Jonatan García, Test Bestard Climbing Guide FF
Test Bestard Climbing Guide FF in the Valle de Benasque
Text and photos by Jonatan García
After doing some training activities in the Benasque Valley I will try to comment on my first impressions of this model from Bestard’s Fast Forward range, specifically the Bestard Climbing Guide FF model.
North Maladeta passage: (End of winter/spring 2023)
This day I had a walking approach of about 4 hours and then a technical climb of about 1 hour. After crowning the summit, I made the descent by paragliding in about 12 minutes
Estasen al Aneto passage: (End of Winter / Spring 2023)
For this activity I had an approximation of about 3 hours 30 minutes and an ascent through the corridor of approximately 1 hour. After crowning the summit on this occasion I also made the paragliding descent for about 12/15 min.
Walk round Castanesa – Estibafreda area: (December 2023)
Day of harsh and complicated weather conditions of strong wind and cold to carry out alpinism, so I finally decided to carry out this journey to test the material in this terrain as well.
I spent that day 11 hours with my boots on…
Important details to highlight
Impermeability:
It is a boot with a very high degree of waterproofing. I’ve literally been opening tracks for up to 5 hours and the boot has worked perfectly as far as this aspect is concerned.
Breathability:
It should also be noted that during the hours and days where the temperatures have risen a little more, it has not been a boot that has generated a lot of sweat internally. This means that the relationship between waterproofness and breathability is very good. In short, a boot that expels very well the condensation that can generate inside.
Thermal protection:
Regarding the temperatures, I have been doing activity with a thermal sensation around 25 degrees below zero and the truth is that the behavior has been exceptional. With winds of more than 100kmh and the boot has worked wonderfully. In general, a boot that adapts very well to a very wide range of temperatures.
Manufacturing materials:
The material with which they are made surprises me. Above all, how light the boot remains in its final manufacturing process in relation to the good behavior it has in the face of abrasion against rocks, rocks, crampon tapes, etc… All in all, showing very good behavior with respect to durability.
Mobility and articulation:
There is much articulation in the ankle area. It is a malleable boot that has allowed me to climb with great comfort.
Sole:
Undoubtedly a great grip of the Vibram sole. I’ve tried it on some rocky sections by removing the crampon and the boot has responded very well.
Insole:
Regarding the insole, I also found it very comfortable and warm.
I am surprised above all how light the boot remains in its final manufacturing process in relation to the good behavior it has in the face of abrasion
Very good impressions!
Jonatan García, Alpinist