Quest for the ultimate cold weather pac boots

[longbow fanatic 1]

I've searched, for years, unsuccessfully, to find a pair of pac boots that will keep my feet warm in truly cold conditions (0 to minus 40). So far, I have purchase three of the best pac boots available without success. I don't want to mention their names because these are excellent boots, however, they just don't keep my feet warm in those extreme conditions. I will say that all three of the boots I've purchased range in price between $170-$200.  

So, what make and model pac boots have you found that really work in really cold conditions? I'm considering the Cabelas Predator Extreme pac boots. Thoughts?

[Deno]

Military cold weather boot.  White Mickey Mouse style is extreme cold weather to -60.  Takes a bit of getting used to but super warm.
 I wore them in -72 in Alaska.  


Deno

[Deno]

BTW,  the Black model (Type 1) is for -40 and a bit lighter.


Deno

[centaur]

Muck Boots keep my feet warm when I am dumb enough to get out when it's way below zero.

[Joey Ward]

In my experience, the more important thing to consider when purchasing boots to keep your feet warm in really cold weather is the size. Generally speaking, a size larger, or even size and a half would allow two things. Room for better blood circulation and allow for thick socks. Layering with a thin wicking sock followed by a thicker wool type sock. Doing this has worked for me very well. Even when using a less expensive type pack boot like a Baffin. They are rated at like -40. But increasing the size of the boot, coupled with good socks and layering really brought warmth into perspective.

Also, it's been a repeated recommendation to use a stick type antiperspirant on your feet before you put your socks on. Keeps your feet from sweating which can cause a cold, clammy, feeling on long cold sits.

Just some things to consider for your next boot purchase.

Many years ago, LL Bean had a pac boot that in my opinion was the best cold weather boot. However, they are no longer made. But Kennetrek and Schnees have some that look very comparable.

Good luck.

[Trenton G.]

Originally posted by centaur:
Muck Boots keep my feet warm when I am dumb enough to get out when it's way below zero.

X2 on the muckboots. I have one size to big so that I can get a few pairs of socks on. Never had a problem.

[A.S.]

Originally posted by Deno:
Military cold weather boot.  White Mickey Mouse style is extreme cold weather to -60.  Takes a bit of getting used to but super warm.
 I wore them in -72 in Alaska.  


Deno

These, if you can find them. You can get black or white. Just make sure they have the air valve on the side.  The ones without the air valve don't have as much insulation.

[calgarychef]

I feel your pain, I've got some Baffin boots rated to-100C or something crazy like that and if I'm not moving my feet get cold.  Chemical toe warmers help a lot and I use a couple in each boot.  I think the answer although I haven't done it yet is fur mukluks with real wool felted liners.  My fur mitts and felted mitts work to keep my fingers warm in crazy cold weather.p so why wouldn't the kukluks.

The real news is that with carbon fibre heating pads and strips we'll soon be able to make heated clothing of our own and run them off of rechargeable batteries.  I estimate a two year wait until there's good stuff on the market.

[Vesty]

Steger mukluk. Arctic model. The only thing that keeps my feet warm. I'm sure Ron LaClair will chime in on this one.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Great info guys. Maybe I should also consider over the boot, boot blanket type products.

[Pete McMiller]

If your feet are getting that cold I would suspect that the warm blood is being rerouted to your torso and head to keep them warm.  Examine what kind of hat and torso protection you have on.

In my experience, wear a fur trooper style hat - like beaver.  It was so warm I couldn't wear it if the temps were above 15 and never walked out to my stand with it on.  Also, a good windbreaker on top of your wool sweater, longjohns, etc. helps immensely.

[Muttly]

Canadian military mukluks. 30-40-50 below, 4 years in Dawson City, Yukon, only wore them in cold snaps in Alaska. Don't recall my feet ever getting cold in them.

[stagetek]

If you're on stand, try Boot Blankets, or Heater Body Suit. If you're still cold in either of those...might be time to head in.

[longbow fanatic 1]

My application for these boots is mainly tree stand/blind hunting and ice fishing. Boot blankets, HBS or IWON may be the ticket.

[toddster]

When it comes to that cold, the Military black "mickey mouse" boots is where it is at.  I have worn these both in and out of the service.  They are rubber on the outside, wool insulation think 3mm all around, then rubber on the inside, so it is sandwiched.  The air on the inside warms and stays that way.  I have crossed a creek in them and got on the otherside, and dumped the water out, and wiped dry, then back on super toasty.

[damascusdave]

Baffin Ice Bears. They are pretty much the boot of choice for outdoor work in our cold Alberta winters. Better than any pac boot I have had.

DDave

[MnFn]

White Micky Mouse boots have been the best for me.

I wore them in Alaska 1973,74,75 as well Deno. 1st Bn 60th Inf.

[Chain2]

I go with lightweight high old style Sorells and use foot warmers. The kind you smash up before you use them. I can't get lightweight and warm without them.

[Greg_M]

I agree with what's been said about getting boots big enough to allow uncompressed insulation layers next to your feet. Unfortunately boots often get longer/wider with increased size but the height isn't affected proportionally. You need insulation between your foot and the ground.

Here's the Canadian military version of the mukluk:

 

Note the tall foot/toe box which leaves room for the permeable footbed, the crazy thick insole, and the liner. That footbed is meant to trap ice. The moisture in the air around your foot freezes towards the bottom of the boot where it's coldest next to the ground. Not important if you're only out for a few hours perhaps but if it's all day, or days, it allows you to knock the ice free, reinsert, and have happy feet again the next day.

Here's a close up view of that footbed showing how permeable it is:

 

The liner is actually two liners sewn together:

 

The boots I've been using this year are work boots meant for cold weather use.

 

 

 

A thick sole and tall foot/toe box for insulation. The similarity in footbed is no accident. I've worked in these boots at -45 C (-49 F) for extended periods and never had cold feet as long as I was moving even a small amount. Motionless in a stand is a tall order though. Move a bit if you can, put on another hat. I think heated clothing (socks, insoles) may be a great option though I've not used them myself.

Cheers, Greg

[Burnsie]

I've always thought it was hard to beat a "good" pair of Sorrels with heavy felt liners.  Then don't over do it on the socks and as mentioned, make sure there is plenty of room for your feet.  Boots that are snug/tight around your foot are not good for he cold.
I have spent many an hour sitting out on frozen lakes ice fishing with my Sorrels on.  I've been pretty darn cold before,  but usually not my feet.
Some people just have lousy circulation to their feet and it can be difficult to find a boot that works for them.