Insulated or noninsulated boots

[Ol' red]

I'll be headed to MT in October and figured I'd ask ya'll's opinion. We'll be doing a good bit of hiking, and hopefully some packing. I've looked at Lowa Renegades, Tibets, Zephyr GTXs,the Meindls from Cabelas, and a few others.

What do you prefer and why?

Red

[ferris bugler]

October is tough. You could need four different pairs of boots. I prefer to hunt dry ground in a mid weight hiking shoe. Salewa and Scarpas are two companies that fit my feet well, but I think any of the good boot companies are probably equal. It just depends on what fits your foot. I also have a pair of each, insulated and not insulated Schnees, depending on if it's raining or snow. and a pair of Mucks if its wet as well. Then you need something comfy for when you get back to camp like a pair of Uggs.

[Ol' red]

I spent some time with some guys who just got back from Afganistan and they wore the Lowa Zephyrs. That's actually why I looked at them. We'll be there the last week of the month near Missoula. From what I've read the weather can be all kinds of crazy...might end up taking 2 pairs regardless.

Red

[Elkduds]

I take 2 pr of waterproof boots on any hunt. One pair is lighter, lower, uninsulated. Other is taller and lightly insulated. It can always snow and accumulate. Waterproof boots still get wet on the outside. My setup allows me to handle warm, cold, wet, dry, and shallow snow, and to wear dry boots every day. Gaiters make a low boot suitable for deep snow, keep gravel out and keep lower legs dry so pants/socks won't wick moisture up your legs. Merino blend socks are unbeatable for foot comfort and dryness.

[Indian Summer]

Afghanistan, Montana in late October... hmm. Big difference I'd say.

There's no question you do not want uninsulated boots. Even during bow season I prefer at least a little insulation for fit. It serves as padding and compresses to give you a snug comfortable fitting boot. I won't go into brands here but I'd suggest something in the 600 to 800 gram range. If you are going to take 2 pairs then one lightweight pair with 400 and one with 800 or 1000.

Polypropylene sock liners sure are a nice addition too.

[Lefty]

I see your from Georgia.
Ive hunted with and worked with a lot of fellows from the southern states.. Many of them complaining about the cold, Mostly because they never dressed correctly.

End of October you could be talking 70's in the afternoons or single digit mornings, dry or 20 inches of snow. or worse rain and snow.
Also depending on your style of hunting.

IS has some good advise

There's no question you do not want uninsulated boots. Even during bow season I prefer at least a little insulation for fit. It serves as padding and compresses to give you a snug comfortable fitting boot. I won't go into brands here but I'd suggest something in the 600 to 800 gram range. If you are going to take 2 pairs then one lightweight pair with 400 and one with 800 or 1000.

Yesterday I was checking and setting bear baits wearing desert hiking boots. All was fine, but I was hauling baits. I sat down at lunch. I cut short because the bright sunny day with 15 mph winds chilled me quick.
Now might be your time to buy some well insulated winter pac boots, and some good insulated hunting boots.

Indian Summer my nephew from Minnesota spent some time in Afghanistan,. he said it was cold, but he is moving to Georgia this week because he likes it warm.

[Njdiverdan]

I go with non-insulated for just about everything except for ice fishing. I would rather make up the warmth with good smart wool socks. I don't do much sitting when elk hunting, maybe 30-45 minutes at the most, so feet stay plenty warm. But then again, I am mostly in September for Archery, not October.

-dan