Crossing creeks, rivers and such

[Navesgane]

When crossing a waterway that will be over you boots, what measures do you take? Change out socks, boots, or both? When going out for several days I'm looking for ways to keep the feet and boots dry as much as possible in the backcountry. Carrying an extra pair of boots seems unlikely.

[redtop]

Depends on the bottom of the creek. If its soft or sandy I take off my boots and barefoot it. If its rocky I wear the boots with gaiters.. without socks.
If its really cold and I know I have a one creek crossing I take a couple of garbage bags and put them over the boots or socks. Cheap one use waders. Big stuff sacks work too and are better.
Off course if its just a creek crossing to access a place I take hip boots or ditch boots and stash them.

[Swede]

I have gone barefoot to cross a stream or brought along an extra pair of socks just for the crossing. I think one time I had a cheap pair of tennis shoes for a high water, cold weather crossing. anyway, I take off my boots and carry them until I get to the other side.

[WapitiTalk1]

If stream crossing will be a daily occurrence where you hunt, a pair of crocks in your pack work well for stream crossing once you've taken off your boots/socks and rolled your pants up (crocs weigh next to nothing to carry in your pack). I've also used the large black garbage sacks over my boots/pants to cross streams. If the bottom is not too rocky, you can get a few uses out of them but more often than not as redtop mentioned, they're a one trick (use) pony.

[six]

Most rivers where I hunt you can find a tree, rocks, or just a shallow spot to splash across. If your using a tree or rocks make sure you grab a stick for balance. The croc idea sound good and I will probably give that a try this year to try and shave off some hiking.