On one hand I wanted to try the Meindls, but I like the idea of the rand for what I want this boot for. If the Crispis don't work out the Meindls are next on the list.
I look at it this way; would I wear boots to run a marathon? No. Why? They are heavy and make it harder. What is different when in the mountains? It is still difficult so I want as little weight and resistance as possible, but I want protection from the wet and cold, good traction and resistance to rolled ankles. The Salomons do all of that except for the cold (<~15deg) and with as little weight and walking resistance as possible. I feel many of the 'hunting' boots out there are designed for very steep climbing or use with crampons. That's fine, but not ideal for my mountain deer and elk hunting which places more emphasis on distance than on rock climbing.
