V-Lite Altitude explains waterproofing

01 Jun '09

6 min read

Waterproofing
Hi-Tec is justified in making a lot of noise about the waterproofing capabilities of ion-mask technology. In a unique process, water repellent polymers are infused into every single fibre of a pair of Hi-Tec Altitude Ultra WPi boots, rendering them “hydrophobic” (literally, scared of water). According to every ion-mask lab test, liquid is about as welcome as a mother-in-law on honeymoon. But how would the same boot perform under field conditions?

The Otter Trail meanders over rock pools, marshy streams and several rivers. Slippery boulders, a heavy pack and general fatigue makes river crossings quite tricky, and the most nimble hiker would be forgiven for stumbling. Even if you remove rain from the equation (which you shouldn't), this trail definitely requires a pair of waterproof boots. And yes, the Hi-Tec Altitude ion-mask boots performed masterfully, despite being pushed beyond the call of duty (picture a Cape Union Mart employee standing in a rock pool for twenty minutes)!

Because ion-mask is applied in gaseous form, there is no “coating” to rub away. So when your boots suffer a long day at the office – sharp rocks, loose gravel and unforgiving branches rounded off with two hours of heavy rain – the waterproofing remains the same. Another side benefit of ion-mask boots is that they are extremely easy to clean – dirt and mud simply wash off.

Breathability
Some more experienced Cape Union Mart customers are a little suspicious of this “newfangled” ion-mask technology. A highly waterproof boot is one thing, but start looking for a waterproof boot that BREATHES and certain brands fall miserably short. A breathable hiking boot is extremely important – your feet take enough strain on a multi-day hike without being subjected to a miniature sauna. The ion-mask process does NOT reduce the breathability of the Hi-Tec Altitude Ultra boots, nor any other material which undergoes this process.

Lightweight
The Otter Trail is rarely flat, and hikers will experience a lot of uphill and downhill – often on a significant slope. You've already got a 70 litre backpack which, statistically, probably contains more gear than you'll ever actually need. The last thing you want is to be lugging around a pair of archaic, “heavy-equals-good” hiking boots. The Hi-Tec Altitude Ultra boots are ridiculously light. Constructed using the legendary V-Lite design, these boots weigh in at a paltry 562 grams apiece – an awesome benefit that often gets overlooked in the wake of ion-mask.

Ankle support and grip
The Otter is a lot more technical than many give it credit for. Slippery rocks, muddy paths and loose-gravel inclines are all commonplace. The trail frequently narrows along steep ocean cliffs, forcing the hiker to traverse his or her way carefully across. On several occasions I found myself thinking, “If I fall here I'm in serious trouble.” The Altitude Ultra hiking boots boast a Stabila-Flex contoured bi-fit board which, when combined with the multi-directional tread, offers superb handling on the most precarious terrain.

The Otter Trail, 5 days of challenging hiking along the sublime Tsitsikamma coast, is a nature lover's dream. It isn't hard to see why it remains one of South Africa's most popular walks. Such a magnificent trail is deserving of an equally magnificent hiking boot, and consequently Cape Union Mart recommends the Hi-Tec Altitude Ultra WPi boot without reserve. The ion-mask technology is every bit that Hi-Tec promises, and has successfully transformed a boot, already endowed with incredible design, into something truly legendary.

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