Boot Warmth: Sweat while hiking or cold while sitting?

[J.flanagan]

I used a set of Danner VItals 400g in CO last year. Our weather was 15-35 and wet. The boots got wet each day and I want to switch to something different and a bit more water proof. I've tried on the Kenetrek Mt Extremes and found a size that works well for me. I'm just not sure if I want to do uninsulated or 400g.

I'm pretty sure my feet will sweat when moving with 400g. But I'll be cold while sitting still with no insulation.


So, what is everyone's opinion and reasoning?

Sweaty feet and swap socks when I stop moving or no insulation and figure out how to keep my feet warm while sitting?

 

[Forestryguy]

Personally. Non insulated boots. Switch socks regularly and use boot blankets when sitting.

 

[eamyrick]

It seems counter intuitive but insulated boots make you colder on active hunts. Did Colorado last year and 8 nights in Alaska in August in Crispi Lapponias. It got down to -9 in CO. Fresh socks and a z rest under the feet makes all the difference.

I think there is a place for pack boots but not on the backcountry type hunts I’ve done.

 

[Mike 338]

I use uninsulated boots. In cold weather, I wear gaiters which seem to help. My feet may still get cold but I either deal with it or get up and move.

 

[arctichunting]

I use 400 g kenetreks year round just adjust socks as needed and never really had much of a problem


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[cmert]

Uninsulated! Even if you switch socks with insulated the inside of the boot is still wet so you're just putting dry socks on a wet boot. Merino liner socks (injinji toe socks are my favorite) and mid weight merino socks over that. If your feet still get cold, I hear that heated insoles are the way to go for stand hunting.

 

[LGND]

Uninsulated with insulation over the top while sitting still. Find this to work best even with whitetails in the midwest.

 

[Jpsmith1]

Personally. Non insulated boots. Switch socks regularly and use boot blankets when sitting.

This has been my strategy as well. Some handwarmers for when it gets COOLLDD

 

[justinspicher]

Non insulated mountaineering boots with thin socks for me. This has kept me from having sweaty feet so they don’t freeze when I’m done moving. I always carry a spare set of socks but rarely use them anymore. If the snow is really deep or it’s really wet, I’ll switch to my plastic boots.

For socks, I’ve been using darn tough ski boot socks as they are pretty thin but seem to still keep my feet warm.

 

[Forestryguy]

This has been my strategy as well. Some handwarmers for when it gets COOLLDD

I have given up on chemical foot warmers. I carry some for just in case, but I am switching to heated socks for sitting a long time.

 

[Jpsmith1]

I have given up on chemical foot warmers. I carry some for just in case, but I am switching to heated socks for sitting a long time.

I'm looking into heated insoles for next year.

The boot blankets/foam pad strategy worked very well in some cold weather this year but much colder and I think I'd have had issues.

 

[Hectocotylus]

Wet feet are cold feet. Last year I brought some puffy booties along and just took my boots off while glassing. I hate to pay the weight penalty but warm feet was glorious.


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