BWCA Footwear Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
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Kraut88
senior member (53)senior membersenior member
  
10/31/2018 09:30AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
What do you guys suggest for footwear when travelling to camp or heading out for daytrips? Wet cold/dry cold conditions, slushy lakes, any other considerations?
I guess in camp a pair of Mukluks would be the way to go.
 
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SevenofNine
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10/31/2018 10:11AM  
I wear my Mukluks on day trips as well. If slush is going to be an issue then I have an overboot over them. I bring a spare pair of liners in case I punch through without the overboot on. Do you bring two pairs of boots? I have used hiking boots in the past with snowshoes but they retain too much water and freeze overnight so I switched to the Mukluks only.

You could consider a lightweight winter boot (Men's Thermo Freeze Mid Waterproof) with a gaiter for day trips if you worry about your Mukluks being uncomfortable on a day trip. I just find these waterproof boots retain too much water and I cold camp so I can't dry them out.
Gadfly
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10/31/2018 01:37PM  
I Always bring two pair, a heavy pair for around camp and while fishing and a pair specifically for travel. As someone who likes to make long trips light boots are a must, they are even on sale right now at REI!


Boots
Arcola
distinguished member (295)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
10/31/2018 10:04PM  
I use the -40 Mickey Mouse boots. I also ordered Valenkis from Russia for the dry cold. I'll see if they don't need a Mukluk cover when they get here.
11/02/2018 09:33AM  
When I started winter camping I used what I had, which was insulated hunting boots for travel/snowshoeing, and a big heavy pair of LaCross pac boots for around camp. It worked, but I found the hunting boots (no removable liner) was harder to get fully dry.

Then I got a pair of mukluks and found I loved using them for travel but also loved them around camp more than my pac boots. Basically, I always wanted to be in my mukluks. So I ended up getting a second pair of mukluks and always have a pair dry. I did just consider a second liner only, but without the liners the muks pack down very small, so a second pair made sense to me. I also got a pair of Neos for slush or extreme cold. I think its important to have something water proof that can go over the mukluks, or sometimes I'll just put the liner inside the Neos. It is a lot of footwear, but I am traveling solo and figure my feet are essential to getting out in one piece. If I really wanted to cut weight, I'd consider 1 pair muks, one extra liner, and a pair of Tingley overshoes (cheap and light weight), which is what the Lure of the North folks do. But then again, they travel in a group so there is always someone else to help.
11/02/2018 09:50AM  
Arcola: "I use the -40 Mickey Mouse boots. I also ordered Valenkis from Russia for the dry cold. I'll see if they don't need a Mukluk cover when they get here."

When you get those Valenkis and have a chance to use them, be sure to post some comments and photos of them. I'm really curious to know how you like them.
Mnpat
distinguished member (158)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/03/2018 08:18PM  
Ski boots and hiking boots for a day trip. For overnight trips ski boots and a pair of boots with a removable liner. I wear gaiters in deep snow or when it’s really cold. I like combi ski boots because they are stiffer with more ankle support.
DanCooke
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11/04/2018 11:01AM  
I travel on Skis and do all camp stuff, ice fishing and wood gathering in CCS mukluks. No liners to dry- or need to dry the mukluks as Thinsulate does not absorb moisture like wool pak liners.
Kraut88
senior member (53)senior membersenior member
  
11/06/2018 02:09PM  
Thanks Everyone for your input! Now I have some decisions to make....
SevenofNine
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11/06/2018 06:13PM  
Keep us posted as everyone likes to hear about your decision. What works for you will be the best choice. Everyone has different preferences so no criticism here. You won’t be the first person to try different boots. I know I’ve gone through several types until settling on Mukluks.
Arcola
distinguished member (295)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/06/2018 08:15PM  
Jaywalker: "
Arcola: "I use the -40 Mickey Mouse boots. I also ordered Valenkis from Russia for the dry cold. I'll see if they don't need a Mukluk cover when they get here."

When you get those Valenkis and have a chance to use them, be sure to post some comments and photos of them. I'm really curious to know how you like them. "

I'll do a separate thread. ;)
Arcola
distinguished member (295)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
11/23/2018 08:58PM  
Jaywalker: "
Arcola: "I use the -40 Mickey Mouse boots. I also ordered Valenkis from Russia for the dry cold. I'll see if they don't need a Mukluk cover when they get here."

When you get those Valenkis and have a chance to use them, be sure to post some comments and photos of them. I'm really curious to know how you like them. "

Holy Kamoly!! They arrived today and exceed my expectations. Very stiff and very tall.
The fit is not American standard, but being felt I know they will break in. The sole portion is "tighter" than the tops and I'm not making Mukluk tops for them just yet.
I had Korean war era wool Bunny boots as a kid and there was nothing as warm in the dry cold. Nothing. After searching for as good/reasonable pair of the old Bunnies, I gave up. I can't see these not fitting the bill.

Arcola
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11/23/2018 09:13PM  
I should add that I ordered a size larger and they came a size larger. With wear and foot moisture they might tighten/shrink some. I have plenty of room for socks. :)
 
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