Hunting Boot Selection

[LLOYD]

I am considering purchasing another pair of boots for fall Mule deer or antelope trip. The trip will be in Wyoming in Mid October. This should be an active type hunt(no stands) and my tolerance to cold would be about average. With these facts in mind, what level of thinsulate do you feel would be a safe choice? Also, do you have any suggestions on specific models sold by Cabelas that would be good choices for this kind of hunt? I prefer a boot that is not so heavy and stiff that break-in becomes a long process.

[elk killer wannabe]

Lloyd,

Personally I wouldn't think you would need more than 400 g thinsulate for a hunt like that. You may even be able to wear less with heavy socks. I can usually sit on a treestand in November with my 400 g rubber boots in Ohio with Toasty Toes on. If I'm moving around a bit I don't need the Toasty Toes. Good luck on your hunt.

[Buckbuster]

Guys,

Boot selection is such a personal issue that I am hesitant to recommend any particular boot. The major issue is your own body and how you handle cold weather. Some people have feet that sweat a lot and always seem to be hot, while others get numb toes at the drop of a hat.

Actually, it's has more to do with your core body temperature than your feet, but the two are directly related. When your core body temperature drops, your body will automatically start restricting the flow of blood to your outer extremities to preserve the most important organs. When blood flow is reduced, so is the heat that comes with it.

I've got two pairs of boots, one for upland hunting and the early seasons, and a second pair of 800g Thinsulate for later in the winter; however, I don't sit on stands very often. I do a lot of spot and stalk hunting for deer, and an awful lot of coyote hunting that is really a series of short 20-30 minute sessions broken up with a lot of walking and truck time running to the next spot.

I'd recommend that you take a look at your own personal needs for insulation, and base your decision on that. Also consider the amount of walking you're going to be doing. High top boots are a problem for me, when I have to walk a lot. There are a lot of good boots out there, but I'm a dedicated Cabela's boot wearer. You get a lot more bang for your buck with their boots. I've never had a problem with any of Cabela's footwear other than an eyelet that came out of a deck shoe.

Buckbuster

[RNTbomb]

[QUOTE=Buckbuster]
Actually, it's has more to do with your core body temperature than your feet, but the two are directly related. When your core body temperature drops, your body will automatically start restricting the flow of blood to your outer extremities to preserve the most important organs. When blood flow is reduced, so is the heat that comes with it.



Buck buster your have got to be one of the first people that I have seen (out side of work) that say the words core temperature. I talk to so many people a day that want a 1000 gram or higher boot to keep there poor cold feet warm. I would say about 95% of the population wants a super gram boot. I don't blame the public though boot manufactures and retailers have played the game for along time. I think that they would rather sell you a supergram boot than tell you to just buy a stocking cap or a down jacket or a wool jacket ( I pick these insulations because they are not "active" insulations, meaning they do not let you cool down when you get hot you have to either drop layers or unzip your jacket. Buckbuster Your boot opion rocks!

Now as for the question on boots if it was me i would take my danner radicals after the antelope (I don't like a very high boot unless I have to have the ankle support). Mule deer is a little harder of a decision if you are looking for them in pretty mountainess terrain then I would look for a taller boot with 400-800 grams of insualtion. Where I am at we hunt mulies in the same are as goats but in large pockets of trees, for that I would use my hikers. I find that with a wool sock and down parka I use them for all but the coldest tempatures. I have always had better luck with higher end boots (Danner, or Meinel) There is my 10cents for what it is worth.

[Buckbuster]

RTNbomb

With a history of cold toes I've been forced to learn a lot of things, trying to stay in the saddle long enough to cut hair.

Thanks for your kind words.

Buckbuster

[bigwapitijohnny]

Lloyd,

I can tell you that mid October in Wyoming can be any and all types of weather. I have hunted elk there for 2 years now during October. The weather can range from mild-rain-sleet-snow-cold all in one day. Depending on whether you are going to the plains or the mountains, I would recommend a boot that will be versatile for the differing weather conditions that you will encounter. Better to have it and not need it. I have a pair of the Danner trophy boots (600 gram Thinsulate) and use the Cabela's outfitter wool socks/ thermax liner combination. This is hard to beat.

Regards,

GS