Mt. Shasta Boot advice for late June
Hi everyone! I’m doing a 3-day guided Mt. Shasta climb via Avalanche Gulch from June 19–21, and I’d love some boot/sock advice from folks who have done Shasta around that time of year.
We’re not planning to carry two pairs of shoes, so I’m trying to figure out the right balance between comfort, warmth, stiffness, and support.
So far, I’ve tried a few options:
La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX: Felt secure and like a “proper” mountaineering boot, but it felt bulky and stiff, especially above the ankle/toe area. I’m not sure if that stiffness is just normal for this type of boot, or if it would become uncomfortable over three days.
Scarpa Mont Blanc: I liked the fit better than the Nepal, but it’s still on the heavier side. Same concern here: it feels solid and warm, but I’m wondering if the weight/stiffness becomes tiring over a 3-day climb.
La Sportiva Aequilibrium: Really liked the fit, weight, and comfort. It felt much easier to move in, but I’m unsure if it’s enough boot for Shasta in late June, especially with snow travel and cold feet concerns.
Scarpa Ribelle: Still waiting to try this one, but curious if anyone has used it for Shasta and how it compared to heavier boots like Nepal/Mont Blanc.
A friend also tried the Scarpa Zodiac and it felt very light, almost like it may not be enough for this type of trip, so we’re trying to avoid going too light and regretting it.
For socks, I’m currently trying boots with a liner sock plus a thick Smartwool mountaineering sock so I can get a realistic fit. Is that the right sock setup for Shasta in late June, or did people mostly use one thick mountaineering sock without a liner?
Main questions: • For a 3-day Avalanche Gulch trip in late June, would you prioritize the warmer/stiffer mountaineering boot even if it feels heavier? • Or is a lighter, more comfortable boot like Aequilibrium/Ribelle enough if the fit is better? • Did anyone regret going too heavy or too light with boots? • For women/smaller-framed hikers (5’3”), did certain boots feel too bulky or tiring over multiple days? • Any “wish I had brought” or “didn’t need this” items for a guided 3-day Shasta climb?
I know conditions can vary, but I’d really appreciate recent experiences and what worked for you. Thank you!