Function Fashionista

When I got my mountaineering boots in Jan. 2004, they didn't have laces.

Not knowing more then the benefits of plastic double boots, I simply bought a pair laces that fit.

Not caring that the red clashed with the pink and neon green of the boots, I was happy they fit.

Throughout the years I was semi-frustrated by the fact the laces would freeze on our trips. Snow/ice/water would soak in and the laces would freeze solid by the first night - essentially preventing any adjustment in boot fit over the duration of the trip.

I had assumed this was the case for Jeff's boots too (he bought his brand new). It was just the nature of winter camping in the north east.

On this last trip I discovered that was not the case. The laces of Jeff's boots did not freeze and he was able to adjust the fit of his boots every day.

Damn! How'd he do that?

After the trip I did a little research. His boot laces must have somehow been waterproof. Admittedly I didn't search much, because what I found first, Kevlar laces, seemed like the right thing.

They're 100% Kevlar with an operating temperature between -50°F and 500°F. They won't disintegrate till 900°F.

But they're yellow.

Even if they improve over the performance of the old laces, they hardly improve the aesthetic.

Eh, maybe they are an improvement. Side by side, I think the yellow is a little nicer then the red.

Doesn't matter. The old laces already have a new home.

Hopefully my freeze test of the Kevlar laces (currently underway) passes; otherwise, I'm still without form or function.

- b