My snowshoeing friends now have Bugathermo envy. Why? Because I’m touting a pair of Columbia’s Bugathermo Techlite Boots on the snowshoe trails. What’s the big deal? Simply, these boots are battery-operated, which power an internal heating system with three different settings. A gimmick? Not from my experience. The Bugathermo boots pinpoint the problem that most snowshoers battle with in the winter elements: cold feet. With batteries and all, the problem is solved.
In my opinion, a lot of my fellow reviewers of the Bugathermo boots have unfairly examined them with distrust towards the Techlite technology and heating system. The proof is in the pudding … results are what count. As I snowshoed over the frozen Mt. Evans highway in Colorado, the Bugathermo boots performed as advertised. However, I did warm them up 30 minutes before I dipped my feet in the snow.
On the highest setting, I had up to four hours of battery life and heating time. This early-season analysis of the boots proved to be far too easy for their performance features. They hit the mark, no problem.
But like most reporters with pride and integrity, my tests continued. I wasn’t as brave as most of those poor naked souls in the Columbia commercials (as seen here). However, I did test the boots in varied conditions, including at dusk in a refreeze environment and in deep powdery snow at altitude. No matter what I did to test the limits of the Bugathermo boots, the -25-degree Fahrenheit (-32C)-rated Thinsulate offered the cold weather protection I needed.
(In the photo: Note that the red LED is on – indicating the highest temperature setting.)
Furthermore, the boots are rich with features that outperform other boots in my gear arsenal – batteries and heating system aside. The Bugathermo boots provide high-ankle support. Although somewhat tough to stuff your foot into, they virtually eliminate the need for gaiters. The waterproof leather/synthetic upper and the Techlite shell work together to keep moisture out of the boot and secure warmth around the core of the foot.
They also boast an anatomically contoured footbed with AgION anti-odor treatment. Additionally, an Omni-Grip outsole offers an aggressive winter traction pattern. In combination, the boots fit perfectly in a pair of snowshoes with a tight binding system. Even a ratchet system couldn’t pinch these boots and create discomfort around the toes. They’re flexible and react well with their environment – in even the coldest weather.
Add all this up and the Bugathermo Techlite Boots are still surprisingly lightweight. A men’s size 9.5 is a meager one-pound and five ounces, per boot. So, the boots have the warmth, the performance and the weight that offer snowshoers exactly what they need in any winter weather situation. And they fit nicely in a snowshoe binding!
Here’s how the boots work (yes, they require instruction):
Each pair of boots comes with two removable, rechargeable batteries (similar to a Blackberry battery) and a charger. Before a snowshoeing excursion, it would be smart to charge both batteries so the Bugathermo boots keep your feet warm throughout the day. There are three temperature settings:
HIGH MODE (Default Mode):
Red LED indicates HIGH temperature setting-
The high mode is for initial warm-up and extreme cold conditions, and provides heat at approximately 140-degrees F (60C). When operating in the high mode, the batteries in your boots should function for up to four hours depending on the outside temperature.
MEDIUM MODE
Amber LED indicates MEDIUM temperature setting-
The medium mode is for moderately cold conditions and average activity levels, and provides heat at approximately 122-degrees F (50C). When operating in the medium mode, the batteries in your boots should function for up to six hours depending on the outside temperature.
LOW MODE
Green LED indicates LOW temperature setting-
The low mode is for mildly cold conditions and high aerobic activities, and provides heat at approximately 113-degrees F (45C). When operating in the low mode, the batteries in your boots should function for up to eight hours depending on the outside temperature.
Test your cold dodging abilities: Play Columbia’s Omni-Heat Snowmoski online game: http://bit.ly/hCBMPh.
For more information about the Columbia Bugathermo Techlite Boots, visit http://bit.ly/gOUUp9. Currently, this boot is only available in men’s sizes.
To purchase the Columbia Bugathermo Techlite Boots – Men’s, click here. To purchase the Columbia Bugathermo Boots – Women’s (first generation model), click here.
