Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Extreme Cold Weather Mountain Boots

I have a better idea, get a pair of Vapor Barrier BOOTS like the GI bunny boots (white) or mickey mouse boots (black). SMC used to make crampons for them and they were the standard boot for the Muldrow Glacier route up McKinley. They kept my feet warm for two winters in and around Fairbanks/Delta Junction, down to minus 54.

That the bonus I've got...the Sheephunter's I've got are still in decent shape. And the Lowas fit me like a glove, so if I went with a new pair I know I wouldnt have to worry about fitting them right away.

This is one other boot I was considering if I go with something a bit 'heavier' for cold season stuff....combine this with an over-boot for sitting and I think it would be pretty bombproof....

Cabelas Winter 800 by Meindl

Not sure how these compare to my Lowa Sheephunter GTX or if I would notice any difference in warmth from them, but I'd think there should be a BIT of warmth diff. The Lowas do fit me so well that its a big consideration...

Yes, I'm quoting myself. I decided to offer up a "boot test". On the coldest day of your local winter, don your mendels/kennetreks etc, and step into a foot tub of 32 degree water and allow the boots to flood, then take off your socks, don the wet boots and start walking. I advise you to take a cell phone with you because you likely won't get far. With a pair of bunny/VB boots, this is just another day in the bush, your feet will be warm and sweating in twenty minutes, at twenty below.

My original search was for a cold weather boot that would serve me well in keeping my feet warm while on a snow machine but would provide ankle support while chasing Mt. Lions with dogs has ended.

With a tear in my anterior talo-fibular ligament, ankle support is paramount. Without a doubt, the lundhag polar quest boot is a great boot that provides the warmth of a pac boot but the ankle support of a mountaineering boot. However, the meindl 800's edge out the lundhags in ankle support.

If didn't already own a pair of schnee pac boots, I would probably have kept both pairs. The polar quests would be a great stand boot in cold weather.

I usually wear a lorpen merino wool sock without a liner sock. I did order the Meindls 1/2 size larger than my "normal" shoe size.