The best winter boots for extreme cold?

Thanks again for all the responses. Sever people asked for more information on "how cold" and "how long". Since I am looking to purchase a pair of boots that will last a long time I can pretty much expect anything. Antarctica is on my list for the next 5 to 7 years, but who knows when I will really get there. More immediately I will be in Homer, AK for 10 days and will be standing still on snow and ice for up to 8 hours at a time. I also plan to shoot in snow and ice in and around the mid-atlantic area this winter, but the ambient air temps are admittedly in the wimpy range.

Not the extreme situations most probably imagine, but my theory is to buy once and plan for the worst. Should I be concerned about them being too warm?

Right now I am at a toss-up between the Lacrosse Ice Kings and the Baffin boots. Some of the Baffin boots are rated to -148F, thats insane! Does ot really get that cold on this planet??

Thanks again for all the helpful responses. You folks are great!

Gerg REI sells chemical toe warmers, they are thin and tape to the bottom of your socks - they last for 7 hours. I got some for Homer (and hand ones too)

E.J. Peiker wrote:Gerg REI sells chemical toe warmers, they are thin and tape to the bottom of your socks - they last for 7 hours. I got some for Homer (and hand ones too)

Thanks, I will probably get some too. I have used them before. I do still want some good boots though.

Greg Downing wrote: Not the extreme situations most probably imagine, but my theory is to buy once and plan for the worst. Should I be concerned about them being too warm?

Right now I am at a toss-up between the Lacrosse Ice Kings and the Baffin boots. Some of the Baffin boots are rated to -148F, thats insane! Does ot really get that cold on this planet??

Thanks again for all the helpful responses. You folks are great!

Yeah, you might be getting a little more boot then you need. I think there is a tendency to overdress in cold weather, and that can be as problematic as under-dressing, because you will perspire more, and damp footwear and clothing is very inefficient. Both boot systems you are looking at do have removable liners – I think the most important thing you can do is remove the liners at the end of a each day, and let them completely dry each night.

Hard to imagine the need for boots good to -148, but that reminds me of a book of that title (-148) I read as a youngster of the first winter accent of Mt McKinley, although they were including chill factor which is more of an issue for exposed skin such as hands and face, and not really an issue with your feet in boots.

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Hi Greg et all Joyous News Year to all.

I have read through the discussion and found it to be interesting for sure.

In all honesty we here wear our regular street runners and shoes most of the year while walking to around town. 10-20 minute walks....The snow here is very dry and with the wind it piles up into cement hard drifts. The wind is our worst enemy.
When we go out on the land on the snow machines we wear the Sorel Glacier

As for what Greg is looking for there isn't a real solution in one boot. .ie. the cold wet snow on the coast and dry cold temperatures of Antarctica or the deeper snow of the mountains.

Hope this helps

Homer is on the coast and the weather there is cold damp and wet. Wet is the key here. I looked at the temperature history and found that last year the temperatures were just at freezing or slightly below. (For the two weeks in January 10-22) That means wet snow and rain, slush, wet puddles and wet slippery ice. A good pair of insulated rubber boots is what is required here. IMHO I would suggest look at what the lobster fishermen are wearing they work in this area all winter in the most extreme conditions you will ever get. If you are going to be on a lot of ice there are attachable ice chains that can help for footing?yes chains for your boots. This type of boot will also work for any hiking that may be done away from the coast in deeper snow during your coastal adventures and for wet spring and fall tundra walking. Ie Churchill.

Important in any winter weather is keeping the core warm. If the core is cold than your cold blood from the feet and hands will not be replenished with warmer body blood no matter what you have on your feet and hands you will be cold.

For the other areas such as the inland Alaska, Central US, Antarctic, and Canadian Arctic the snow and cold is different and requires different type of foot wear. Here I would look at the Sorel Glacier line.

DMcLarty wrote: Homer is on the coast and the weather there is cold damp and wet. Wet is the key here. I looked at the temperature history and found that last year the temperatures were just at freezing or slightly below. (For the two weeks in January 10-22) That means wet snow and rain, slush, wet puddles and wet slippery ice. A good pair of insulated rubber boots is what is required here.

I live on the coast about 75 air miles from Homer, and have shot Eagles in Homer every month from January through April, and I can tell you that last year was a fluke, and is not a good one to compare with since we really never had a winter. Most winter events in Alaska had to be canceled due to lack of winter.

Although I do agree with what Doug and Karen write, you are as likely to need insulated rubber boots (Xtra toughs are what most in Alaska wear) as you are cold weather boots. But the problem is, you need to be prepared for the worst just in case. For example, the first part of February a couple years before, we had temps to 20 below with winds blowing a steady 50, gusting to 100. Granted this was extreme, and record cold spell. The other problem will be finding room in your luggage for insulated rubber boots and winter boots!

It seems after about February 20th, the worst of winter has past, and even cold spells should be above zero. By mid March when most photographers visit, it is unlikely you will see temperatures dip into the single digits – insulated rubber boots would be plenty. April is even far warmer.

How about this for a plan:

I pick up a pair of LaCrosse Ice Kings and use my NEOS Adventurer overshoes when I need the extra waterproof protection.

This would give me some flexibility and extra protection when standing in water and wet snow, but would also allow me to use the boots alone when hiking or working in drier areas.

BTW I will be in Homer in early February.

That combination might work well. Early February could be 10 below with wind, or could be 40 above with rain. We have already received a lot of snow this winter, so rain would be a sloppy mess. My only concern, if it was 40 and rain, the LaCrosse Ice Kings with NEOS Adventurer overshoes would be a really warm combination, possibly uncomfortable. I think a regular pair of hiking boots and the NEOS overshoes would be all you need if it is above freezing, especially if you add the chemical warmers. Then break out the Ice Kings if it is below freezing.

Speaking of chemical warmers, I think they are indispensable for your hands. Make sure you bring enough for each day just in case it is cold. The days will still be pretty short then; one warmer per glove should last long enough to get you through the day.

Thanks Ron. If I end up with the snow kings, I will bring a regular pair of boots as well.

Thanks everyone for their helpful responses. This has been an educational thread!

It's pretty obvious from the replies here that Alaskans consider their boots rather important.

Have a listen at: http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1433916

- dave

Hi Greg,
I can strongly recommend Baffin boots, made in Canada. The most important thing is a slightly loose boot, something that you can layer on multi pairs of 100% pure wool knit socks if needed- don't even bother with Gortex and thinsulate- they might sound hi tech but are really junk compared to wool. Go with a rubber boot with a felt liner like the Baffins that have lots of room for extra pairs of wool. The wool is better than anything for wicking away moisture and is very warm. Don't go with a wool blend but 100% wool. A company called Duray make excellent wool socks that are very warm. The Baffin boots that I use are a rubber boot with a felt liner and when I need extra warmth I just add another pair or socks. I used to be a commercial sea urchin diver up here in Canada and we dived through the winter in drysuits- I tried everything to keep my feet warm in my drysuit in the 0 degree C. water and after trying every conceivable hi tech product (incl the chemical warmers) simply layering 100% wool socks was by far the best.
Scott

This has been an excellent thread as I too am in need of decent boots for those 8+ hrs in < 30 F temps.
Sounds like the leader in this thread is Baffin with the addition of 100% pure wool socks in layers.

Cabelas only carries Baffin for women.
Cabelas does carry La Crosse and their own branded version of what appears to compete with those listing temps of -140

I have one question on the Baffin boots. Which ones to get! There are too many....

That said I have looked at them and like the snow protection and the removable liners etc. I am afraid however that some of them may be overkill for me.

I had no idea this decision would be harder than choosing a new lens!

Thanks once again.

I own a pair of buny boots, and for my liking...way too heavy, way to "sweaty", and just plain awkward and uncomfortable. Any one of a number of the new "high end" boots will match them in warmth and exceed them in walking/hiking comfort. I couldn't imagine walking around all day stalking photo ops with bunny boots. Tell me my job is to stand on ice in one spot all day long and I just might pull them out and use em.

"bunny boots" are valued not so much for their absolute warmth or comfort as their relative "cheap" price, being an army surplus item.

Greg, I'd be curious to hear just what it is you use now for your cold weather requirements.

Steve, I have a pair of Cabelas Mountain Hunter Series boots and all the metal on them is trashed from standing in salt water. I also have another pair which I can't remember what they are (but they suck). I use wool socks with liners under them (when I remember to pack the liners) and my toes freeze when it gets into the teens after about 5 minutes. I have used the foot warmers with some success, but wish for a more permanent solution.

I must say that I am overwhelmed by the selection of Baffin boots and other suggestions and still don't know what to get for "all purpose" use. As I said before my NEOS are great for when it's really wet so I don't think I need seamless rubber boots. I was leaning toward the lacrosse boots to use with the NEOS when it's really wet, but others have sworn by the Baffins. Baffled....

Hey Greg were you able to find Baffin Boots? My searches online came up empty for Men, just women. I think I might opt for the La Crosse or Cabela La Crosse Look-Alikes.

Greg,

I am going to throw another wrench in your plans...I have worn everything from Bunny boots to Sorels to Red Wings. The absolute best pair of pack boots I have ever worn (especially for walking and hiking) is Schnees http://www.schnees.com/ . They are worn by elk hunting guides all over the west and they are the best combination of warm and confortable I can find.

I have no experience with Baffin Boots so I can't comment on those but I live and grew up in Northern South Dakota and we quite often get colder than Alaska. I have worn Bunny Boots for ice fishing and they are great for standing in place for long periods of time but I can't walk in them at all! Personally I would pick out an insulated pair of Schnees hunting or pac boots (Goretex) for wet and snowing with moderate cold and hiking and then get a pair of their extreme packs for the standing in cold weather. The Extreme's are still great for walking and hiking compared to other packs so you are not limited to just standing around as you are in other pacs.

Hope this doesn't make the decision any harder! Have a great New Year!

BrianS wrote:Hey Greg were you able to find Baffin Boots? My searches online came up empty for Men, just women. I think I might opt for the La Crosse or Cabela La Crosse Look-Alikes.

http://www.winterfootwear.com/

All the Baffin boots you could ever want (Men, Women and Kids). You will see why I am overwhelmed...

Les Voorhis wrote:Greg,

I am going to throw another wrench in your plans...

Aw gee thanks Les! Just what I need, another choice...FWIW the moment I looked at the bunny boots I knew I couldn't walk in them. They are enormous!

Seriously, thanks for all the help (from everyone). I can't get over how popular this thread is. I'll try and follow up when I decide what to buy, as well as what my impressions are of them.