SALOMON a big brand known to everyone in the outdoor sports world, including trail running, and is now in great shape in the lifestyle field , but it may not be well known that it continues to produce excellent footwear and apparel products in a variety of outdoor fields, such as mountain climbing, hiking, canoeing and rafting.
Salomon has also received great news for mountaineering enthusiasts, including myself.
One is that Salomon has been steadily developing its own way for over 10 years, and personally, I have always been able to continue to renew its lightweight comfortable hiking shoes, the X ULTRA series, , has finally been fully renewed to 5 Another thing is the release of the AEROTREK
The X ULTRA series is a hiking shoe that I've been carefully reviewing on this site every time the updates are updated. And AEROTREK is Salomon's first orthodox mountaineering backpack. Both are new releases that you should never miss for a long-time Salomon Watcher, and of course, I used them carefully in the mountains this time. This time, I would like to quickly review these latest hiking boots and backpacks to make them comfortable to use on the field.
table of contents
- X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX: Main Features
- X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX: Detailed Review
- It's less likely to get tired and less likely to get injured. As always, it has an overwhelming sense of stability and fit
- The appeal of "strength" is newly added by using the lightweight, high-strength Matryx® fiber
- High grip with high viscosity rubber that works well on all terrain
- Summary: Lightweight, comfortable and stable, with "strength" added, and versatile hiking boots with no blind spots even more
- AEROTREK 30: Main Features
- AEROTREK 30: Detailed Review
- Comfort, stability, breathability...A highly complete back system that you wouldn't expect from the first product in the market
- A wealth of easy-to-access storage for running and mountain climbing backpacks.
- Summary: While fully incorporating the know-how cultivated with running backpacks, I have not forgotten the stability necessary for mountain climbing. A great backpack with a back ventilation style that you should never underestimate
- Details and purchase of SALOMON New Hiking Gear
X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX: Main Features
The X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX is a mid-cut hiking boot that is tiring and injury-resistant, designed for hikers looking for reliability and performance. The Advanced Chassis™, which supports the bottom of the shoe, maintains natural mobility of the foot, suppresses lateral shaking, and the excellent hold power of Active Support™ allows for stable landing from powerful steps to steep descents. The midsole with built-in EnergyCell™, which has excellent shock absorption properties, reduces fatigue from walking for long periods of time. The comfortable and fit upper is made of Matryx® material, which is lightweight yet highly abrasion-resistant and breathable, providing greater robustness than ever before without adding to the weight. Even on rough surfaces such as muddy and rocky roads, the All Terrain Contagrip® outsole provides stable traction and grip, allowing for bold steps on tough surfaces. With its comfortable fit and stable support, we have achieved unprecedented safety and agile footwork on trails.
Favorite points
- Amazingly high stability that effectively suppresses sideways when landing
- Made from Matryx® fiber, it offers high breathability and protection despite its lightweight
- Active Support™ provides a high hold that prevents your feet from shifting inside your shoes
- Grip power that allows you to land and step on stable steep slopes and wet terrain
- Excellent waterproof and breathable permeability due to GORE-TEX
Interesting points
- The upper fabric is less elastic and slightly stiff.
- The shoelaces hooks near the ankle are slightly protruding out, making them easy to get caught
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | SALOMON X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX |
|---|---|
| weight | 440g |
| drop | 11mm (toe 22mm / heel 33mm) |
| upper |
|
| Midsole |
|
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip® |
| Waterproof and moisture-permeable | GORE-TEX |
| Reference price (as of April 2025) |
¥25,300 (tax included) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★★★ |
| Cushioning | ★★★☆☆ |
| protection | ★★★★★ |
| Stability | ★★★★★ |
X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX: Detailed Review
It's less likely to get tired and less likely to get injured. As always, it has an overwhelming sense of stability and fit
Among the several series lineups, the X ULTRA 5 the X ULTRA 4 series, and has inherited many of its basic features from this model. , the sole structure that combines lightness and stability thanks to Advanced Chassis™ , which was the biggest attraction of the "4",
Plastic parts from Advanced Chassis™ with the words "ADV/C" written on it.
Located just below the arch of the foot, the highly rigid plastic part is molded to hold the foot firmly from the sole, and supports the foot to reduce lateral shaking while maintaining the natural mobility of the foot. In addition to this, mid-cut ankles dramatically reduce the risk of a stomp.
To put it in a sensory way, it feels like walking normally without any discomfort, but when your ankles accidentally bend outward (in other words, the moment you feel like you're falling apart), the Advanced Chassis™ provides a firm, wall-like protection from the outside of your foot, preventing injuries before they occur.
What was particularly impressive was the downhill. On descents where you tend to get tired of climbing and get distracted, you tend to lose your landing and get a setback, but even if you're just a little careless, with these boots, I couldn't really feel the fear of twisting my ankles too much.
In addition, in terms of difficulty in shaking the steps, the high fit and hold of the upper, the Active Support™ makes a significant contribution.
The reinforcement, which is placed on the outside of the shoe like a belt connecting the midsole and shoelace, holds the shoe tightly from the sole to the instep, and keeps your feet in the correct position without shaking even when heavy load is applied when landing. Also, when I was downhill, my toes were no longer pressed against the tip of my shoes, so I was able to run downhill with force without hesitation.
The appeal of "strength" is newly added by using the lightweight, high-strength Matryx® fiber
In addition to this constant high stability, the new evolution of this model is the lightweight, highly durable, and highly breathable upper structure, which is made more robust and breathable thanks to the Matryx® material.
Matryx® was previously featured in this site GENESIS , and is a cutting-edge material made from a blend of individually coated hypertonic polyamides and Kevlar. By woven in tightly with fine fibers, it is lightweight yet extremely rigid and wear-resistant, providing reliable robustness even when rubbing or thrusts on rocky or off-road. No matter how much you rub it against the rock surface or the corner it will not sway, and unless something special happens, this upper won't tear. It is yet flexible and has high breathability like mesh.
Other reinforcements stretched from the toes to the heels are the same as the previous model, and are light and robust, protecting your feet from impacts from rocks and tree roots (photo below).
High grip with high viscosity rubber that works well on all terrain
X ULTRA expects a wide range of terrain, from flat, irregular terrain to muddy muddy roads, from scuffs to rocky areas, so grip is required that can evenly accommodate any terrain. uses the All Terrain Contagrip® , a rubber that is highly durable, ensuring reliable grip on all terrain
The lug pattern basically follows the previous wedge-shaped "chevron lug" shape, but uses an asymmetrical, irregular lug pattern that takes into account smooth walking from landing to stepping. It has a sense of stability in multiple directions, but also gives more forward propulsion.
The rug design with deep, mud-filled brushes ensured a firm grip on not only dry roads but also on scuffs and muddy climbs, allowing you to walk with peace of mind.
Summary: Lightweight, comfortable and stable, with "strength" added, and versatile hiking boots with no blind spots even more
The X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX which has added strength to its previous "lightweight, comfortable, and stability" , is the perfect option for hikers who want to balance both performance and reliability, except for those who value extreme speed and durability.
It is recommended not only for beginners who want to start hiking in low mountains, but also for fast packing enthusiasts who are prone to getting bored but wanting to move quickly.
AEROTREK 30: Main Features
The AEROTREK 30 is a hiking backpack that is light and stable, perfect for day trips and hut hiking. The uniquely designed rear system, Advanced airCHASSIS , has a stability thanks to its patented lumbar support and calculated load distribution through the shoulders, sternum, waist and load lifters, allowing you to carry comfortably even on heavy loads, supporting long-term activities. The hanging back panel, made of breathable mesh, increases airflow by reducing direct contact between the back and the backpack, allowing you to stay cooler and more comfortable, for example, on hiking with heavy sweating in the hot sun. With a mesh pocket for flasks on the front and a wide variety of external pockets such as the back and sides, it provides high comfort and stability, while never sacrificing the storage and practicality needed to spend a few days of adventures more stress-free.
Favorite points
- Breathable tension mesh rear panel, waist and shoulder straps
- Lightweight yet comfortable fit and ample cushioning
- High center of gravity form with high load stability
- Rear frame and hip belt that follow body movement
- Easy to access full length main zipper
- Highly packed front, side shoulder stretch mesh pockets
- Easy to get price
Interesting points
- The back length cannot be adjusted (rear sizes are available in two sizes: S/M and M/L).
- The front mesh pocket has a small opening, making it difficult to put in and take out luggage
- There is no rain cover as standard
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | SALOMON AEROTREK 30 |
|---|---|
| capacity | 30L |
| Capacity variation | 20L/30L/40L |
| weight | 992g |
| material |
|
| Models for women | can be |
| Size (back length) | S/M (43-49), M/L (48-54) |
| Rear panel |
|
| Hydration sleeve | 〇 |
| Main Access |
|
| Rain cover | × |
| Pocket attachment |
|
| Reference price (as of April 2025) |
¥19,800 (tax included) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality (ease of use) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Hiking satisfaction | ★★★★★ |
AEROTREK 30: Detailed Review
Comfort, stability, breathability...A highly complete back system that you wouldn't expect from the first product in the market
The first thing I felt when carrying the pack on my back was the surprisingly high fit. The experience and know-how cultivated with running backpacks have been fully utilized here as well.
The back panel has a back ventilation structure that forces the frame to tension and mesh the part that hits the back, improving the breathability of the back. When you carry it on your back, a space is created between your back and your backpack, as shown in the photo below, allowing cool air to pass through this area, quickly dissipating sweat from your back.
All pads that touch the skin are made of 3D mesh material that is quick-drying, breathable, and cushioning. It was refreshing enough in the test, but I'm sure this quick-drying effect will be even more effective in the coming hot season.
This so-called back ventilation backpack has great appeal, and the comfort due to outstanding breathability is a major attraction, but at the beginning of its introduction, it has also been pointed out that its structurally tends to separate its center of gravity from the body. However, various research and development efforts have also progressed considerably to address these disadvantages over the past few years, and as a result of various measures and ingenuity in carrying this model, we were able to feel a comfortable carrying experience that would not seem to be a typical tension mesh structure.
a back panel structure that includes Salomon's unique suspension back frame, " Advanced airCHASSIS This refers to the back structure, including an "hourglass-shaped" design with a narrow back frame in the center, as well as a hip strap and wide shoulder harness that are linked to it. The backpack naturally follows the vertical and horizontal movement of the body, and also provides a suspension effect, absorbing shaking and recoil (photo below). It always provides a moderate fit and shock absorbing effect.
Furthermore, the bottom part of the backpack is shaped to make the bottom surface smaller, and the higher center of gravity form becomes wider the top (photo below). This allows you to carry the backpack as if the weight is placed near the shoulders of your back (that is, the load is placed on the place where the back is hardest to feel the strain on your back). Compression straps are placed at the bottom of both sides, so even if there are fewer luggage, the capacity of the bottom part was further reduced, allowing the center of gravity to be placed as high as possible.
It also has a road lifter strap on the shoulder, which is extremely important when carrying luggage that exceeds approximately 10 kg, and is firmly mounted to provide stability under heavy loads (photo below).
This was an unexpected discovery, but the hollowed out hip belt was fixed so that it envelops the pelvis and flexibly followed the movement, and it also functioned to properly absorb the shaking of the center of gravity caused by the tilt of the body when walking (photo below).
These mechanisms combine to create a constantly airy and refreshing back and a comfortable, stable feel. The cushioning of the pads located on the shoulders and back of the waist is also firmer and firmer than they look, absorbing impact even when dealing with heavy loads.
A wealth of easy-to-access storage for running and mountain climbing backpacks.
The external storage system makes it easy to put in and take out luggage while you're on the move, and as expected, Salomon has the know-how of an excellent running backpack, so every detail has been more detailed than expected (although there are some experimental aspects).
First of all, the main storage system, which uses the panel loading method, is made of a zipper that opens wide from top to bottom, making it extremely easy to access (photo below). This consideration is appreciated as backpacks with concave backs are destined to be difficult to pack in a straightforward way due to their shape.
It has a double zipper design, so you can also take out the items at the bottom (photo below).
At the top, there is a large top zip pocket that is convenient for storing maps and other small items (photo below).
The stretch mesh pockets on both sides are spacious enough to fit two bottles, and are deep. At the same time, the entrance was slightly diagonal, so I was able to access the bottle just before I could stand up (photo below).
When it comes to hydration, the stretch mesh pocket on the shoulder strap supports Salomon's soft flask (and of course it can hold smartphones, etc.), and there is also access to the pack with a hydration sleeve and tube, so you can freely choose it according to your style (photo below).
The hip belt has a zip pocket on the right side that can store large smartphones, making it convenient for gels and foods as well as small items such as sunscreen and headlamps (photo below).
There is a large mesh stash pocket on the front. However, since the top of this pocket is sewn on, it is a slightly unique design, as it can be inserted and taken out from the small entrance on the sides diagonally on the left and right sides. While I thought it was good that the contents were not easy to pop out, it seemed difficult to put in and take out large items, so I felt that part was a bit disappointing (photo below).
Summary: While fully incorporating the know-how cultivated with running backpacks, I have not forgotten the stability necessary for mountain climbing. A great backpack with a back ventilation style that you should never underestimate
Since it is a mountain climbing backpack released by Salomon, it is honestly impossible to say that at first there was nothing I had underestimated in my mind. I honestly admitted this, and this new backpack was a big disappointment in a good way. The excellent rear system, which combines a comfortable tension mesh structure with a high stability that prevents the body from flaking even when it comes to heavy loads, is not inferior to the same type of competitive model, and I was able to feel a solid high fit even in movements I had never felt anywhere else.
With regard to storage, we have a wide range of easy-to-use storage items, despite their slight quirks, and we were able to feel that it is easy to use, not only for veterans but also for beginners, but also for beginners. In any season or area where there is no need to worry about snow, you should be able to enjoy hiking mainly in huts from day trips, or fast packing in tents with lightweight equipment.
Above all, if a Salomon user who has been mainly running up until now wants to start a full-scale climb, this would be the perfect option. Why not open the door to deeper adventure with our more complete hiking boots and a new backpack that reduces fatigue, discomfort and inconvenience and allows for a lighter hike.
Details and purchase of SALOMON New Hiking Gear
For product details, please also check the official online shopping site for each of the X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX / AEROTREK 30
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