Winter Footwear Question

January 27, 2008 by: Grant

Question: Richard Heck from Minnesota asks: “Hey Team ATO. I enjoy winter camping and usually get to my destination by snowshoeing. Last year I bought some winter hiking boots to fit my snowshoes that were rated to -90 F, however, while camping last winter my feet almost froze off! Is there a boot out there that will satisfy both the need for mobility in hiking/snowshoeing and warmth for just camping and sitting around? Thanks.”

Hi Richard. It is more than likely that the temperature rating for your snowshoeing boot is an “active rating.” By active rating they mean that as long as you are moving around, your feet should stay warm up to -90° F (that’s way too cold for camping Richard!). However, as soon as you become inactive, the rubber on your boot can turn your -90° hiker into an icebox.

Unfortunately there is no easy solution such as a hybrid boot that will satisfy both needs. You don’t want to be lugging around a 5lb pac boot on each foot while snowshoeing, but you do need the warmth of a pac once you get to your destination. I can come up with two suggestions for you, but they both involve carrying extra gear.

The first option is to carry a set of nice pac boots that will do the job once you get to camp. You’ll be carrying more weight, but you will also have the warmest feet in camp. The other option is to carry an overshoe that will actually fit over your boot. The overshoe is much lighter to carry and packs away easily. I have never actually tried them, but I hear they work well, usually adding about 40° of warmth to your existing set-up. The most popular brand out there is Neos. The North Face also makes a quality waterproof overshoe. Just make sure to check with the manufacturer to see what size overshoe is necessary for your particular boot.

The only other advice I have is to make sure that your socks are working to your advantage. I use a polypropylene liner underneath a pair of warm smart-wool socks. For me, that system has proven to keep me warm and wick away moisture. Make sure you are also leaving enough room for your foot to breathe and circulate blood. Happy camping Richard!