Insulated vs non insulated

[Muleyslayer14]

Insulated vs non insulated
Synthetic vs leather

Snow on the ground, temps in the teens all day, backcountry hunting with tipi/stove, snowshoes on occasion.

Insulated seems great when you start off warm they stay warm.... until they aren’t then they become very difficult to bring back. Also when moving feet might sweat.

Non insulated seems to get cold quicker but can warm up quickly around fire or even direct sun. Also weight is drastically lower and allows for one boot year round.

Synthetic doesn’t seem to wet out as quickly as leather in snow, but it also doesn’t seem to last as long, gathered from reading other threads.

 

[elkduds]

Full grain leather w few seams, well waterproofed, and w goretex liner has given me the most waterproof seasons. The goretex liner leaks 1st, usually where it bends from the ball of foot forward to the toe. This takes longer in a full leather boot because it flexes less than synthetic. Even when the goretex leaks, keeping the leather sealed still keeps your feet dry. I have goretex synthetic boots as well, lighter than the leather, cooler in warm months. And I have cordura 400g insulated goretex boots, those only get worn when there is snow up to ankles, and snowshoeing.

 

[Muleyslayer14]

Full grain leather w few seams, well waterproofed, and w goretex liner has given me the most waterproof seasons. The goretex liner leaks 1st, usually where it bends from the ball of foot forward to the toe. This takes longer in a full leather boot because it flexes less than synthetic. Even when the goretex leaks, keeping the leather sealed still keeps your feet dry. I have goretex synthetic boots as well, lighter than the leather, cooler in warm months. And I have cordura 400g insulated goretex boots, those only get worn when there is snow up to ankles, and snowshoeing.

Thank you, your leather and synthetic comparison make total sense. You mentioned the insulated boots for snow, do you find that to be better for extended trips where excursion is high then very low?

 

[5MilesBack]

For me, it doesn't matter how much I'm exerting. If I'm hiking through a foot of snow all day, my feet are going to be cold......uninsulated is not an option. That's why I have multiple pairs of boots......to cover all situations.

I prefer lightweight leather/cordura upper NI for the warm archery season, and Sorel Pac boots for winter. In the middle ground I have a couple insulated pairs with 400-800gm Thinsulate. But I've also used the 800gm insulated during archery without any issues as well.

 

[Muleyslayer14]

For me, it doesn't matter how much I'm exerting. If I'm hiking through a foot of snow all day, my feet are going to be cold......uninsulated is not an option. That's why I have multiple pairs of boots......to cover all situations.

I prefer lightweight leather/cordura upper NI for the warm archery season, and Sorel Pac boots for winter. In the middle ground I have a couple insulated pairs with 400-800gm Thinsulate. But I've also used the 800gm insulated during archery without any issues as well.

How are the pack boots for hiking?

 

[KurtR]

I run NI boots unless it gets cold and i am sitting calling coyotes. Around 10 is where i start wearing the insulated boots. LIke full leather as they seem to last me longer and stay water proof longer. I am a nazi when it comes to boot care so that seem to help alot to

 

[5MilesBack]

How are the pack boots for hiking?

I've never had a problem with them, but my feet aren't all that picky. I've covered 15 miles in a day with them.

 

[Mike 338]

If your moving, your feet will be ok in either. If your not moving, your feet will be cold in either, albeit insulated will warm quicker when you start back up. I try not to ever put my feet/boots by a fire unless they're Whites Smokejumpers. I don't make a fire when hunting. Just eat and hit the sack. Feet warm up fast that way. I stump around in non-insulated/synthetic boots in fairly deep snow most every season and as long as the waterproofing holds up, it's about all I can ask for. Feet are still moist from sweat. Without a waterproof membrane, an all leather boot can make for some miserable days if cold and wet.

 

[Muleyslayer14]

If your moving, your feet will be ok in either. If your not moving, your feet will be cold in either, albeit insulated will warm quicker when you start back up. I try not to ever put my feet/boots by a fire unless they're Whites Smokejumpers. I don't make a fire when hunting. Just eat and hit the sack. Feet warm up fast that way. I stump around in non-insulated/synthetic boots in fairly deep snow most every season and as long as the waterproofing holds up, it's about all I can ask for. Feet are still moist from sweat. Without a waterproof membrane, an all leather boot can make for some miserable days if cold and wet.

Thanks for the response, this was the information I was looking for.