To the guys wearing Danner Pronghorns, how much insulation ? I am contemplating purchasing a pair of Danner Pronghorns for elk hunting. Just found out that they come in 3 or 4 insulation levels, 400gr, 800gr, 1200gram. Which to choose ?

My primary objective is Colorado Second Rifle season. I average 5 to 6 miles per day, 500 to 1,000 verticle feet, 30 to 35 lb Eberlestock pack (including rifle). The past two years have started out 50* to 60*F and dry the week before, and, ended up 20* to 25* F with 8" to 18" of snow on the ground when we pull out. On hunt days, I typically "hike" in to get somewhere, sit for 2 to 3 hours, still hunt for a couple hours, sit for an hour or 2 until dark, and then "hike" back out.

MY initial inclination was to go with the 800gr or 1200gram, (I hate cold feet). But, I do not want to waste money on a pair of boots where too much insulation decreases the "hike-ability" of the boot.

Your thoughts ?
.

I've got a pair of the 1000 gram models, way too much for my taste if you're doing any amount of walking. Great for sitting on a deer stand in Virginia, though.

If I were to pick up another pair for elk hunting, they'd be either 400 or 800 - probably the former.

I had the 400gr version and they were ok. As CFVA mentioned, if you cover a lot of ground in the heavier insulated versions, your feet are going to sweat. Sitting for several hours plus wet feet may equal cold feet for you.

Another option you may consider using a gaiter or supergaiter. You can pop them on if the conditions and temperatures take a turn for the worse and pop them off if the temperatures are warmer. The good ones can tend to be a little pricey, though.

I have a pair of un-insulated Pronghorns, and some Irish Setters in 800 & 1600.

The 800's I use the vast majority of the time, unless it's over 40-50 degrees and the 1600's are strictly ice fishing boots.

orion2000
Take this for what it's worth- This year, I bought a new pair of Danner Pronghorns for mild weather hunting- the uninsulated ones. Our elk hunting season here turned into being very much the temps and snow conditions you described for much of the season. I was hunting in the Beartooth Game Range, climbing about a 1000 feet a day and hiking about 4 to 5 miles a day, total. Those uninsulated Danners kept my feet very warm and comfortable when moving.
Based on that I would not get a pair with over 200 grams of insulation, and if I was going to sit for extended periods of time, I'd bring some of those chemical foot warmers to throw in the bottom of my boots when I was sitting.

Fred

Agreed. I've been using the uninsulated pronghorns for all but the latest seasons in Idaho and Montana for several years. It has to get down around 10 deg F or so, before I'll put on the insulated ones. I don't have very warm feet but I find that as long as my boots are waterproof and I have decent socks on I'm good down to 10 deg or so. 200g would be fine. 400g would be fine if you don't have a warm fall and with 600g you'de probably best hope for an extra cold fall. My 2 cents are 200g Max for that hunt.

CRoss

I have a pair of 400 gr Pronghorns and I don't consider them to be over or under insulated - at all. The insulation is relatively thin and not much more than just a liner. I have no issues with the "hike-ability" factor or cold feet with the right socks (merino wool0. When it gets real cold adding ski type sock liners adds another layer of warmth.

I've worn them on hunting trips with temps from single digits to the 90's and have been very happy with my choice.

I would choose 400 or 800. 1200 is overkill. Whichever you choose, always pack an extra pair of polypropylene/silk and a medium merino wool socks to switch off if you are going to sit for awhile. Ditto for your layered underwear top(s).

If you are hiking at all, no more than 400. I've been fine with uninsulated Pronghorns after they are water-proofed and if I wear good socks. My favorite socks are SmartWool. For really, really cold weather and tough conditions my choice would be a different boot altogether.

The "good socks" part, I think is often overlooked. A pair of polypro liners under some decent wool blend socks make all the difference in the world, perhaps as much as going to the next level of insulation ( my guess, not offered as fact)

Fred

Uninsulated for me and smart wool socks. Hunted elk in CO at 10,000 in sept. and my feet have not been cold up there yet. I love those boots...they just fit me right.

OP, I have been wearing non insulated Pronghorns for 6 years and just add thicker socks once the temperatures drop. I did buy a pair of 400 gr and wore those this season since it was colder, worked very well! These are the old models, and looking to buy a new model non insulated to replace my worn out pair.

Another vote for uninsulated. Good liners/socks and a pair of OR gaiters and your good well below freezing. I even where them on stand bowhunting, they're actually fairly warm.

I hunt the same typical conditions often. Usually I wear uninsulated boots w/ Costco socks unless it gets below 20-25, then 400gr boots. I cant stand to sit, so my my feet dont really ever get cold. Id go 200 if they had it for an all rounder. I cant stand to wear my 400 gr boots most of the time when its above freezing, but everyone is differnt.

I have two pair of Danner Pronghorns. Uninsulated and 400's. The uninsulated ones are my favorite. If I'm moving, they're good down to below freezing with heavy wool socks and great for summertime w/cotton. The 400's only go on if I'm expecting temps from low 30's down to single digits... The socks that you pair up w/your boots can make them work in a wide temp range.
John

Got both the original version and the newer model in uninsulated. My feet tell me they are totally different boots, the footbed especially. Thinking about having the older version restitched and toe capped, they are way more comfortable than the newer ones.
I wore the older ones yesterday riding the mule with the temps in the low 30's and a raw wind, feet were getting cold after a couple hours, even with lightweight Smartwool socks. I've used them mostly pheasant hunting but wouldn't want to sit too long in cold weather.

I have a pair of 200's. With a good sock I've worn them in Mid 20's weather when I'm still hunting. Great boot!

I use the 200's and sock-up if need be. I do not like my feet too hot.

I have a pair of 800s. The 800s are great if you are not planning on walking. They will wallow around and your foot is all over the place. I know wear Meindl's and carry a pair of down over booties. I only wear the 800s if there is almost no chance of having to walk more than a mile. Now I am getting older and I have bad feet, the old feet just have to have the support.

Gents, thanks for all of the input. I generally tend to over engineer things. After I found out that there were 800 and 1200 gram versions available, I figured I would buy one of those two flavors. After reading the feedback here, I will focus on the 400 gram boots.

The question that has been raised is Chinese built Pronghorns versus U.S. built Trophy's or Canadian's ??? I like the idea of buying American made. And I am willing to pay the upcharge. Unfortunately, the Pronghorns are the only Danner boots I have found in the stores that I have access to try on boots. I am not willing to risk $300 or $400 on U.S. made boots that I can not try on before the purchase.

Thoughts ?

I've got the same boots as dad (ole_270) posted above. The first 'good' boots I ever owned were the original Pronghorns, uninsulated, gf (wife now) bought them for me in 2005. I hunted them hard for everything. The pheasant fields really did a number on the toes, wore them through after a few years. They were the most comfortable boots I'd ever owned.

I wrote Danner a letter, saying I loved their boot for its comfort, but was dissapointed in the toe wearing through. They emailed me back saying to check out their new Pronghorns that solved that issue. A few months later there was a 'friends and family sale' that got released online, 50% off any Danner boots. That's when Dad and I both got the new version of the Pronghorns, mine as replacement, his as backup. I fully agree they're not as comfortable, the footbed just feels hard. That said, its not bad enough that I can't wear them, as I wore them last fall elk hunting in Colorado.

I also bought a pair of USA made Danner's off the classifieds here, hang tags still on them, for half price. They're the "Danner Hawk", 200 gram insulation. I don't like the suede leather on them, but the boots are fine otherwise. They're comfortable, possibly more so than the newest Pronghorns I've got. I switched between these and the Pronghorns on my elk hunt. A lot of mule riding and a lot of still hunting, very little sitting.

The reason the guy sold me the USA made ones were he too had bought them through classifieds, they were sold as a 12, but fit more like an 11 1/2. I don't know if this holds true for most of their boots or not. The Pronghorns to me are sized correctly.

Cabela's offers the 'Classic Pronghorn', which looks to be the same as the original, but I can't comment as to whether it is or not. I think they're even on sale now.

200 max. for me.
The more insulation the worse the fit. I do have a pair of 600g. Danners that are strickly for the treestand.

This is why I really want to try them on FIRST, before I lay out cash... When I measure my foot on the standard metal, adjustable, shoe sizing fixture, in the store, with my thick socks on, both feet measure out at US size 12.5, borderline D/EE width. I have tried on two pairs of Danner Pronghorns size 13EE. One pair in a store in Tennessee, One pair in a store in Michigan. With both pairs, I "think" I was on the verge of toe bump, which is what caused me to give away a $200 pair of Rockies. Don't care to go there again...

Once upon a time, I read a post about a boot company that took foot measurements (stand on a piece of paper, trace around your feet) and either sized boots, or built boots, based on the tracing. Anyone aware what company ? Are they still in business ? Do they do hiking/hunting boots ?

Again, I appreciate everyone's input...
.

Too much is never enough for me. I walk lots during the later elk seasons, but still prefer heavier insulation.

Depends on how cold your feet usually get in 20 degree temps and wet weather. My feet are cold in the summer.

Lathrop is now offering the Prongs with their footbeds free. Worth it.

http://lathropandsons.com/catalog/index.php

Not sure which custom boot you are talking about? Russells, Whites, Limmer and others.

I have the old pronghorn style snake boots and they are very comfortable and waterproof, old style pioneer 1000g and had the hikers in plain and 200g. Buy American or go to another boot.

My feet run cold but 200g of insulation seemed like extra padding only, over 600 and they are not so good for hiking. The heavier insulated models I usually end up with sweaty feet and they are actually colder than the thinner ones.

A liner and good wool sock plus a change can take care of a good range of temperatures. Usually I take an unlined Mt. boot and if much snow is likely a pair of pack boots and extra socks.

Danner sizing is not consistent they use several lasts and suppliers depending on model.

I have the Pronghorns and a few other non-insulated Danners.

To keep my feet warm when I stop for awhile I use vapor barrier socks. You wear it between your liner and wool socks, keeps the feet toasty. You hike with them on, but you would need to change your socks two or three times a day, depending on how much your feet sweat.

So I just put them on when I am going to being glassing or sitting in one place for a few hours.

They sell them at REI or mountaineering stores.

Bloodworks,

Thanks for the post. Turns out Lathrops is relatively close to a couple facilities that I work with. Dropped them an email over the weekend after following your link. Got a response back today. Seem to be very helpful folks. I am going to try to stop at their store in the next month or so when I go thru that area. Also interested in the foot beds, but only if the boots fit properly...
.

I been hunting with a pair of Danner pronghorns with 800 grs. My Danners seem to breathe and my feet stay conformable from Zero to 70 degrees.

I wear uninsulated for the kind of hunt you are describing, temps down to 10 degrees, snow, etc. I have dense wool socks, and I change them out so they are dry. If I were setting for a long time, I'd want Thinsulate 400, but you can also just carry a fleece blanket and wrap up if you're on a long sit. Dad always said, if your feet are cold, wear a hat.

Finally pulled the trigger and purchased a pair of the Pronghorns with 400 grams insulation on Saturday. Found a pair of 13EE's in WV where I could not force my toe to the front with thick socks on. Will report back later after I load up the pack a couple times regarding comfort and toe bump.

I appreciate everyone's input. Thank you !
.

I wear the 400. Got a new pair for X-mas. These have the new plastic toe and heal. Most comfortable shoes I own. They are really not stiff hunting soled boots however. They do stand up to carrying heavy loads but if you need to dig into a hillside or spend a lot of time in the rocks you may want to go with a heavier styled boot.

Keep your feet from sweating. That's #1 then good socks. I use a none scented spray deodorant then good socks with a spare pair. 400gr is what I have used.