The North Face Chilkat V & V 400 Waterproof Winter Boots Review

Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere

The North Face Chilkat V ($135) & V 400 Waterproof Boots ($159)

Introduction:  

The North Face Chilkat is available in 2 completely different choices, the Chilkat V, that includes 200 G Heatseeker™ Eco Artificial Insulation, the place the V 400 options 400 G Heatseeker™ Eco Artificial Insulation which is a hotter insulation.  In any other case, the boots are basically the identical apart from some variations within the higher, so we are going to evaluate as one and observe any variations as crucial alongside the best way.  With heat insulation, a water-resistant design, wonderful traction, properly cushioned consolation and snowshoe compatibility, the Chilkat is a effective selection for chilly, snowy winter adventures.

Professionals:  Heat, waterproof, comfy, traction, snowshoe optimized Jeff/Allison

Cons:  Males’s sizing runs small

Stats:  

Spec Weight: US males’s 9: 1lb 8oz / 680g, US ladies’s 8: 1lb 7oz / 653g

Pattern: US males’s 10.5: 1lb 10.5oz / 750g, US ladies’s 9: 1lb 8oz / 679g

Higher:  

Jeff:  The Chilkat V has a Waterproof Suede higher with waterproof seam sealed building for the higher panels and at its interface with the molded TPU shell of the decrease part of the boot.  I’ve examined the Chilkat V snowshoeing in deep snow, slush and have stood in standing water half means up the boots and never discovered a hint of moisture sneaking in.  

The collar is excessive (however not annoyingly so) and is comfy when strolling with the lacingeasy, cosy and safe, consisting of three units of D rings and a pair of units of hooks.  There may be additionally a gaiter ring as properly.

Heel maintain is sweet and I respect the heel pull loops for serving to work my toes into the boots.  It isn’t troublesome, however the loops assist loads.  The 200 G Heatseeker™ Eco Artificial Insulation lining the boots is within the higher center of the heat scale on the web site, however I discover them to be adequately heat, even when the temperatures are under zero.  

The match runs small and once I first tried on in my regular dimension 10, my toes had been proper towards the top of the boot (my foot truly measures 9.75), even with a skinny sock, however ultimately, I used to be capable of get a dimension 10.5, which ended up becoming completely, even with a thick sock, so undoubtedly dimension up a half dimension.

For lack of a greater place to insert this remark, there’s a ridge wrapping across the heel of the Chilkat that acts to safe a snowshoe strap and hold it solidly in place, which is one thing that may be very easy, efficient and welcome.

Allison:  The V 400 shares a lot in widespread with the Chilkat V, although it varies barely, because it has a taller collar, hotter 400 G Heatseeker™ Eco Insulation and within the ladies’s mannequin, the collar is lined with a comfortable, excessive pile fleece, which makes the interface with my calf extra comfy.  Even so I might suggest a really tall over the calf ski sock.

At first, I used to be considerably involved with the peak of the boot, however as I discussed above, the smooth fleece lining helps, as does a tall ski sock.  Both means the peak will not be a problem and is welcome because it  retains out snow and chilly.  

I used to be most compelled by the hotter V 400 insulation  Whereas I can’t evaluate to the 200 G insulation in Jeff’s boots, I can say that my toes keep very heat irrespective of how chilly the circumstances are. When the temperature is under 0 and it’s windy and chilly above treeline, I’ve typically had hassle with chilly toes and have resorted in previous to toe heaters, however the V 400 Chilkats have at all times been toasty, it doesn’t matter what.

Testing in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park

Match for me is true to dimension and I shouldn’t have the sizing troubles that Jeff initially skilled and I’ve sufficient room for thick socks and may wiggle my toes.

Midsole:

Chilkat V400 above

Jeff: The midsole consists of Compression-Molded EVA, “For Lengthy-Lasting Cushioning” as TNF describes.  Being a snow boot, there may be not an entire lot to say right here, aside from the midsole does an important job for its supposed goal, offering an acceptable stage of cushioning for snowshoeing, strolling within the snow and shovelling the driveway and it does an excellent job insulating from the chilly surfaces under.

Allison:  Jeff covers the midsole properly and I agree along with his observations.  The midsole cushioning is smooth and fairly comfy, permitting for lengthy days of snowshoeing and winter expeditions above treeline.  I like that the midsole stays persistently smooth regardless of vast fluctuations in temperature (they appear simply as smooth under 0 as they do when it’s above freezing).

Outsole:  

Jeff:  The outsole is “SURFACE CTRL™ Rubber Optimized For Winter Circumstances” and Is made with 10% pure rubber.  I’ve been capable of take a look at the Chilkats on packed snow, frozen snow, in addition to on wind blown above treeline tundra and rocks, the place I discovered traction to be excellent.  

The rubber compound may be very sticky and adheres fairly properly to most frozen surfaces.  The lugs are usually not big, however typical for this fashion of winter boot and are enough.  I personally don’t really feel as if I want extra lug depth, particularly given the vast majority of the time I’ll use these boots will likely be snowshoeing or shoveling the driveway.  Given I principally use these on snow, I’ve not seen any put on and don’t actually anticipate to see a lot over time.

Allison:  As Jeff says, the outsole may be very grippy on frozen surfaces as supposed, be it snow, frozen snow, slush or above treeline on naked floor and rocks.  The rubber may be very sticky and the lug depth and sample is efficient for many winter circumstances.  Sturdiness thus far appears superb, however can’t see a lot put on as most of my use is on snow or utilizing snowshoes.

Conclusions/Suggestions:

Jeff:  The Chilkat V is a good selection for snowy, chilly climate winter actions, akin to snowshoeing, or strolling in deep snow and will likely be my go to for winter mountaineering right here in Colorado, when I’m on the lookout for a really heat boot on the coldest days.  Whereas they aren’t mild, nor are they geared for technical climbs, they work very properly with snowshoes and are wonderful for many of the excessive, however much less technical peaks that I’m drawn to within the winter.  Traction is confidence inspiring, sturdiness is superb and they’re exceptionally comfy.  They’ve additionally turn into my default snow shoveling boot as properly, serving many winter duties.

Allison:  The V 400 model is even hotter than the conventional Chilkat V, which is much more supreme for me given my typically chilly toes.  I will likely be utilizing them for the entire actions that Jeff mentions, as I respect their heat, consolation, traction and safety.

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Samples had been supplied at no cost for evaluate functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought by way of procuring hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are completely the authors’.

Tester Profiles

Allison Valliere is a fifth era Coloradan who’s passionate in regards to the open air and has been mountain climbing, backpacking, snowboarding, snowshoeing and working within the mountains since she was younger.  She has accomplished all however 5 of the Colorado 14ers (a dozen or so in winter), has many a whole lot of 12 months spherical ascents of 14ers, 13ers and different peaks in Colorado and the West.  Allison has additionally traveled the world and trekked to over 18,000 toes within the Himalayas, to excessive altitudes in Ecuador and has labored for the Nationwide Park Service mapping vegetation within the Sierra Nevada mountains of California .  Her virtually every day routine includes runs/energy hikes within the foothills above Boulder, or 4-5 mile flatter runs at 8-10 minute mile tempo if schedule necessitates.  However what actually retains her on her toes is working as a nurse and taking good care of her 14 12 months outdated twin daughters who’re additionally rising to share her love for the outside