Kayland's Apex Rock Awarded American Alpine Institute Guides Choice

Kayland, an Italian manufacturer of high performance mountaineering, backpacking, hiking, and multi-sport footwear was recently awarded the prestigious “Guides Choice” designation by the American Alpine Institute for its Apex Rock mountaineering boot for the second time in three years. The Apex Rock was also recognized by the Institute in 2007.

“To be recognized by one of America’s top climbing schools and guiding services twice in three years is a great honor,” said Brent Merriam, vice president of Novation North America, Inc., the US subsidiary of Kayland’s parent company, Novation S.p.A.“The wear and stress that the Apex Rock boots received during AAI field testing corresponds to many years of use for a recreational climber.There’s no better type of testimonial for our products.”

Exceptionally lightweight and comfortable, the three-season Apex Rock boots, with a step-in crampon shelf, allow users to carry heavy loads over mixed terrain including snow and ice. An Ankle Lock System keeps the heel in place and a Dual-Zone Contact Lacing System provides a lace lock for bi-zonal tuning.Available in orange for men and orange/gold for women, the boot’s msrp is $319.95.

Equipment and clothing that has been awarded the “Guides Choice” designation by the American Alpine Institute have proven to be of the highest quality in their product category.The awards are made on the basis of excellence in design, performance and durability demonstrated in rigorous international field tests carried out by the professional guides of the Institute.

Kayland is an Italian manufacturer of high performance mountaineering, backpacking, hiking, and multi-sport footwear, with a reputation for outstanding fit and innovative materials and technology. With North American headquarters in New Hampshire and a distribution center in the Chicago area, Kayland USA is focused on providing quality products and outstanding service to its US customers.Kayland’s Zephyr hiking boot was honored as a recipient of a 2009 Backpacker Editors’ Choice Award. The women’s Convert hiking boot was bestowed the Women’s Adventure Editor’s Choice Award and, most recently, the Vertigo Light was named Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year in the hiking boot category.Kayland also received Rock & Ice’s Best in Gear Award for its M11 mountaineering boot. Visit Kayland at www.kayland.com

The American Alpine Institute is an international mountain guide service, training and expedition center based in Bellingham, Washington and operating in six states and twelve countries.AAI offers instructional programs and professional training at all skill levels in every aspect of the climbing and skiing environments.Courses and guided trips run throughout the year and encompass general mountaineering, technical ice and rock climbing, expedition climbing, ski mountaineering, evacuation and high angle rescue, and mountaineering medicine.

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