Recently we took part in a firearms youth hunt in southern Minnesota and my son needed new foot wear for the hunt. Since we were going to be hunting on the ground, we needed to know what was the best boot to minimize human scent.
What is the best boot to minimize human scent?
The best boot for controlling human scent is a knee-high rubber boot. The rubber does not hold scent well and can be scrubbed with a scent control soap and rub dirt and mud on them. This creates a scent free boot for walking in to areas where scent control is important.
What are other boots used in the outdoors?
I recommend a 5-boot system that includes a 6-inch Uninsulated or Lightly Insulated Hiking Boot, a Backpack Hunting Boot, Pac Boot, Knee-high Rubber Boot and Chest Waders. These 5 types of boots will meet your needs for year-round outdoor trips.
6-inch Uninsulated or Lightly Insulated Hiking Boot
I enjoy this style very much. These boots are lightweight, comfortable and have a high level of support. I think they are good in the mountains and flat country. They are definitely good in warmer weather. It is perfect for early hunting seasons and warm weather hiking. **Not the boot of choice for colder weather and snow.
Backpack Hunting Boot
These are insulated and waterproof with a tall leather upper. The nice part about these boots are they have a really stiff foot bed that helps your side stepping across steep hillsides. It is designed to help you carry heavy loads on your back. Most importantly, they are warm and work well in late season activities.
Pac Boot
This is a light weight cold weather boot that has a leather upper with a rubber sole. The Pac Boot has good traction in the snow and ice while providing a fairly water proof, warm late season alternative for hiking or sedentary activities like hunting, ice fishing or hiking. This is my favorite late season boot.
Twin Oaks Northern Outdoors Pro Tip: Some Pac Boots have a removeable liner that you can buy extras. Carry extra liners so you can swap out the wet ones for a dry pair of liners.
.
Knee-high Rubber Boot
These boots are available insulated and uninsulated. These are a useful boot to have around for obvious reasons like a mash hunt or rainy wet conditions and you want dry feet. The rubber is not breathable like Gore-Tex, so your feet can sweat in them.
They are not made to hike or climb, there is no support and can leave monster size blisters that can possibly burst.
Twin Oaks Northern Outdoors Pro Tip: Some duct tape or mole skin in your first aid kit will help with blister issue. Cover any hot spots with duct tape and put your sock back on. The sock will slide on the duct tape and reduce the chances of creating a blister.
Chest Waders
There are a couple different kinds of chest waders and their use determines which one you need. There are lighter weight pairs made from Gore-Tex, usually used early spring until fall, and others made from neoprene as a cold weather alternative. Both are available with attached boots or socks that go into a separate wading boot.
The other thing to look at is when and what you are using the waders for. The activity and time of year determine what type of sole you need. A felt sole is used for fishing and is great for gripping rocks. Once it is cold enough to freeze, felt soles turn into a block of ice. The lug sole stays ice free and is better for walking in cold temperatures.
Waterproof Gear Repair and Sealants
Being prepared to save a trip is as simple as having what you need in your utility backpacking kit (clicking this link will direct you to the utility kit blog on this website). With a little preparation you can be ready for a leak in your waders, rubber boots or other waterproof gear.
The additional items to your kit include:
- Gore-Tex fabric patches – it is a quick fix with a peal and stick patch for your Gore-Tex clothing. (jackets, waders)
- Aquaseal FD Flexible Repair Adhesive – this waterproof and flexible adhesive creates a waterproof barrier that wont crack or peal over time.
- Duct tape – works great for hotspots and blister prevention and can be an emergent patch it needed.
- Felt liners for pack boots – can always swap them out and have them drying for later
- 550 Paracord – Thank you UrbanSurvivalTactics for the tutorial for making replacement laces.
Footwear Final Thoughts
From controlling human scent while bow hunting to late season hikes or sedentary activities like ice fishing. These are the types of boots that will keep you active and on the go. Adapt your backpack kit to ensure you have the supplies needed to keep your feet comfortable. If you set yourself up with these 5 styles of boots, you will be able to go almost anywhere and enjoy the diverse spectrum of the outdoors and what it has to offer.
