Pac Boots

[chinagreen]

After 10 years of LIGHT use my Sorel Conquest boots disintegrated. Very comfortable and very warm. Did some research and found out this happens to a great deal of owners. I am obviously in the market for a top quality USA made pair of pac boots. I do not mind spending my hard earned money on quality American products. White's, kenetrek, Schnees, and Hoffman boots came up in an online search. I went to order Kenetrex and it said Made in Thailand. Do not really want to support people halfway around the globe. This begins to narrow choices down. I would like input from forum members who have hands on experience to chime in on a purchase that will last hard use and support my American neighbors. Thanks -chinagreen

 

[Muledeernv]

I love my Schnees pac boots. I have used them since 1997. I have had them resoled 3 times as long as you oil the uppers you will use them for a long time. They are really comfortable and hold up well. Would not hesitate getting another pair.

 

[Darren Best]

Hoffman's is the one you want.

I absolutely refuse to do business with White's ever again. Long story short, they sold me a $425.00 pair of boots as "water proof", when I took them back after one outing because they leaked, they denied saying water proof and said they should of just been water resistant, which they weren't even that. So sent them in for warranty and they vanished, no refund, nothing. Out $425 for a pair of boots that I wore one time, never ever again.

 

[chinagreen]

Greatly appreciate the input. -chinagreen

 

[Ryan Avery]

I have to second EH_241, Hoffman's make a damn nice pac boot.

 

[todd kelly]

As above, Hoffman makes a damn fine pac.

 

[chinagreen]

Gonna give the Hoffman's a shot. Thanks for the input. -chinagreen

 

[2rocky]

CG, I have some Size 10 Hoffman pacs I outgrew. Probably 20 years old and re bottomed once.

If they would fit you I'd send 'em to you free of charge... Let me know..

 

[boom]

As above, Hoffman makes a damn fine pac. And the only one that is 100% made in the usa. All the others use bottoms made overseas.

even the schnee's?

i think pacboots are fantastic.. can you hike with them? long distances? what would make you choose a pac style boot over a regular leather mountain boot..?

 

[chinagreen]

Snow over 10" and water.

 

[todd kelly]

even the schnee's?

i think pacboots are fantastic.. can you hike with them? long distances? what would make you choose a pac style boot over a regular leather mountain boot..?

Yep, their bottoms are made in China or Thailand.... I can't remember exactly. From their web page. "We import the finest natural rubber bottoms....."

http://www.schnees.com/product/SCHNEES-Hunter-II-pac-boots/schnee-boots


I guess things have changed since I bought my Pacs from Hoffman's. They no longer make all of their bottoms. They are either imported from Thailand or Malaysia , depending on the model. Also, the newest felt liners I just bought read made in Canada. The original ones I have are not marked at all. When I purchased the boots, I was told by the staff they are 100% made in the USA. When things have changed, i'm not sure.


I went with pacs over insulated leather boots for the simple fact of being able to remove the liners. My feet sweat a ton, even in the cold, so I wet out boot insulation very quickly. So after one day in the field my feet would freeze the next day because of wet boots. With the pacs, I have two sets of felt liners that I switch out every night, and I have warm feet every day now. They are also a lot easier to dry out compared to insulated leather boots.

 

[chinagreen]

First and foremost I want to thank everyone for their guidance. I went with the Hoffman's. I got them today and I was blown away, they are built like tanks. Time will be the true test but for $20 more than a new pair of Sorels, I think the money was spent very wisely. Thanks again for the input. -chinagreen

 

[dotman]

Anyone try Wiggys?

 

[Pete from SCHNEE'S]

I would be happy to talk pac boot with you. Schnee's has been making rubber bottom, leather pacs here in Bozeman, MT for almost 30 years. We have an extensive line of boots tailored to several different uses including extreme cold, stirrup friendly, and even convenient shore boots. Check out our entire collection here :: http://www.schnees.com/category/Made-In-Montana-Pac-Boots

Let me know if you have any questions at all!

-Pete

 

[robby denning]

I put 30 days a year on my Schnee's and got 5 years before I needed bottoms replaced. I think it was around $80 (less than half of the new boot) and I'm 2 years into the new bottoms and still holding fine. Amazingly, I'm still on the original liners, but they are starting to show their age so I'll order a replacement before fall.

 

[Pete from SCHNEE'S]

Those are the stories we like to hear, Robby!