Has anyone compared the two? I'm ready to buy one or the other but am having some difficulty deciding. I plan to use them for winter camping, hunting, and snowshoeing.

If those are your two options, I would certainly look at the CCS Mukluks too. Empire makes some good stuff, but I am not totally sold on the canvas for footwear. I understand their philosophy, and do use a bit of canvas for my own "stuff," but I don't think I would feel comfortable relying on cotton footwear in the winter - what happens to your comfort and enjoyment level when they get wet?

dave

Hmm...I might be interested in other options but I have boots for "warmer" winter days and ski boots for much of the time as well. I'm really looking for something that will be breathable and warm when it's 30-50 below. A large portion of my time will be spent stationary (hunting) so totally waterproof isn't a major concern.

I have a pair of stegers and think they are great but have no experience with the Empire mukluks. I do own a couple of pieces of Empire gear and they are fantastic. Wintertrekking.com may have members that can compare both types. You migh ask the question of Kevin at empire canvas. I would be surprised if he didn't give you an honest assessment of both mukluks.

Since you will be in truly cold situations, and stationary, you might want to look at Northern Outfitter's boots.

I have had them on a few times, but do not own a pair - I do not have a need for something with that much insulation. A while back I bought a pair of Sorel Glaciers, when they were the totally over built version of what they make today. I also have a couple different pair of traditional pak boots that I wear for when I am somewhat active, because the Glaciers are too hot for much activity. If I was going to be out in 30-50 below and inactive, I would have a reason to seriously look at the Northern Outfitters.


The theory behind a mukluk is the soft flexible sole allows your foot to flex and move, promoting more blood flow, and therefore a warmer foot. I do not have experience in a mukluk in a stationary hunting situation, but I bet a couple phone calls to Empire and Dan at CCS would certainly give you the info you need. My thought would be you would want something with a lot of insulation for your long times of inactivity, and the soft sole of the mukluk might not be what you are looking for. I know a lot of mushers that would never give up their mukluks, but they are moving and working a lot, which is different than hunting.


Having the right gear for the specific activity will certainly make a huge difference in the enjoyment level, especially when the temperatures dip to the extreme cold.



dave

I have both. I like both. I have to wear orthotics since my left foot collapsed a few years ago, and they seem to stay put better in the Stegers. Another problem I discovered just today is that my Empire boots are not comfortable with rachet-style snowshoe bindings, but I doubt the Stegers would be, either. Most of my snowshoes have "H" bindings on them, but I have one pair of Faber hybrids with racheting system. This evening I have very sore feet.

Canvas sheds snow, both as clothing and shelter. The Steger muks come with an Owner's Manual that says right in it that the shoes work best BELOW 20 degrees F. I have worn mukluks in winter for the past 10 years and have never had ANY problems with cold feet. I have used my Snowtrekker tent in wet snow and rain and stayed snug as a bug inside. In clothing, you are not using it as an insulating layer, but as a shell. The liners on the mukluks are still wool felt, and the inner layers are wool or polar fleece for anoraks and parkas. It took my wife 3 years to convince me, but now my winter footwear of choice are mukluks.



Stay warm,
Hans

Thanks for all the info everone. I've decided to go with the True North Boot. I can't really afford more than one boot now and some of the other options listed are a bit more specialized. Breathability (is that a word?) is important for my intended use(s). I also like the fact that Empire Canvas Works is a local small business and Kevin was willing to answer all my questions in great detail. I'll report on them when I get a chance to try them out.

Any new opinions on this topic? They both look like great products.

Just got a pair of Steger Arctics for Christmas - excited to get them snowproofed and actually wear them outside!

quote Trailpatrol: "I have both. I like both. I have to wear orthotics since my left foot collapsed a few years ago, and they seem to stay put better in the Stegers. Another problem I discovered just today is that my Empire boots are not comfortable with rachet-style snowshoe bindings, but I doubt the Stegers would be, either. Most of my snowshoes have "H" bindings on them, but I have one pair of Faber hybrids with racheting system. This evening I have very sore feet.



Canvas sheds snow, both as clothing and shelter. The Steger muks come with an Owner's Manual that says right in it that the shoes work best BELOW 20 degrees F. I have worn mukluks in winter for the past 10 years and have never had ANY problems with cold feet. I have used my Snowtrekker tent in wet snow and rain and stayed snug as a bug inside. In clothing, you are not using it as an insulating layer, but as a shell. The liners on the mukluks are still wool felt, and the inner layers are wool or polar fleece for anoraks and parkas. It took my wife 3 years to convince me, but now my winter footwear of choice are mukluks.







Stay warm,

Hans "

Off the main topic,but how do you like the Faber snowshoes?
Also everybody seems to love mukluks,I always think I would end up with wet feet?

Hans, could you tell us what shell you are wearing? Thanks

I have been very happy with my Steger mukluks in almost all situations. I would only like to see a little more insulation in the foot bed right out of the box.

quote catfish72: " I have been very happy with my Steger mukluks in almost all situations. I would only like to see a little more insulation in the foot bed right out of the box. "

+1. I've ended up making my own insoles out of closed-cell foam, which works great in very cold conditions.

quote arctic: "

quote catfish72: " I have been very happy with my Steger mukluks in almost all situations. I would only like to see a little more insulation in the foot bed right out of the box. "

+1. I've ended up making my own insoles out of closed-cell foam, which works great in very cold conditions."

Arctic ,I do the same thing! I cut mine out of an old military sleeping pad that my cats chewed and scratched up. It is warmer and I believe also far more comfortable. Since I am thinking about How I have altered my Muks I may as well mention how I water proof mine. I take the liners out and turn the outer boot inside out. Then I paint the inside of the leather with thined out liquid rubber (Plasti dip or similar product) then I let it dry and turn the boot right side out. My feet have not been wet since! I do suppose it is pretty much doing the same thing as they do to the Camuks but, it is a far thiner coat and on the inside of the boot. I do it at the begining of every other season or so or as needed.

I bought a pair of these military mukluks recently. Haven't used them yet, but out-of-the-box, I can't say enough good about them. For the price ($49), you get a lot of boot value. Mine did not come with a liner, so I use a Sorel liner. They did come with two pair of felt in-soles, and there is room inside to use both pair for great warmth. I bought them to use as camp boots and not for travel where the canvas will likely get wet from wet snow or slush. I'd hate to hear how many tax dollars were paid for each pair, but was happy to have them at that low price. It is a perfect option to the expensive mukluk options on the market today. Search 'military mukluks' for more surplus store options. One site has them labeled 'military muluks'.

A little turn on he subject,but couldn't resist. Anybody try those fleece bibs listed on that military surplus site? Look interesting?

quote PINETREE: "A little turn on he subject,but couldn't resist. Anybody try those fleece bibs listed on that military surplus site? Look interesting?"

They must be meant for use as insulation under other bibs??? Not too sure on that. Put a flap door in the back and they may have me sold on them :)

To have them as a outer layer they wouldn't last long?

Fleece is so airy that I'm thinking it'd be best under another layer. It is good insulation when covered.

quote PortageKeeper: "Fleece is so airy that I'm thinking it'd be best under another layer. It is good insulation when covered."

It also dries almost instantly.