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The Ribelle family of boots from SCARPA has been around for a little while now. I used the original Ribelle Tech and have used the subsequent 3 versions along the way.
The Ribelle Tech 3 HD is actually closest to the first version, in terms of how it looks, however if we look closely, it’s a totally different beast.
One important thing to mention, right at the beginning, is that the RT3HD as I’m gonna call it, is built on a completely new last and as such it fits differently to the previous versions. So if you are used to buying the same size and expecting the same fit, you might be surprised and it’s definitely worth trying some of these on in different sizes. I went for an EU 43 which is the same size as all my previous Ribelles (and Phantoms) and whilst this works fine for me I need to add a 4mm volume reducer (2/3 length) to help with heel hold and also just take up a bit of space in the boot. An upside of this new fit is that, if the previous versions didn’t fit, this one may very well be perfect. Or the other way round 😬🤣 The boot sole length is also different, with the new version being slightly longer than the old one (compared size 43).
When I asked SCARPA about the differences in the new RT3HD they had this to say: “The boot has been changed from the ground up from the previous version, with a different last, sole and lots of changes on the upper.”
So, like I say – in lots of (good) ways this is a totally different boot. I mean they all look great, but this one is somehow more striking (the colour!), more modern and in use – it’s just better. I’ll talk about why in a moment.
In a press release I received, the boot is described as the “Next Level Alpine Accelerator” and this kind of builds the picture in our minds of what the boot is for. It’s for modern alpinism, where weight, comfort and functionality are all blended to perfection to aid a swift and efficient journey through technical alpine terrain. In old skool terms, it’s a B2 mountain boot with a few twists.
I’ve used this boot a lot this season, paired with crampons for glacier and steep snow approaches as well as snowed up rock. I’ve hiked up and down trails from the valley, across chaotic moraine and up and down technical rocky ridges on granite, gneiss and limestone. I’ve also rock climbed in the mountains up to 6a in these (and they were surprisingly good!) So, this is the summer alpine boot of your dreams, and also would work well for Scottish winter up to grade 3ish I’d say. But it’s not a boot for steep, technical ice and mixed. It’s also not really warm enough for winter alpinism or Mont Blanc on a cold day.
So why is it better? Ok – let’s start at the bottom. Firstly the sole unit is grippy as hell thanks to the use of Vibram – Megagrip. I really noticed this on rock slabs and particularly scrambling and climbing on limestone. So far it’s wearing well too. In addition to the sole SCARPA have used DROP6 in this boot to provide a more natural and efficient walking action. DROP6 is a fancy way of referring to the drop from the heel to the toe of the boot. It’s something that has been used and referred to in running shoes for a long time, but not so much in the world of mountaineering boots – in fact I think this may be a first.
Here is a video from SCARPA, explaining more:
The upper of the RT3HD uses a Prime KNIT fabric made by blending yarns into different structures providing properties such as stretch, strength and abrasion resistance. In use I’ve found that the boots are comfortable and unscathed, so let’s just say this seems to be doing it’s job.
For weather proofing SCARPA have chosen Polartec Windbloc for its ability to keep out the elements but also breath and allow moisture to escape. On a summer alpine day it might be 30C in the valley but -5C on the summit so modern boots need to cope with this. This “sock fit” style boot can be a bit sweaty in higher temperatures but it’s a balance and I like the essentially, integrated gaiter system, which seals out snow and stones etc. The downside is that your feet might be hotter in the valley and they do take a little more care to dry them out at the end of the day. Tip – get a gentle electric boot dryer! They are also a little more difficult to get on and off than with a standard boot.
The construction of the upper has a few interesting elements. SCARPA use “EXOSKELETON” (the visible orange band of fingers around the foot) for better protection, support and foot containment. In practice the foot feels well held laterally and heel fit is stable for me, but I did require a minimal heel raiser to help lock my heel in place. The EXOSKELETON also helps to integrate the lace system in place. The laces are not standard laces, but rather a speed lacing drawcord system. This works fine but I do find it’s hard to get and maintain the tension in the way that you can with standard laces. And the drawcord has a tendency to loosen. That said, it’s very easy to tighten up again!
So, so far the main things I like are the fit, walking and climbing comfort and the outstanding performance on different terrain types. I haven’t mentioned the fairly pronounced rocker, which helps with the ease of walking movement and comfort so I guess this is also a good time to mention crampon compatibility. This is a B2 boot and is compatible with a C2 style crampon. The rocker may mean you need to play around to get a perfect fit with some crampon models, I’ve used a Petzl Vasak and Grivel G12 with these and with a bit of tinkering, they both fit well.
The last and in my opinion, best feature and one that has not featured on any of the other Ribelle boots, is the Fast Strap Velcro which provides maximum adjustment and support depending if you are walking or climbing. For me this feature is a game changer as you easily tweak the required support to match the terrain. Simple, but brilliant!
Final things worth mentioning are the lace cover and the weight. The lace cover flap was something that concerned me initially, as I thought it looked flimsy and also the attachment point didn’t look hugely secure. So far though, no issues! SCARPA claim this boot is lighter than the previous version at 660g per boot size 42. My size 43 weighs 747g and my size 43 Ribelle Tech 2 weighs 657g on the scales at home, so actually it seems that the new boot is almost 90g heavier. (NOTE – I have queried this with SCARPA as I had an early release version, and will update asap). Also some of this weight discrepancy might be to do with the sizing not actually being like for like due to the new last.
To summarise – the Ribelle Tech 3 HD is my go to boot for summer alpine climbing and guiding. It is filled with technology, particularly the DROP6 which aids comfort and movement efficiency and my favourite feature, the Velcro power strap, where you can easily tweak support. The boot is wearing well, climbs brilliantly and feels like a step up from the previous version despite a slight weight gain. Not just for the fast and light elite, this boot has a lot to offer anybody looking for a modern summer alpine boot! Go check it out!
RRP: £475/€499
Find out more and buy now from the SCARPA WEBSITE.
Kevin Avery is an IFMGA Mountain Guide based near Chamonix France. You can contact him for guiding at truenorthalpine@gmail.com and check his latest adventures on Instagram @truenorthalpine
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