Cold Weather Hunting Boots??

[82nd Airborne]

OK Guys,

For years I've been using Danner boots. Some were duty boots that took many years of pounding that were outstanding. About 5 years back I bought a pair of Danner hunting boots that again were awesome. But now with some health issues I'm having a tough time keeping my feet warm..What do you think the absolute best and warmest boot out there?? I use good wicking socks and think I have the sock issue covered . Remember these are for hunting..Ok now lets hear some opinions!!

:biggrin: 82nd

[Andy the Aussie]

Well I use and would have recommended the Danners......but Australia cold is VERY different from US cold. Still some snow but measured in inches not feet...!!!

Andy :)

[rotty]

I have been very happy with my itasca 2000gr thinsulate boots

[splattermatic]

are you walking or sitting?
for walking, cabelas trophy hunter series, got a pair and love em , the MOST comfortable boots i have ever owned.
for sitting and maybe some walking, i have a pair of rocky snow stalker extreme's, i put an insole in them that has a toe heater slot under your toe area, mmmm warm...
then i have a pair of wool blend socks that has an upper toe heater pocket,,, mmmm even warmer !
sitting in a tree stand all day with little to no movement sure makes a person get and stay cold.

you way also want to look into an electric heated vest. (batteries)
saw a program the other week about keeping the body core warm and the fingers and toes benefit from better circulation and warmer blood flowing..

these boots work real well for me,, ymmv....

[Brian in MN]

I bought my first pair of mountaineering double boots about twenty years ago. They are built to be very warm. My feet still got cold in them, however. As soon as the felt inner boots became wet from sweat they were like blocks of ice. I hit on the idea of using plastic bags to keep the boots dry and eureka! I wear a plastic bag between two wool socks on each foot. The outer sock and the boot liner remain dry. My inner socks are very wet but my feet are always warm, even in very, very cold weather.

All this stuff one reads about wicking moisture away is a lot of nonsense when it comes to feet since your boots are almost surely waterproof. The water cannot get out of the boot.

I know it sounds like a really dumb idea but it works. If you are skeptical try it on one foot. You will never go back. It is a system that works very well with anything from combat boots to sorrells.

[l1a1man]

How cold are you going to be in? I love my Danners. I also have a good pair of Sorrels.

[82nd Airborne]

I usually hunt in temps from low 20's to mid 30's. I walk about 3/4 -1 mile to a few different stands and in the stand after about a hour my feet start to freeze.

Here's a new one I never heard,my gunsmith tells me he sprays his feet with unsented right guard antipersperant!!! I asked him "Are you shitting me??":?
He swore to me on his kids life that he's been doing it for years and it works! He sprays his bare feet then puts on 100% silk hunting socks and over that he puts on some type of thin boot liner. When he gets up onto his stand he puts on those big over-boot foot warmer boots and says feet never get cold.

I had a pair of sorells but at size 14 they get real heavy and are a little to heavy and big for stalking. But I admit they're warm. I think I might try the plastic bag trick.

We had 22" of snow yesterday and I'm going Quad riding on my Polaris Sportsman tomorrow. brrrrrrrrrrr!

Thanks for all your good info and ideas guys

82nd :fal:

[l1a1man]

Check out the Sorel, Conquest II. This is what they have issued us here and they were pretty good in the 0 to - temps. They are also light weight.

[georgestrings]

I hunt out of treestands quite a bit during deer season, and then hunt during some pretty cold temps during coyote season(-20F or so) here in upstate NY, and I've always had a problem keeping my feet warm... Here's what's worked for me:

I use a thin pair of polypropylene(sp?) socks under a thick pair of wool blend hunting socks known for wicking properties - for temps down to 30F, I just wear a pair of LaCrosse Burly 1200 pack boots - lower than that, and down to 15F or so, I also take along a pair of Boot Blankets by Icebreaker, and slip those over my boots once I get to the stand - I can sit all day long without my feet getting cold that way... When it gets lower than 15F, I break out the white Mickey Mouse Boots, with the same socks - and I'm good to go, down atleast to -20F, and if I even think I might get cold, I use the Boot Blankets over those - I don't know just how cold it can get with that set-up, but I would suspect I could handle -40F that way, easily - my feet have never been cold with the Mickeys and Boot Blankets, regardless of temps... Usually the Mickeys by themselves are just fine for about anything - although they're a bit bulky, they do the job.... I always take extra socks with me, and if I'm going to be out all day, sometimes I'll change socks during lunch...

+1 on keeping your "core" warm - sometimes a little hot coffee or soup can help, and I've found that keeping your head warm will also help keep your extremeties warm...

For gloves, I've been using these things called Glo-Mitts - they're sort of a fingerless glove made out of some kind of fleece, with a "pocket" like flap that slips over your fingers like a mitten when you're not actually shooting - it's made out of the same material, but lined with thinsulate... I've got 'em in both regular camo, and a snow camo pattern - if I think I might get cold, I'll keep some of those disposable pocket hand warmers with me, and can slip them into the mitten part of the Glo-Mitt - then there's NO way your hand can get cold, regardless of the temps - although I almost never have to resort to using the handwarmers if I'm using the Glo-Mitts.... One nice think about the fleece material those Glo-Mitts are made of - it can be soaking wet, then wrung out, and not only will it still keep you warm, but it will actually dry out while you're wearing them....

The warmest hunting clothes I've ever owned is a set of insulated, reversable(Realtree brown on one side, snow camo on the other) bibs and jacket by Walls - I have to carry the jacket in to avoid getting sweated up during the walk into the stand - then put on the jacket before settling in - and I've yet to get cold - body wise - with those...


I hunt some brutal conditions, but don't like to get cold - and those things have helped me "keep it fun" in some extreme conditions.... Most of my cold weather stuff I got from Cabelas, BTW - except for the Mickeys - those I got from an Army surplus store....


- georgestrings

[kelson11]

I live, work and play outside in Alaska and I've learned a few things about cold feet. And hands. And other bits 'n pieces.

Biggest chalenge to keeping your feet warm isn't how much insulation is in the boot but how that insulation reacts to moisture. Wet feet are cold feet - it's really that simple. That's why the idea about right gaurd on the feet has merit! It really does help.

Most folks that use Sorel are making their feet colder because the boots are 'to warm' and their feet sweat (lots) and make the felt wet. Once the felt is wet it's insulating quality is absolute crap and your feet will get cold.

For a sitting around boot (or light walking) you can't beat the WHITE bunny boot. It's a felt lined boot that is sealed (no water into the felt) so even when you sweat your feet off, you don't loose the insulating quality of the felt so your feet stay warm.

When you buy bunny boots, make sure they haven't had holes punched in the boot 'lip' at the top. That's the military's way of saying these are no good get rid of them and they probably leak. Leak means water means cold feet (again). Also, leave the bloody valve closed unless you are in an airplane. It's there to allow air to escape when you are way up there - unless you are leak testing your boots.
Leak test your boots by inflating them gently with a straw or rubber hose - close the valve and hold the boot underwater and squeeze. If you get bubbles, you've got a leak. Don't buy that boot.

The black boots are good but not rated as cold as the white boots. If you don't live in Alaska, you might like the black boots....

If you MUST use felt boots, (I like my Columbia boots) invest in a boot dryer and use it regularly. Not only will it help keep your boots from stinking up the house, it will also keep the felt dry and in top insulating condition.

And yes, my FAL works just fine at -25f :)

TTFN,
Bill

[Bwana John]

Sorel pac boots and Koflack plastic mountaineering boots both work well. A good pair of overboots will help alot for just being on snow, gatiers help for mixed terrain.

I never liked Mickey Mouse boots.

[Brian in MN]

Originally posted by Bwana John
Sorel pac boots and Koflack plastic mountaineering boots both work well. A good pair of overboots will help alot for just being on snow, gatiers help for mixed terrain.

I never liked Mickey Mouse boots.


I love my Koflacks! Wish my current pair was not some weird blend of blaze orange and hot pink, though. Avalanche just isn't a real big problem in Minnesota. If you are going to be doing any hill climbing they are hard to beat. I cannot imaging climbing hills in Mickey Mouse boots.

[JohninVT]

Kamik's or Sorrels with the right temperature rating are about the best thing going for real cold weather. I hate Sorrels with removable liners because I can't walk in them without having my socks slip under my heel so I have a pair of Thinsulate ones. I also buy boots with a higher temp rating than I plan on being out in(If it's -20f I wear 0f rated boots). That way I can wear different socks to keep my feet dry and warm. It's easy to pull off or add a layer of socks or go to a thinner pair but if your boots are too warm you're screwed. It's easy to carry an extra pair of dry socks in a pocket.

Spray on deoderant works. My favorite work boots down to 0f are an ancient pair of leather Chippewa's with lamb shearling lining than I've had for 10 or 12 years. Colder than 0f and I switch to Sorrels. I also have a huge ass pair of black Kamiks that come up to my knees for snowmobiling, ice fishing and activities that are done in serious cold(-20f or more) or when I'm sitting on my ass without moving much.

Keep your head warm and your hands will stay warm. Keep your belt line(including your ass) warm and your feet will stay warm. I worked a couple winters blowing and grooming snow at night on Stratton Mountain. Climbing up onto chair lift towers at night to hammer ice off the pulleys, in 30-40mph wind, when it's 20 or 30 below zero gives you a very sharp learning curve on how to stay warm. IMHO...nothing beats wool. It's the only thing that will keep you warm when it gets wet. Polypro next to your skin to wick sweat and then wool. If it's windy, a layer of Gore-Tex over the wool. The majority of the super duper high tech fabrics out there are for posuers that want to look like they're on an Everest expedition. They are TOO warm and don't breathe properly. Just my .02

[SgtHawk]

Spent 4 hours in a blind in December and frooze my feet in my 15 year old felt lined. After that I froze all over.
Took me an hour in the truck with the heater going full to recover.
(Everyone but me thought it was funny then. Now even I think I must have looked pretty funny huddling on the floor of the truck.)

Saved by Sportsman guide; with most everything on reduced pricing or clearance:

2000 gram boots (2 different types, one waterproof leather & one rubber)
dual layer long Johns (Poly + Cotton)
rabbit fur hat
thinsulate insulated parka
fleece hooded jacket for inside Parka when things get real windy.

Last but certainly not least from Academy Sports:

D battery powered heated socks
Coleman propane heater (Screw the deer and the hogs... I am just too darn cold and the truck wont be back for an other 2 hours!)

It just is not fun when you are shivering.

[SgtHawk]

Try Sportsmansguide FOR THESE 2000 GRAM INSULATED BOOTS ON SALE:
bx5x1-74323x rubber $50
bx5x1-74558x leather $75
bx5x-91829x rubber $60

hawk

[SID325]

Wore Danners for years, but went custom, whitesboots.com, best boots ever.

sid

[Dean P]

Whites or Schnee's www.schnees.com The new Schnee's hunter 2 pacboots are great, order your correct size with the liners. With the old hunter 1, you had to order 1 size larger with liners. Look at the boots on sale & their used boots on sale.

[Dean P]

I have a twin grandson who is visting his Aunt & working for a outfitter in Red Lodge Mont. Who I hope soaks up some thing about the business. He bailed out of a aircraft engine trade school after telling his dad that it was not his bag. The boy grew up in a rural area & spent his time working on large ranchs. So the high tech trades are to much for him, but he loves cutting & bringing in wood at 20 below. His Dad told me, I have one that is a crackerjack on a nuke sub & one I can't get out of the sticks.

[Nickle]

I prefer Matterhorn's. I wear Matterhorn ST's at work, and that's what I took to Northern Maine in late Nov. I just love Thinsulate and Gore-Tex.

I've got a pair or 2 of the "new" military cold weather boots with liner, but haven't tried them yet.

Hey Airborne, if you retired, the PX carries Matterhorn's at the MCSS. A whole lot cheaper than buying anywhere else.

[Dean P]

Hey Airborne, if you retired, the PX carries Matterhorn's at the MCSS. A whole lot cheaper than buying anywhere else.

They should be since Matterhorn was sold out a few years back.

[Nickle]

Cove sells/makes them now. Prices have gone up over the last 2-3 years. I get mine free from work, got to have "Safety Boots", you know. :wink: It's not my fault that Carolina doesn't make boots that fit me (normal width, they only make wide and wider).

[idsubgun]

I have Danner hunting boots but when the temps start falling, this ol' Idaho boy breaks out the Sorrels. Buy an extra liner or two, and change them out at least once a day and let the other one dry out.

Sorrel makes many, many different styles so finding one that suits you shouldn't be too hard.
Honestly, growing up in the Rockies, I can't remember any other cold weather boots besides Sorrels. It seems everyone in this neck of the woods wear them. The Mickey Mouse boots are pretty popular as well, but are bulky. They are great if you plan on sitting for long periods.

[Brian in MN]

Try the plastic bags sometime, id. All you have to pack is a spare dry pair of liner socks.

[idsubgun]

Originally posted by Brian in MN
Try the plastic bags sometime, id. All you have to pack is a spare dry pair of liner socks.

I will. Thanks!

When I used to spend a few days hunting elk in November, I'd always have extra liners so I could change them out each day, allowing the old ones to dry completely. I've also had to cross creeks and streams during that same time of year and was glad to have those extra liners back at camp.

[Dean P]

Those sorrels make pretty good winter flipflops, if you can't afford any thing else:rolleyes:

[idsubgun]

Originally posted by Dean P
Those sorrels make pretty good winter flipflops, if you can't afford any thing else:rolleyes:

Not at all. You can buy several different styles and some are hunting type boots that have snug fits, just like a "normal" hunting boot.

Besides, how bad of weather does Texas have that require cold weather boots? Are you getting your knowledge second hand? I live in cold weather country and have for decades, every year, year in and year out.

And afford has nothing to do with it. I can afford any boot on the market. Jeez, man, time for some more Geritol or whatever you use to keep reality straight in your own (old) mind.

Your grandson spends his summer vacation in MT and you're an expert on cold weather? Must be nice to be lost in the corridors of your own mind.

Afford? Don't insult us.

[Dean P]

Sorry, you feel that way! :biggrin: I have used your Chinese made sorrels winter flipflops. In Wyo. Mont. & N.D. oilfields. For me they are not comfortable,they feel like a burlapsacks wraped around my feet You buy one size & they be 2 sizes to big. I have used Schnees & there is no comparison. I have been on a few rig moves & pipeline spreads from Rifle Colo. to Rangely to Big Piney Wyo. To Varnel,Utah. Moves from a rig to Sayabec, Quebec out of OK,City. To a steady run from Texas to Edmundton, Alberta, hauling pump units. We had to be ready for anything. 10 years of heavy hauling & rig moves in the northern states (Where it gets deep & cold) prepare you for most anything. I have been snow bound from Manden, North Dakota to Baker Mont. To Great Falls Mont. To Denver Colorado. Now I don't need a drunk to tell me I am lying. My Grandson did not have anything to do with this, I would apprecitate it, if you leave him out of this.

[idsubgun]

Originally posted by Dean P
Sorry, you feel that way! :biggrin: I have used your Chinese made sorrels winter flipflops. In Wyo. Mont. & N.D. oilfields. For me they are not comfortable,they feel like a burlapsacks wraped around my feet You buy one size & they be 2 sizes to big. I have used Schnees & there is no comparison. I have been on a few rig moves & pipeline spreads from Rifle Colo. to Rangely to Big Piney Wyo. To Varnel,Utah. Moves from a rig to Sayabec, Quebec out of OK,City. To a steady run from Texas to Edmundton, Alberta, hauling pump units. We had to be ready for anything. 10 years of heavy hauling & rig moves in the northern states (Where it gets deep & cold) prepare you for most anything. I have been snow bound from Manden, North Dakota to Baker Mont. To Great Falls Mont. To Denver Colorado. Now I don't need a drunk to tell me I am lying. My Grandson did not have anything to do with this, I would apprecitate it, if you leave him out of this.

A drunk, whoa!, excellent retort! I'll have to write that down, right next to, "I know you are, and what am I?" and "Oh yeah?"

You brought your grandson into the fray, not I. You seemed to qualify your statement by mentioning him.

I live in cold weather country, not just visiting. I've visited Texas, does that make me an expert? I don't think so.

BTW, my Sorel's say, "Made in Canada". I don't know where you're buying yours. Maybe they are selling Sorel's "Made in China" where you are because your kind don't know the difference.

Oh, last tip, don't insult people and expect them to lie still for it and don't enter a battle of the wits without any ammo. Neither one will score you points.

[Dean P]

A drunk, whoa!, excellent retort! I'll have to write that down, right next to, "I know you are, and what am I?" and "Oh yeah?"

You brought your grandson into the fray, not I. You seemed to qualify your statement by mentioning him.

I live in cold weather country, not just visiting. I've visited Texas, does that make me an expert? I don't think so.

BTW, my Sorel's say, "Made in Canada". I don't know where you're buying yours. Maybe they are selling Sorel's "Made in China" where you are because your kind don't know the difference.

Oh, last tip, don't insult people and expect them to lie still for it and don't enter a battle of the wits without any ammo. Neither one will score you points.


What a waste of time, grow up & get your head out of the tater juice. And read the post before you run off at the mouth, & my Grandson is still in Mont. Winter flipflops, damn I am good:D

[11boo]

Mickey mouse AKA vapor barrier boots will always be a good warm boot

[Treborer]

For winter I used Sorels I bught in 1984, for twenty years. Get the ones with leather tops.

The 1/2 inch wool liners with a 100% wool sock.

The newer high tech liners are crap.

This was at 8500 -10,000 the in the Rockies, alone way back out.

Texass is a different deal.

Surplus combats from the Korean war with a wool sock would work in texas.


:D

[dadman]

Originally posted by Brian in MN
I hit on the idea of using plastic bags to keep the boots dry and eureka! I wear a plastic bag between two wool socks on each foot. The outer sock and the boot liner remain dry. My inner socks are very wet but my feet are always warm, even in very, very cold weather.
...
I know it sounds like a really dumb idea but it works. If you are skeptical try it on one foot. You will never go back. It is a system that works very well with anything from combat boots to sorrells.
Growing up in Michigan, we wore what was called "snowmobile" boots. Nylon upper, rubber/plastic lower, felt removeable liner.
We used bread bags. Not high tech, but it was cheap and seemed to work at the time.
The cold and snow may be different now, rendering reused bread bags ineffective.:wink: