2 pairs of boots? Why?

[ElkNut1]

For 5 days, no big deal, one pair is all I'd have! Guys worry too much sometimes. (grin)

ElkNut1

 

[Stwrt9]

I'll add some more fuel to the fire as to what was already stated. You'll most likely only need one pair for your 5 day hunt but it would still be nice to have an emergency pair in the truck in the event you should need them. it's always better to have than not when you need something. i just wouldn't pack an extra pair of boots into the back country personally as they take up to much room and weight, but in the truck absolutely!

 

[fngTony]

No matter the hunt type I typically have a bag of backup and street clothes, boots or shoes in the truck.

 

[Jimbob]

Backpack hunt? of course not. Buy another pair just for the trip? probably not. Have two pairs already and there is room in the truck? why not.

When I head to camp moose hunting I will sometimes bring three pairs, two leathers and one rubber. I have the boots and I have the room so I just through the extras in.

 

[twall13]

So I'd never put much thought into this topic before as it just seemed like common sense to leave a spare pair in the truck but I'm certainly not going to pack an extra pair on a backpack hunt. That said, as I was running this morning I thought back to some of the advice on this thread and found it applicable as I was getting a little pressure on the top of my foot from the shoe laces. Sometimes it's nice to have a change of shoe just so your feet get pressure in different areas. I regularly switch between three different pairs of running shoes all the time for this very reason. I have my favorite pair/brand but I occasionally switch it up so my feet get worn out in different areas. As others have stated, it's not worth it on the typical 5 day hunts I do but if I was on a 10 day hunt I can see how this might have some value. Enough value to carry on a backpack hunt...? Probably not but in some situations I can see the use.

 

[nrh6.7]

I like the idea of having a back up pair at the truck and will definately be bringing one for a just in case.

 

[CrzyTrekker]

This thread reminds me of the SOP in my old unit, which included carrying an extra pair of combat boots in our large alice packs. Haha, carrying an extra pair of leather boots everywhere you go..... Seems like the distant past, compared to wearing a pair of Vasque hiking shoes and not giving a hoot if they get wet during a steam crossing.

 

[MuleyFever]

I've been told i need to bring two pairs of hiking boots.

I have never herd this. A good pair of boots is all you need.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Who is telling you to bring two pair of hiking boots? An outfitter or friends? Do they know the terrain and weather better than you do. Did they actually specify HIKING boots? You mentioned it's in August, so your Salomon's should be fine weather wise, but what about the terrain. My feet/ankles/calves are way happier in Kenetrek's in steep terrain and heavy pack-outs than with my old Danner's. And I'm a big fan of spare boots, because poop occurs. Your outfitter/friends probably have valid reasons, from hard earned experience, why you should bring a spare pair. Don't be shy, ask them.

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[JP100]

I brought one pair of Solomon 4d boots with me to a 7 day Idaho elk hu nt this past fall. They were awesome...until it rained. I lost about 1.5 days of my hunting drying wet feet and boots. Never again will I hunt in Solomon's. I am currently running Scarpa Kennesis and am looking at grabbing some Crispi's.

you know you can in wets boots, it wont kill ya haha.

 

[dotman]

Who is telling you to bring two pair of hiking boots? An outfitter or friends? Do they know the terrain and weather better than you do. Did they actually specify HIKING boots? You mentioned it's in August, so your Salomon's should be fine weather wise, but what about the terrain. My feet/ankles/calves are way happier in Kenetrek's in steep terrain and heavy pack-outs than with my old Danner's. And I'm a big fan of spare boots, because poop occurs. Your outfitter/friends probably have valid reasons, from hard earned experience, why you should bring a spare pair. Don't be shy, ask them.

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And if the answer is "because that's what we've always done" then don't worry about it. If you have high quality boots the chances of complete failure is probably less then the chance of being struck by lightning. If a lace breaks big deal, we all have paracord in our packs. If a rand unglued big deal, boot will still function. If your tread falls off we'll then yeah you'll need a new boot but who has had that happen with a new pair of high quality boots?

Seriously even if there is one person that has had a complete failure that's not enough to even worry about it.

Boots get wet, merino will help and spare dry socks will help. Last year my Salomans 4d's were soaked in an all day rain and busting threw waist high brush and grass, walked close to 10 miles and feet were fine, did take my boots off and wring my socks out plus let them air dry for about an hour. Ringing socks out and tipping boots upside down makes a big difference then just leaving them soaked.

 

[MikeHoncho]

The OP has not described how he will be hunting. Is he driving from Texas, parking at the edge of a national forest and backpacking in ten plus miles for the full five days? If so, I would not advocate packing in a spare pair of boots.

I can't help but think it's an outfitter telling him to bring spare boots, and I don't believe they are going in on his back. Seems only prudent to bring a pair of spare, broken-in boots.

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[Ag111]

The OP has not described how he will be hunting. Is he driving from Texas, parking at the edge of a national forest and backpacking in ten plus miles for the full five days? If so, I would not advocate packing in a spare pair of boots.

I can't help but think it's an outfitter telling him to bring spare boots, and I don't believe they are going in on his back. Seems only prudent to bring a pair of spare, broken-in boots.

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You are correct. This is an outfitted hunt so bringing extra gear is no problem. Based on the comments I think I'll look into buying a second pair.... Probably something sturdier like the kenetreks

 

[realunlucky]

You are correct. This is an outfitted hunt so bringing extra gear is no problem. Based on the comments I think I'll look into buying a second pair.... Probably something sturdier like the kenetreks

I'd look to lowas they have similar fit to the 4ds

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[KMT]

No. if your boots are in working order, another pair of boots is just more junk to transport and eventually store.

I have two pairs of boots. It was a complete waste of money, as I have never needed the second pair.

 

[realunlucky]

No. if your boots are in working order, another pair of boots is just more junk to transport and eventually store.

I have two pairs of boots. It was a complete waste of money, as I have never needed the second pair.

Eventually one pair will need to be replaced and the second will be broken in ready to go. If you fall in love with a pair of boots buy a second pair because if you don't they'll discontinue making that model and have to start the search all over

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[elkduds]

THREE pair! 1. Lightweight mesh/goretex, uninsulated. 2. Full grain leather, goretex, uninsulated. 3. 600 g insulated goretex, taller. @ least 2 of 3 go on every trip in CO, Sept-Dec.

Last Sept, had 1 & 2. 1st day I chased elk into terrain so steep and technical I wished for a rope. Extreme sidehilling and rock scrambling rashed my little toe, as #1 fits narrow. The rest of the trip, #2 which has a wider toebox and is more waterproof, as the monsoon took hold.

December hunt, took #s 2 & 3. No snow, temps above 20, so I mostly used #2.

Yes to gaiters.

 

[MattB]

Think of it this way: when going on an outfitted hunt, you are paying them for their knowledge and there are probably some things they know through experience that you don't.

When I travel for hunts, I always bring a second pair. Given the weight, space, relative cost, and importance of boots, to me it is a no brainer. You never know when a boot will fail and it can make for a more comfortable experience if you get drenched by rain, step into a boggy spot and fill your boot with water, etc.

A few years back I was on a sheep hunt and another hunter in camp had the sole come off of one of his boots 2 days into the hunt. He burned a day of hunting hiking back to base camp and back to borrow the outfitter's boots for the remainder of the hunt. It would have been much better for him to have had a second pair of boots he could have used.

 

[yhc]

Pack in hunt...no. Truck based hunt...why not?

 

[oldgoat]

Eventually one pair will need to be replaced and the second will be broken in ready to go. If you fall in love with a pair of boots buy a second pair because if you don't they'll discontinue making that model and have to start the search all over

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This should be a "Sticky" on here and it's especially true if you have a narrow foot like me.