insulated or non insulated?

[Kurtr]

Leuko tape boys it was made by god.

 

[Lungdeflator]

I bought some Cabelas Perfekt hikers last year. They were awesome from start to finish through pheasant season, 6 trips to the badlands, and a couple early goose hunts. Pretty sure they are uninsulated, but it doesn't say in the description on the website. Paired with good socks, they have done well for me.

 

[ndlongshot]

I'm in the market as well. What do you guys do when buying a new 400-500 pair of boots? Scares the crap outta me that they might not fit my foot after break in and then what do I have? Used boots that I can't return, or wear!

 

[measure-it]

Sox are a big factor. 2 pair a day is a good rule. Be sure to buy quality sox with at least 60% virgin wool. Good wool will vent moisture away from you skin, and help your feet stay comfortable when cold and damp.

 

[Kurtr]

I bought some Cabelas Perfekt hikers last year. They were awesome from start to finish through pheasant season, 6 trips to the badlands, and a couple early goose hunts. Pretty sure they are uninsulated, but it doesn't say in the description on the website. Paired with good socks, they have done well for me.

They are uninsulated ran them last year and a great boot I think

 

[riverview]

im kind of questioning the insulated boots will keep you feet cooler in hot weather?

 

[Kurtr]

It don’t work for my feet insulated are hot in hot weather for me

 

[Achucker]

I'm in the market as well. What do you guys do when buying a new 400-500 pair of boots? Scares the crap outta me that they might not fit my foot after break in and then what do I have? Used boots that I can't return, or wear!

This is why most guys find a pair and don't stay from that pair. Really sucks when they redesign or discontinue. I used to have a really light weight pair of rocky's that I wore for like 5 seasons till the soles fell off. Now I have a pair of pronghorns and am not too pleased. The search continues

 

[Lungdeflator]

I'm in the market as well. What do you guys do when buying a new 400-500 pair of boots? Scares the crap outta me that they might not fit my foot after break in and then what do I have? Used boots that I can't return, or wear!

Find a store that carries a lot of good options and try them on. Try them on with socks and walk around awhile in them. Most places like Cabelas will be more than helpful and let you try on anything you want. Its worth trying them on to get something you like. Nothing sucks more than walking around with boots that suck, make sure you get it right. Also, Cabelas has a very good return policy, especially on their branded stuff. I could probably go exchange my boots right now for a brand new pair if I wanted to.

 

[eyexer]

400 would be my choice also.

 

[SDMF]

1st things 1st. Feet and hands are IMO the 2 most subjective body parts regarding "warm" vs. "comfortable" vs. "bearable but uncomfortable" vs. "This ain't workin!". Your body tells you what it tells you. Wear what you need to wear to make you comfortable. If you need chem warmers, by all means, use some chem warmers.

2nd, "tight" = "cold". Insulation only works if it's allowed to "loft" and trap your body heat.

Socks, socks, socks, socks, socks!!!!! The degree to which you're able to manage moisture is going to directly correlate to your level of comfort. Cotton socks = 100% guaranteed cold feet with a better than average chance of blisters.

For a 10-day last 1/2 of Oct elk hunt I'd have a pair of insulated (mine would likely be pacs) for morning and evening sits and a set of non-insulated any time I'd be moving a lot. Chem warmers are another option for "sit time" if you have a little room in your boots.

I've pretty much gotten to the point that as long as I'm moving, and I've sock'd appropriately, I don't really need boot insulation. If I'm sitting, I prefer a roomy pac boot and sock combo that holds an insulating layer of dead air space.

For a "moving" hunting boot I really like Cabelas Meindl Denali. They're stiffer than Meindl Perfekt Hunters (which also have 400gm of insulation I don't need), and not quite as stiff as Meindl Alaskans (which are no longer made in the non-insulated "Hiker" version anyway).

If you're staying somewhere you're able to drive to, I'd have a boot dryer available as well, even if I had to go buy a propane model. "Dry" is not subjective and starting off with a boot that anything less than "DRY" in the AM is inviting cold feet and blisters.

That's a start anyway.

 

[Kurtr]

I guess he didn’t say if he was packing in or car camping. My perspective was from going in for a week with what you have on your back.

 

[guywhofishes]

ha ha - nothing sucks the fun out of getting going in the morning like slipping into wet boots

ranks right up there with no coffee

 

[Big Iron]

Boot drier is a must.

For a $300 price point take a look at the Crispi West River Scheels Boot. 400 Grams Insulation- medium stiff. Very comfortable.

 

[Kurtr]

ha ha - nothing sucks the fun out of getting going in the morning like slipping into wet boots

ranks right up there with no coffee

even better are when they are frozen and you slip your boots on. Titanium back packing stove from lite outdoors one of the best investments I have made. Jet boil always make sure coffee is available

 

[CAH]

Yea, I’m planning on backpacking in. I don’t like the idea of waiting time/calories on a mile and a half to three mile hike into elk country every morning and night.

 

[SDMF]

Yea, I’m planning on backpacking in. I don’t like the idea of waiting time/calories on a mile and a half to three mile hike into elk country every morning and night.

That makes the decision lots easier. Non-insulated boots and several sets of foot-bed chem-heaters.

If you're going to have some sort of heat-source in your tent, see if you can rig up something to get the boots over the heat @ night.

 

[Up Y'oars]

I'm in the market as well. What do you guys do when buying a new 400-500 pair of boots? Scares the crap outta me that they might not fit my foot after break in and then what do I have? Used boots that I can't return, or wear!

I've ordered in the past a pair of Under Armor hunting boots from Cabela's and used them three times. Still did not like them as I felt they were too flimsy during our bird hunts and I needed more stability in my ankles. I returned them to Cabela's and was refunded my money in exchange for a pair of Mendl Perfekt, no questions asked. If they stand behind their products they will work with you, but many of the smaller/local stores may not do that for you. That's why I purchased them from Cabela's.

I went up in spending from $199 to $320 in the end and both Cabela's and I were happy!

 

[Kurtr]

Boot tip if it says imported move on. USA Germany and Italy are my boot go to

 

[guywhofishes]

Boot tip if it says imported move on. USA Germany and Italy are my boot go to

wait - what? lol

agree on the three countries though