Boot Help

[Tom (Mich)]

Here's a question for some of our Western Walleye Central brethren. I'm planning my "dream" hunt this fall - Idaho elk and mule deer in October. I'm told we'll be between 5,000 and 10,000 feet in elevation and the weather will be variable and to expect lots of walking.

What type of boot would be best - specifically how many grams of insulation should I go with. I'm certain my Michigan boots will be too warm for this. Thanks in advance.

[delque]

i have a question for my cold weather brethern in Mich. what weight of goretex in the boot do you use up in Michigan, and which model do You like?. How versatile is that boot,snow,mud, and in general down to what temperature? Sorry i cant help on the out west question, i used to live in the rockies 20 years ago and trap in the high snow country, wore snow pacs in snow shoes while out on a snowmobile trapine, but technology has changed the way even the simple boots are made, so my input is outdated.
good post, good luck

[chadk66]

I use Rocky Stalkers with 600 grams of thinsulate to hunt in ND even late in the fall. I even have used them ice fishing. As long as you are moving a little your feet don't get cold. Hunting for elk you'll be walking a lot a I don't know if you should get more than 600 or 800 grams. One thing that helps extremely well is using a pair of polypropalene (sp?) socks to wick moisture. One other thing is make sure whichever you buy they have good lugger type soles for climbing in the mountains and that they are light weight. have a great trip.

[Mattman]

LAST EDITED ON Jan-03-01 AT 08:11AM (CST)[p]Cabela's Outfitters. Several weights of Thinsulate. I have two pair and just got my wife a pair. I wear the 12" 600 grams all fall, some ice fishing and all spring. I wear the 7" uninsulated for work and cool summer fishing. $ from these boots also goes to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

[Gunga Din]

LAST EDITED ON Jan-03-01 AT 11:04AM (CST)[p]I live in Utah--one state south of Idaho. It's generally colder up there, but at that elevation it's pretty close to the same.

Unless this is a late season hunt, warmth shouldn't be much of a factor while hunting--especially if bow hunting. With rifle, warmth is more of a factor, but still not the overriding issue. It will be warmer than you think during the day, though you'll feel right at home once the sun goes down.

The biggest issue, I believe, is having a lightweight boot. Pac boots would be useless, except for mulling around camp. But for the mountains, I'd look for a boot with good support, good vibram sole, waterproof, and breathable. A little insulation in the boot wouldn't hurt, but isn’t a necessity.

The reason you'll want light boots is because you'll likely be covering some distance during the day. And acclimating from near sea level you'll be sucking air like a vacuum. Make sure you're in good cardiovascular condition. Also, make sure you break in the boots well. You should be able to walk up a steep grade without it rubbing the back of your heel. And you want to be able to come down that same grade without your toes being jammed.

One last thing to think about... I hike an awful lot, and my footwear of choice is a pair of running shoes. They're extremely light and have decent traction. The adage goes something like a pound on the foot equals ten on your back. You'll want something a little more durable and weather resistant than a running shoe, but you get my drift.

Enjoy the trip.

[AquaMan]

Take a look at the Irish Setter Series. Very comforable and durable. www.irishsetterboots.com. Check out the Rackatack 896

Other top of the line MFRs are:
Vasgue
LaCrosse
Red Wing
Danner

I personally like lether boots, bit a lot of guys will swear by the nylon for longevity. However, I have a pair of leather hiking boots (You know the ones with the Vibram sole and the low cut uppers) I wore in highschool and have today that are in great shape. Soles are a bit smooth, but they work well around the cabin. They are almost 25 years old now...hows that for dating myself. Whew!

The things you want to look for in a good boot is good ankle support, sole flexability, water resistance, breathability and traction. Since you will be hiking in rough terrain, support is paramount. I would recomend a 8"-10" boot with laces all the way up and a good steel shank. Sole lug should be agressive. Leather will breath, as will Thinsolate. I would not get any more then 7-900 grams since you can alter your warmth with a good combo of socks. The liner should be silk or polypropelene and a wool over sock of varing thickness can create the warmth you need. ALWAYS cary an extra pair of liners and wools to change into if you feet get wet or sweaty. Keep laces tight and clean the boot every night for extended life and most good boots will last for years.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

--- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

[Phil T.]

You need to talk with your outfitter, and listen carefully to his recommendations. If the terrain is steep and rocky, you may need to buy a mountain boot, if it's more gentle, a more flexible boot may be adequate and will be more comfortable. A mountain boot flexes front to back, but shouldn't twist. Some of those guides really insist on Danner boots with the air bob soles. It has to do with traction on icy rocks.
My outfitter recommended mountain boots, but the slopes weren't so steep that Danners would be required. I had very good luck with Cabela's Mountain Hunter II boots. The soles wouldn't twist sideways, so one could move on narrow rock edges without slipping, and the cordura construction helped the GoreTex lining breathe easier.

[Hunter]

I am heading out for my 2nd trip to Montana in late season. The boots that all the guides that I encountered were made by Schnees. The web site is http://www.schnees.com/ but they are having some problems with the site right now.

I figure if all the guides are wearing them so will I.

Best of Luck!