best boots for wet/ muddy nature photography?

[archangela]

Hi there, I'm new to Digital and to DPS. I live in the Rockies where it can be dry and warmish one day in the 50s and 60s, and wet another day either rain or snow or both, and sub zero. I have been using an old pair of reg hiking boots to go clomp around into cat-tail swamps, into gulleys with muck and leaf fall, into uneven ground in fields with knee high 'gotcha' weeds, into wet grasslands, uneven turf and snowy/icy terrain in the middle of nowhere. Ok. that's the lay of my walkabouts.

What I was wondering from you guys is what brand/ type boot do you wear in the outback? Brand name would help. Would like to buy a good boot that is not heavy, is waterproof, wont skid easily on snow, is warm enough for all seasons perhaps, and any other insights on clothing you find works for you when taking photos under the changing conditions outdoors.

What do you wear that works for you? Add'l info is appreciated too, like how high are your boots? If you have any other tips for wet weather clothing for nature photog including sheeting to kneel on in field, pls let me know.

Thanks you guys!

archangel A

[jdepould]

I have Merrells for cold stuff, but sometimes the insulation is too much. I bought boots at the Army/Navy store for monsoon season in West Africa. They say Hi-Tech on them. They're waterproof, come up over the ankle, haven't let me down. The only time my feet ever got wet was when I tripped in a stream and my foot submerged to about mid-shin.

The Merrells are slightly lower, right around ankle height.

For wet weather, be sure you get desiccant packs for the bags. I use Zorb-It (I know I know, the name is cheesy as hell).

If you're doing hardcore snow/ice hiking, you might want crampons. I shot a bunch of cars racing on frozen lakes in upstate NY last year, and the Merrells were fine.

[zona5101]

I think you can find some good boots at Cabella's or Sportsmans Warehouse... Danner's would be top of the line but you don't need to spend that much unless you want to. You'll want gor-tex for waterproof and 600 grams of thinsulate. 600 will give you plenty of warmth but not make the boot real big and heavy. If you don't do a lot of cold weather but still want an insulated boot then 400gm would be just fine. I can't stay inside with 600gm on they are too warm but outdoors this weekend they were the cat's meow.

My Sorel's are killer

[Jim Bryant]

I use Sorels and Columbia.

[Free]

I'm a fisherman, so I'm a huge fan of Korkers for hiking around, you can swap the soles from felt, rubber, cleats and other goodness.

They're meant for wearing over waders, so their not waterproof, so probably not exactly what the OP is chasing, but great shoes for anyone wanting a few different types of boots with less to carry.

[dakwegmo]

For hiking in wet/muddy conditions, I prefer boots with a full grain leather uppers, and a gore tex liner. Currently, I'm using Vasque Sundowners. They meet all of your requirements except "not too heavy".

[fletch]

Brand doesn't matter too much as they vary so much based on which model you get and even where you are in the world.

Look for something that is waterproof and breathable. I will never by another pair of boots that don't have Gore-Tex in it. For jackets, trousers etc it is a nice luxury but for places that sweat a lot like feet it is esential.

Also look for something with a good sole (not soul!). Lots of tread and designed for hiking as this will make walking much less of an effort.

The most important thing is to buy them from someone who will fit them properly for you. The most expensive boot in the world will be useless if it rubs and just buying the right size or a quick check in store will rarely sufice. Most good shops in the UK will let you wear the Boots round the house for at least 24hrs and return them if the are not good.

(I currently have a pair of Raichle boots. They are a Swiss brand and have yet to leave me with wet feet when hiking in 30 degree heat or 2 feet of snow (its all about the Gore-Tex))

Edit: If you are in anything wet above boot height a pair of gaiters will be better than any expensive boots.

[daft_biker]

Scarpa - Mountain, Ski and Climbing Boots

I have fairly heavy ones that are a bit warm for summer but they're the mutts nutts for the other 50 weeks of the year! For summer I have some of those gore-tex type walking shoes.

Comfortable clothing is an essential part of the kit for outdoor photographers IMHO....sometimes more important than a camera upgrade (and can cost as much!). I'm usually head to toe in gore-tex as it rains a lot here.