Winter/cold weather hiking footwear help

Try these links: BPL spotlite review for 40 below Lightweight footwear systems Lightweight footwear systems part 2 Lightweight footwear systems part 3

Thanks Dylan, You have given me exactly what I asked for, but I don't think it will work for me. I have read about winter hiking in trail runners and how people are using all that extra stuff for a great system, but I think I want a little more of a boot and less extra stuff. I would still want to hike in just the boot and would need the traction of a good sole. I do have down booties for sleeping in so the removable liner might be a wash but I really liked it years ago.

Hi, Kurt: I have a similar background and timeline regards to footwear, formerly using Scarpa Inverno plastics for really cold stuff. I still have and use the Scarpas about once per year and I'll never get rid of them because it's a mortal sin to get rid of plastics that fit perfectly. :^) But those boots weigh a little over 3 lbs Each and aren't really needed for cold without technical climbing. I looked at all the systems above incorporating trail runners with overboots, liners, etc and decided the cost and complexity just didn't make sense for me, and in the end there were little, if any, weight savings. So I got some Vasque Snowblime boots and use them with OR Endurance gaiters, and they're good for 99% of the winter stuff I do. I rarely get cold feet and don't use down booties — I'm fine with my thick wool Thorlo socks — but if I needed some booties I think I'd just get some really light down booties such as Goosefeet and go with that.

I used to do a lot of snowshoeing/winter camping in the Adirondacks and NH Whites, and I quickly got tired of freezing feet. I ended up buying Koflach double-layer plastics, and never experienced cold feet again, but boy, are they heavy!!! I've since moved away from the area, but if I were still "home", I'd probably be trying stuff like Sorels (Paxson), Baffins (Warrior), or some of the new Merrells. All of these are lighter than plastics (although you probably can't use step-in crampons with any of them). They would definitely be "overkill" for many on BPL, but if you get really, really cold feet, the extra weight will be worth it to you.

For a warm Baffin boot with a removable liner (which you can take out and put in your sleeping bag to dry out and keep warm), check out the Baffin Revelstoke. I haven't tried yet but Will Reitveld mentioned it in one of his excellent Outdoor Retailer new product roundups. http://www.baffin.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=LITEM002 I've used Keen Growler 200g thinsulate eVent boots which are light yet supportive and warm, together with overboots – first Neos Trekkers and then Forty Below TR Energy Overboots. Together with winter softshell pants and merino long johns, my feet were warm in -5F with a windchill down to -25F. The Growlers are fantastic for any cold weather hiking and I wish Keen still made them – my only problem with the Growlers is that I discovered I needed a half size larger than I bought, so next season when I'll be logging more snow time I'll be looking for another 200-400g insulation synthetic waterproof membrane boot. I like the waterproof membrane for the bit of warmth it adds.

ONCE AGAIN, WITH FEELING:

OK, I’ll post this winter footwear advice again in hopes it helps someone have a “good winter footwear experience”.

To keep the insulation of winter boots dry you need to wear a Vapor Barrier Liner (VBL). Dry boot insulation is warm boot insulation. Wet boot linings is misery and dangerous.

-> I began using plastic bags taped into shape with duct tape. Not very durable and a PITA to keep up.

-> Then I used commercial urethane coated ripstop VBL “socks”. They slipped down constantly and bunched up at the toes.

-> finally i tried closed cell 3 mm<b> </b>divers’ sox. This WORKED! Plus they gave me better insulation than thick wool socks.

The best 3 mm thick divers’ sox I’ve found are US Divers brand that have a shaped Left and Right foot and come factory seam sealed. Try them on over thin liner socks.

You need tower thin polyester or polypropylene liner socks and need to change them out every day for clean liners. (If winter camping change them out before going to bed, and put inside-out VBL sox in the foot of your sleeping bag to dry and stay warm for morning.)

I recommend winter boots with removable liners so they can be placed in the fro of your sleeping bag to stay warm. Felt pacs and most backcountry ski boots have removable liners. Other winter boots – not so much.

“Telescope” boot shell tops to keep out windblown snow and place in vestibule.

There, now I’ve said my piece.