So I got a pair of Montrail CTC's off SAC and used them on the Grand and they were great. Hiked and climbed great.
Just did Prusik Peak (Fun times with Excitible Boy), and the shoes blew apart on the hike down. So now my choice is either a hiker http://montrail.com/Product.aspx?prod=149&cat=150&top=1 that won't climb as well. Or an approach shoe http://montrail.com/Product.aspx?prod=121&cat=120&top=1 that won't hike as well.
Assuming I go back and climb the Upper Exum again, which one to have them give me as a replacement? A boot that requires rock shoes in my pack? Or an approach shoe that won't be as supportive with 35lb loads?

Prusik was fun, especially since I didn't have to lead the crux pitch I would think you want a sticky soled approach shoe, the Hard Rock is more of a runner isn't it? Do you have to stick with Montrail? La Sportiva has some really nice looking approach shoes. Unless I know I will be hiking in a lot of snow I would opt for the approach shoe over a boots and rock shoe combo.

Montrail's replacing them for free, so definitely getting one pair of Montrails. I'm leaning towards the mid-hikers, and then picking up a pair of 5.10 guide tennies...

Returning to Backcountry instead of Montrail. Getting same exact boot. Will glue those seams.

I have tried on the Flow in a shop. It is the same design as the Hardrock but with better lacing for climbing and sticky rubber. I don't think you would notice a big difference between the Hardrock Mid and the Flow while carrying a pack.

I always loved those CTC's... musta worn out 4 or 5 pairs. Careful now though, anything you're buying was made quite a long time ago. Lightweight shoes like this, it seems to me, start to break down from the moment they're put together, regardless (to some degree) of wear. With the CTC's specifically, when I learned they were discontinued, I bought a few pairs. I wore them one at a time (duh, how else would I wear them...) but the later pairs wore out much faster. Maybe I'm way out in left field here... Just a theory.
Jed

Keeping fingers crossed that the next pair will last more than 2 trips in 3 months.

Put a light dab of McNett urethane seamseal on the exposed stitching.