Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: pd on April 07, 2013, 10:08:38 PM

Title: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: pd on April 07, 2013, 10:08:38 PM: I am planning a switch-up of my hunting strategy this year, and I am preparing for the late season in the higher country. This means a lot of hiking (far away from the truck), a few days/nights overnight back country camping. 120% chance of rain, perhaps some snow. I need to re-examine all of my gear, and I need your advice!

What type of hunting boot should I consider? My summertime climbing boots are all leather, my late season climbing boots have recently changed from plastic with liners to leather/plastic combos. My early season hunting boots are synthetic (Gore-Tex type boots), but I won't take these high into the mountains--these are the boots that need to be replaced. I won't use leather boots for the late season, because I can't dry them.

How high of a boot do you use? That is, 8" or 10" or what?
How much insulation do you use in your boot? 400 Thinsulate, or what?
For high country, do you use a boot with a liner, or not?

Thanks for any tips.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: huntnnw on April 07, 2013, 10:21:55 PM: I wear a 10" boot and 400 Thinsulate and Goretex..seems to be fine for cold weather as long as your moving around.

Really all the highend boots co make good boots....its just your foot preference.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: fillthefreezer on April 08, 2013, 07:56:16 AM: i still prefer an uninsulated boot until were talking below 20deg. or theres not alot of activity planned. i like an 8-10" with good gaiters.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: JM on April 08, 2013, 08:19:22 AM: Quote from: fillthefreezer on April 08, 2013, 07:56:16 AM
i still prefer an uninsulated boot until were talking below 20deg. or theres not alot of activity planned. i like an 8-10" with good gaiters.

I agree, never leave the trailhead without gaiters. 10" 400g boots have worked well for every type of weather that I've experienced. As long as your boots are water proof and you have good socks along with gaiters and water proof pants you'll be fine.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: MLHSN on April 08, 2013, 09:59:10 AM: Unless I'm carrying a heavy pack. I actually wear low-top waterproof trail runners. I always wear gators late in the season. I even snowshoe in low tops and the gators still keep the snow out. If I am carrying a heavy pack, I'll wear climbing boots like Asolo's that are only 5-6" high. Just enough to give ankle support.

I NEVER wear insulated boots. It's got to get down around zero degrees for me to pull those out of the closet. I would rather get the insulation from some good cold weather socks. If it's really that cold that I can't handle it, I'm going to have a fire.

This is just my suggestion, but if you are going into the backcountry very far, the extra couple pounds of heavy boot will wear your legs out fast. I'd go with a waterproof boot as light as you feel your needed ankle support can handle and buy some good cold-weather socks.

YMMV, But I don't see to many people 10-15 miles into the backcountry with 10" high boots. Maybe if they have horses.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: pd on April 08, 2013, 11:19:49 AM: Thanks, guys, for the input. This is exactly what I need.

I am one of the last remaining climbers still wearing heavy (clunky) climbing boots, all leather, full steel shanks. I bought the very best Italian boots many years ago (very expensive), and they have served me well. My point is this: I am not afraid of heavy boots, because they are so much more capable than the lightweights (for kicking steps, safe descents, compatibility with crampons, &c.). I do--of course--understand the appeal of lightweight shoes; for this reason, when I am climbing, I bring an old pair of lightweight running shoes for evening wear. Given that my new hunting area does have some snow zone mountain passes (possible icy climbs), I will not rely upon low tops. I envy those who can use them, however!

I always have gaitors in my top bag, and will wear waterproof pants. Based upon the few comments here, I will look hard at synthetic boots, with either 8" or 10" tops (my other boots are all in that range, and I like the ankle support). My pack tends to be heavy, so I do want a boot with firm support in the shank.

The only question now is insulated or not. I understand the argument on both sides. Hmmm. What to do! I hope that some of you late season hunters will also chime in, and share your experiences.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: snowpack on April 08, 2013, 11:29:14 AM: I use heavy leather boots. I don't think the plastics are really necessary for hunting for browsing animals. If you are looking for fur bearers maybe, but the deer and elk usually head down to the lower elevations when the conditions for plastic are good. The leather seem fine because the snow that does have animals isn't usually more than a foot and if it is it isn't really cold enough to freeze them. When it is, there's likely not critters still in the area. Unless you like bobcats, fishers, martens, rabbits, etc.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: JM on April 08, 2013, 01:14:12 PM: I've got a pair of Kenetrek mountain extreme's these sound like what you're looking for. They're pretty expensive ($360-$400) but they're solid boots and I would think that they are compatible with cramp-ons, you might wanna check that out though.

I've never hunted late for deer or elk in the Wa backcountry, but I have hunted Idaho a lot and I've seen bucks above 6000' in the end of October in snow up to there bellys. So if a guy has the cajones to chase em and patience to wait out the big cloud banks and fog that plague the high country later in the season He'll kill a nice buck, and a 10" insulated boot will keep your feet that much warmer in these conditions
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: dreamingbig on April 12, 2013, 03:42:14 PM: I still wear my lowa tibets and combine with kuiu gaiters. Or croc gaiters also highly recommended.

Has anyone tried the heated insoles by thermacell?
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: jbeaumont21 on April 12, 2013, 03:51:27 PM: Not sure where you live but if you have an REI near by they carry a lot of great mountaineering boots that you could try on. I know I am in the minority but I had a pair of kenetrek's and did not like them so made the switch to a mountaineering boot rather than a hunting boot. I believe that more people hike then hunt so the technology seems to be more advanced with the hiking style of boot.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: mountainman on April 12, 2013, 08:15:13 PM: Mendle Hunters, Kennetrek xtremes and Danner Canadians. All broke in and lots of support and warmth when its needed!
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: JLS on April 12, 2013, 08:27:12 PM: I wear Lowa Sheep Hunters when it gets cold.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: pd on April 12, 2013, 08:41:08 PM: I keep getting great advice from all of you. Many continued thanks.
Title: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: jackelope on April 12, 2013, 09:11:31 PM: I've worn 400 gram thinsulate meindl perfekt hunter boots hunting/hiking in single digit temps to the 80's and have also worn them with crampons up Mt Adams. They've been great.
Title: Re: Best type of boot for late season, high mountain hunting?
Post by: JLS on April 12, 2013, 09:23:56 PM: Quote from: JLS on April 12, 2013, 08:27:12 PM
I wear Lowa Sheep Hunters when it gets cold.

Forgot to add, I have also worn them with crampons, climbed the northwest side of Mt Adams in them.