Creek Crossing

[WapitiTalk1]

So, what do you cats do when you have to cross a creek on your walks in the elk woods? It may seem pretty warm now (say mid SEPT) in CO, ID, MT, WA, WY, etc., but those wet boots and socks are "not" gonna feel good in the morning. So, whaddya use to cross say a mid calf deep creek when the situation arises? The quick hop method , perhaps you carry garbage sacks to put over your boots/pants, how about taking boots and socks off and hiking your pants up to your knees, carry a pair of crocs, or maybe even pole vaulting across the offending stream? Whaddya do to cross creeks when you need to (no logs to walk or shimmy across)? RJ

[dapper]

Though we never had to cross any big streams, we planned on taking our boots, socks off, pulling up the pants and using crocs if one was encountered.

Dan

[jmez]

Gaiters. As long as you don't go over top of them they will keep you dry on crossings.

[Elkduds]

I like rafting sandals (Tevas) w fleece socks for camp shoes after a long day in boots. Bonus, sandals rock for stream crossings, then they dry while hanging off your pack.

[zpd307]

the streams where we were had enough dead falls across them that the were easy to cross. but they weren't very wide. I would take my boots and socks off it was wider.

[Indian Summer]

Gaiters. As long as you don't go over top of them they will keep you dry on crossings.

Definitely! good to just below your knees. Just make it quick.

Everywhere I hunt it's easy to find shallow riffles and logs over the water. I did use hip waders one time to cross the Bitterroot River between icebergs. It paid off with a late season 5 point bull.

[Z Barebow]

Two ways that come to mind.

Pack an old pair or light weight running shoes. Stash them in the bushes if you only have one crossing. (Obviously it takes a little time to get out of boots and socks)

Wiggys Waders- I have a pair and they work well. Not terribly durable but as long as you aren't in the water for 5 minutes, they won't leak much. (These waders pull up to your hip and slip over your boots). As an off season project I patched mine to extend their life.

[ElkNut1]

10"-11" boots & knee high gaiters I wear everyday of our elk hunts & moving swiftly! (grin)

ElkNut1

[elkmtngear]

Gaiters. Or a SLIP System pole vault. Or a combination thereof

[TetonStorm]

11" boots with gaiters. Keeps me dry not only on stream crossing but also dew covered underbrush in the morning. I really like the combo for walking quiet also because the gaiters (kuiu) are form fitting so I don't rub my lower legs together.

[Chukarhunter]

Many years ago, I taught a survival school in the Wyoming Wind Rivers....
We crossed many a stream, and used to take our boots and socks off, then put the boots back on. Once on the other side of the water, empty the water out of your boots, put your socks back on, and away you go.
(BTW, putting new boots in a barrel of water for an hour or two, then putting them on and walking them dry is a good way to do an emergency break in for new boots, too.....)

[Tim in Wa.]

Wiggy s waders here .They are relatively fragile.I've thought about trying to attach felt soles to the bottom in order to limit damage from sharp rocks
Tim

[ElwoodUT]

I have actually found that Tyvek pants and a little duct tape to tape them tightly around your boots will for the most part act like waders if you move quickly. They only weigh a couple ounces but they are a one time use item so you better bring at least 2 pairs if you plan on getting back the same way.