New Member - First CO Hunt coming up

[Domann33]

New member checking in, just drew a elk tag in CO for 3rd rifle. I've hunted NV before but never anything at CO elevations and temps. Any suggestions for boot/sock system? I currently have Crispi Summit GTX non-insulated boots.

Thanks.

 

[sndmn11]

I would add some double insulated pac boots from @Hoffman Boots. Your current boots will be fine for moving fast/high exertion but not for glassing/slowgo.

 

[Dennis]

Pac boots and expect snow and cold depending on location and elevation. Wool socks are always a good choice. Gaiters are something else you might consider.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Do you want new boots? If so a 200-400gr boot will work. I’d stay away from pac boots but I do a lot of walking.

Your boots are fine. Carry some disposable toe warmers just in case. They’re a lot warmer than insulated boots.

 

[highcountrymuley]

Polypropylene liner and smart wool socks work for me. I use a light gaiter just to keep snow out of boot top if light snow. A heavy gaiter that goes up to your calf just below the knee for up to 2' snow. I never wear Insulated boots as I don't sit much. Elk hunting is mostly walking, imo. Good luck !

 

[Hnthrdr]

I would add some double insulated pac boots from @Hoffman Boots. Your current boots will be fine for moving fast/high exertion but not for glassing/slowgo.

Or any amount of decent snow, some years it’s dry or not bad, last year was miserable, about 10-18” for opening weekend for a lot of the state. If you don’t have a way to dry your boots out it will be no fun/ down right dangerous for your feet

 

[Slickhill]

I’m old school I guess, I wear Danner Elk Hunters. I have a set of 400s and an old discontinued set of higher topped 600s. If it snows I’ll put on my gaiters. Wear some kind of wool blend work socks that I find on sales during the springtime when places are clearing out the winter inventory.

I don’t sit for really long periods of time generally, usually cover 5-10 miles a day sneaking and peeking running the ridge tops. Ankle support and traction matter most to me.

YMMV, this has served me for 24 years of hunting 3rd rifle.

 

[Hunter26]

If you are truck camping I do like to have a second set of boots with me. I have been in a situation were I thought my boots still had lots of life and all the sudden the sole came off. If you are down to spend a little money I would look at another set and maybe add a little insulation to diversify what you have. The toe warmers are a great option as they are light and can help a lot if your toes get cold.

 

[Domann33]

Thanks for all the replies, I will say as of now my buddy has a tipi/stove set up so I think that will help with thawing/drying boots out in the evenings. My feet do typically get cold and I think it is from sweating during exertion and then getting cold while sitting.
Sounds like a lot could depend on the type of hunt we are going to have i.e. sitting and glassing a lot or moving more.

 

[eddielasvegas]

As the self-appointed chairman of the welcoming committee, it is my privilege to extend a laurel, and hearty handshake (virtual, of course) to our new member.


Eddie

 

[Laelkhunter]

A 2 sock system, poly liner sock and thick wool sock system similar to what highcountrymuley suggested in reply #5 would go a lot further than a light sock and heavy insulated boots.

 

[HuntingAddict]

Good leather hiking boots . Gortex a must. Medium weight merino socks at least 65% merino and sock liners . Good gators! They are a must. I always bring 2 pairs of boots and a at least 4 pairs of the socks and liners . Definitely coat the boots in a good boot wax. If you are going in a few miles in to camp, maybe bring 1 lightweight pair of socks so your feet don't sweat. You can change them at camp. Hope this helps .

 

[mad_angler]

What type of hunt and camp will it be?

Last November, I was in Wyoming with 14 inches of snow. I was wearing the same uninsulated boots that I wore in early October. My feet were fine. But I was moving most of the time.

I did have gaiters.

I was also camping at my truck. I had a propane boot drier to dry my boots for the next day. It would have been a good idea to have a spare pair of boots at camp too...

 

[Domann33]

Good leather hiking boots . Gortex a must. Medium weight merino socks at least 65% merino and sock liners . Good gators! They are a must. I always bring 2 pairs of boots and a at least 4 pairs of the socks and liners . Definitely coat the boots in a good boot wax. If you are going in a few miles in to camp, maybe bring 1 lightweight pair of socks so your feet don't sweat. You can change them at camp. Hope this helps .

You hike in an additional pair of boots?

 

[yo_vinny]

It might be worth getting a pair of insulated boots for 3rd rifle. If we have snow like last season, you'll be glad you brought them. There is always a chance though that it's on the warmer side and you don't end up using the insulated ones.

Whatever you do for boots, I would get a set of gaiters and good wool socks. For socks I've found Darn Tough to be the most durable and worth the money

 

[well_known_rokslider]

Really depends on how much you plan on moving. I did my first CO rifle hunt with temps down in the single digits at night in a pair of Cabelas low hikers, but I was slow walking the entire time and there was minimal snow. I have since wised up and upgraded to a boot with better ankle support but for me mobility was king. Probably a good idea to have a pair of insulated, just in case.

 

[OKHunter84]

I hunted 3rd season last year in a lot of snow. I wore Hoka anacopa hiking boots, brought a couple pairs of first lite merino socks that I alternate, and the kuiu Yukon gaiters. My feet were fine the whole time.

 

[Skibness92]

Kenetrek boots and socks have been great for me! Good luck hunting.

 

[Phaseolus]

Get two pairs of boots that are comfortable for your feet. Brand is less important than fitment. I recomend two pairs so one pair can dry out on the inside while you are hunting. Whatever insulation you decide on bring a change of socks in the field every day and change them around noon or so. Dry non sweaty feet are warm feet.

 

[Marine4life]

Welcome and good luck on your hunt. I have hunted CO several times from September to November and have needed insulated boots in Sept and been in shirt sleeves with uninsulated boots in November. My point is you really need to be ready for both. My recommendation is to take your Crispi and also get and break in a pair of insulated mountain boots. Whether you buy another pair of Crispi, Kenetrek or one of the other many brands doesn’t matter, just make sure they fit you well. Take them both and then look at the weather forecast. Even if you are doing a backcountry hunt you can still get a good idea of what the weather will be and then wear the appropriate boot. Also like others have said, gaiters are a big help in keeping boots dry on the inside. Having boots to match different weather and terrain is a must for me.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro