Boots for Cold Weather

wiiawiwb

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I'm looking to get boots I can wear in weather from -10F to 15F. The problem I am having is the footwear needs to wear a lot of hats. I will backpack in them (up to 3 miles distance) but I will also wear them at the lean-to or camp while sitting.

I've been considering the Muck Arctic Pro Extreme and the Cabelas Predator Pacx boots. I don;t know how well either would be hiking several miles. I've never own either.

One further consideration. Where I live in the lower 48, the sun will sometimes melt snow by day and freeze by night so footing can be a little challenging as I backpack into a location. Not do any real vertical, just some slippery small undulations in spots.

I'd be open to any other suggestion as well.
 

cdubbin

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Ten below isnt that cold...especially if you're hiking...(and there's no deep snow)...just use a quality, comfortable, supporting hiking boot like you normally would, but with two layers of socks- an inner liner sock and a thick arctic outer sock. Use slip-on ice cleats for the bad spots.
 

wiiawiwb

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I wish my hiking boots were roomier but using extra or thicker socks means I would have to buy a new pair hiking boots a half size up. I would not get as much use out of that investment as I would a winter pac boot or muck boot.

My gut tells me the winter pac boot is the way for me to go but I've never had experience with them.
 

cdubbin

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My gut tells me the winter pac boot is the way for me to go but I've never had experience with them.

They suck for backpacking, I can tell ya that...like em for snow chores....shoveling, wood getting, etc...just make sure they have removable liners or else drying them out from daily wear will be a real pain. I've pretty much gravitated towards quality waterproof full grain leather hikers for year round work and play...I just layer socks according to the conditions. XtraTufs for swamp walking or mud/slush. Down booties or Uggs are the cats meow for lounging around outdoors....
 

theultrarider

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I'd have to do some searching, but I would suggest a pair of down booties that go over your boots for times you are sitting still. If you are moving at all -10 is not very cold. Use your good hunting boots and slip on the down booties sitting still. very lightweight and pack down into nothing.


Something like this. Just google down booties and you will find many options.
https://www.zappos.com/p/baffin-bas...lor/9?ef_id=V4TGigAAAS-n0C9V:20171110063925:s
 

The Cleaner

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I retired a pair of the Muck Arctic Pro last year. They were really warm and one of my favorite go to boots in the winter because of that. The only issue I had with them is they don't breath so feel get clammy inside and if your going to be sleeping outside in those temps they'll freeze up on you. I wouldn't consider them a backpack boot but I have backpacker in them plenty.

I have some Baffin pac boots we're required to have in our vehicles when we are crossing ice roads on the North Slope and they are super warm but really suck when walking around long distances though they are great for shoveling the driveway.

Vasque and OBOZ make nice 400 gram boots and Korkers makes a super nice pair of 600 gram boots (that comes with a stud system) called the Polar Vortex. That boot comes in a 1200 gram version as well.

I end up doing a lot of winter camping with my son's Boy Scout troop. Some is backpacking, some is vehicle supported (snow machine or car.) So am familiar with a boot needing to wear multiple hats. My feet get cold as well so I really have to pay attention to the right boot. Other folks I camp with have warm feet and I swear they wear boots I can't get away with.

You can slip cleats on any pair of boots and there are lots of cleat options from a basic walking cleats like a yaktrak to an agressive microspike.

Me personally I am getting the Korkers this year.

The down bootie option could work as well. Even though my feet get cold, it's when I'm not moving. While backpacking they stay warm I guess cause of the blood flow. I carry booties to wear in to public use cabins we often backpack to foe that very reason.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk
 

KantishnaCabin

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There are tons of options available that would be far more comfortable while hiking around. There are many different brands of waterproof hiking/hunting boots available in the 800-1000 gram thinsulate range that would do nicely for your indented purpose. Personally I am a Danner fan, great support, can be light weight depending on model. And above all, they breathe when you are active. The biggest threat to your feet when you are out moving around is the build up of moisture around your feet. I have insulated neoprene Xtra-toughs that I love but they suck for hiking around. My Baffins are great on the snomachine and working outside in the super cold but they are bulky and cloddy when trying to move around. I think I'd rather go stockingfooted than walk a mile in them.
 

SmokeRoss

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I have the Muck Arctic boots and really like them. I also have Xtra Tuffs that I often wear. Bunny boots for the real extreme stuff. If you're ice fishing, take along something to put between you and the ice. Blue styrofoam is great, but even cardboard, carpet, or a piece of plywood will help.
 

baxterholt8

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I use Muck Boot Men's Arctic Pro Hunting Boot and It features a long shaft to protect the ankle and lower leg. It keeps the feet warm and dry during winters. Its construction has focused on strength and comfort. The boots are easy to wear because of their pull-on style.
See: https://huntingtopic.com/best-upland-hunting-boots/
 

AGL4now

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Baffin is now my default cold-cold-cold weather boot. I just finished my third winter using them. They are expensive.....and they are worth the cost. They make several styles, so study and choose carefully, based on your priorities. You will "never" hear me bad mouth "Bunny Boots" other then they have no traction sole.
 

Hkrjohn

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I am another Baffin die hard fan and if I am in a survival situation I would want my Baffin boots on. Well made, functional, comfortable and expensive. This time a year you might find some on sale.

I did a test this past winter with the Sorel Caribou boots that are much cheaper and rated for -40, but I used them for outdoor work and hiking in the -15 range and they weren’t too hot for me. I bought several pair almost a decade ago when they were 50% off and they have set in storage, so I decided to give one of the sets a test and they did good. Still would prefer my Baffins if my life depended on it.
 

ChugiakTinkerer

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I have a pair of Baffin Apex boots that have served me very well for five seasons. The speed lacing eyelets though are a little weak, as they have a tendency to pull out of their grommets. It's no big deal to just relace through the hole in the leather, but it is an annoyance that I intend to repair some day.
 

dezerte

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I bought a pair of Rocky Broadhead a couple of years ago that I like, but, they have limitations (rubber bumper around the toe is uncomfortable). You may check out rocky broadhead boots review to find more. I think warmer versions are available as well. Waterproof and sweatproof design, great insulation against harsh weather. Just so damn perfect for me.
 
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