How do you cross a river when its 15 degrees outside and when its 80 degrees?

[HoughLePuff]

I am doing research for my first back country backpack hunt and have not found this topic covered throughly. I understand some of the saftey reguarding creek crossings where you wanna find the most shallow place to cross and have someone downstream just in case. But no one talks about what to do or how to care for wet feet. It seems like a pretty straight forward answer if the creek is more shallow than your waterproof boots, but what is the plan when the water is up to your knees?

In both temperature conditions, what are you wearing below the belt when crossing a creek or river? What do you do with your shoes and socks? How do you care for your feet once they are wet and possibly freezing?

 

[Randle]

I have taken water shoes , or extra socks for this . Boots and good socks come off, tie boots together and sling over a shoulder or around your neck your choice. Then dry sock or water shoes in camp later. I have done it in bare feet when warmer but not recommended.

 

[jmav58]

Look at Sockwa's. Seem to be a lightweight water sock/shoe that you could stuff in the pack when not in use. Roll your pants up, put those Sockwa's on and go across.

 

[Poser]

What I have found is that it always takes longer to cross then You think it will and that your feet get cold fast! The water almost always tends to be deeper than you expected. Trekking poles are a must. Also, if you tie your boots around your neck, make sure they aren’t hanging too low else they might start taking on water (don’t ask me how I know).
If the sun isn’t out, you’ll find out how tough you are. I’m not so interested in crossings that are more than knee deep after October 1 and will try to find another way if possible.

I once had a terrible experience on a climbing trip while attempting to cross a river with a haul bag full of climbing gear. Shot can go south real quick.

 

[jolemons]

Warm - Wear boots and socks. Dump water out of boots and squeeze out socks after crossing. With good boots and socks, they'll dry out after hiking a few miles.

Cold - Boots off, wear socks as they grip well and protect skin. Wring out after crossing and change into second pair of dry socks. Put wet socks in foot of bag to dry that night.

Trekking poles are a must. Gaiters allow crossing with boots, even in cold weather, of increased depths without water getting into boots.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[bat-cave]

My .02, I use my Simms Neoprene Wet Wading Socks and a pair of sandals (open-toed) and the velcro strapped down tight. Pretty light and also doubles for wet wading during warm weather fly fishing. I personally haven't done this in 15 deg weather! I think I would likely try the same and possibly bring a sports towel (Small & wicking so that it would dry quickly) to dry my feet before putting warm socks and boots back on. As other s have mentioned its almost always trickier than I anticipated!

 

[N2TRKYS]

Contractor grade trash bags. One on each leg.

 

[5MilesBack]

When I know I have to cross a river that is deeper than my boots/gaiters, I bring waders. But for 99% of what I hunt, the creeks aren't an issue.