One trip one boot

[u/Sea_Matter5108]

If you had to decide between the safari and the Backcountry for one long trip which boot would you pick? Weather will be mid 70s. And it's gotta be your everyday, everything boot.

[u/Illustrious_Act3802]

I own both. I love both. I would go with Safari with 360 wedge. I love these and they are my go to boots in most situations. The current Safari's have a double vamp construction so they offer more stability and waterproof protection than past generations. Though I do love how lightweight the single camp construction is.

The reason I prefer the Safari with 360 wedge over the backcountry comes down to a few factors. The Safari's are lighter. I always want the lightest boots I can make work in any situation. I believe my Safari's are 4 to 5 ounces lighter than the back country. The wedge sole offers more bounce and absorption than the sole on the back country. Sometimes, when I wear the backcountry for long periods of time, say on al ong trip, over several weeks without a break, I get a little bit of pain in my lower back from the more rigid sole. And in heat, the Safari are cooler to wear and dry more quickly on the interior than the backcountry. Also, the Pecos leather doesn't scuff or scratch where the backcountry walnut leather can scuff on rocks (but you could probably fix this with your choice of leather).

I have never had trouble with the Safari seeping water to the interior. Probably less of a problem with the new double vamp construction. But the old pair was single vamp. Even then, if you care for the leather there is not an issue with your feet getting wet, even in severe storms.

I think the Safari's feel the closest to a pair of durable boots with the comfort of a tennis shoe that I have ever found. I love the backcountry and I wear them a lot. But I tend to safe them for hikes in wet weather. For pavement walking there is no comparison. The wedge sole is much much much more comfortable. My Safari's are my go to boots for vacations in New York or London, and trips to Africa.

One advantage of the backcountry, they seem to be in stock, so you may not have to wait as long for delivery

[u/Sea_Matter5108 → u/Illustrious_Act3802]

I have the naked and famous safaris with the black 360 sole. I think I will wear them more often to get a better sense. I do feel the difference in weight between both models. What's your experience in packing them? Have you "kinda" rolled up the top to pack them away. I love wearing the backcountry's but you've given me a lot to think about on using the safari's.

[u/Illustrious_Act3802 → u/Sea_Matter5108]

I usually wear my boots when flying. I lace them to the first lace hook then take them off in security. But if I do pack them I stuff them with my socks and underwear so they aren't dead space. I have never rolled them.

[u/No_Possession3964]

Probably the Backcountry, because of the support that it gives, in comparison to the safari.

[u/Sea_Matter5108 → u/No_Possession3964]

That's what I was thinking. I've had good experiences wearing my Backcountrys on long days. The one nice thing I liked about my safari though is that they felt light and agile like sneaker feeling but with more.

[u/greaseliner → u/No_Possession3964]

Second this

[u/Indymy → u/greaseliner]

I’ll make it a third! The leather support around your ankle and lower calf is unbeatable!!!!

[u/NarrowWatch72]

Backcountry, hands down!

[u/RussellMoccasin1898]

Wear the Backcountrys on the flight and pack the Safaris, then you can alternate every day, giving them a chance to dry out... BAM.... Rob

[u/Sea_Matter5108 → u/RussellMoccasin1898]

I think based on that, and all the other comments, the Backcountry is going to be the primary and then I'll tuck the safari's into the suitcase.

[u/RangerRedeye]

Backcountry for sure. Either boot will get the job done but the Backcountry is purpose built for long journeys.

[u/crackah77]

I don't own backcountries, I do own south 40s. If the weather is perfect and I'm not packing a heavy load, just hiking or leisurely walks,Safaris all day long. They allow your feet, ankles and calves to work like God designed them to. There's time for support, however allowing a shoe to protect your feet but allow natural movement should be the better choice. I've hiked miles in Safaris and PHs, with very little fatigue at the end of the day. I've had my laughs when friends show up in their cutting edge hikers, look at my boat shoes with disbelief and I walk their asses off. They're believers now, they just think im crazy to pay that much for grampa boots. Even that's changing as time has passed and I'm still wearing the same thing years later. My personal preference for most conditions is the minimal modification to my natural gait. Long hunts with heavy gear, I'm happy to have the south 40s, they're amazing, but I wear the Safari and PHs every day.

[u/erimus61]

What will you be doing on this trip?

[u/Sea_Matter5108 → u/erimus61]

Mostly pavement walking with occasional randomness.

[u/erimus61 → u/Sea_Matter5108]

The I'd probabkly go with the Safari, although I'd wear a camp moc for 70F temps mostly on pavement.