Light weight pack boot recommendations?

[Don Stokes]

Didn't want to highjack MAGICMAN's thread on pack boots. I'm in the market for some new ones, because the ones I have are so blinking heavy. I've had them for years, and they don't have a brand name on them. The only markings say they're made in Korea, have a steel shank, and the felt boots are 65% wool. They were cheap, which was important at the time.

I agree that wool felt is the way to go, but surely there's something out there that won't feel like walking with bricks on my feet?

[MJB]

Don
How about Schnee's Pac Boots

[Orion]

I have a pair or Sorels -- rubber bottoms, nylon tops, felt liners -- that are fairly light.  Lighter than leather topped boots anyway.  Not as much ankle support as leather tops though.  Good for doing a lot of sitting though.  Not terribly expensive either as I remember.  I've had them a while.  Don't remember where I bought them.

[Don Stokes]

Orion, I searched the web and couldn't find the nylon tops. The best I've found so far seem to be the Sorel 1964. Split leather tops and thinner soles. Any idea where to find them with the nylon tops?

[highplains55]

don, checkout the schnees and kennetrek,both are made in my hometown, they are the best.

[Kevin Dill]

Don,

I have Schnee's, Sorels, Lacrosse and others. Schnee's are probably the best built pac boot for walking and traction. They are far from the warmest pac boot however. They are not 100% waterproof under all conditions. That said, I'll never be without my Schnee's for caribou...moose...bear hunts.

For treestands in cold weather I prefer more of a true insulated pac boot like a Sorel or Lacrosse style. Nothing beats bulk for warmth, and the bigger "puffier" pac boots are warmer for stationary hunting. The Cabela's Predator Extreme is a good example.

Knowing the temps you'll use them in, and your personal needs for warmth are the critical first step.

Kevin

[MAGICMAN]

the kenetrek pack boots say made in thiland on there website. I damn sure aint buying those!

[Cootling]

The Schnee's are among the best boots, for a given purpose, that I've ever owned.  I wear 'em for walking from -30 to 20, and for sitting from around 20 to 50.  Most places, you won't need anything warmer (though I do for cold-weather sitting here in North Dakota).

[E. Texas HillBilly]

I have to agree with those guys...Schnees are great, I even use them in Antarctica, very nice boots and built very well too.
                                Hillbilly

[amar911]

Schnees have a great reputation for a reason. They are the best fitting boots of their type and are excellent quality. I never liked pac boots until I tried the Schnees because they never compared to other boots as far as being able to walk in them without my feet moving everywhere inside the boot and getting sore, fatigued, blistered and clammy. None of that happens in the Schnees except that any rubber footed boot will prevent sweat from getting out more than boots with other materials surrounding the feet. To top it off, Schnees can rebuild the boot right there in Montana, so for a modest cost you can have the near equivalent of a new boot if yours ever wears out. The only down side to the boot is the price, which is higher than most of the competition. However, this is another situation where you get what you pay for.

Allan

[Pegen]

Schnees, hands down.

[Don Stokes]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I looked at the Schnees, but the ones that had the weight listed were in the 5# range, which is no better than my current pac boots. Do they make a lightweight model? I couldn't find anything that looked promising, but the weights were not listed for all of them. Bunny boots are in the same weight range, it looks like. The "classic" Sorels look the best, but I still have hope of finding something lighter.

I'm not interested in something I can hike in, other than to my stand and back in really cold weather. If I'm going to be on the move, I have some good light boots that I can fill with wool socks that do fine.

Physical problems that affect my circulation make my feet and lower legs get REALLY cold when I'm on a stand and it's in the 30's or under. I'm looking for the lightest boots that will keep me out there a little longer. I may have to resort to those "boot blanket" overshoes and pack them in.

I had a friend that sometimes packed a sleeping bag to his stand, pulled off his boots, and climbed in while in the stand. Talk about a safety hazard!

[Rick P]

Don
I think your starting with a flawed premise, that being "pack boot" and "light weight." By definition no pack boot is going to be lightweight compared with say a hiking boot. You might want to check out some of the insulated hunting boots. I have a pair of Irish setters with 1000 grn of thinsulate insulation that work great for active days down to around -30. My wife has a pair with 1200grns that she wears snowmachining down to around -25. Below those temps and sedentary outdoors days we brake out the pack boots. I have a pair of ice kings that keep my foot good till well haven't seen it that cold yet, but I would hardly expect to walk far in them.

[Brian Krebs]

Pac boots are really great; but the rubber bottoms are all made in regular width; and I cannot find any in wide widths.
 I have size 13 pacs to fit my 11 1/2 EEE feet....

Don - I would really try polypropylene sock liners; they take moisture from the feet and transfer it to the socks - and it really helps keep your feet warmer.

[amar911]

Don,

I would wear the booties over your boots like you suggested yourself. They are light and warmer than just about anything else you could get. Look these over -- they are inexpensive, light and even on sale.  http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0006712810623a&type=product&cmCat=froogle&cm_ven=data_feed&cm_cat=froogle&cm_pla=0600502&cm_ite=0006712810623a&_reques tid=278885

Allan

[Killdeer]

Cabelas has two models of nylon-topped Sorel pacs. Type in Sorel pac Bear Glacier into the search engine on your browser, and you will get many hits.

Having used a pair of Sorel Snow Bears for about twenty years, let me tell you that even with the 9mm wool felt liner, I get cold on stand. Maybe my circulation is poor, too.

Boot blankets would be a big help, as I have found that putting any spare clothing over the rubber shoes will keep me comfortable longer. The blankets are bulky, though, and I think a thinner covering, more of a lined wind block would be adequate.

Grabber, a maker of hand warmers, also makes an insole that will keep your feet warm. The warmth makes a wicking sock of prime importance, though, as your feet will sweat more. I tried them this year in a pair of "small" Sorel Broadways, and they did fine. I went out to sit, and then slid the insoles between the shoe and the liner. My feet were warm all afternoon and evening, though I admit that the temps were mild.

Killdeer

[Hawkeye]

mukluks.com has a newer style boot called the Camuk that looks to be really well thought out.  These folks know about keeping feet warm...

Daryl

[Don Stokes]

Rick, you're right about pac boots not being light, but I'm looking for the lightest I can find.

Brian, I routinely wear the polypro liners. They do help.

Allan, thanks for that link. That might be the ticket! I just hate having to carry one more thing into the woods.

Killdeer, thanks for locating the nylon tops for me.

Daryl, I think you have shown me what I'm looking for! The Camluks weigh in at only 3#, with a 9MM felt boot and a 9mm insert. A bit pricey at about $200, but warm feet are priceless! The pacs I've been using are 50% heavier than the Camluks, which will make a huge difference.

Thanks to everyone for your help.