Boot Decision For Idaho Elk Hunt

[Srp]

I was hoping to get some informed opinions on which boots to wear for my DIY Idaho Ell Hunt. I will be hunting for 5 or 6 days in fairly steep country (sawtooths), and have a pair of moderately heavy leather Asolo TPS 520s and a pair of lightweight Merrell Moabs. I am trying to keep my pack weight to under 40, and have been leaning towards the Moabs. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

[KMT]

I would use whichever ones fit you the best, assuming they both provide the same level of support. I use my asolo 520s all year.

[Indian Summer]

I would use whichever ones fit you the best, assuming they both provide the same level of support. I use my asolo 520s all year.

Exactly and I agree it could be the Asolos.

[twinkieman]

They have to be broken in, you will find out quickly, if they are not going where you are going. Carry duct tape, and make sure to trim your toenails before you go. Good luck!

[pointysticks]

one boot that fits a guys foot will not fit another.

you gotta do the legwork (pun!)..run thru them. hit the great brands, and find one that fits perfectly or close enough to be broken in easy.

i chose Schnee Beartooths insulated boots.

[Chaza402]

As everyone has stated, all boots fit everybody differently. I have had great luck with scarpa and Vasque in the past but I wanted to try a new brand so
I chose the Kenetrek Hard Scrabble because they are a little lighter, but super tough boot in comparison to other hikers.

Waterproof and pretty breathable for me with excellent stability for hauling heavy loads. Alot of reviews i read stated there was no bresk in period, but it took me about 20 miles to truly break them in, but it was well worth the missery. Their sizing seems to run a little big, I usually wear a 9 but I ended up with an 8.5 and I can wear a light under sock and a pair of smart wool hikers or just tighten em up and wear a single pair of socks for lighter uses. I have probably put a solid 250 days on them over the past year and a half hiking, hunting, and working in them and my only issue is the lack of a vibram sole. I think this is where the lack of weight comes from for a traditional style boot(3.7lbs) Kenetrek puts their own Ktalon sole on the boot and they do wear faster than vibrams but they have just as much grip. Other models of boots they offer have vibram soles or you can have them resoled for a fraction of the price of a new pair.
All in all I am really impressed with the support, traction, and quality of these boots and if I didn't promote them well enough, they are extremely comfortable.

[pointysticks]

oh. i've hunted Idaho. the terrain runs the full gambit. i've never seen such rough stuff. take the nastiest rocky surface, and dump a bunch of tree trunks over the place..like big giants didnt pick up their game pieces from some Jenga super tournament.

it was so difficult. in an awesome way. you climbed over trees while climbing mountains.

get good boots my friend. ankle biters, ankle scrapers..it was ugly. my boots are like boxing gloves for my feet.

[Atxboise]

Nice to hear good things about the hard scrambles. I won a pair from elk hunter magazine and I'm about 5 miles into the break in period. Hope they become as reliable as my meindl's!