Now you can own your own pair of hiking boots from Hi-Tec (see review).  These durable and comfortable backpacking boots can be yours if you win.  Just follow the rules below to be entered into the contest.   

1. Follow on Twitter @HikingGuide and @HiTecUSA, tweet this giveaway using “Tweet to win Hi-Tec Cascadia Backpacking Boots! | Giveaway from @HiTecUSA and @HikingGuide http://bit.ly/bIBRyp”
or
2. Blog about this giveaway and send the link to your post to @HiTecUSA

Contest Rules:  Contest is open to those living in the U.S. and Canada.  The hiking boot contest starts March 24, 2010 and ends midnight April 20, 2010.  One entry per person.  If the winner’s size is out of stock, Hi-Tec will replace with another style of equal of lesser value.

When my new pair of Cascadia XCM hiking boots arrived I was impressed with the styling and robust construction. With minimal seems and a high tongue it was obvious these boots would stand up well to moisture and trail debris. The deep outsole traction made it clear these boots would really grip the rock and keep me from sliding and slipping in mud. My biggest fear with these boots was that there would be a long break in period.

When I first laced up the boots I was happy that the locking lace hook secured my laces in place. I hate laces that have to be retied or adjusted often. After I found the perfect lacing tension they held firm and never slipped despite all the miles I put on them. The break-in period was shorter than I expected and in a couple of days the boots softened in all the right places giving me the flexibility needed to be confident in various terrains while remaining firm where needed to protect my feet and ankles. From muddy trails, to snow, to granite the boots moved as needed while keeping me sure footed as a gecko.

Despite the fifty miles or so I’ve put on these hiking boots there are no signs of loose seems or soles. They’ve brought me through snow slush, mud, mountain streams, and over dusty granite surfaces and they’ve come clean every time. My Cascadia XCM Event boots from Hi-Tec are comfortable enough to wear to work one day and on the trail the next. I’ve found a pair of backpacking boots I love that I expect will provide me with years of outdoor fun. If you’re looking for a durable, but comfortable, hiking boot these stylish hikers are for you.

At $200 bucks they were expensive boots.  As I was a struggling college student this was a huge investment, but one I made after a lot of research.  I bought my second pair of Sundowner hiking boots a few years ago and had to search to find them.  The style had changed so I bought what was labeled as “Sundowner Classics.”  They are great boots too, but will never hold the place in my heart that my first pair held.  I guess your first pair of great hiking boots is like owning your first car.

She loved her Merrell hiking shoes because they were comfortable and didn’t need any breaking-in.  She completed several tough hikes in the Sierra without any blisters the first week she owned the hiking shoes.  I’ve found my Merrell boots to be as good as hers.  They didn’t take any breaking in and are almost as comfortable as a pair of socks.