SALOMON X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX & AEROTREK 30 Review: Lightweight hiking boots with even fewer blind spots and a fully-fledged hiking backpack that will accelerate your mountain trips

SALOMON a big brand known to everyone in the world of outdoor sports, including trail running, and is now also doing extremely well in the lifestyle sector. However, what may not be widely known is that they continue to produce excellent footwear and apparel for a variety of outdoor activities, including mountaineering, hiking, canoeing, and rafting.

Salomon has just come out with some big news for mountaineering enthusiasts, including myself

One is that Salomon has been steadily developing its lightweight, comfortable hiking shoes " X ULTRA " series for over 10 years, which have been my personal favorite since the website first launched, and which have finally been fully renewed into the " 5. is the release of the AEROTREK , a medium-sized backpack for serious hiking that has been released for the first time in a long time

The X ULTRA series is a beloved hiking shoe that I've reviewed thoroughly on this site with each update. And the AEROTREK is Salomon's first traditional mountaineering backpack in a long time. As a longtime Salomon fan, both are must-have new releases, and of course, I had the opportunity to test them out in the mountains. This time, I'd like to review these latest hiking boots and backpack, and their comfort in the field.

X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX: Key features

The X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX is a mid-cut hiking boot designed for hikers seeking reliability and performance. The Advanced Chassis™ supports the sole of the shoe, reducing lateral movement while maintaining natural foot mobility. Active Support™ provides superior hold for stable landings, from powerful steps to steep descents. The shock-absorbing EnergyCell™ midsole reduces fatigue even on long walks. The comfortable, snug upper features new lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and breathable Matryx® fabric, providing greater durability without adding weight. The All Terrain Contagrip® outsole provides stable traction and grip, allowing you to take bold steps on rough terrain like mud and rocks. The comfortable fit and stable support provide unprecedented safety and agility on the trail.

Favorite points

• Extremely stable, effectively suppressing lateral movement when landing
• Matryx® fabric provides lightweight breathability and protection
• Active Support™ provides a secure hold that prevents your feet from slipping inside the shoe
• Grip strength that allows stable landing and stepping even on steep slopes and wet terrain
• GORE-TEX provides excellent waterproof and breathable performance

Points of concern

• The upper fabric is not very stretchy and is a bit stiff
• The shoelace hooks near the ankle are slightly protruding and can easily get caught

Main specifications and evaluation

X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX: Detailed Review

It's less tiring and less likely to cause injuries. As always, it has an overwhelming sense of stability and a great fit

Among the several models in the series lineup, the X ULTRA 5 the X ULTRA 4 , and it inherits many of its fundamental features. As a result, the sole structure that combined lightness and stability with the Advanced Chassis™ , is still alive and well in this model.

Advanced Chassis™ plastic part with "ADV/C" written on it

Located just below the arch, the rigid plastic part molded to grip the foot from the sole provides support to reduce lateral movement while maintaining the foot's natural mobility. In addition, the mid-cut ankle dramatically reduces the risk of sprains

To put it in sensory terms, when you are walking normally, it feels natural and unnatural, but if you accidentally bend your ankle outwards (in other words, the moment you sprain your ankle), the Advanced Chassis™ acts as a solid wall-like guard around the outside of your foot, preventing injury before it happens

I was particularly impressed with the downhill slopes. When you're tired from climbing and your attention is often distracted on the way down, it's easy to land shaky and sprain your ankle, but with these boots, even if you were a little careless, I felt almost no fear of twisting my ankle too much

Additionally, the Active Support™ also contributes greatly to preventing step wobble.

The reinforcement material, placed like a band on the outside of the shoe connecting the midsole and shoelaces, tightens and holds the sole and instep, keeping the foot in the correct position even when a large force is applied when landing. Also, when going downhill, the toes are no longer pressed against the tip of the shoe, so I was able to run down steep slopes with power and without hesitation

The new strength of Matryx®, a lightweight, high-strength fiber, adds to the appeal

In addition to the same high level of stability, a new evolution in this model is the lightweight, highly durable, and highly breathable upper structure, which is made even more durable and breathable thanks to the use of ``Matryx®'' material

Matryx®, which we previously introduced on this site when we reviewed the " GENESIS ," is a cutting-edge material made from a blend of individually coated, high-tensile polyamide and Kevlar. The tightly woven, fine fibers make it lightweight yet extremely rigid and abrasion-resistant, providing reliable durability against scrapes and punctures on rocky terrain and off-road terrain. No matter how much you rub it against a rock surface or catch it on a rock corner, it won't budge, and unless you take extreme measures, this upper won't tear. Yet, it's flexible and highly breathable like mesh.

Other features include reinforcement from the toe to around the heel, just like the previous model, making the shoe both lightweight and durable, and providing excellent protection for your feet from impacts from rocks, tree roots, etc. (see photo below)

High-grip rubber with good balance on all terrains

The X ULTRA is designed for a wide range of terrain, from flat, uneven ground to muddy, gravel, and rocky areas, so it requires a grip that can handle all types of terrain. For this reason, the outsole uses All Terrain Contagrip®

The lug pattern is basically the same as the previous wedge-shaped "chevron lug" design, but now features an asymmetrical irregular lug pattern that takes into account a smooth transition from landing to stepping on. This provides stability in multiple directions while also providing a sense of increased forward propulsion

The deep lug design, which easily sheds mud, provided a firm grip not only on dry roads but also when climbing and descending gravel and muddy surfaces, allowing me to walk with confidence

Summary: Lightweight, comfortable, stable, and strong, these versatile hiking boots have no blind spots

The X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX adds strength to its existing lightweight, comfortable, and stable features , making it the perfect choice for hikers looking for a balance of high performance and reliability, unless you prioritize extreme speed or durability.

It is recommended not only for beginner climbers who want to start hiking in low mountains, but also for fastpacking enthusiasts who are prone to sprains but want to move quickly

AEROTREK 30: Key Features

The AEROTREK 30 is a lightweight and stable hiking backpack ideal for day hikes and overnight stays. Its uniquely designed " Advanced airCHASSIS " back system provides stability with patented lumbar support and strategic load distribution through shoulder, sternum, waist, and load lifters, keeping you comfortable even when carrying a heavy load and supporting extended activities. The suspended back panel, made of breathable mesh, reduces direct contact between your back and the backpack, increasing airflow and keeping you cooler and more comfortable, even on hikes that involve heavy sweating in the hot sun. Equipped with a mesh flask pocket on the front and a variety of exterior pockets on the back and sides, the backpack offers high comfort and stability without sacrificing the storage and practicality needed for stress-free multi-day adventures.

Favorite points

• Breathable tension mesh back panel, waist and shoulder straps
• Lightweight yet comfortable fit and ample cushioning
• High center of gravity form for high load stability
• Back frame and hip belt that adapt to your body movements
• Full-length main zipper for easy access
• High-capacity stretch mesh pockets on the front, sides, and shoulders
• Affordable price

Points of concern

• The back length cannot be adjusted (two back sizes are available: S/M and M/L)
• The opening of the front mesh pocket is small, making it difficult to put things in and take them out
• No rain cover as standard

Main specifications and evaluation

AEROTREK 30: Detailed review

Comfort, stability, breathability... A highly refined back system that's hard to believe is the company's first product

The first thing I noticed when I put the pack on was how incredibly comfortable it was. The experience and know-how they've cultivated in making running backpacks has been put to good use here as well

The back panel has a back ventilation structure that improves breathability by tensioning the frame and stretching mesh in the area that touches the back. When you wear the backpack, as shown in the photo below, a space is created between your back and the backpack, allowing cool air to pass through this area and quickly wick away sweat from your back

The padding that comes into contact with the skin is also made of 3D mesh material, which is quick-drying, breathable, and cushioned. It was very refreshing during testing, and I'm sure its breathability and quick-drying properties will be even more useful in the coming hotter season

These so-called back ventilation backpacks have a big appeal in terms of comfort due to their outstanding breathability, but when they first came out, they were criticized for having weaknesses, such as the structure making the center of gravity move away from the body. However, various research and development efforts have made great progress in the past few years to address these drawbacks, and this model has also undergone various measures and improvements to improve comfort, resulting in a feeling of comfort that is hard to believe comes from a typical tension mesh structure

For example, Salomon's patented suspension back frame, " Advanced airCHASSIS ," and back panel structure with lumbar support function. This refers to the back structure, including the "hourglass" design of the back frame, which is tapered in the middle, and the associated hip belt and wide shoulder harness. The backpack naturally follows the vertical and horizontal movements of the body while also exerting a suspension effect, absorbing shaking and recoil (see photo below). It always provides a comfortable fit and shock absorption.

Furthermore, the bottom of the backpack is shaped to have a small base area, which widens towards the top, creating a high center of gravity (see photo below). This means that the backpack doesn't feel like it's being pulled downwards, but rather the weight is placed on your back near your shoulders (meaning the weight is placed in the area where you feel the least strain on your back). Compression straps are placed at the bottom of both sides, so even when there isn't much luggage, the volume at the bottom can be further reduced, keeping the center of gravity as high as possible

It also comes equipped with load lifter straps around the shoulders, which are extremely important when carrying loads weighing over 10 kg, providing stability when carrying heavy loads (see photo below)

And this was an unexpected discovery, but the hollowed-out hip belt wraps around the pelvis to secure it in place while also flexibly following movement, and this also works to properly absorb the shift in center of gravity caused by the body leaning while walking (see photo below)

The combination of these mechanisms ensures a constantly ventilated and fresh back, while also providing a stable and comfortable carrying experience. The padding on the shoulders and back is firmer than it looks, and absorbs shock even when carrying a heavy load

The best of both worlds: a running backpack and a hiking backpack with ample, easily accessible storage

The external storage, which makes it as easy as possible to take things in and out while on the move, is a testament to Salomon's expertise in creating excellent running backpacks, and is more thought-out in every detail than expected (although there are some experimental aspects to it)

First of all, the panel-loading main compartment is extremely easy to access thanks to a zipper that opens wide from top to bottom (see photo below). This is a welcome consideration, as backpacks with a concave back inevitably make packing easy

It has a double zipper, so you can easily take out items from the bottom (see photo below)

At the top is a large zip pocket (see photo below) that is convenient for storing maps and other small items

The stretch mesh pockets on both sides are deep and spacious enough to fit two bottles. The openings are slightly angled, so I was able to just about reach the bottles while standing (see photo below)

When it comes to hydration, the stretch mesh pockets on the shoulder straps are compatible with Salomon soft flasks (and of course smartphones can fit in there too), and there's also a hydration sleeve and tube access inside the pack, so you can choose the one that suits your style (see photo below)

The hip belt has a zippered pocket on the right side that can hold a large smartphone, and is convenient for storing gels, snacks, sunscreen, headlamps, and other small items (see photo below)

There is a large mesh stash pocket on the front. However, because the top of this pocket is sewn on, access is through smaller openings on the left and right diagonal sides, which is a bit unique. While I liked that the contents don't fall out easily, it seemed like it would be difficult to put in and take out larger items, which was a bit disappointing (see photo below)

Summary: While fully incorporating the know-how cultivated in running backpacks, it also does not forget the stability required for mountain climbing. A masterpiece of a back ventilation type backpack that should not be underestimated

To be honest, I was a little underwhelmed at first, considering it was a Salomon backpack for mountaineering. Having said that, I'll admit that I was completely wrong, but this new backpack exceeded my expectations in a good way. The excellent back system, which combines the comfortable feel of a tension mesh construction with a high level of stability that prevents wobbling even when carrying a heavy load, is in no way inferior to competing models of the same type, and I was able to feel a secure fit even during movement that I've never felt with any other backpack

In terms of storage, while there are some quirks, the pack offers many easy-to-use and accessible storage compartments, and it feels more than enough user-friendly that even beginners, let alone veterans, will have no trouble finding it. You'll be able to enjoy day hikes, hut stays, and light tent fastpacking in any season or area where there's no need to worry about snow

Above all, this is the perfect choice for Salomon users who have mainly focused on running up until now and want to take up mountain climbing in earnest. With these more refined hiking boots and the new backpack, which allows for light hiking without fatigue, discomfort, or inconvenience, why not open the door to a deeper adventure?

Learn more about and purchase SALOMON's new hiking gear

For more product details, please also check the official online stores for X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX and AEROTREK 30

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