BWCA Best Winter Boots Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
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Portage99
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08/07/2021 09:04AM  
I received a very nice REI gift card from my previous employer as a parting gift. I'd like to buy some warm snow hiking boots, focus on warmth and traction.

I typically buy men's boots as I like the design and color better.

 
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08/09/2021 11:48AM  
I have Sorel Glacier XT boots on my wishlist for the future. They are what the BSA issues for their Okpik winter camping participants at the Scout base on Moose Lake. Makes my Sorel pac boots look like moccassins.
Portage99
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08/09/2021 10:16PM  
Thank you!
rightsideup
member (28)member
  
08/26/2021 07:40AM  
Get an extra set of liners too.
09/08/2021 09:39AM  
rightsideup: "Get an extra set of liners too. "


That's great advice, especially if you're gonna be out on a trip!
Model94
senior member (61)senior membersenior member
  
09/23/2021 07:46PM  
if by "hiking" you mean mainly active vs sedentary activities, the Solomon x ultra tracks or toundras are very nice. Traction is really good and they are plenty warm if you are out snowshoeing etc.
Minnesotian
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09/28/2021 06:15PM  

I really like the Columbia Fairbanks. I actually find them too hot if I am hiking and then wear them indoors for too long. Good traction and lightweight.
Columbia Fairbanks

However, if you are going hiking in any snow with some depth to it, and it is below 15 degrees, I nothing beats mukluks.
ssava
senior member (72)senior membersenior member
  
09/29/2021 09:06AM  
I took advice from others on this forum making sure to find ones with removable liners. For the price, the kamik nation plus is really hard to beat. Kevin Callahan, the Happy Camper on youtube is also a fan!
Portage99
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10/03/2021 08:22PM  
Thanks for all the suggestions. REI does not have many of these exact models, but I might buy the boots elsewhere....and, buy a tent from REI! My tent leaked this weekend! Even after I recently resealed the seams. So, I have been wanting a four-season tent, if you have recommendation on that.

I found a bunch of Kamik models. Is this design your referring to?



Kamik Nation
ssava
senior member (72)senior membersenior member
  
10/04/2021 03:58PM  
Portage99: "Thanks for all the suggestions. REI does not have many of these exact models, but I might buy the boots elsewhere....and, buy a tent from REI! My tent leaked this weekend! Even after I recently resealed the seams. So, I have been wanting a four-season tent, if you have recommendation on that.


I found a bunch of Kamik models. Is this design your referring to?

Thats the one


Kamik Nation "
ssava
senior member (72)senior membersenior member
  
10/06/2021 09:54AM  
Portage99: So, I have been wanting a four-season tent, if you have recommendation on that.

I think many people will advise you NOT to get a 4 season tent for winter use. Sounds counterintuitive but you need a tent that breathes, condensation being the element that will ruin your adventure. Not to mention, absurdly expensive. I know outfitting groups don't even use a tent, a tarp maybe in the event of active snowfall. Otherwise, open air under the stars
NotLight
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10/15/2021 10:08PM  
"I found 4-season tents a bit difficult to set up in the cold. And they seem like overkill for Minnesota because you almost never have a huge snow load or high winds. You can get a floorless tipi from companies like seek outside that have a stove jack. Or you can get a floorless pyramid tent like this. The floorless tents are nice because you can just shake off most of the condensation/frost. Use a tarp for the floor or just sleep on the ice/snow on a sleeping pad.
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14414)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
10/20/2021 11:41AM  
I will suggest getting a pair of Baffin Impact boots. They are polar rated and will accept snowshoes. I stand on the ice for hours and my feet are warm. They have a multi layer liner. If you are looking for warm feet all day long these are what you need.
santacruz
senior member (62)senior membersenior member
  
11/26/2021 07:19AM  
I ice fish in a pair of Baffin's, warmest boots I have had.
Portage99
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12/06/2021 02:02PM  
Thank you so much for all the great suggestions. I decided to try and shop local so I could try on the boots. I hate playing tag with companies having to send them back when they don’t fit. So, a while back a store here had a sale. It was a pretty good sale on boots. I had trouble finding any of these exact recommendations. I did find a brand recommend.

I bought a pair of Kamik Canuck. I just tried them out in -4/ -27 windchill. They worked really well. I just had on one pair of smart wool socks. After about 45 minutes I could have put on a second pair of socks. But I was not uncomfortable. Just began noticing a little cold. Once I walked through some drifts that Cole disappeared.So, I am happy with my purchase. They are a bit heavy but that is a better work-out. I love the cinches by the ankle as I like that support. See photos.










12/08/2021 09:19AM  
Good luck with them - I hope they work out really well for you. If there is enough room inside, you could try adding an extra wool felt insole inside the liner for extra warmth. I do this almost all the time instead of wearing a second pair of socks. I’m convinced a lot of heat is lost out the bottom of your feet. So is the US military, who put nearly a full inch on the bottom of their extreme cold weather boots. I usually use a 1/4 inch insole, but have nearly 1/2 for when it’s really cold. Better cushion too.
Portage99
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12/08/2021 09:56AM  
Good advice. I will try that.

These boots are okay for now. I have trouble finding good footwear that I am happy with. I am sure I will keep searching.

The only shoe I have ever loved 100% is my Keen Targhee boots. I love those things, keep buying more. I just wish they would last longer.
dhfish
member (41)member
  
12/08/2021 11:38AM  
For the tent if you are planning to stay reasonably close to the EP and do day trips I have found an insulated ice pop-up to work really well. Not recommended for long trips obviously, but it fits on the toboggan just fine, and houses a sheepherder stove easily.
 
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