NEED EQUIP ADVICE #1/ WATERPROOF BOOTS

[TexasKing]

I am going to Newfoundland this fall, and I have been told I need good quality waterproof boots...after reading some threads I bought some Lacrosse Alpha Burly boots for $50 on E***, (did I mention I am broke?) but feel like Herman Munster, and can't imagine a lot of hiking in them...I hear a lot of y'all talk about LL Beans Maine Hunting boot, but are they waterproof enough?

Yes, I would love to get Schnee's, but can't swing it.
suggestions ??

[Jake Scott]

Lol, I was going to say Schnee's.

Jake

[Nomadstalker]

I've hunted the Rock three times.  I would only hunt with 18" rubber boots.

[goingoldskool]

Muck boots... light weight, water proof and cheap.

good luck!

Rodd

[Biathlonman]

Boots are an individual fit, on your own here. My binocular advice was good though!  Lol

[Bryan Korte]

X2 on the Muck boots. I really like them a lot. Very easy on and off. Very comfortable and water proof. Also very warm if you want the insulated ones like Arctic Pro.

[Pete McMiller]

No. 1 get boots that fit properly.  Ask yourself, can you walk five miles in a bog with the boots you have without getting blisters?  I bought Nokia Trek Plus and they are great.  I will be using them again this year on the Rock.  Like Bino's, you pay for what you get.  Muck boots might work for you - good luck but try them on and hopefully, at least, walk around the store with them.  You don't want blisters the size of half dollars after the first day - like another hunter in camp that had ill fitting Muck boots.

[Paul/KS]

X3 for Muck boots. Mine fit me fine and have room for thick socks as well.

[Stixbowdrew]

Get a nice set of gaiters like the kuiu brand ones, and use them with your regular boots coated and baked in sno seal or montana pitch, I myself would go this route before putting a set of rubber boots on my feet.

[knobby]

Alpha Burly Sport boots were my choice on an Alberta moose hunt.  Light weight and good quality. We put on lots of miles and I never had an issue with them.

[South MS Bowhunter]

I recently bought the new Aerohead boots from Lacrosse after reading several articles and good reviews from people. But after receiving mine the fit was less than desirable for me.  The boots were a loose fit in the heal areas, and heavier than expected.

After only walking a few feet the boots would start to pull my socks toward the toes. As much as I tried to like these boots they just were not going to work.  

So after taking them back to the store I found a boot outlet in town and purchased some discounted Lacrosse Alpha Sports in the all Green color for $85, fit good, less weight,and at about 2/3rds the price.

As far as the lack of a camo patterned, I'd say after the first trip to the swamp and a good coat of mud it has natural as it gets!

[Whip]

I've not been to NF, so am not the best one to give advice on what you need. From what i understand it has some unique terrain and having the right footwear will make or break your hunt.  Take advice from people that have actually hunted there and use what they recommend.

Whatever you do, don't scrimp on your boots! NF is an expensive hunt and nothing will cut it short faster than ill fitting boots. Saving a couple hundred dollars on boats could ruin a hunt that costs thousands.  Your hunt could be over in one day if you develop blisters.

Find a way to bump your budget in this area. I saw your thread about binoculars. I'd just as soon go without binos and let the guide do the spotting as I would go to The Rock with a pair of boots I can't walk in.

[TexasKing]

Find a way to bump your budget in this area. I saw your thread about binoculars. I'd just as soon go without binos and let the guide do the spotting as I would go to The Rock with a pair of boots I can't walk in.


thanks Whip, hadn't thought of it that way.....thanks everyone for the great advice!

[Pete McMiller]

Oooops, I guess I already posted to this thread - at least my message is consistent.    

I have heard of a guy who got away with leather boots in Newfoundland.  It's apparent he wasn't anywhere near where I hunted because I was in water every day.  Not deep and solid bottom but there was literaly water everywhere.  I know it sounds far fetched but there was even water bogs on the side hills.  One guy in my camp brought two pair of Muck boots a half size apart.  The first day he went over the top of his boots in a hole.  The second day he wore his half size bigger boots and came back with blisters bigger than quarters on both heels.  By the third day he could hardly walk, even with duct tape on his feet.  Other than your bow there isn't a more important piece of gear than good rubber boots that fit.

I have always hated knee high rubber boots but I have to tell you the pair of Nokias I bought fit like a glove and are the most comfortable pair of boots I own.    http://www.outsidemetro.com/products/Trek-Plus.html

[Gordon Jabben]

I really like Bean boots because they are quiet and comfortable but your feet will get wet in a heavy dew.  Muck boots would probably be a good choice.

[jrchambers]

ok I think I can help.  depending on the water depth I have used standard lacross ankle fit hip boots.  I put mountaineering insoles that are quite stiff and enough sock so the boots are almost too snug when you first put them on,  they will loosen after a little walking.  lacross also makes a knee boot in the same original ankle fit form.  The most common set up ive used is extra tuff ankle fit, un insulated with the same insoles.  I have climbed many mountains and many 10 mile packs with all of these setups.  Now no rubber boot compares to some real boots like the lowas I use.   All of the rubber boots I mentioned run from 75 to 90 bucks and the insoles are about 25.  Ankle fit good moisture wicking socks and those insoles to me are the keys in getting rubber boots to preform in a trekking - mountain hunt.

[kwc]

why dont you just ask your guides what they wear

[Orion]

Moose hunting you'll be in water more times than not .  Neoprene hip boots or Muck boots should work well.  Of course, you need to have them in the right size so you don't develop blisters.

[D.Ellis]

You said not to say schnees, but that's the one I recommend. Worth every penny and then some. You must have an extra kidney or something you don't need that you can sell to fund a pair   :D

Darcy  

[ishoot4thrills]

Muck Wetland. Lightweight, very comfortable, waterproof, and affordable.