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Joined: Oct 2009
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Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 71 |
Guys,
I’m getting ready for DIY elk hunting trip for the first time this year. Costs for gear are already mounting, tent, cot, Badlands 2200 Backpack, new arrows and string for my bow, etc.......
I know you shouldn’t skimp on your boots, and I’m not going too, but I’m looking hard at some Belleville 693 military goretex boots around $200. Is this stupid? Should I pony up $100-$150 more for some Danner, etc.....?
Anyone serve and wear these or very similar. The ratings are great and seem to have very little breakin time. Planning on hitting some of the local conservation area trails this spring/summer to exercise and test boots/gear out. We will be packed in to our hunting area, but will hunt for 10 days on foot.
I’m hoping to make this an annual thing, but costs are mounting!
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,026 |
I'd be looking at buying a few pairs of boots. Break them in real well before you go on your hunt. I've seen some of the best boots get soaked, and that's one thing you don't want is to be hunting in wet boots. Buy boots with varying weights of insulation, IE: 400gram, 800gram, etc. You may get there and realize a lightweight hunting boot is what is needed, or you may get there with snow on the ground. Elk country can also change over night. One day its beautiful, the next you get a foot of snow... Be prepared for that. That's what I do, and it has worked out very well for me. Elk hunting is a major learning experience and test of equipment. Some guys will tell you to buy the most expensive boot you can afford. BTDT, and so has my elk hunting partner. That doesn't guarantee you will have dry comfortable feet at the end of the night. You'll get a kick out of some of these guys' suggestions, so grab your popcorn.
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2003
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SEMOmike: I sure enjoy and rely on my Danner Elk Hunters for my late season Elk Hunting. I have a triple lifetime supply of these boots on hand as I bought them over the years at a discount source. They are comfortable, give my ankles great support, and if treated properly are rather water proof and if treated properly last a long time - I am finding out. My suggestion pay once - care for them and keep your feet accustomed to them. I hope what ever boot you decide on works well for you and I hope your 10 day backcountry Elk is enjoyable and successful! Let us know. Hold into the wind VarmintGuy
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Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 71 |
Any 11.5 EE You were looking to get rid of?
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Sep 2017
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I played around with military issue boots for some time and then tried Danners for a year or two. Last season was my first season in Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. I should have made the jump to a better boot years ago. I would look at expenses and do what ever I had to do to get the best boot possible.
“Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the wildlife you hunt and for the forest and fields in which you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person.” -- Fred Bear
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Feet are different. But spend the money to get the best boots you can for your feet. I like the Kenetreks, alot. But they don't work for everybody. I would not hunt in either of those boots you listed. Get great boots and skimp on other stuff if you have to. You do not need thousands of sitka or kuiu either. I guide and hunt in Wyoming and spend lots on boots and then look for deals on everything else. STP, camofire, wrangler outdoor pants, Prana, spring sales on warm stuff. And look at other companies besides hunting brands.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2007
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I, along with several buddies, love Lowa GTX Renegades......comfortable, minimal break in, good support. Love em.
You only live once, but...if you do it right, once is enough.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Feet are different. But spend the money to get the best boots you can for your feet. I like the Kenetreks, alot. But they don't work for everybody. I would not hunt in either of those boots you listed. Get great boots and skimp on other stuff if you have to. You do not need thousands of sitka or kuiu either. I guide and hunt in Wyoming and spend lots on boots and then look for deals on everything else. STP, camofire, wrangler outdoor pants, Prana, spring sales on warm stuff. And look at other companies besides hunting brands. Good advice here. Spend extra on the boots,bag the high dollar camo monkey suits. I have killed a lot of big critters in cheap camo, or faded carhart sweat shirts.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2003
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SEMOmike: Nope mine are all 11's with normal width. Good luck and again hold a garage sale or something to come up with the extra bucks to spend on a VERY good set of boots. Again best of luck come fall. Hold into the wind VarmintGuy
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Oct 2019
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I bought a pair of Danner Pronghorns over 20 years ago. The wife had a come apart when I told her how much they were. (About $120.00). That's about $6 a year. Money well spent I think as they are still going strong.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2003
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My advice is to buy boots that fits your feet - then look at the price tag. It doesnt matter how much you saved or spent if they dont fit you. I guarantee if your feet blister up early in the hunt, you'll be done for the rest of the hunt and the rest of your gear will sit in camp. Boots to me are probably the most essential part of the gear choices because I've had feet issues. I'd rather have a walmart Savage 30-06 and a $500 pair of boots.
Finding elk requires you cover alot of ground. Elk hunting is one of those hunting activities where the amount of effort increases the odds. Finding elk requires alot of hiking up/down steep topography. Your feet are the key link between you and the ground - and success.
I would not be afraid to buy a used pair of top-line boots in excellent condition. I've bought more than a few pair boots, worn them 2-3-4 times and figure they aren't for me. I buy running shoes this way - floor models, returns, etc. I really dont care if Bubba tried them on or even wore them a couple times. I'll take the 50% savings because I go through running shoes and hiking boots pretty quick. I dont get a year from a pair of running shoes. Hiking boots are 12-18 months. Hunting boots last longer because I have 3 pairs that I rotate depending on weather.
Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Don't overlook Meindl boots, I bought a pair for a very rugged country Mountain Goat hunt. They are a serious boot for hiking and hunting.
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BWinters hit the nail on the head. I haven’t Elk hunted but look at the basics if the body isn’t comfortable to the conditions your I trouble. And a Savage shoots as well as a Merkel or Kimber in the hands of a proficient shooter at a target the size of an Elk or moose. Buy a better optic as well. A $700 Swarovski Z 3 is an excellent scope or other high quality scopes.
Last edited by abbydog; 03/02/20.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Go to your local REI and get fit for a good pair of hiking boots. Scarpa, Crispi etc. Pass on the military boots.
get a decent pair of gaiters at REI too. I rarely wear insulated boots even in snow and wear gaiters and two pair of socks. Pick up some BD flip lock aluminum hiking poles ( on sale now REI) . Or buy used ski poles for $10. They'll work fine.
I wear trail running shoes (altras) for early archery season while hunting. $60 on sale. Solomons are good too. I bring a good pair of hiking boots along for pack in and pack out. Walmart wrangler nylon pants $20 work great. Pick up 2 wool t shirts. They're amazing and don't stink
Last edited by ribka; 03/02/20.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2009
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What he said. Try on a bunch of brands. Took me a while to find the right boots. Don’t overlook insoles like Superfeet and good socks. Skip the advice on multiple levels of insulated boots for a pack in bow elk hunt. Feet are different. But spend the money to get the best boots you can for your feet. I like the Kenetreks, alot. But they don't work for everybody. I would not hunt in either of those boots you listed. Get great boots and skimp on other stuff if you have to. You do not need thousands of sitka or kuiu either. I guide and hunt in Wyoming and spend lots on boots and then look for deals on everything else. STP, camofire, wrangler outdoor pants, Prana, spring sales on warm stuff. And look at other companies besides hunting brands.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2009
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‘Wish I would have tried Altras sooner. Go to your local REI and get fit for a good pair of hiking boots. Scarpa, Crispi etc. Pass on the military boots.
get a decent pair of gaiters at REI too. I rarely wear insulated boots even in snow and wear gaiters and two pair of socks. Pick up some BD flip lock aluminum hiking poles ( on sale now REI) . Or buy used ski poles for $10. They'll work fine.
I wear trail running shoes (altras) for early archery season while hunting. $60 on sale. Solomons are good too. I bring a good pair of hiking boots along for pack in and pack out.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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They don't make the boots I wear anymore well Cabelas no longer carries them. Cabela Miendal Perfct hunters. Great boot, As stated already get the superfeet insoles and don't skimp on socks and get sock liners as well.
Then STFU. The rest of your statement is superflous bullshit with no real bearing on this discussion other than to massage your own ego. Suckin' on my titties like you wanted me.
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Campfire Regular
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Spend your $$ on boots and glass. Do everything you can to make sure your boots are broken in before the hunt. I wore Danners for years and was happy. I made the switch to a pair of Schnees beartooths this year and I’m not looking back. A good friend tried a pair and didn’t like them at all and eventually switched to Kennetreks. Bottom line is you need to find boots that feel good to you and put some miles on them before your hunt. Good luck and take lots of pics!
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2018
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Throwing down good coin for an excellent boot is always a safe bet... You’re probably going to use them more than just this one elk hunt.
Here’s some quick numbers. In 22 years, I’ve bought three pairs of Danner Canadian boots. They cost me between $165 on a crazy one off sale up to $359.00.
After 22 years. I’m still using 2 pairs of the Canadians. If the weather is pouring rain, I switch between a couple pairs allowing the wet boots to slow dry. I have invested $883 dollars. The boots cost me $40 dollars a year with basically a brand new pair still in the box.
If you buy a really good boot and take care of them, you’re money ahead. The only thing that can deflate your investment dollars is if your hunting in rough, rocky, shale or lava sharp terrain. I doubt there is a boot made that can withstand 2-3 season getting shredded by this type of topography.
Buy a great boot...Hunt them, take care of them, and if they are the type that can be rebuilt and resoled like the Danner Canadian. Your almost getting a new boot for $85 bucks once you’ve worn them out.
Buying 2 pairs of quality boots will increases the life of each pair, especially if your hunting climate is really wet...Being able to dry your boots properly while wearing the second pair is a benefit to your feet and your boots.
With the above said...I hunt all different types of topography. This off season I caught a sale on Kenetrek Mountain Extreme boots. I liked them enough that I bought a second pair to keep for sometime in the future.
I prefer the Kenetrek boots for big prairie type hunting like in Wyoming. The sole on the Kenetrek’s are super slick when stepping on wet logs or rocks in the PNW rain forest.
I’ve yet to find a better all leather 100% water proof boot for rugged coastal hunting then Danner Canadian’s....Which are still one of the few boots Danner still makes in the USA.
😎
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog “Molon Labe”
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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I used danner Canadians for years. Great boot, but heavy. Switched to Meindl Alaskans and never looked back. Thinking out loud. A pair of Schnees packs for snowy/cold conditions and a pair of uninsulated Meindl's would be about perfect for all conditions one would expect to encounter while elk hunting. I can get Kennetreks for free through my employers boot voucher program. However the darn things are so stiff and hard that they are plain uncomfortable just walking around the boot shop in them. No thanks.
Last edited by BWalker; 03/03/20.
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Campfire Outfitter
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I am a cheap azz bottom feeder. I wear hi techs altitudes. Wear out about a pair a year. I been using some Irish setter elk hunters the last two years in the snow. I like them. But gaiters are very nice to have. Especially quite fleecy type. As long as you ain't in the sticker bushes.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,355 |
Guys,
I’m getting ready for DIY elk hunting trip for the first time this year. Costs for gear are already mounting, tent, cot, Badlands 2200 Backpack, new arrows and string for my bow, etc.......
I know you shouldn’t skimp on your boots, and I’m not going too, but I’m looking hard at some Belleville 693 military goretex boots around $200. Is this stupid? Should I pony up $100-$150 more for some Danner, etc.....?
Anyone serve and wear these or very similar. The ratings are great and seem to have very little breakin time. Planning on hitting some of the local conservation area trails this spring/summer to exercise and test boots/gear out. We will be packed in to our hunting area, but will hunt for 10 days on foot.
I’m hoping to make this an annual thing, but costs are mounting! I'm wearing a pair of Bellevilles right now. Don't do it! Been wearing military issue for 23 years now and they are fine for the office but thats about it
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 29,383 |
I broke(cracked) the soles on 2 pairs of Danner boots . Never again
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2010
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Don't overlook Meindl boots, I bought a pair for a very rugged country Mountain Goat hunt. They are a serious boot for hiking and hunting. Agree! Great choice.
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” --- Will Rogers
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Posts: 46,024
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,024 |
I, along with several buddies, love Lowa GTX Renegades......comfortable, minimal break in, good support. Love em. +1 on the Renegades.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2018
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I broke(cracked) the soles on 2 pairs of Danner boots . Never again Probably weren’t Canadians... Pretty much anything Danner offers in a mid price range and made in China or other Asian country is crap. Pronghorns I’ve seen destroyed or not be 100% waterproof as an example. 😎
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog “Molon Labe”
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2004
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I broke(cracked) the soles on 2 pairs of Danner boots . Never again Probably weren’t Canadians... Pretty much anything Danner offers in a mid price range and made in China or other Asian country is crap. Pronghorns I’ve seen destroyed or not be 100% waterproof as an example. 😎 Eagle II's if such is made anymore, they were made in Potlandia Orygun. Airbob soles.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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I wear duty boots every (working) day. I don’t wear Bellevilles as I just don’t care for how they fit my feet. I do wear Danner duty boots, but I wouldn’t recommend them for mountain hunting. Duty boots have changed quite a bit in the last twentyish years. Used to be you could get a heavier leather boot like the Danner Acadia but Danner doesn’t make it in Coyote so I can’t wear them in uniform. Duty boots now are geared to be lightweight and comfortable more than heavy load carrying boots.
Now, will a duty boot last a couple of years of 10-day hunts? Sure thing if you don’t wear them otherwise.
Boots are very individual. I like Schnees, my buddies Kenetrek and White.
If I prioritized elk hunting money I would get boots before glass, only because you can get some pretty darn good glass for decent money now.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2009
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For all the Elk hunting (mountainous) conditions I have encountered, Danner Sierras have served me well. 200 grams Thinsulate, Goretex and can be resoled. A word of caution if you have a high instep, you may have difficulty putting them on which a couple of my hunting buddies found. https://www.moosejaw.com/product/danner-sierra-gtx-boot_10321930#productSummary
You're Welcome At My Fire Anytime
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Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 71 |
I've settled on one of the following 2. Mostly because I trust the Danner and Thorogood name and they are both made in the USA. I currently have a pair of Thorogood Slip ons and Thorogood 6" lace ups that are both my favorite boots to wear. There is a 20% off Danner boot sale going on right now https://www.workbootsusa.com/dagr8b...qqYr_5wIVtSCtBh2bKQZcEAYYBCABEgIiYvD_BwEhttps://www.workbootsusa.com/thorogood-814-4141.htmlWhat are you guys' thoughts? A lot of the styles you guys mentioned are nowhere near here to try on and don't come in wide sizes.
Last edited by SEMOmike; 03/03/20. Reason: forgot something
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Boots/shoes are a personal thing, but I wouldn’t want to do many miles in either.
I get along a lot better with a hiking boot vs a “hunting boot”.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 46,024 |
Makes sense. Elk hunting usually involves way more hiking than hunting.
A wise man is frequently humbled.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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i always wear 2 pairs of socks and high top leather hiking boots and if new i break them in in the summer. also if possible i use a electric boot dryer every night when i can.
LIFE NRA , we vote Red up here, Norseman
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Campfire Regular
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Try several pairs on. You will probably find different sizes are needed in different brands. With varies too. Dont buy too short but a wee bit narrow initially is OK. Try them on with the weight socks you will be wearing and after exercise when your feet are swelled. Order several pairs from places with a good return policy or visit a place like REI etc where you can try multiple brands.
Unless you are 22 years old or less, substandard footwear in tough country is not a good idea, not good at all.
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Campfire Outfitter
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My favorite boots were Ozark trail insulated, I would buy them in the spring closeout for about 12 bucks a pair.Walmart would carry them.
Of course they quit making them. When archery hunting remember stiff high quality boots are noisy. Unless you be shooting over 80 yards remember noise. A lot of archers I know take their boots off and finish the deal with moccasins or socks.
Last edited by Angus1895; 03/03/20.
"Shoot low sheriff, I think he's riding a shetland!" B. Wills
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I stumbled into a pretty good deal on a pair of Kennetreks today.
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I wouldn’t make fun of you in camp for either boot. Boots are very individual and you only have yourself to please. It sounds to me like you like the Thorogoods. I’ve never worn them personally. Good luck!
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Campfire Outfitter
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What he said. Try on a bunch of brands. Took me a while to find the right boots. Don’t overlook insoles like Superfeet and good socks. Skip the advice on multiple levels of insulated boots for a pack in bow elk hunt. Feet are different. But spend the money to get the best boots you can for your feet. I like the Kenetreks, alot. But they don't work for everybody. I would not hunt in either of those boots you listed. Get great boots and skimp on other stuff if you have to. You do not need thousands of sitka or kuiu either. I guide and hunt in Wyoming and spend lots on boots and then look for deals on everything else. STP, camofire, wrangler outdoor pants, Prana, spring sales on warm stuff. And look at other companies besides hunting brands. Totally agree 400-800 gram insulated boots would be the last the last thing I would ever use on an early season archery hunt...............
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I bird, elk, deer hunt late season with non insulated treated boots, two pair of good wool socks and gaiters. If stand hunting for deer of course want heavily insulated boots What he said. Try on a bunch of brands. Took me a while to find the right boots. Don’t overlook insoles like Superfeet and good socks. Skip the advice on multiple levels of insulated boots for a pack in bow elk hunt. Feet are different. But spend the money to get the best boots you can for your feet. I like the Kenetreks, alot. But they don't work for everybody. I would not hunt in either of those boots you listed. Get great boots and skimp on other stuff if you have to. You do not need thousands of sitka or kuiu either. I guide and hunt in Wyoming and spend lots on boots and then look for deals on everything else. STP, camofire, wrangler outdoor pants, Prana, spring sales on warm stuff. And look at other companies besides hunting brands. Totally agree 400-800 gram insulated boots would be the last the last thing I would ever use on an early season archery hunt...............
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
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Don't overlook Meindl boots, I bought a pair for a very rugged country Mountain Goat hunt. They are a serious boot for hiking and hunting. I had tried a lot of different boots over the years, and finally got around to buying a pair of Meindls from Cabela's.....very comfortable and have held up well. Granted I don't to go Elk hunting much anymore, but they have worked well!
~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
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Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 71 |
863-4200 Thorogood Men's Veracity GTX Outdoor Boots https://g.co/kgs/EprgTPMade a choice and bought these today for almost $100 off sticker price, love the company, US made. I’ll give a report after I’ve had a chance to walk around in them
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It depends on the season and weather..
In the September archery or early wilderness hunts I've worn Solomon's, 6' high Walmart hiking boots, or White's Loggers -- but they are heavy. With the Solomon's, I'll wear 6" canvas gaiters.
In October before the snow gets deep I usually wear lightweight 9" Danners.
In November or when I know the snow will be deeper than a few inches I wear Lacrosse Mountaineers, with their air-bob sole.
If it's wet or snow covered, I'll wear mid-calf fleece gaiters.
Regardless of which boots I wear, I've never worn more than one pair of white cotton athletic socks under them.
SAVE 200 ELK, KILL A WOLF
NRA Endowment Life Member
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My boot requirements are #1. They fit well, #2. Waterproof membrane, #3 Full Leather 8-10" tall uppers, #4 Full rubber rand. I've had Kenetreks, but they just don't fit my feet as well as Meindl. I was happy to see some folks from Cabelas go out on their own and start carrying Meindls after Cabelas quit doing so. My next will be from them or Lathrop and Sons, whom, IMO, make the best footbeds/insoles around.
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Been through two pairs of Meidls through cabelas. first pair lasted, but my feet expanded and I sold them used. replaced with the Perfekt and really liked them. Used them about a week a year for 8 years. They started leaking badly last elk season. I returned them for a full refund and purchased Kenetrek. Equally or more comfortable and seem to be put together better. I have a partial season on them only at this point. Food for thought, the elk camp my brother hunts, every guide there wears Kenetrek.
Salmonhead
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,206
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,206 |
I bring 2 pair of boots - a pair of 400 gram Pronghorns and a pair of Schnee Hunter Pac boots. It's nice tp have a pair of Pac boots if you get heavy rain or snow for a few days.
Last edited by Bill_N; 03/06/20.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,752
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 42,752 |
Most Elk "Hunters" around here don't need Elk Hunting boots,
as they Road Hunt in the front seat of their diesel picks, with the big lift kit..
but the cam seat covers must help conceal them, from elk, because they all have those along with camo clothing from head to toe..
I often think, the noise from an idling diesel driving down forest service roads also make it hard to sneak up on anything...
Funny to see people get out of their trucks to take a whiz, all camo'ed up, and on their feet they are wearing flip flops..
guess its a west coast CA/ So Oregon thing....
"Minus the killings, Washington has one of the lowest crime rates in the Country" Marion Barry, Mayor of Wash DC
“Owning guns is not a right. If it were a right, it would be in the Constitution.” ~Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9,057
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 9,057 |
Most Elk "Hunters" around here don't need Elk Hunting boots,
as they Road Hunt in the front seat of their diesel picks, with the big lift kit..
but the cam seat covers must help conceal them, from elk, because they all have those along with camo clothing from head to toe..
I often think, the noise from an idling diesel driving down forest service roads also make it hard to sneak up on anything...
Funny to see people get out of their trucks to take a whiz, all camo'ed up, and on their feet they are wearing flip flops..
guess its a west coast CA/ So Oregon thing.... 😀
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 157
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 157 |
Keen boots have worked great for me. Get a pair of gators and you’re set.
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,225
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,225 |
I've tried most of the top end boots and have settled on Crispi. Very comfortable, easy to break in, grippy bottoms and good support.
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,485
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,485 |
I’ve had a couple of pair in rotation normally like the Mendl 800,s & some Cabela’s 800 leather as well for 3rd season rifle hunts but 10 miles is a big day for me average is closer to 6-8 mostly snow & muddy footing. Do wear gaiters in the snow.
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