Does Insulated Really Matter

[Bdouble]

I currently live in WI and have a pair of Danner Pronghorn 800g that I love. Planning my first western trip starting next year with a goal to be out west every year. I've heard from friends in MT and WY that I don't want insulated and I should invest in a pair of Lowas, Kenetreks, or Crispis.

I'm looking for your ideas as to whether Pronghorns will work or should I bite the bullet and invest in something new? Thanks in advance for the insight!

 

[LookinforDirt]

40f and up I don’t think I need insulation in leather boots. Proper socks and sock liners seem to be fine. Lower than that and I’d start looking into insulated boots.

 

[Bdouble]

Good call, my Pronghorns are great, but rifle deer season in WI is normally well below 40. Any brand you'd recommend? I know that's a preference question, but I'll take all the advice I can.

 

[LookinforDirt]

I grew up in MI and remember those Dec and Jan cold whitetail hunts well! I used pack boots there. For out west I think there are lots of good choices. Schnees, Kenetrek, Crispi, Lowas, a bunch that forum members talk about here. I personally went with Schnees Beartooth classics. But I tried a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extremes that I also really like. I wanted as much a breathable boot as possible for this particular boots duty so I went with one without a water proof liner. Best thing IMO to do is buy from a place with a good return policy and try a few different brands inside your house. Walk up and down stairs, Experiment with lacing techniques to get the right fit. To me, that is a very important part of getting the boot to fit right. Different liners too. I didn’t like either boot much until I put in different liners and found a lacing technique that worked to prevent heel slip. Keep the ones you like.

I can’t speak to how much insulation or different brands effectiveness, I think I’d trust any of the respected brands. But I’d probably go with 400g or up if I felt I needed insulation. See what discount codes are available too. I think meateater gets you 10% at Schnees and randy or newberg might work at Kenetrek. Can’t recall the exact codes.

 

[ChrisAU]

I would never want insulated boots for backpack hunting. It was below zero last week the first morning hiking and I still would not have wanted insulated boots. Dry feet are warm feet, if your feet sweat they will freeze, period.

 

[Bdouble]

Thanks for the reply. WI and MI winters are so simlar so I appreciate your perspective. Good tip on discount codes too. DvOR had a kenetrek sale recently and I am kicking myself for not jumping on it.

I would never want insulated boots for backpack hunting. It was below zero last week the first morning hiking and I still would not have wanted insulated boots. Dry feet are warm feet, if your feet sweat they will freeze, period.

That's the majority of I am hearing too. Thanks for taking the time to respond. What weight merino socks would you wear at 0-20 degrees with uninsulated?

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

I have the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes in both non-insulated and isolated 400g. It makes a HUGE difference. Might I also recommend the two sock system they use.

Things not to do: Go with thicker socks to stay warm. This will cramp the foot and reduce circulation, making your feet even colder.

 

[bwhntMT]

I've had both. I don't think insulated are necessary unless you are in some sub 10 degree temps and doing a lot of sitting. I always run 2 pairs of wool socks. Just what works for me.

 

[Bdouble]

Thanks for the reply. WI and MI winters are so simlar so I appreciate your perspective. Good tip on discount codes too. DvOR had a kenetrek sale recently and I am kicking myself for not jumping on it.

 

[ChrisAU]

Thanks for the reply. WI and MI winters are so simlar so I appreciate your perspective. Good tip on discount codes too. DvOR had a kenetrek sale recently and I am kicking myself for not jumping on it.

That's the majority of I am hearing too. Thanks for taking the time to respond. What weight merino socks would you wear at 0-20 degrees with uninsulated?

I wore very thin merino injinji toe liner socks with first lite mountain athlete merino socks which are on the thin side.

 

[sneaky]

I wear uninsulated boots and carry a set of arctic shield boot blankets for when I stop to sit for a while. Throw one of those big body warmer handwarmer packs in each boot blanket before you leave the truck and roll them up. Nice and toasty when you stop and put them on.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[North]

Fellow WI guy here. I just used uninsulated boots (Crispi Colorados) this year hunting in Montana late sept/oct and my feet were still too hot at times, never cold once even when my hands were numb. Temps 20-50s, wet and snowy conditions. In September it can actually be a lot cooler in the mountains than it is in WI, but the big difference is if you’re hiking all day you’ll be hot. Plus I like to wear 2 pairs of socks or a sock and a liner to reduce wear and tear. If you’re sitting glassing all day maybe insulated boots would help, but for active hunting it’s not needed and would probably overheat your feet. During WI rifle season wearing my warmest boots on stand my feet are still cold. It’s a lot different style of hunting out there. I’ve had Danners that I loved but my recommendation would be to get a hiking/mountaineering style boot designed for mountain use.

 

[5MilesBack]

I've worn 800gm Thinsulate boots for archery season here in CO without any issues, but I tried Pronghorns one year for elk hunting and they were the absolute worst elk hunting boots I've ever had on my feet. Insulated doesn't matter much IMO for archery season, but I'd definitely want insulated for rifle seasons.

 

[svillalobos]

Az resident and I have Crispi Briksdal 200 gram insulated boots, late season elk and feet were freezing. Might need to look more into quality sock/liners rather then how much my boots are insulated from the sounds of it?

 

[Mosby]

I currently live in WI and have a pair of Danner Pronghorn 800g that I love. Planning my first western trip starting next year with a goal to be out west every year. I've heard from friends in MT and WY that I don't want insulated and I should invest in a pair of Lowas, Kenetreks, or Crispis.

I'm looking for your ideas as to whether Pronghorns will work or should I bite the bullet and invest in something new? Thanks in advance for the insight!

I personally don't like them for elk hunting. For carrying heavy loads and side hilling, I prefer a stiffer, all leather boot with a better sole otherwise I am rolling my ankles and sliding. I use Lowa boots for warmer weather and they are great for my feet. They are several, all leather boots that will work better than Danner's IMO. I would not get more than 200 grams of insulation, in whatever brand fits your feet.

 

[menhaden_man]

Absolutely froze my ass off second week of October in Idaho high country in my uninsulated Zamberlans. Last time I make that mistake.

 

[elkguy]

I think it depends on how easily you get cold. I wear Insulated anytime before 50. That’s just me, I don’t think there’s a golden rule for everyone.

 

[264win]

I am good to 15* or so in my Uninsulated boots.
The first week of MT rifle season it was -5/-10 and I couldn’t keep my toes warm no matter what I did.
I will not make that mistake again...

 

[Jimss]

I live in Colo and work year round in the field. I've never worn insulated boots while active....even in the middle of winter. I buy boots about 1 size larger so I can add padded insoles plus a little heavier socks when it's super cold. I can cinch down my boots when using thinner socks. If sitting for hours upon hours it would likely be nice having insulated boots for late season hunts but for the most part my feet don't get very cold when actively hunting.

 

[jordan714]

I believe this is very subjective. I can start off by saying that if your current pronghorns fit comfortably, and you can effectively walk on steep hillsides than they will absolutely work. If you choose to stick with what you have, I would recommend bringing extra socks and switching out for fresh socks whenever you plan on sitting for a while. This will allow your feet to stay as dry as possible if they're sweating a lot. If it is in the budget though, a pair of non-insulated boots would be great too.