This past season I spent 10 days in the mountains in a pair of 3.9-pound Kenetrek Mountain Extreme boots that I literally took out of the box the day I started the hunt. In 10 days I experienced comfort, durability, and zero blisters or hot spots. I expect the Hardscrabble LT will be just as comfortable.

Available in a women’s (3-pound) and a men’s (3.5-pounds) hiker, the Kenetrek Hardscrabble LT is ideal for Western hunters. The 7-inch-tall uppers are made with 2.8 mm premium full-grain leather and utilize one-piece vamp construction with no seams running down the tongue, which results in better abrasion resistance and ensures no moisture will get inside.

Nylon midsoles offer extra support for when you’re toting those heavy hindquarters, and the lightweight K-Talon outsole should provide excellent traction. Designed for those early-season warmer-weather outings, the Hardscrabble LT is not insulated but does have a breathable, flexible membrane. The boots sport my favorite Kenetrek feature: the abrasion-resistant reinforced rubber sole guard.