the spring and fall on mountain rescue missions and alpine ascents.

The Ribelle Techs are incredibly lightweight and easy to hike in because of the rocker sole. These boots make long alpine approaches much more comfortable than in traditional more rigid mountaineering boots.

They climb well on exposed rock and in snow and ice with semi-automatic crampons. I do not use them for ice climbing, as I prefer a more rigid boot and fully automatic crampons, but for mixed conditions, the benefits of a fast and light boot that hike well far outweigh the downside.

The knit liner is really comfortable and very waterproof. I regularly cross streams with them and my feet stay dry and warm. The built-in gaiters are the best I've ever had in terms of keeping snow and ice out of the boots.

In very cold temps (-20 degrees) or on long belays, the Ribelle Techs are not as warm as heavier weight boots, but the toe box is big enough for foot warmers. On the other hand, when you are moving the boots keep your feet warm and toasty!

Finally, these boots are so comfortable that I wear them on winter dog walks and around town!

Location: Stowe, Vermont, USA

Pros: Light weight. More flexible on long approaches and days out. Compatible with semi-automatic crampons. Smaller volume.

Cons: Not quite as warm as other mountaineering boots.

Review: I have had these boots for about a month. I primarily use them on mountain rescue missions, in addition to winter hiking and snowshoeing. I have used them on several missions that have required snowshoe and crampon travel, long ascents, and short ice climbs.

They are considerably lighter than traditional mountaineering boots (I use La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTXs). On long and difficult approaches the reduced weight, combined with the rocker and more flexible sole makes a big difference. I feel more agile and less fatigued.

While I will not use them as my primary ice climbing boot, they accept semi-automatic crampons (I use CAMP Alpinist Pros) well and climb well enough for alpine accents. The reduced volume also means they are much easier to snowshoe in than larger boots.

These boots are very comfortable. The knit gaiters and padded lining are amounts the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. No snow or moisture has gotten in despite being fully immersed in streams and post holing for hours.

While the boots include a mix of Primaloft silver and gold for insulation and are warm, they are not as warm as my Nepals and on really cold days. When I know I’ll be standing around or it will be below 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) I put in a foot…