If you are on the move, 200-400 grams is plenty, unless you have a tendency to have cold feet, in which case you may want to step it up. If you are going to be sitting a lot, maybe a little more insulation. I have lived in Idaho and Montana the last 20 years, and I keep buying Cabela's Canada Hunter boots. Expensive, but great ankle support, last a long time, and comfortable right out of the box. They are a little on the warm side in September, but good for October and November.
Aug 08, 2011
Thinsulate Needed for Boots by: Dave, Elk Hunting Tips (MT)
Alex,
I have found that I like a shorter 4" boot with 200 grams of Thinsulate during September. I wear those through archery season until it snows or gets cold. Then I switch to 6" boots with 600 to 1000 grams Thinsulate.
If you hunt during really cold conditions, like we can have here in MT in November, 1000 or more grams might feel good. If you are walking, you need less insulation than when you are sitting or standing.
I consider Gore-Tex or some other waterproof membrane to be just as important. I walk right through creeks and don't want to have to take time to try to cross without stepping in the water.
Incidentally, since the Gore-Tex patent ran out, there are plenty of good waterproof membranes out there now. Regardless, it's advisable to add a waterproof solution to the outside, like Nikwax's Nubuck & Suede Treatment.
