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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Winter Camping and Activities recommendation winter pac boots |
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11/17/2014 09:34AM (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hi - I haven't seen a recent thread on this topic, so I thought I'd ask for recommendations on pac boots. I'm looking for a pac boot with removable liner for use in overnight trips, and ideally I'd like to be able to buy a spare liner. I was initially thinking Sorel Caribous, but I've heard their durability isn't the best. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. (At this point I'm not thinking mukluks or any other non-pac boot, though perhaps in the future.)
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11/17/2014 11:20AM
A second pair of liner is always a good idea! The biggest area of seen where pack boots fail, is when the are frozen in the morning. Our feet sweat all day long (kind of like wearing a rubber kitchen glove on our feet), thus there is a large build up of moisture inside the boots. When we take our feet out of them at night and put them in the corner of the tent, they freeze solid in whatever position they are in.
So, I have learned to make sure that the laces on my boots are loosed up every night, and the boots are opened to the largest amount possible. I take my liners and put inside my sleeping bag with me, so that they dry overnight. Then in the morning I put the warm liners back in my boots, and slide my feet inside. If possible I like to minimize my movement giving the boot time to "warm up" and will reduce the amount of "cracking" that will happen to the boots over time. It a lot of extra work, but definitely worth it when you consider that a good pair of pack boots is well over $100
So, I have learned to make sure that the laces on my boots are loosed up every night, and the boots are opened to the largest amount possible. I take my liners and put inside my sleeping bag with me, so that they dry overnight. Then in the morning I put the warm liners back in my boots, and slide my feet inside. If possible I like to minimize my movement giving the boot time to "warm up" and will reduce the amount of "cracking" that will happen to the boots over time. It a lot of extra work, but definitely worth it when you consider that a good pair of pack boots is well over $100
11/17/2014 01:18PM
I suffered from cold feet constantly weather it was ice fishing, dog sledding or winter camping until I bought a pair of these Cabela's Saskatchewan™ Pac Boots. They are worth every penny and they are light weight, water proof and very comfortable.
pac boot
pac boot
For those interested (not to advertise) I am an outfitter and guide.
11/17/2014 03:50PM
I'm kind of a firm believer in using insulated hiking boots if snowshoeing or hiking during the day. While you are moving your feet stay warm anyway. Just wear them with gaiters. In camp I'd highly recommend a pair of G.I. Mukluks. They are cheap, very warm, tall, they breath and use the same liners as pack boots, if that is what you where during the day on the trail. They have good tread on the sole sole as well and they pack small. My med's. weigh 3 pounds, four ounces without the liners. They usually come with a double layer insole for more warmth.
“The more you know, the less you carry” Mors Kochanski
11/17/2014 06:52PM
Thanks for the advice all. Cabela's Saskatchewan are basically exactly what I'm looking for but unfortunately out of my price range. I'm hoping to spend no more than $150. (Suppose I should have indicated that in my first post.) Does anybody have experience with the Baffin Crossfire? Or is there another Baffin I should consider? (Also, the G.I. Mukluks look awesome -- definitely noting that for a future purchase.)
11/17/2014 11:08PM
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
11/18/2014 10:39AM
Mukluks work great in cold dry conditions, mainly because they are not a rubber pack boot and allow your feet to breath, thus keeping your feet dryer. If however, you are going to be traveling or fishing on the ice, where slush and overflow are very distinct possibilities, your feet will get wet from the environment. Thus minimizing their effectiveness.
11/18/2014 11:47AM
I use Steger's for winter travel, but for ice fishing I prefer my Baffin Bay pac boots. I have had them for well over ten years and I think they are great for standing on ice all day. Wouldn't want to walk more than a couple miles in them though.
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