Salewa's Ortles collection is its most technical and performance-oriented range, named after Mt Ortles (3,905m), the highest point in the South Tyrol region.

First climbed in 1804 (people didn't believe it at first, so the same team had to climb it three times), surely these climbers could never have imagined how mountain gear would develop. Today's emphasis is on light weight and speed, yet of course the original principles of comfort, safety and fitness for purpose remain critical.

A case in point might be Salewa's new Ortles Light Mid Powertex boot. It's a mid-cut, technical mountain boot designed for mountaineers who want to move fast, whatever is underfoot (snow, ice, rock, or scree), with confidence. Combining lightweight protection with technical performance, the Pomoca Alpine Light outsole ensures grip and traction while Salewa's new Edging Plate 2 technology with a stabiliser in the rear midsole offer a balance between flexibility and stiffness while climbing; the boot will accept semi-automatic crampons. The PFC-free nylon fabric upper has a protective rubber rand and uses a Powertex PFC-free membrane to ensure waterproof/breathable performance.

Salewa's 3F System connects the instep area of the shoe with the sole and heel, ensuring firm ankle and heel support; in the Ortles Light boot, this connecting system uses Kevlar cables. There's a stretch gaiter to stop stones and mud getting in, and the customisable Multi Fit Footbed Plus (MFF+) has interchangeable layers that allow you to fine-tune the volume, ensuring a perfect fit.

Available in men's and women's versions, this is Salewa's first-ever mountaineering boot to bear its Committed icon and meet the company's self-imposed strict criteria for sustainable and environmentally friendly products; more details here.