boots for elk country

[niels]

Hey Fellas, I just bought a new pair of boots at Bass Pro the other day, does anybody else have the Irish Setter Big Game Trackers or Deer Trackers? (basically the same boot, just a little more insulation with the Deer Trackers) and if so, do you like them? I thought 99 bucks was reasonable, considering what you get for the money, 800 grams of thinsulate, Gore-tex, Air Bob outsole, etc.... they have the advantage timber camo pattern. We are going to be in some very steep country in Idaho and I've heard that the Air Bob outsole is very good for steep country hiking, they look like they've got some pretty meaty lugs on them, so they should be good, I hope. We could get into some snow as well, I hope 800 grams is enough insulation, it seems like it would be? growing up in Northern California hunting for coastal blacktails I've never really had to worry about insulated boots so I don't know alot about how many grams of insulation is sufficient for hunting in cold and possibly snowy conditions. They seem to be pretty lightweight and they are the most comfortable boot I've ever had on my feet. I guess I'll just have to wait and see how they treat me.

Also, I bought a new knife, a Buck Alpha Hunter with the gut hook, very sharp knife, remains to be seen whether or not it will hold an edge? it's a good looking knife. I know there have to be a few of you that have this knife, I would like to hear what you think of it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[One Track]

Back at ya. Sound like you have great boots if they already feel good. I love my Meindl boots. You will be fine with 800 grams. Mine only have 400 gram and I was six days in 1 - 3 ft of snow in Idaho. If you are expecting snow, get some good gaitors. Not the noisey ones. Find some with a soft outer. They make wool gaitors, but they might suck if you are hunting in grass with stickers. They really help to keep your trousers dry, laces dry, and feet comfy. My best advice, (and people thank me,) is get sock liners, and good socks. I have six pair of each. Nothing worse than blisters and dirty socks. Cabelas brand work well. The liner and sock slide agaisnt each other and reduce the friction on you feet. I might not kill many animals, but my feet are happy.

 

[karstic]

You know how you keep your feet warm?

Keep something on your head!!!

Keep yourself hydrated. Being dehydrated thickens the blood and causes problems with circulation. Which brings me to... Don;t crank down your boots, you don't want to cut the blood circulation in your feet. As far as gators are concerned, if your going to need gaitors cause of the snow get a pair of Crocodile gators made by Outdoor Research. If the snows deep enough to warrant gators, you'll make enough noise busting trails that "quiet gators" won't matter.

Now to your feet. One Track hit it pretty good. You might also look into an aftermarket insole, something a little more thicker and more supportive than what came with the boot. That will give youmore insulation between your feet and the ground. Get yourself a pair of down booties for camp so that your boots can dry out. Stuff your boots into your sleeping bag stuff sack and stuff them into the bottom of your sleeping bag so they can dry out and stay warm.

 

[Rancho Loco]

"I might not kill many animals, but my feet are happy."

I just like that quote....heheheh

 

[wmidbrook]

Whatever brand of boot that fits comfortably + something that has a good sole. I think the Bob-styled sole that Danner puts on boots is trememdous for steep country and snow. It's amazing how much better you can grip a hill side compared to the regular Vibram styled sole.

Rocky country will wear out the pictured sole quicker than other styles...that's the trade-off...I've knocked a few nobbies off in rocky terrain already.

 

[niels]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the input, I'm glad to hear that 800 grams will be plenty of insulation, Doesn't Cabelas make the Meindl boot? I've heard they are a really good boot. I will look into the gaitors you were talking about. As far as socks go, I got some polypropylene sock liners and some merino lambswool socks to go over them, I might not even need the lambswool socks with that much insulation in the boot if it's not snowing. It's supposed to be in the low to mid 20's at night in late October, so even if we don't get into any snow, it's still going to be pretty cold.

One track, I sent you an email about the Buck Alpha Hunter knife I just got.

 

[East Sloper]

neils
Congrats, sounds like you have got the boot situation figured out!
I am with Onetrack on the gators also. I have a pair of Fieldline gators (quiet, camo, ...) that have alot of deer, elk, chukar, quail, and coyote (when bird season closes) hunting miles on them. I don't remember what they cost, but they weren't very expensive and they still look new. Highly recommend them if you can find them.
The Meindl boots Cabelas sells are made by Meindl for Cabelas. I have a pair of the Canadians and really like them for chukar and scouting, but they are squeeky (common problem with them), so they either don't get worn for or have to come off when sneaking on big game. Have worn them several times to pack into the backcountry and then gone to another boot once on top...
One Track
Which Meindl's do you wear? If the Canadians do you have the squeak? I read several reviews before buying mine and repeated read about the squeakiness, but bought them anyways... still love them. Wore them yesterday shed hunting...
wmidbrook or others
Do you have the Danner Frontiers? I have heard that the bobsole on them is much more durable than the bobsole Danner used prior to last year. Anyone have an experience with them?

 

[One Track]

Good topic Kevin:

I'm not sure what model my Meindl's are. Does Sitka sound right? They were about $140. Custom footbeds are great. I got mine made at a mountaineering shop. They will squeek from time to time, but not bad enough to hang them up. I love them with all my heart, like one of my kids.

 

[jaycocreek]

I have worked in the woods my entire life wearing white boots corked and not.I also have used a variety of boots.My choice for hunting out of the snow is tennis shoes and in the snow the old reliable Sorrels.

Jayco.