Hunting Boots

[MNhunterr]

Hey guys, I'm in central Minnesota and the hunting seasons can be quite cold. I'm looking at getting some new boots and was wondering if you had any suggestions. What gram thinsulate is adequate for certain temperatures etc.

I was looking at these:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/waterproof-1200-gram-thinsulate-ultra-quilted-boots-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=552717

Also for base layering, I've never had any fancy types of clothing or anything and have always worn 3-4 regular sweatshirts under my hunting jacket/bibs. I've been looking at getting some of these, any opinions?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp;jsessionid=UV2FP3L1MPCQ5LAQBBJCCN3MCAEFGIWE?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_943698&id=0016690902271a&_requestid=86221

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat470076-cat601715-cat601723&id=0016690902275a&navCount=36&podId=0016690&parentId=cat601723&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601723&hasJS=true

Help would be greatly appreciated!

[GWSmith]

I bought my Dad these boots last year and he's never been happier with any boot he's owned. Keeps his feet extra warm in snow and their very comfortable for him.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/guide-dry-2000-gram-thinsulate-ultra-insulation-sentry-boots-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=552716

[arrow32]

I wear and swear by muck boots. Should look into them great boots.

Here's there website you should check them out. Really worth the money.

http://www.muckboots.com/

[MichiganHunter]

My girlfriend just got a pair of rocky's...they seam to be very nice...1500g But I need a new pair of boots to....buuuut I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate boot shopping I need a 15 EE boot and no one sells them let alone makes them

[wtnhunt]

Don't know how high a thinsulate rating you want to go with, but we have been pretty happy with cabelas lines of boots. Think if it were me for your climate I would probably look at a minimum thinsulate rating of 1200 grams, cabelas gives temp ratings in their catalogs for the boots they sell which may give you a better idea.

[GWSmith]

Don't know how high a thinsulate rating you want to go with, but we have been pretty happy with cabelas lines of boots. Think if it were me for your climate I would probably look at a minimum thinsulate rating of 1200 grams, cabelas gives temp ratings in their catalogs for the boots they sell which may give you a better idea.

Good point William....Activity level while using the boots is an important factor to keep your feet comfortable and not overheated(which will then afterwards get extremely cold). Higher rating for less walking/Lower rating if your walk more.

[MNhunterr]

I went and checked out Cabelas and found these, 1400 thinsulate so it should be about right for walking and sitting in the stand.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat470076-cat601929_TGP&id=0047331812722a&navCount=5&podId=0047331&parentId=cat601929&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=XK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601233&hasJS=true

[azaleaburr]

Opt for waterproof, lightly insulated hunting boots during warmer hunting seasons. Your feet will remain at a comfortable temperature and repel rain or dew.

Pick heavy, insulated, rubber hunting boots if you will be hunting during winter seasons and expect snow-covered terrain. You can also choose leather uppers and rubber-soled hunting boots for mild snow conditions to protect your feet

[joeaveragehunter]

cabelas boots with the zipper in the front. The leather on the heal and ankle prevent cracks you get with a regular rubber boot. They feel more like a tennis shoe they are so comfortable. If you get cold easy go for the 1200 gram. I went 800 and can wear them for bowhunting without getting too warm and with wool socks warm enough for gun season. Make sure you buy a size bigger than you would with shoes. The extra room is what keeps your feet warm. A tight boot is a cold boot no matter how many grams it is.

[wtnhunt]

cabelas boots with the zipper in the front. The leather on the heal and ankle prevent cracks you get with a regular rubber boot. They feel more like a tennis shoe they are so comfortable. If you get cold easy go for the 1200 gram. I went 800 and can wear them for bowhunting without getting too warm and with wool socks warm enough for gun season. Make sure you buy a size bigger than you would with shoes. The extra room is what keeps your feet warm. A tight boot is a cold boot no matter how many grams it is.

The pinnacle series of cabelas boots are very good boots imo, not sure how high an insulating rating they have on the insulated line of them though. I have a pair of these in snake boots, very comfortable and they are relatively lightweight for a goretex tall boot.

[TBow]

As some people have eluded to, outdoor enthusiasts in northern locales will need to look at more than one set of boots. A pair that will suffice for summer and early fall, will not come close to adressing the frigid and severe conditions that late fall and winter will expose someone to. One pair of boots in all probability will not do it all with optimum results in each season.

And unless your outdoor expeditions are restricted to raking leaves in the backyard, I'd suggest to keep quality in mind and don't let cost be a deciding factor (cheap doesn't always translate into the best bang for your buck$). If your feet aren't happy afield, then nor will you be.

I use one set of lightweight boots (light insulation) for early fall, and have a heavier insulated set for late fall and winter. If the terrain you frequent is dry predominantly, then leather or breathable boots will probably keep your feet the most comfortable in non-frigid temps. However, if you are exposed to damp locations in ccccold temperatures, then you might want to revisit the material used in construction and opt for a rubber outing with heavy insulation.

Where I hunt, I am frequently in and out of creeks and damp areas, so I use a quality pair of rubber hunting boots, but I select a pair that's about three or four sizes larger than my actual foot size. I then double up on the insulation liners to enhance the warmth capability and to keep my foot movement inside the boot to a minimum. I have spent 3 to 4 hours on stands in -20 to -30 using this strategy with good results.

You have to be careful to have your boots fit properly. Too tight and your feet will freeze no matter how much insulation you have. Too loose and you will restrict your ability to walk comfortably for any distance.

And if you use a non-breathable material in your boots and opt for removeable insulated liners, be sure to remove your liners every evening when you return to camp or home in order to allow them to dry out. If you leave them in, the dampness from your sweating feet will translate into cold tootsies in the coming days.

I use Baffin brand boots and have been happy with them, but they are typically two to three times more expensive than the usual rubber hunting boots sold at the local 5 and dime.

TBow

[maytom]

Honestly, for extremely cold weather, you can't beat the pac boots. Sportsmans guide carries an awesome pair for the money!!! Click the link below.

Note: Most other types of boots work well as long as your "moving" around like walking or still hunting. When your sitting for hours on end in very cold conditions, these boots don't work well at all.

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/guide-gear-minus-100-degree-waterproof-2000-gram-thinsulate-insulated-pac-boots.aspx?a=88570

[stevebeilgard]

i have the boots and the polar, and like them both. even with them, i still get cold. but that's just me.

[m gardner]

I use Schnee's rubber bottom/leather top boots with the liner. They are warm and great to travel over tough terrain in. I've had them for 5 years and they show little wear, even the liners. My moderate temp boots are Danner Grouse Hunters and for summer I wear Danner Arcadia Desert boots. All pricey but they last for years even if you abuse them. I had to walk a long ways out of a bad spot once with a pair of cheap boots that I'd ripped the sole off while climbing some ribbon cliffs and since then I get only the best.

Mark

[hunterbobb]

I hunt 20 miles south of Grand Rapids near Hill City, so I know the weather variations you are up against. During a normal year I wear a pair of Rocky boots that have 1000 grms of Thinsulate. They are good for temperatures down into the 30's. Not to heavey for walking around in and warm enough for mild conditions.

If it gets into the 20's I wear the same boots to my stand but once there I slip on a pair of Artic Shield boot blankets. This has kept me warm on days when it got down to -10

:gun2: