The North Face Mens Hedgehog Fastpack Mid Gore-tex Reviews

The Northward Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX

Price: $120
Weight: 1 lb. 14.7 oz. (men's size nine)
Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)
What we like: Grippy, stable, and reasonably lightweight.
What nosotros don't: Thin cushioning and apartment, inexpensive insole led to issues with pes soreness.
Meet the Men's TNF Hedgehog  See the Women's TNF Hedgehog

3.6

The North Face'south Hedgehog Fastpack GTX has been a staple in their hiking shoe lineup for years. It'due south consistently a big seller thanks to its desirable $120 price point and solid characteristic ready that includes a Gore-Tex liner. To run across how it fared, I tested the shoe in terrain ranging from the rocky trails outside of El Chaltén, Argentina, to hikes dorsum home in the Pacific Northwest. And while I can empathize the Hedgehog'south appeal, especially for those with flat feet, it disappointed overall due to consistent bug with foot soreness. Below I suspension downwardly the Hedgehog Fastpack'south comfort, weight, traction, waterproofing, immovability, fit and sizing, and more than. To see how it stacks upwards, encounter our commodity on the all-time hiking shoes.

Operation

Comfort

My outset impression when slipping on The Northward Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX was that it felt like a bit of a throwback. The shoe was a piffling stiff out of the box, its sparse padding offered noticeably less cushioning than many modern designs, and the cheap-feeling insole was apartment and provided substantially nix curvation support (this tin can of grade be a positive for those with flat feet). With modern hiking shoes in 2019 looking more and more like beefed-up, bouncy trail runners, the differences were readily credible. On the plus side, the Hedgehog was pretty sturdy underfoot, felt reasonably light, and the lacing organization—with bodily metal grommets—tightened evenly.

In testing, however, these features didn't add together upward to a very comfortable feel. On everything from hikes in Patagonia to long days hauling a 30-pound load in Washington's Cascade Range, I consistently dealt with foot soreness. The initial stiffness underfoot and around the collar did loosen up fairly apace, simply the lightweight cushioning and TPU shanks failed to provide sufficient protection and shock assimilation. Further, the shoe's sparse upper fabric resulted in some pretty painful impacts with rocks. The condom toe cap does a decent job absorbing a direct hitting, but, as I found, if yous catch one from the side or just off-center, the protection is limited. To be articulate, comfort and fit often go hand-in-paw and the Hedgehog Fastpack has been around long enough to accept its legions of fans. Simply of all the shoes I've tested over the past few years—including other The North Face products like the well-loved Ultra 110—the Hedgehog Fastpack is amongst the least comfortable I've worn.

Weight

My pair of size 9 Hedgehog Fastpacks came in at 1 pound 14.7 ounces on our scale (The Northward Face lists them at one pound fourteen ounces), which lands correct in the middle of the waterproof hiking shoe market. Its weight is on par with the low versions of the pop Keen Targhee III (1 pound 14.8 ounces) and undercuts other comfort-first models like the Merrell Moab 2 (2 pounds ane ounce) and Oboz Sawtooth II (two pounds 2.8 ounces). But because this shoe is intended for fast-paced hiking (hence the "Fastpack" name), the weight isn't all that impressive. Designs like the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX (ane pound ten.8 ounces) and new Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX (i pound eight.4 ounces) offer a noticeable drop in weight without compromising in condolement or on-trail functioning.

Traction

Underfoot, The North Face up Hedgehog Fastpack GTX features a tried-and-true outsole from Vibram. As with most of our experiences with the make, it'southward another solid design: the small lugs bite into everything from hardpack dirt to mud and rock, and the substantial heel does a nice chore with braking on steep downhills. Further, the wider tread spacing forth the sides of the shoe isn't prone to caking upwardly and effectively sheds mud and trail debris. Finally, despite spending a fair amount of time on rough, stone-filled trails, the prophylactic hasn't shown any signs of prematurely wearing downwardly.

Stability and Support

Low-peak hiking shoes aren't known for their stiff and supportive constructions, but the Hedgehog Fastpack provides more stability than most. The shoe's low stack height puts it shut to the ground, its collar wraps nicely around the talocrural joint, and the reinforced heel counter helps limit rolled ankles while boulder hopping. And similar to competitors similar the Merrell Moab 2, the Hedgehog has a fairly wide base, giving information technology a planted feel. That said, the calorie-free upper textile has a lot of requite and is pretty flexible overall, so my anxiety didn't stay in place through off-camber terrain (the apartment insole also played a part in this). All told, I think the level of stability is completely sufficient for virtually hiking and light backpacking trips, but those who prioritize a stiffer construction should cheque out a shoe like the Adidas Terrex Swift R2.

Waterproofing and Breathability

The North Face merely makes the Fastpack in a waterproof version with a Gore-Tex liner. My experience has been like to nearly every GTX shoe and boot I've tested: the Hedgehog does a fine task repelling lite rain, dewy grass, and the occasional stream dunk. The upper material volition starting time to absorb moisture later on a while, but it does dry out reasonably well thanks to the thin structure. In the heat, the shoe predictably runs hot and wouldn't exist my start choice for a summertime solar day hike. Mesh-heavy, non-waterproof designs like the Merrell Moab 2 Vent or Salomon X Ultra 3 Aero hands outdo information technology when temperatures break into the 70s Fahrenheit, just the Hedgehog'southward performance is typical for a waterproof model. We'd love to come across a non-waterproof version become available for those that live in dry out areas or put a premium on breathability.

Immovability

We've had skillful success in terms of durability with The North Face shoes (one exception was the erstwhile Ultra 109), and the Hedgehog Fastpack GTX has held up pretty well throughout our testing. The mesh and leather portions of the upper all are intact, and we haven't seen any signs of the toe cap peeling apart (which, based on user reviews, is occasionally an result). Ane area of concern is the sheer amount of stitches throughout the upper, and a number of the threads are starting to fray around the instep on both shoes. I also don't love the inclusion of metal grommets on the lacing arrangement every bit those are prone to popping out equally the miles add together up, merely I oasis't had whatever issues with mine. And as touched on above, the Vibram outsole is holding upwards very well and should accept a long lifespan.

Fit and Sizing

I chose my standard men's size 9 and found the Hedgehog Fastpack has a pretty standard fit. Width is average in the heel and toe box, and the length was sufficient for my swollen feet when hiking in hot conditions. As I mentioned in the "comfort" department above, the flat and minimalist insole is a polarizing feature and the lack of sculpting around the heel and not-existent arch support were a letdown for me. The good news is information technology'south a fairly easy prepare if you lot're willing to invest in an aftermarket insole (Superfeet and SOLE are ii popular choices). Finally, it's worth noting that The Due north Face offers the Hedgehog Fastpack in 2E wide sizes (men'southward only) for the same $120.

Other Versions of The North Confront Hedgehog Fastpack

For this test, we had the men'southward low-top Hedgehog Fastpack GTX shoe. The North Confront likewise makes a women'south version, which has a like upper, midsole, and outsole construction. Interestingly, the women's Hedgehog Fastpack swaps the three sets of metallic grommets found on the men'south lacing organization for standard eyelets, but otherwise the ii designs mirror one another. The North Face also offers a mid-pinnacle version in men's and women's sizes, which sits merely over the ankle, weighs approximately 6 ounces more than per pair, and costs an additional $10. We oasis't had a chance to test the Hedgehog kicking, but nosotros'd expect a modest step up in stability and protection on the trail.

What We Similar

• Its $120 price and included Gore-Tex liner arrive a expert all-around value.
• The Hedgehog Fastpack is plenty grippy and stable for day hiking and lightweight backpacking.
• The design should exist a good friction match fit-wise for those with flat anxiety.

What Nosotros Don't

• Thin cushioning led to pes soreness on rocky day hikes and when conveying a load.
• Flat and inexpensive insole lacks the sculpted and comfortable fit that comes with competitors like the Merrell Moab ii, Oboz Sawtooth II, and Salomon X Ultra iii.
• The shoe doesn't really stand out in whatsoever specific category. The weight, cushioning, and foot hold all are very average.

Comparing Table

Shoe	Cost	Type	Weight	Waterproof	Upper
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack	$120	Hiking shoe	1 lb. 14 oz.	Yes (Gore-Tex)	Leather / mesh
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX	$150	Hiking shoe	one lb. x.8 oz.	Yes (Gore-Tex)	Synthetic
The North Face Ultra 110 GTX	$120	Hiking/trail-running	1 lb. 15 oz.	Yes (Gore-Tex)	Leather / mesh
Merrell Moab 2 WP	$120	Hiking shoe	2 lb. 1 oz.	Yes (Grand-Select)	Leather / mesh
Oboz Sawtooth 2 Low BDry	$140	Hiking shoe	2 lb. two.8 oz.	Yes (B-Dry)	Leather / textile

The Contest

It's a testament to the Hedgehog Fastpack's popularity that its design has gone untouched for a number of years. The same cannot be said for many of its hiking shoe competitors, including the Salomon X Ultra 3. We tested this shoe alongside the Fastpack and found information technology to be the better choice in but almost every mode. The Salomon is lighter by about iv ounces, feels nimbler while offering better cushioning, and is extremely comfortable over long distances. Where the Hedgehog get the reward is cost by a notable $30, and those with wide feet might have trouble squeezing into the fairly narrow X Ultra (the Fastpack has a roomier toe box in item). Merely if the Salomon fits you and the cost isn't a bargain billow, the 10 Ultra is our preferred option.

A second shoe to consider is The North Face'south own Ultra 110 GTX. While technically billed as a waterproof trail runner, the 110 has proven to exist an excellent choice for both hiking and lightweight backpacking. Compared with the Hedgehog, the two shoes are virtually identical in weight but the Ultra has meliorate protection and cushioning underfoot. Further, we've constitute the Ultra'due south insole provides a more secure hold and the shoe's slightly beefed-upwardly construction gets the edge in overall stability. With the same $120 price tag, we meet petty reason to choose the Fastpack over the superior Ultra 110.

Among hiking shoes, Merrell's Moab is an absolute classic. This shoe has been around for more than a decade (the latest "2" was released a couple years agone), and is a proven pick for mean solar day hikes and curt backpacking adventures. The heavily cushioned design gets the articulate nod in terms of accommodating condolement, and we besides similar that the Merrell is offered in a not-waterproof "Vent" model (the Fastpack only is bachelor in a Gore-Tex version). The Hedgehog is lighter by about 3 ounces for the pair, which is a nice characteristic for longer trips. That said, if weight is a pinnacle priority for you, we'd recommend the Salomon X Ultra 3 higher up. If you lot want a cushioned shoe that puts comfort starting time, stick with the Moab.

Finally, Oboz's Sawtooth Ii is all the same another popular everyday hiker to consider. The line has gained a post-obit cheers to its substantial mid and outsole that isolate you lot from the ground, and its premium insole has loftier levels of support and comfort. Downsides of the Oboz are that information technology is on the heavy end at ii pounds ii.viii ounces, and therefore can feel tiresome and ponderous on the trail. In addition, non everyone loves the thick structure because you lose a degree of connexion with the ground beneath you, which can bear upon confidence and stability (for more than, see our in-depth Sawtooth Two review). A conclusion between the Sawtooth and Fastpack probable will come downwardly to priorities, and the Oboz'southward better human foot hold and condolement are what give it the nod for united states.

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Source: https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/the-north-face-hedgehog-fastpack-gtx

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