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I have just worn out my second pair of Vasque Sundowners. I have gotten 10 years out of each pair. So after 20 years, I am ready to try something new.
I like the Sundowners. But as I evolve into more of a UL or lightweight gear guy, I would also like lighter boots on my feet. The Sundowners weigh 3lbs 6oz.
Can you guys recommend a lighter all leather backpacking boot?
Thank you,
William

I use Vasque Wasatch GTX. No lighter.

I care a lot about weight too... but just can't seem to find anything else that will cut it. I abuse mine pretty hard though (they typically only last me a year before the leather on the sides is shot).

I'll have to check those out. Right now I am looking at the Zamberlan230 SH Crosser Plus GTX RR. They won Editors' Choice 2013 from Backpacker Mag.

mrchad9 wrote:I use Vasque Wasatch GTX. No lighter.

+1 ...and i've nothing but good things to say about 'em.

The Vasque Summit GTX boots are really good, but they are a bit heavier than the Sundowners.
http://www.hermitshut.com/?product=vasq ... -gtx-boots

Check and compare these sites, OMCgear and Backcountry tend to have a wider selection, but I find that Hermit's Hut usually has the best prices, and sometimes they're willing to special order in the products they don't carry:

http://www.omcgear.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=vasque
http://www.backcountry.com/mens-backpacking-boots
http://www.hermitshut.com/?s=vasque&post_type=product

The Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX boots are roughly the same weight as your Vasque Sundowners, and they've had great reviews!
http://www.hermitshut.com/?product=scar ... o-gtx-boot

Also, if you liked the Wasatch, the Vasque Bitterroot GTX boots may be a great option to explore and they've gotten better reviews too:
http://www.backcountry.com/vasque-bitte ... -boot-mens
http://www.omcgear.com/vasque-bitterroo ... -mens.html

In terms of weight, the Zamberlan's are probably the lightest you're going to find, as they are only 2lbs 6oz. However, they aren't all leather...

REI has the best price I could find on those ones, and I think they may be running a sale on Zamberlan products at present:
http://www.rei.com/product/857258/zambe ... boots-mens

Some people have transitioned away from Vasque boots, as they are no longer manufactured in Italy and are now being made in China. There have been mixed reviews about whether or not the quality is as good as it once was, however overall, they are still considered a great brand overall. I put the Scarpa GTX boots up because they are manufactured in Italy and are known for being great quality and long lasting.

I hope this information was helpful

For summer hiking: Vasque Mantra's. 2lbs 4oz/pair. (more than a lb less than wasatch)

Merrell Outbound GTX. 3 lbs. waterproof for the most part, feet stay warm, stiff sole and great ankle support. Price is reasonable- $185 , not leather however.http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Footwear/Boots/Merrell%20Outbound%20Mid%20Boots/Test%20Report%20by%20Rick%20Dreher/

Thanks for the replies every one. I appreciate the feedback!
I ended up ordering the Treksta Evolution Mid GTX. They weigh 2 lbs and have received a lot of good reviews. As well as Backpacker mag. Editors Choice 2011. So we shall see...

i know you purchased your boots already, but for anyone else still shopping, i wore (and still have) vasques, but i recently added a pair of lowa renegades for shorter / weekend type stuff. they've been a really good boot for me, and they're a pound lighter than the vasques.

http://www.rei.com/product/789686/lowa- ... boots-mens