waterproof mountain hunting boots?
Elk
Contributors to this thread:
While I have been through a fair number of mountain hunting boots over the past few years, I have yet to find a boot that will actually keep my feet dry throughout a long day of hunting in the elk woods.
I am currently using Hanwag Alaska GTX and love the fit, comfort, sizing, etc.. I can hike in them all day with no complaints. However, just as with pretty much every mountain boot I have used to date, the ultimate test seems to be walking in tall wet grass on a rainy day (with gaiters). So far, I have yet to find a boot which will actually keep my feet dry in really wet conditions. I am not even talking about crossing steams. Just walking in the Colorado elk woods in wet conditions.
I have religiously cleaned and properly treated all of my boots with both SnoSeal, Obenaufs, etc.. with the same results.
Do any of you gear experts have a recommendation for a waterproof boot?
My experience is that while all boots will eventually leak, usually your wet feet in the conditions you describe can be attributed to water wicking its way down your pants/gaiters/sox more than through the boot membrane. I've tried pants over gaiters, BTW, and had more success than with pants tucked into gaiters. The latter means wet pants near knee become wet sox at calf and you can see where the water is headed. Personally, I either bring a second pair of boots to let the others dry OR if I'm backpacking well into the mtns I ensure I can change sox often. Good luck!
La sportiva traango cubes. They won't leak.
I've never had leak issues with my Kenetrek boots .
I haven't had waterproof in over 20 years. Currently using the Alaskans but they haven't seen water yet.
I treat my boots when they are new with 2 coats of Natural Seal by Red Wing Shoes. Safe for use on oil tanned, dry tanned, and suede/nubuck. Then I reapply once per year. The only way my feet get wet is if water comes over the top. I have Cabelas Miendle Alaskan boots.
Rubber socks make any boot waterproof.
I rotate two pairs of rocky gore-tex socks. I slip on a dry pair every morning then put on my usually wet boots. Then gators. I leave camp every day with dry feet . I usually take them off around 10 or 11 when things have dried out.
I hate putting on cold/wet boots. My feet have been dry since I went to this method.
You must be elk hunting in a marsh? Are you hunting Oregon or Washington? Where exactly are you hunting? Is the vegetation wet, lots of creeks, what makes it so wet?
I hunt Colo, Wyo, Alaska, etc and never have wet boot problems. In the summer through late fall I often wear medium to light hikers with gortex liners and never have problems. I wear my Lowa Tibets all winter long in wet, deep snow and never get wet feet. Sometimes I add water sealer to my boots if I know it's going to be super wet conditions. Socks can also compound the problem if you are wearing cotton or if your feet are prone to lots of sweating? You may try Smartwool or other socks. When I'm taking a break I often take my boots off to let my feet, socks, and boots get fresh air. One other thing to note is once gortex gets dirty it doesn't perform as well. It always helps to keep your boots fairly clean! Without knowing your exact conditions and situation its a little tough giving advice?
My Asolos do better staying dry than my lowa tinets, both are great boots.
I just Mink Oiled my boots this wknd.
Getting ready for my Sept elk hunts.
Good luck, Robb
My older boots were leaking a little so I bought some bear grease and no more leaks.
Thanks for the advice. Finding footwear that is adequate for all purposes has definitely been a challenge. I think what I have decided is that an all leather boot is simply not right for me for hunting in wet weather. While I love my Hanwag Alaska's, I am going to reserve them for dry days and stick to a Gore Tex lined boot for the wet days. I was about to order a pair of closeout Scarpa Charmoz from Kuiu today but decided to go to my local gear shop and have my foot measured again to be sure of exact sizing. Long story short, a friend was working at the shop today and was able to work a great 40% off deal on a pair of Zamberlan Fitz Roys, normally retail for $400. Walked out with the for $230 out the door! Fully gore tex lined and a bomber stiff boot.
Jims No I do not hunt in a marsh, just in Southwest Colorado which has seemed pretty marshy for the past month with almost daily heavy monsoon rains. In the area I hunt, I typically walk in tall grass that is wet from overnight rains. After a short amount of time, my boots have become wet and soaked through to where they stay damp for the rest of the day. Never wear cotton socks, always smartwool
Danner pronghorn boots I bought for diy elk in Colorado been training all year with them especially the last 60 leading up till we leave Michigan I've been packing with 82 lbs on my back with these boots thunderstorms and all walking through creeks and still very waterproof pleased with them
Your Pronghorns won't be for long. Crossed a small branch last year during deer season, 3" deep and came out with that damp feeling.
I wear my Lowa Tibets with Kuiu Gators and have never had a problem. I even wear them while chasing Turkeys back east in swamp land, dry as a bone. I do regularly treat my boots.
It's been a while since I posted anything, but this hits right in my wheelhouse, as I've been a footwear designer/developer for rugged functional footwear for 20 years. For where you are and in the conditions you describe, can't go wrong with a Kenetrek. Surprisingly the Cabela's Meindl boots are really good, if you find the right fit! Make sure you account for the type of sock you'll be wearing. Merino Wool socks are the best on the planet, even in warm weather. Stay away from Rocky, they don't care about quality, just your money. Boots are all about price, you want great performance, be ready to pay up. If you want something to just cover your feet go to Walmart. In Wisconsin, most of the name brands will do you well, but trust me when I say, you get more bang for your bucks when you buy retail house brands over the known brands. (in most cases!)
Ditto to Huntin' addict--Meindle with a coat of treatment every year. Water proof for 4 years now.
Cabelas meindl have been great for me!
My Meindle ultra lights lasted one season. 2nd season leaked like a sieve.
The Crispi guides are awesome. blackovis.com