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> wet boots to heavy
wet boots to heavy
@ 08:27 pm (GMT) |
Gary KeenHi There, I've just got back from south Westland chasing bush Tahr. Great trip and got my first 12 inch Tahr but really need to think through my gear.There is no way you can keep your boots dry when crossing those big mountain streams. When I got back I weighed what my expensive mountain boots weighed when always wet. Boots x2 3.420 kg Gators x2 1.179 kg. That comes to 4.5 kg on your feet which is a lot of weight to lift when you climb thousands of feet. These heavy boots are designed to keep water out but also keep water in when your in these wet area's. In contrast I've got some light weight boots I use for Mt cook fine, weather, light pack day hunts. The saving in energy for a days climb is amazing, but These wouldn't handle a week of hard wet work. but there must be something out there that can do both ? Any one out there got some solutions to this would be great to hear. |
Replies
@ 09:17 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: wet boots to heavyI know what you mean, plus there is a lot of BS with the fancy boots. My Meindl pro supposedlygive optimum ankle support. Yep- they transfer it all to my knees, utterly hopeless.The Meindl Island boots were the light weight versions. I don't know what they are called now but Steph has been wearing these, seem to survive the S.I tops OK. I have simply been wearing Skellerup Hikers these last years (full rubber lace up). My knees are ever so grateful. The boots don't last long but are light. The sole is soft like an animal foot, so the boot contours to uneven terrain better. Would far rather have this than a stiff sole. Would probably need an extra role of insulation tape to take these to the S.I tops, just in case something happens. There is an ex NZ sniper trying to finalize a design for boots, fully waterproof, light weight, tougher than my Skellerups. I have yet to hear how he is getting on. He is of the same mind as you. I have some "Taranaki rubber company boots", sold through RD1, RRP about $100-120. They are very tough and light weight, rubber and cordura. Would definitely do what you need but I find the fit very odd. They are much wider than a typical boot so my feet slop from side to side. Not the best for climbing or packing in. You could switch to neoprene gators but a full gator is better in the thorny Matagouri for extra leg proection. We utilize the Huntech Gators, full calf. I have never seen better gator but tough as you say. When Steph and I are possuming for fur, we generally wear neoprene. You may want to think about neoprene gators to cut weight down. Fleece pants that drag in rivers are the pits, you end up trailing your arse a half a yard behind you. Close fit pants are the key if you are thigh or waist high a lot of the time. Hard to beat long johns and shorts! |
@ 12:39 pm (GMT) |
Timothy KnightRe: wet boots to heavyLike Nathan, over here in the wet Southeast US, we utilize form fitting rubber boots. They are soft, sole is flexible, and waterproof. However, if water gets it, it can't get out.For years, my remedy for hunting in areas where I had to ford standing water was US Army "Jungle" style boots. These come with ventilation screens near the sole. I would oil them well, then wax them heavily when dry. I would liberally apply wax to the screens to clog them up and close them off. This would stop moisture from getting in until the boots were submerged, at which time water pressure from inside the boot would blast the wax away and allow the water in the boot to drain out. The drawback was that you spend the rest of the hunt with damp feet. However, the boots remain light weight. I'm no longer angry enough with the animals I hunt to hunt all day with wet feet. If the water is too deep for the rubber boots, I don't cross. It's hell to get old! |
@ 07:03 pm (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: wet boots to heavyI'm with Tim!!! I'm too old now. I'm looking for two poles with a seat in the middle & four big natives to transport me to the tops & back!!! But till then my favourite Nephew has a Yamaha Rino for me. Yah Hoo!!!! Seal skin socks are good but expensive. I wear chaps, and when it gets hot or creek crossings, take them off and put them in my pack. Chaps are good in the black berries but also great when you have to get down on your knees working on an animal. In Australia, west of the range, we have a million types of spiky seeds (burrs) on the ground that are a pain in the arse too. This link has good chaps & gators, seal skin socks, some good other gear too. http://jsenthunting.com.au/protective-clothing-boots-chaps-gaiters-seal-skin-waterproof-socks-/308-new-chaps.html. Ordinary old Dunlop Volley sand shoes and seal skin socks & gators work for creeks and the high stuff. A roll of SOS silicon tape is great to have in your pack, will fix most things. http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/DynaGrip-SOS-Silicone-Tape-49191-Black-25mm-x-3m.aspx?pid=326479#Cross |
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@ 07:12 pm (GMT) |
Bob MavinRe: wet boots to heavyThat link I posted for the chaps & gear. you might have to gohttp://jsenthunting.com.au and go down the left side of the page to protective clothing |
@ 11:57 pm (GMT) |
thomas kitchenRe: wet boots to heavyim still on the hunt for the perfect boot.so far i have used a bout $300 hiking/hunting boot same old thing designed in nz nz leather made in china. had the vibram soles which were useless walking on rocky forestry tracks could feel the big stones every so often in your foot. were comfortable bit only lasted just over a year with black berry abuse. tried red band but no support and bit hot. tried the skellerup ashleys find them good light but bit hot and grip isnt to great. at the moment im using lastrite non steel toe logging boots bit heavy not the most comfortable but are solid and reliable boots that will handle anything ( had to break up dog fight one day with them ) grip well to, might try lighter model next time if i ever manage to wear mine out if skellerup would make a higher hiker i would give them a good go dont like the low cut boots |
@ 05:51 pm (GMT) |
chris murphyRe: wet boots to heavyMy brothers have been using the Meindl Himalayas for the last couple of years they have been great. they retail for about $800 in nz but we got them off www.myhuntingshop.com in uk land here for $330 nz each [b] |
@ 12:00 am (GMT) |
Tony PotterRe: wet boots to heavyUp here in Northland regardless of boot type the thing that annoys me more than wet feet is slipping and falling .I've taken to wearing el'cheapo rugby boots for hunting .If only they still made the older version that were ankle high. I've also taking to wearing them when fencing or gorse spraying on steep terrain they work that well. Obviously not suitable for all terrain types but food for thought. |
@ 12:09 am (GMT) |
Mike DavisRe: wet boots to heavyskellerup ashleys for this Kiwi. fleece pants go over the top, or gaitors which help to protect them a tad. when they get too wet stop tip them out wring out socks and carry on, you needed a break anyway. vibram soles give me the screaming sh%&s watching mates fall over in the bush and talk about noisy..far too hard for my liking. when the ashleys get holed behind toes on top use them for fishing/rabbiting boots and buy a new pair for stalking in. I suffered for years with hot red scolded feet on hunting trips using leather boots..not anymore Ashleys are just the bees knees. |
@ 08:25 am (GMT) |
Warwick MarflittRe: wet boots to heavyBuy a pair of safety joggers at mitre 10 mega $45 and they are a Good buy. I have used them for 12hr shifts in the mines wet dry and they last and wear well. Go and try some onhttp://search.mitre10.co.nz/search?p=Q&w=safety+jogger+ |
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@ 08:30 am (GMT) |
Warwick MarflittRe: wet boots to heavyhttp://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/safety_security/personal_safety/safety_jogger_bestboy_work_boots_size_42_133354/ |
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@ 09:38 pm (GMT) |
Warwick MarflittRe: wet boots to heavyThey are light to wear even with the steel cap. Comfortable as I have been hunting and fishing and wear these every day every where. I have a good pair for town and at the pub and my work ones. My only complaint is that the laces only last 6 months buy some good quality cord and they last for years. |
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@ 10:31 pm (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: wet boots to heavyOne of my clients (now a close friend) has been wearing the basic Matterhorn leather combat boot since 2008 or earlier. The design works so Matterhorn are not making yearly changes for marketing like others. The boot has a thinsulate liming and gortex for water proofing. It looks like a traditional combat boot. It amazes me that these boots 9same pair) have lasted this long. He uses them for all recreation.I am up for some new boots myself now. Drives me nuts. No fancy tramping boots for me- too hard on my knees. Have also been contemplating loading a cheap rough out boot with sno seal. |
@ 06:18 am (GMT) |
Dale WilhelmRe: wet boots to heavyOne thing I have noticed is that boots have got a lot lighter over the years. Personally I find I have to buy european boots to get a narrow fit for my long thin feet, which has always meant they are expensive and there is not much choice. However my previous pair of boots, Sportiva Makalu's, lasted over ten years. This was with the first three years wearing them almost every day for work and hunting/tramping in the Southern Alps. The final act for them was a ten day midwinter tramping trip around Stewart island. The constant mud proved terminal for the leather. After trying a lot of different boots on I ended up with a pair of Sportiva Karakorum's which are a lighter version of the Makalu. So far they have done a lot of day walks but not been tested too hard. They are very comfortable and seem to handle being wet and muddy. |
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