Snake boots or chaps?

[britt]

I am thinking on buying either snake boots or chaps for a hog hunt in Mar. Does anybody have any suggestions on either? Good protection? Comfort? Quiet? Cost? Thanks. Or any for sale?

[sidekick]

Chaps are hot and noisy, though quite a bit cheaper than boots. I have both but only wear the boots. Fortunately, I've never 'needed' either, but the peace of mind has been worth the cost. Does either actually work, or is one work better than the other, I can't say.

[Sam McMichael]

I have used both and prefer the boots for stealth  and quietness. Chaps are stiff and noisy; however,  they sure give good protection.

[ChuckC]

I like chaps    :rolleyes:   especially the kind with fringes.

ChuckC          

[Rick James]

You could do like the old logger man told me--  "Walk fast and don't look down"  --If that don't work for ya then I'd go with the boots...
rick

[hunt it]

Check with property your planning on hunting. 9 times out of 10 you don't need them. If you must then boots over chaps for sure, can't tell you how many times guys with chaps have made one slight move and hogs run off, too noisy.

[Fattony77]

I got a pair of boots from Bass Pro (their brand), and I like the peace of mind. One thing I will say about 'em is that I hope they're more snake-proof than they are waterproof! They're supposed to be both, but my wet socks say otherwise as far as the waterproofing goes! So, I'd vote for boots as well, just buy GOOD ones!

[Liquid Amber]

Snake protection is considered PPE in my profession and I have to wear it when out of the truck.  I am reimbursed 100% for any I choose to use.  

When I worked S. Georgia in the 1970s I wore snake boots and an old pair of chaps cut off just below the knee.  The added chap protection was for those nasty pigmy rattlers that had a habit of sunning on palmetto fronds at thigh height.

I view snake protection in the same category as seat belts and tree stand safety harnesses.  The one thing most folks ignore is that in the event of an bite, they are not the only one affected.  Your family and friends are the ones who will be inconvenienced for your decision not to take simple and inexpensive precautions.

When I plan to be out a good bit I wear snake boots.  In addition I keep a pair of Turtle Skin Gaiters in my truck in the event I don't have my boots.  I use the Gaiters to walk in to my stands, taking them off before climbing and putting them back on for the trip out.  I've used a pair now for better than two years and recommended them for those who have an occasional need.  They light weight, fairly quiet and handy.

 http://www.turtleskin.com/Snake-Gaiters.aspx

[Nattybumppo]

If you plan on hog hunting in March in the south...

Don't listen to ANYTHING else other than this...

Snakes are everywhere down here. If you are hunting river swamps or mud flats they have snakes. It's a fact of life here in the south. If you are below Tennessee in March they'll be starting to move again too.

That being said get the boots.

I've owned 3 different pairs. Lacrosse, Rocky and Chippewa. Without a doubt the Chippewas were the most comfortable and durable. Rocky's are what I am wearing now and I like them. The Lacrosse boots were pathetic, uncomfortable, and gave me blisters.

I've never been struck while wearing boots but was struck by a copperhead while wearing chaps while coon hunting as a teenager. These things work.

[Ric O'Shay]

I've had a pair of Rocky Boots for many years. Javvie hunting in South Texas in January and February convinced me that boots are the only way to go. Those diamondback critters are movin' then.

[britt]

Thanks for all the help. It sounds like boots are the way to go. ChuckC are you going to post some pics of you wearing them? ha ha ha.

[PowDuck]

I'm not a big proponent of either, however.... I own and use both. The boots are for spring turkey hunting in south Arkansas piney woods. The chaps are used more for blood trailing deer through the sawbriars. I like the idea of using both and cutting off the chaps. Interesting point of view.

[cahaba]

I wear Danner snake boots and highly recommend them.

[Liquid Amber]

March, South Carolina.

My snake boots where within two  feet of this dude for several minutes as my hunting companion and I watched some hogs in a flooded swamp.  When we started to move to another vantage point I noticed it and stopped, retrieved a camera from my daypack and took the photo as my companion held the snake.

 

[hart2hart]

If you have heavy boots(bottom part),have you thought about leggings? About half the cost of boots.Mine are ballistic cloth,snap ons.Reach just below knee.
I really like them also because with a longbow they are dandy bow holder.Bow sits up straight and ready for use.
Good hunting
Mike

[longrifle346]

I've been wearing knee-high Lacrosse Coil Scents for the past two seasons, I love'em and like hart2hart's experience, mine get double duty as a bow holder too....