The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > The Skunkworks > Gear and Accessories

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old October 10, 2018, 11:21 AM   #1
4570Marlin
Junior Member
 
Join Date: September 15, 2018
Posts: 6
Boot choices Alaska hunt

So, packing for Alaska hunting trips, obviously one can’t bring ‘everything ‘ they might think they will need, so there’s decisions to be made; trade-off, compromises,... I’m thinking footwear is very important to get right, not to shorten your hunting time due to physical discomfort.
I’ve watched examples of those who stay decked out in hip-waders with overboots since there’s marshes/streams and all sorts of watery slopes to deal with, but what about thorns/alders and tearing through expensive outfits? Doesn’t seem practical to carry multiple options with day-to-day given all the other necessary gear in a pack... what makes the most sense? Three different boot styles, with two “drying out” at camp any given time? And what if you don’t have the luxury of a base camp with good heat/drying options?
Another consideration is, a completely dry, tall muck boot good for wet areas is a dangerous thing to have on for steep grassy slopes or endless tundra, where light and tight would be better...I would love to hear practical answers from those who have encountered these issues in their hunts...
4570Marlin is offline  
Old October 10, 2018, 12:56 PM   #2
RC20
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 10, 2008
Location: Alaska
Posts: 7,014
I just hunted in my Goodyear Extra Toughs.

As noted, the variations you run into mean there is no great single option.

The ETs are a bit hot for walking, they have poor support but handle the rest well enough.

One think you don't want is hip waders or the chest waders crossing gnarly streams. One slip and you stay sunk.

Pair of rubber boots and a pair of good hiking shoes, type that go up over the ankle or a bit higher 8 inch.

Thats not only from hunting, its from surveying and fishing the wilds of AK as well.
__________________
Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not
RC20 is offline  
Old October 10, 2018, 02:10 PM   #3
T. O'Heir
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 13, 2002
Location: Canada
Posts: 12,453
Leather is best if there's not a continuous soaking. Even then leather can be waterproofed with relatively inexpensive goopy products. Have some stuff called Shoe Grease that went on my combat boots. Waded through all kinds of water with 100% dry feet.
Never had hip or chest waders that were comfortable to walk in.
In any case, any Alaskan trip will be limited by how you get there. Weight is an issue with aircraft.
__________________
Spelling and grammar count!
T. O'Heir is offline  
Old October 10, 2018, 02:59 PM   #4
Dano4734
Senior Member
 
Join Date: October 6, 2014
Posts: 730
Just came back t oheir is absolutely right that’s what I have leather. Also all kinds of devil club and other stuff that makes good leather waterproof boots the best
Dano4734 is offline  
Old October 10, 2018, 05:38 PM   #5
RETG
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 22, 2009
Location: Somewhere in Idaho, near WY
Posts: 507
When I was younger and did a lot of tromping through the wilds of the USA when not working or the Jungles of Thailand, Lao and a few other places (not military that was another matter), I used the best hiking boots I could find and usually double socked. A synthetic inner thin sock and an outer wool sock.
Yes, wool is warm but hey it worked for me.
__________________
I give MY OPINION (not often) based on many years shooting at, other than paper targets. I will not debate my experience vs. your experience based on dreams and "what ifs." I'm 73; I'm too damn old to care.
RETG is offline  
Old October 10, 2018, 05:51 PM   #6
Dozermonkey
Member
 
Join Date: December 25, 2014
Posts: 27
Google, Matterhorn Boots. Very pleased with the ones the Army gave me for that environment. Well worth it.
Dozermonkey is offline  
Old October 11, 2018, 02:34 PM   #7
4570Marlin
Junior Member
 
Join Date: September 15, 2018
Posts: 6
Good feedback so far,... thanks all....
@Dozermonkey; initially looking up those Matterhorn boots, looks like they all have either a synthetic or steel toe,...did yours have steel toe(?) and was it a problem with extended hiking...?
4570Marlin is offline  
Reply

Tags
alaska gear , footwear , hunting boots , waterproof

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:05 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.06348 seconds with 8 queries