The Phantom 8000 is the top model in a line of exceptional high-altitude mountaineering boots from Scarpa. Warm, sensitive, durable and with OCD levels only found in boots this specific, the Phatom 8000 is designed for the highest summits and coldest temperatures.
Scarpa use their AG Last in the Phantom range, a last tried and tested on Mont Blanc. 50 years of knoweledge from Scarpa have gone into this design, providing a naturally shaped toe area for climbing and a forefoot shape to give a precise fit with the greatest comfort.
Providing the weather resistance on the Phantom is an Outdry membrane and Flexseal waterproof zippers. Outdry breaks away from the standard mould of waterproof membranes and actually laminates the membrane directly to the external layer of the boot, meaning it's far more breathable, durable and reliable than many other alternatives. Since it sits far closer to the outer of the boot, an Outdry membrane decreases the amount of fabric that the water can sink into. Outdry is also developed in Italy with collaboration with Japanese company, Komatsu Seiren co.
As you would expect, a high altitude boot has to be warm enough to deal with polar-like temperatures. The Phantom features reflective aluminium in the footbed to reflect the heat you naturally lose back to you, while a multi-layer removable inner boot is constructed from EVA foam, super warm Primaloft 600 and an aluminium film to further seal in the heat. Primaloft is one of the warmest forms of insulation as it's so densely woven; heat is trapped so efficently within the insulation that it is far warmer than most alternatives, making it ideal for extreme climates. Any heat that does pass through is then reflected back by the lining of aluminium. If (or rather, when) your feet do build up sweat, a Cocona lining aids moisture management and reduces smells on long expeditions. This lining adds virtually no weight, lasts for the lifetime of the boot and is used throughout the outdoor industry for garments that deal with sweat frequently.
Moving up to the gaiter of the Phantom, Schoeller stretch fabrics are used to provide a stretchy, durable and comfortable experience with the added benefit that dirt, snow and other contaminants aren't able to stick due to the coating that is applied. Cordura and Kevlar reinforcements are then added on-top to add a exceptional amount of durability and abrasion resistance for crampon strikes, contact with sharp rocks/ice and general wear and tear.
A really interesting aspect of Scarpa's Phantom range is the sole itself. Above you'll see a picture of the sole; it's entirely orange besides one climbing section at the toe area. Vibram's 0 gravity soles feature insulation in every area coloured orange, and firmer, more durable rubber in the black areas. The Phantom 8000 is almost entirely orange as it doesn't require the durability that lower altitude boots will offer (at 8000 metres, all you'll be experiencing is snow), however it does require a high level of insulation.
The Phantom 8000 features nearly a century of experience, providing one of the most technical and well thought out mountaineering boots available at this point in time.
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OutDry membrane
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Vibram sole
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Aluminium lined footbed and gaiter
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Primaloft insulation
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EVA foam layer for warmth
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Waterproof FlexSeal zips
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Cocona lining for moisture management and odour resistant
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Cordura and Kevlar reinforcements
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Insulated sole unit