SUPER Cold weather boot?

[VernAK]

Having worked in the Arctic for 22 years and living close to US Army CRTC [cold regions test center]. I've formed my opinions by personal use and by quizzing friends that have worked as engineers and test lab folks as well as leaders of US Army Mountaineering and ski school. FWIW: VBs [vapor barrier boot = bunny boot] are their choice and mine for harsh working and warfare type conditions. There are some knock-offs out there so watch for genuine batas.

VBs are heavy and cumbersome and nearly impossible for driving small vehicles.

For local varmint hunting and daily wear, I prefer mukluks and usually wear Steger Mukluks because of the gum rubber non-slip sole. Buy em big......I even put my orthotic in the bottom. The old Air Force mukluk is good when available.

There are several types of felt liners available but I usually buy the thinner models and wear more wool socks within. The Finns make some wonderful seamless liners but I no longer have connections is a Finnish community.

Some of the Iditarod mushers are wearing a Scandnavian felt boot with mocassin toe and the brand name escapes me. The NEO pullover boot goes over the felt boot and provides a waterproof cover.

 

[dotman]

So what about the wiggy's pack boot? Any good or just hasn't been tried by most? From what little reviews I found it seems to be very warm and lite weight. Pretty cheap as well since it seems to always be on sale for $100 or an add on item to their bags for $50.

 

[SDArrowSlinger]

Very valuable first hand knowledge. Thanks a ton!!!

 

[VernAK]

VBs have been around for 50+ years and felt boots for 100 or more and I can only guess how long Eskimos have used mukluks and still do. There are many new cold climate boots on the market including Wiggys but I have no experience with em and the local trappers and mushers don't seem to be endorsing anything new.

 

[bizyrok]

I have had the Schnee Hunters for 11 years now and they are my go to boot in extreme cold. This for me is a good combination of hiking and sitting in the mountain west. A second pair of felt liners to rotate works well. I bring a second pair of wool socks/silk liners to switch out in the field if I am hiking a long time and then going to sit and glass. The Schnee's work well in snowshoes too. Sometimes elk country has a little too much snow to just walk in.

 

[n2horns]

Do these Canadian military mukluks run true to size?

 

[Jeff Martin]

Having worked in the Arctic for 22 years and living close to US Army CRTC [cold regions test center]. I've formed my opinions by personal use and by quizzing friends that have worked as engineers and test lab folks as well as leaders of US Army Mountaineering and ski school. FWIW: VBs [vapor barrier boot = bunny boot] are their choice and mine for harsh working and warfare type conditions. There are some knock-offs out there so watch for genuine batas.

VBs are heavy and cumbersome and nearly impossible for driving small vehicles.

For local varmint hunting and daily wear, I prefer mukluks and usually wear Steger Mukluks because of the gum rubber non-slip sole. Buy em big......I even put my orthotic in the bottom. The old Air Force mukluk is good when available.

There are several types of felt liners available but I usually buy the thinner models and wear more wool socks within. The Finns make some wonderful seamless liners but I no longer have connections is a Finnish community.

Some of the Iditarod mushers are wearing a Scandnavian felt boot with mocassin toe and the brand name escapes me. The NEO pullover boot goes over the felt boot and provides a waterproof cover.

Thats great feedback there !!

IMO, if you are "active" or "sitting" makes a big difference on the what you need. I posted this on another thread.

I personally think you will only get so warm at below zero while staying still/sitting. Schnees, Sorels, etc... are all great boots, but at below zero temps, a boot will only get you so far, IMHO. (I have never worn the boots described above by the guys) I would not go buy new boots.

I have a friend that owns a whitetail outfit in Manitoba (entire family from Russia - they know cold!!!), and he taught me years ago this little trick. Take it for what its worth but it has done amazing things for me at these temps in Manitoba.

1. When you get to your stand, take OFF your boots. (wearing a rather thin socks to get to your stand)
2. Change socks - Thick and warm
3. Put your feet Directly in "over the boots" boot warmers. You can ADD shakeup warmers to them as well. They also make these boot warmers in down.
3. Get cozy in your body suit. - you don't need your boots. you need space/air (like a double pain window) Lack of air and space in your boot is your enemy.

Have your feet ever been cold after hunting and when you return to camp, you take off your socks and your feet warm up? Boots are your enemy in these temps WHEN not moving. When moving, that is a different game.


You will be shocked how warm your feet stay. Do not use "over the boot" warmers with boots. You will be in same boat.

http://www.westernmountaineering.co...s&page=Down Garments&cat=Booties&ContentId=79

 

[Muttly]

Might tend to run a little large, just checked the pair I have, they are a 12 medium, I usually wear a 13 in work boots, sneakers and such.

 

[Kotaman]

Listen to Vern. I had to size down as well. Usually a size 12, had to go 11 in the Betas.