Columbia’s Peakfreak has been designed specifically for lightweight hiking in conditions where you don’t really need boots.
To this end it has a pretty rugged build offset by the use of lightweight materials, with mesh uppers which utilise Columbia’s ‘Outdry’ technology to keep your feet dry in wet conditions while allowing them to breathe in warm conditions. This is combined with welded Ripstop nylon overlays for upper foot support, and protection from rubber bumpers around the toe.
A springy mid-sole provides good cushioning, and heel retention and arch support is very good. Below this a one-piece, high-traction, well-lugged sole which gives good traction in both wet and dry conditions.
The weight per pair comes in at under 600g, so the Peakfreak gives a good mix of light weight, rugged build and weatherproofing and the price won’t break the bank, All this makes it a pretty good option for either running the trail for an hour or two or full-day hikes in conditions where boots would be overkill.
