Reviews by User: jrwiesz@hotmail.com (2)

I used these incredibly comfortable boots during a seven day canoe/backpacking excursion on Michigan’s' Isle Royale National Park in August 2006. Each "end-of-day", was not due to "barking dogs", but because we ran out of light. I did break them in for 3-4 months prior to the trip, but I felt they were "broken-in" almost immediately. We trekked with 75lb canoes over several portages (one 2.9 mile), and some 50+lb packs without a sore foot encountered. No blisters due to perspiration build-up or ill-fitted boots. I wore two pairs of socks, one cotton under a quality hiking sock, not once did I feel there was any moisture held in the cotton under sock; in addition, any moisture we encountered to the outer surface of the boot was repelled without difficulties. A very pleasant waterproof and breathable boot that always resulted in "End-of-day comfort".

I read the other reviews on this product and can't believe any of them. I bought three of these seats to take to Isle Royale this year and was quite disappointed. If they weren't so expensive and Isle Royale wasn't an area of "Low impact" camping, two of them would have been trail slung. The first one broke the first night in camp at Rock Harbor on level ground, in the shelter. We left that one in storage prior to our backcountry excursion. The second one broke in the back country: 2 lbs of uselessness. The third one didn't get used for fear of breakage. All three are on there way back. I was also amazed to discover that there were two different styles sent and both styles failed. The rear legs on one and the bottom T attachment area on the other were the problem areas. These were areas that were made of plastic. When you go to sit down in the sling your back side hits the rear center bar of the leg/support assembly. Now, as bad as my review may seem, I think the concept of these slings is right on. If GCI can correct the plastic parts areas, were the most stress is created, I think they will have a winner. When I did ease my way unto the sling and sat there without moving, it was a quite comfortable chair. It is a little low to the ground, but much more comfortable than sitting on a rock or a log. Keep trying GCI!