Kayland 4001 GTX: a trusty adventure “companion”

During this period of lockdown Kayland asked its ambassador Claudio Migliorini to go over his experiences with his mind and review the 4001 GTX, the ultra-technical high altitude mountaineering boot.

Here is Claudio’s review:

To describe the 4001 I can only think back to the adventures I had with him on my feet, a bit like when you think back to your trusty climbing partner.
My first impression? Modern and beautiful line; captivating the combination of colours and the use of the hexagonal shape on the gaiter with the inscription inserted in the middle, slender, clean shape.
When I took it in my hand my eyes lit up, the weight amazed me: an extremely light product for high altitude… ok, but now you have to put it to the test.

I used the 4001 on all terrains and in all weather conditions, in our Alps and on expeditions.
The lightness and wearability of the boot, combined with the rigidity of the insole, are even more appreciated on technical routes such as goulotte, mixed routes and ice falls.
I really appreciated the tapered line of the boot and at the same time the right space left on the toe: when it’s very cold it’s essential to have the fingers well stretched out with the necessary space to be able to move them, all without compromising technicality and precision.
I used the 4001 on expedition to Patagonia. Given the very long distances that divide El Chalten from the snowy and glacial areas, here you prefer to make the approach with a pedula: I opted for the Gravity, light and well structured … boots in backpacks, full of material. The back tongue makes it easy to fit, it can be “small” when we go to insert the finger with gloves: in that case I’ll use the pliers with thumb and index finger.
The laces are small and a little slippery but they are effective in terms of a good lacing. I made two knots on the garments so that when I open them at the most they don’t come out of the passers-by.
To fix the lower tension of the lacing, a locking clip is inserted at the intersection of the laces: the system allows a good tightening and adjustment, made comfortable by a well padded collar and tongue.
It may seem obvious but it is important to adjust the tension of the lacing each time according to the type of activity we are going to perform.
During the same expedition we travelled the Franco-Argentina to Fitz Roy: a very technical route of rock, ice and mixed. At the top, as planned, we bivouaced at the bivouac: duvet, thermal blanket and close to each other.
There were 5 climbers, two roped climbers, sitting on a small ledge on which we walked on the spot between a pisolo and the other: here I appreciated even more the possibility to move my fingers inside the boot and the thermal, after so many hours stationary and exposed to the wind, proved to be good considering the situation quite extreme.
The 4001 is light, comfortable and comfortable, at the same time technical and with a good thermal!

If I take it in my hands today I immediately see the various technical details, the attention and passion that has been put into the project and our needs: that’s what I needed, I like it!