What are the Phantom 8000 Thermic HD?
These are the ultimate high-altitude boots. Designed in collaboration with Nirmal Purja, the Phantom 8000 Thermic are the first mountaineering boots to have an integrated thermal system, providing additional, reliable warmth for combating sub-zero temperatures. They're primarily designed for expeditions on 8000-metre peaks, yet they also work for arctic crossings and adventures in extreme conditions when wearing crampons.
What are they made of?
Upper: The upper is split into a gaiter and a shell (outer) layer.
The gaiter of the boot, which keeps snow and water out, uses ecorepel® Bio Schoeller, a high-functioning, permanently odourless finish that mimics the natural protective mechanism of a plant. This finish wraps around individual fibres to reduce tension, creating a water-repellent effect without impairing breathability. ecorepel® eliminates the need for fluorocarbons, also making the finish PFC-free, certified by bluesign®.
The gaiter features PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation, a synthetic insulation that provides ample warmth, breathability and efficiency with lower bulk and weight. The smaller fibres of this insulation provide maximum thermal efficiency; they're thinner than human hair, and the thinner the fibres, the warmer the insulation will be. Synthetic insulation is also effective when wet, unlike down insulation which loses all its heat as it becomes damp, making it ideal for adventures in such challenging conditions.
PU TEK Technology uses polyurethane for extreme abrasion resistance and enhanced weather resistance for optimum performance and longevity in the toughest terrain.
A waterproof HDry® membrane is laminated to the inner side of the fabric, without seams or gaps, to ensure nothing can seep through, blocking rain and snow whilst keeping your feet warm and dry. The membrane provides reliable protection without compromising air permeability to regulate temperature and prevent moisture buildup.
Shell: The shell is made with strong microfibre fabric with WinTherm for additional temperature regulation and warmth. WinTherm is a thermoregulatory membrane that helps balance temperature whilst providing ample breathability and extra insulation to enhance the work of the existing PrimaLoft® Gold.
A combination of THL5 (Cork and EVA) and PVC make the outer incredibly hardwearing and tough, essential for taking on the world's most challenging terrain.
Lining: The lining comprises Primaloft® Gold Insulation for additional warmth, explained above.
Insole: Carbon Tech III SL insoles have an incredible strength-to-weight ratio. Thanks to their carbon fibre construction, they provide support and structure underneath the foot whilst keeping weight to an absolute minimum.
Sole: The sole itself is an interesting aspect of Scarpa's Phantom range. Above, you'll see a picture of the sole; it's entirely orange beside 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 Thermic 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. This sole unit has also been designed to allow for resoling, resulting in a more environmentally sound boot that you can get repaired to continue its lifespan and see you to the top of a few more high peaks.
What are its features?
The highlight of the Phantom 8000 Thermic is the THERM-IC Thermal Transfer Technology. This boot is actually the first mountaineering boot to have an integrated thermal system, providing on-demand heat at the touch of a button. Tried and tested by the Trekitt team, this technology really does give your feet a boost of warmth! It's perfect for extreme sub-zero temperatures, as it helps to increase blood flow to prevent fatigue and frostbite whilst improving your overall performance on the mountain and generally keeping you safer.
The heat technology is built into the footbed and has various settings, allowing you complete control. Settings are indicated by the small light, which will flash, pulse or stay lit depending on your chosen temperature, which is easy to see, even in poor conditions, and quick to switch on/off.
A full double boot construction allows you to remove the inner boot by unplugging the cable and pulling it from the outer shell, which is handy for cold days at base camp, as you can transform them into warming slippers when needed.
Waterproof YKK® zips also make this boot the only 100% waterproof high-altitude boot, as they prevent snow, ice and water from seeping through the exterior fastenings.
A Sock-fit XT tongue combined with the fast-lock lace system and fast-strap closure makes it even easier to get a close, precise fit with no pressure points over the foot, maximising comfort for long, multi-day ascents.
Last but certainly not least, a RECCO reflector increases your safety tenfold by making you more searchable. RECCO® technology was initially designed in response to an avalanche tragedy and launched in 1983. It's a two-part system that enables rapid, directional pinpointing of your precise location with a harmonic radar, helping you feel more protected during extreme activities. Scarpa is the first brand to use this technology in its footwear, proving a very effective solution for adventurers and rescuers.
Features:
- The first mountaineering boot with an integrated thermal system
- Thermo Transfer Technology by THERM-IC
- The only high-altitude 100% waterproof boot
- YKK® waterproof zippers
- RECCO® Reflector for searchability/increased safety
- PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation
- 0 Gravity Lite foam sole for use with C3 crampons
- Sock-Fit XT Technology by Scarpa
- H-Dry® waterproof membrane
- Doubles up as a base-camp slipper thanks to the two-part construction
- WinTherm technology