For those who like to hike and camp in the snow, a lightweight footwear system that keeps feet dry and warm is essential, as explained in our three-part article: Lightweight Footwear Systems for Snow Travel. A pair of lightweight/warm down booties is an essential component of a winter camping kit to keep feet warm in camp and in a sleeping bag. Down booties abound, but most of them are just not warm enough, or don’t keep snow out well enough, by themselves for snow camping. I have tried several and find that I need to wear extra layers inside of them and overboots over them to keep my feet warm, which adds up the weight. The newly introduced (fall 2009) Western Mountaineering Expedition Down Bootie makes other down booties look like cabin slippers. These lightweight booties (8 ounces for size Medium) seem to be capable of shedding snow and keeping feet warm by themselves, without all the added layers, so are they the ultimate booties for snow camping?
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Description
- Performance
- Assessment
- Specifications & Features
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Western Mountaineering Expedition Down Bootie Review
Nice review Will. Do you think the XL would actually fit a 15 or is 14 already pushing it?
Thanks, nice review. Will try to pick up a pair on sale somewhere during the Summer.
Ken, the XL booties measure 13 inches long, and that's pressing against both ends. Measure the length of your feet. I don't think feet any longer than 13 inches would fit. Best, Will
+1 on the Toughtek. I have it on my insulated mitts and it grips onto anything and stays there (I use them at home to open tough jars or the occasional car coolant reservoir.)
Will,
What do your do with your travel boots when in camp? If you do not have a VBL for them I'm assuming they will freeze and you'll be miserably cold the next morning when you put them back on.
I use a couple of A3 plastic bags to wrap them up and store them inside the bottom end of my quilt. Both walking shoes and ski boots.
Cheers
Hi Eric. I am still dealing with the frozen boot/cold feet issue. If I don't wear a VBL, moisture from sweat builds up in the lining of my snowshoeing and ski boots, which means cold feet, and there's no way to get the moisture out in the field. A VBL works well, but I have to wear my socks inside them, otherwise they are just too clammy feeling. My feet stay warm while I am moving during the day, but I have to get dry socks on right away when I camp. I have not been putting my boots in my bag at night, but wearing warm socks in cold boots helps a lot to get started in the morning. Best, Will
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