A good cold weather backpacking boot?

“I a looking to buy a good cold weather backpacking boot?That is temp rated to -20 to -40.That can handle a pack weight of 50+.Does anyone have good info on this?

Crazy Mike”

“Will you be using snowshoes?”

“sometimes yes and sometimes no.


Crazy Mike”

“Check it out...

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/sportsmansguide/menvasalgorb.html


(Sorry, I don't know how to do the link thingie)

Got me a pair of 'em about 2 months ago. Been using for dayhiking, backpacking and snowshoeing (they also fit nicely to my 10-point crampons).

They're the same as the Vasque Clarion GTX (which I also own), only higher and with 400 grams insulation.

So far, I like 'em a lot ...and got 'em for only $100 at the above website. They'r no longer in production, but Vasque has a very similar model: the Yukon (which are also difficult to locate)”

“I could not get the page to work???

Crazy Mike”

“I just bought a pair of Rocky Forester II hunting boots to use with my shoeshoes and on trails in winter when it is really cold -- Cordura and waterproof leather with Gore-Tex bootie lining and 1,000-gram Thinsulate. 10-inch height (good support) and a grippy snow/mud-shedding tread. But still quite light overall compared with the much bulkier felt-lined Sorel pac boots I've used snowshoeing in years past.

I bought mine at the local shoe store (I want them to stay in business, they are the last one in our little town), but Cabela's has them for $139.95, which is $15 cheaper than I paid. Good boots are about the only thing I'll pay full price for since trying them on first is an absolute must for my hard to please feet. Rockies come in wide, too.”

“Would they work good for backpacking?

Crazy Mike”

“They sound like a good boot...
I will look into it...;)


Crazy Mike

Thank you....:)”

“Koflach. nuf said”

“Lightweight snowboots use to be an oxymoron, however, in the last 10 or so years, snowboots have taken a turn for the better wrt weight and functionability. I'd seriously consider getting boots more suited for the temps you'll actually be wearing them in. No sense lugging around an extra 30F of unnecessary insulation and larger boot to accommodate it.

Just don't get heavy boots is what I'm trying to say. Do a thorough search and compare snowboots prior to purchasing.
;)”

“I looked at that boot and it looks good.The only thing that might feel weird is the high back of the boot.

Crazy Mike”

“iluv, just be clear on how you will use your boots. For example, mountaineering boots and well-insulated hiking/walking boots both can handle the cold but have two different missions, so criteria such as sole stiffness are very different. I picked the Rockies because the sole is flexible enough for good walking in the woods, but there is enough support to carry a pack. If I was headed above treeline and was facing snowpack and ice where I would need crampons, I'd want a very different boot.

BTW, make sure you have enough room to wiggle your toes and in general around your foot, even when wearing the heavier socks you probably plan on for winter, or you will likely get cold feet no matter what the rating on the box. There is such a difference in fit between the various brands, you'll be best off finding a store with a wide range of models. Danners are nice boots but even their wide was too narrow for me.

Also, the temp rating usually given is for when you are active. They won't handle that temp when you are sitting still.”

“Ok I understand.I need is a boot that can be used for backpacking in winter and can go onto my snowshoes?So with that said would that be a good boot?

Crazy Mike”

“Hey, Pekka, I've been using Sorel pacboots this winter. They've been really good. And yeah, they're heavy. But they make my feet toasty warm. The weight hasn't been an issue so far.”

“They would be if you were going to use them for backpacking....


Crazy Mike”

“I just weighed my pairs of sorel and kamik boots,, each pair is #5, with the felt liners,, that is not heavy! anything that weighs less will not hold up to either colder weather or more weight,, my sorels are 20 years old, and my kamiks are 10, only reason I bought the kamiks is the waffle soles grip better. I do carry a spare set of liners when I go out, like carrying another set of boots for only half a pound. I also sleep with the liners in my bag so I have toasty warm boots in the morning.”

“See I like the idea of that when yo wake up you have a added warmth you can put in your boot....:)

Crazy Mike”

“Got a pair of Chippewa 50 Belows about 8 years ago, primarily for winter hiking. They were so warm, so comfortable, and broke in immediately, that they became my everyday streetwear all winter. My first pair lasted over 4 years of winter bping, snowshoeing, and daily wear from October through May. I'm really hard on boots and 4+ years amazing. I'm into the fourth year of my second pair now. They're great with snowshoes, warm enough that I can wear light socks except in the coldest weather, waterproof, compatible with some crampons and x-c ski bindings. Last pair I bought was about $200 and worth every cent. Worth checking out at a good boot shop. I almost hate the coming of warm weather when I've gotta put 'em away!”

“My Raichle Mountain Trekker's last about 2 seasons, but are the only boots that are comfortable for me to hike in. Not good in snow, gets cold.

I got some Montrail Moraines, which are great for snowshoeing (feet don't get cold, stays dry inside), but for hiking over 5 miles I get hotspots/blisters on the heels. The break-in is 500 miles, but it'll take forever at 5 miles at a time. I've probably got 50 miles on them, and I've had them 3-4 years now.

For the Lassen snowshoe/backpack trip (tittywarmers, sausages and snowboards), I used my snowboarding boots to snowshoe. Comfortable, and I was able to switch to the snowboard without carrying extra boots. I think the snowboarding boots are lighter than the Montrails.”

“I have lots of ideas to go by and I will look into all of them...:)

You guys rock thank you....:)

Crazy Mike”

“Mike, I don't know what your budget is like, but I do have a strong recommendation....whatever brand/model you settle on, buy two boots. All that hopping in the snow can really wear ya out.

;-)”

“I started wearing these boots while I was in the Army. If we wore Matterhorns, we didn't have to wear those awful green rubber overshoes. They are a little on the heavy side but not to bad. They come about half way up my calf so they keep alot of snow out. They are the warmest boots I have ever used, even in January out in the field in the mud and snow my feet stayed warm. They are lined with a thinsulate/goretex mix I think. They don't leak water so that my feet stay pretty dry. Wool socks work best with these boots. They are about $120.00, I got mine at a PX, but I have seen them at other shoe stores, and I am sure they have a website. Check the weight and the fit before you buy, and may the boot force be with you.”

“I've seen Matterhorns in the Brigade Quartermaster and U.S. Cavalry catalogs (and websites) in the past. Nice to hear a first-hand report on them.”

“I am happy with my Merrell Polar Blasts.”

“Sense LeSubtil has me hooked on this sled hiking I've been thinking of a different pair of boots for snow. I've always hated walking in the heavy Sorels and thought something like these Columbias isn't a good option? Isn't most of the warmth of a boot in the sock choice?”

“My boots have some kind of closed cell foam under the footbed so you don't lose heat to the snow/ice underfoot. I think that makes a big difference. I wear the same socks whether it's -10 or 80.”

“Merrell Milliniums are what I use and my feet never get cold,I almost always have 50 lbs on my back and they are waterproof.”

“I know OR makes an insulated overboot. I think they double as a gaitor. Might be a nice option to buying another pair of boots.”

“Lots of good suggestions here...

Costco had some low cut "hiking" boots by Sorel a few weeks ago, they were temp rated down to 20 below or something like that.

Temp rating's on boots is a tricky subject...if they meet their ratings when your hiking, they could be to cold when your resting and if they meet them while your standing around camp, you may sweat in them when your hiking.

Most Sorel's are kind of soft for extended hiking on rocky ground, although my partner has a pair of those that were in Costco and he said they weren't that bad.

.........Roseymonster, did you check out the Shasta map?”

“Crazy Mike,

It's hard to find "the perfect pair" of winter boots (if they exist at all). Here's an alternative arrangement to consider for cold weather footwear...

Just use a pair of the best boots you can find to suit your pack weight and topography (GTX or similar is recommended for waterproofing and warmth). Adding gaiters will help a lot to keep any snow out. Then, so long as you're moving, your feet will stay relatively warm. For putzin' around the campsite, you can insert a pair of disposable foot warmers, or wear down booties.”

“I was wondering about those overboots too, Rosey. You'd have the support and fit of your regular boots with just a little added weight, but how do they perform in the muck? They look like they have a sole like down booties.

Anybody used 'em?”

“If the overboots your talking about are the Brooks Ranger overboots by OR, they have a fabric bottom, there meant to be worn in snow or with crampon's....... They do make a ski gaiter/overboot called the X-Gaiter that has an exposed boot sole, it uses a cable around the welt to hold them on, they also have a cable that goes under the instep.....they were mean for backcountry skiing and mixed alpine mountaineering....I use them for tele skiing and they work well for that, should work for hiking as long as your boots aren't to soft and you don't bang them on the rocks a lot .

You can see them here..
X-Gaiters”

“I have been holding back, because I have never found one good solution.

I use my backcountry ski boots for snowshoeing, but they are too stiff for hiking.

I use my hiking boots down to freezing or so with Thorlo Expedition or Smart Wool Mountaineer socks.

For very cold hiking I might you might look atSteger Mukluks”

“....but the Mukluks don't have any ankle support.”

“MtnSteve: That is a cool map. I think I have that map in a Shasta route book I own. I think that route/side of the mtn. deteriorates pretty quickly so I'm trying to get my buddy out there before April. Also, thanks for the OR link. I may have to pick up a pair of those for winter activities.”

“I think I am going to go over to REI and see what they have...
I think I am going to have to look around for some time.But that one boot that had the 1000 grams in it looks good....

Crazy Mike”

“I have a pair of X gaiters. I used them for hiking in snow a few times and they keep your feet warmer with the insulation installed in the gaiter. The problem I ran into though is that snow wads up next to your boot from the bottom of the gaiter since it's hard to get a tight seal. Then the snow melts against the leather boot and wets it out. Gore tex boots would probably solve this however.”

“I think I am going to get the boot that Pekka told me about that boot sounds real good.But the back of the boot is very high I have always had normal backpacking boots is that going to feel very diffrent to me or should I not worry about it?

Crazy Mike”

“iluv, that is something to consider. Certainly gaiters will be more important for a lower-cut boot if you are going to be snowshoeing or winter hiking.

Just make sure you need that level of insulation and that the fit is right, no matter which boot you choose.

BTW, there are a number of cold weather field boots on the Sierra Trading Post website.”

“Ok I just got off REI online and I ordered the Sorel onquest boots for $116.99.They look like great boot and I like the drawstring at the top it acts like a gator.So does any one out there have these boots if so tell me about them.”

“Around the campsite, 1000 grams of insulation might be nice, but would be waaay too hot and sweaty for me when on the move, especially while carrying a full winter pack.”

“Well I look at it this way I would rather be hot then cold ya know what I mean.”

“Mike: I liked those Sorel Conquest boots myself ($110 at Gander Mountain). Seriously considered buying a pair. Very nice boot, and relatively lightweight.”

“I can't wait to get them.....:)”

“I just got them and they feel great.....:)I can't wait to go backpacking this weekend in them.....:)”

“Hey Steiny - thanks for the tip on the Chippewa 50 belows. I picked up a pair tonight from the Army & Navy. Super boot! And I managed to get $30 off at the same time.”

“Pennsy Hiker thats great that you got $30 off....:)

Way to go.....:)

Good deals are the best...:)”

“Those look like some awesome boots.

And at just over 2lbs per boot with a -40F rating, even.”

“Buddur, I think that is the boot Iluvbackpacking settled on.

I can tell you one thing, I'm wearing my Asolo Fusion 95GTXs today to try out some new gel heel cups, and they may make my feet warmer in summer, but they sure are cold boots in the winter. When I took the dogs out for some R&R in the back yard, I could feel the heat draining out through the soles. Whatever the composition of the sole is, it sure conducts heat as well as transmits shock.”

“Montrail Torra GTX
great snow rain or shine
heavy loads are supported”